Crafts, when the creativity (sustainable and enjoyable) of makers lives in their hands

Crafts, a new life for objects

Creating by doing. Building an object with your own hands, seeing it take shape thanks to digital tools and traditional materials, developing creativity and rediscovering a direct connection with the physical world. At Maker Faire Rome 2025, there will be space for Crafts, which is much more than just handicrafts. It is hands that create and develop sustainable projects, circular economy and play. Just like the ones we tell you about here.

credits Rachele Bardella e Alberto Cavallero

Sorso, the open coffee that follows you everywhere

Rachele Bardella and Alberto Cavallero, students of Systemic Design, have brought their passion for making and sustainability to the ritual most loved by Italians: coffee. Sorso is a portable, modular and open source machine, built with 3D printing and recycled materials, which allows you to prepare espresso anywhere. Designed to be modified and customised, Sorso is more than just an object: it is an invitation to experiment and share, combining the aroma of coffee with the creativity of those who prepare it.

credits Massimiliano Aiazzi

The 7-player mechanical pinball machine, Flight of the Dragon

Massimiliano Aiazzi brings to life a work of artisanal engineering: Il Volo del Drago (The Flight of the Dragon), an eight-metre diameter mechanical pinball machine, moved only by levers and pulleys, capable of allowing seven people to play together to animate a dragon. With around 50,000 pieces of wood, bolts and screws, it is the result of two years of design and relentless work, day and night. The inspiration comes from the genius of Leonardo da Vinci and the challenge of building something impressive without resorting to electronics. A tribute to pure mechanics, where creativity and ingenuity bring the game back to its origins.

credits Precious Plastic Torino

Precious Plastic Torino: sustainable and shared recycling

In Turin, a community of self-builders has taken the spirit of eco-friendly DIY literally. Precious Plastic Torino is an open source project to build plastic recycling machines from recovered materials, spread environmental awareness and create shared workshop spaces. The idea originated online, from the global Precious Plastic community, but took shape thanks to a love of craftsmanship and a desire to build something useful. The group works in architecture, design and environmental awareness. “We want people to get their hands dirty again to change the world,” they say. A concrete utopia that starts with plastic shavings and ends with civic awareness.