Man Made DIY

For years, I didn't think I liked a gin and tonic. Actually, for a while, I thought it was gin in general that I couldn't stand, but some wiser friends helped me learn with some really stunning gin-centric cocktails, and I quickly moved away from vodka in favor of gin's special aromatic and botanicals qualities. So, then I figured I just didn't care quinine-heavy tonic water, but that didn't make sense, since I'm particularly drawn to mineral and bitter flavors in cocktails and other beverages. Maybe it was the combo of the two, but by this point, I was already committed, so I was determined to figure out what was going awry, once and for all.… read more

Forgo your stance on technology and brands, and take note of the message in this video by Apple… read more

The Open University, a YouTube channel devoted to providing free education to all, have a created a series of videos under the heading "Design in Nutshell," each sharing a cool ninety-second intro to design movements of the last two centuries.

As an added piece of discovery, the series includes a fun quick quiz to help determine your design "alter… read more

Happy summer, ManMakers. Those three months where the days are long, and the weekends are time to just grab a bag and go. So, this is our handy guide to traveling: tips to plan, pack, and explore so you can get the most out of your… read more

"Sear the meat to lock in the juices." "Only flip your steak one time." And so goes a list of steak-cooking commandments... And, as you might guess, a whole bunch of them are just… read more

Let's face it - not everyone can rock the rugged look without a bit of grooming. So, if you currently look like you just completed the Appalachian Trail or an extra in a shipwreck movie, then you definitely need to read this… read more

In our Outfitted series, we hand-pick the style items and practical accessories you need to look your best.

When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Here was a machine of precision and balance for the convenience of man. And (unlike subsequent inventions for man's convenience) the more he used it, the fitter his body became. Here, for once, was a product of man's brain that was entirely beneficial to those who used it, and of no harm or irritation to others. Progress should have stopped when man invented the bicycle. - Elizabeth Howard… read more

Studies have shown that a well-stocked liquor cabinet increases the chance of feeling awesome (studies conducted by ourselves over the weekend). This includes having several custom, home-infused spirits: one bottle suddenly has multiple options and flavor… read more

French designers and paper artists Zim and Zou (Lucie Thomas and Thibault Zimmermann) handcrafted this amazing paper featuring all kinds of grilled goodies and outdoor dining… read more

A desk that lets you configure your workspace according to your work style and needs? I’ll take… read more

Each Wednesday, I post some of my favorite can't-miss links, images, and otherwise mindblowing goodies from across the web. 

Inside the archives of the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, includes this interesting sheet of paper: a personal recipe for JFK's favorite dish:… read more

Those who live in small places or without a dedicated mud room or home landing pad can attest: it's hard to keep those things you take in and out of the house everyday organized. Especially if one of them is a bicycle.  … read more

For centuries, burning wood and tinder were basically the only means of cooking food (and heating one's home, and boiling water, and all sorts of other stuff.) The wood served as fuel, generating heat, thereby turning raw ingredients into completed… read more

So...if you're anything like me, you'll often see cool items in stores, you'll say to yourself, "I could totally make that." Which I do, all the time, and nine times out of ten, I'm totally wrong.  But when I saw a set of concrete coasters in a cool little boutique, I knew it was worth a try. So, I gave it a shot. And? it was beyond easy to do.  Here's… read more

As a Manmade reader, I know how much you love to learn about how things work, so I'm certain sure you'll love this series by Todd… read more

Need new reads for this summer? No problemo. This roundup will show you 5 interesting books that will make you smarter, manlier, and more… read more

Like any true DIYer, designer and artist Ben Uyeda likes to have his tools on hand for quick fixes and tinkering. So, he came up with this original coat rack/storage project that incorporates a functioning set of screwdrivers into the… read more

Inside the rain forests of Costa Rica, there's an entire "neighborhood" of tree houses... a full community complete with a cafe, community center, and, oh yeah: a network of zip lines, which residents use to move among the tree top properties.… read more

These vintage suitcase shelves were created by Ki Naussauer, a designer known for her commitment to flea market pieces and upcycling. This wall is from her actual living room, which means: she made them herself, and you can too. Here's how it'd go:… read more

 When you think about it, the idea of beer ice cream really does make sense. The malt flavors cut through the richness of eggs and cream, and the sweetness of the custard base provides a canvas for… read more