seadmade

Seadmade is a term used to describe handmade objects and practices inspired by or derived from the sea, especially those that incorporate sea-derived materials or evoke maritime culture. It is not a formal design genre with universal criteria, but a label used by designers, artisans, and enthusiasts.

Etymology and usage: The term combines sea and handmade; it emerged in online crafts communities in the early 2010s and gained traction through social media, galleries, and small-batch studios. It is sometimes used interchangeably with nautical or maritime-inspired upcycling.

Materials and methods: Common seadmade materials include driftwood, weathered rope, nets, shells, corroded metal, and reclaimed marine hardware. Techniques emphasize handiwork, such as carving, stitching, braiding, and upcycling existing objects to extend their life at sea or on land, with finishes that mimic salt air patinas.

Applications and examples: Seadmade spans home decor, jewelry, lighting, and practical objects for boats or coastal homes, such as cleats repurposed as hooks, or lanterns made from glass buoys.

Reception and context: The concept aligns with sustainability and slow-design movements, but some critics note the term's vagueness and commercial reuse; it remains a flexible label rather than a strict category.