My Story

Hi, I'm Ben.

I've been making things with my hands for as long as I can remember.

In 2018, aged 14, I started blacksmithing with a hole in the ground, a bag of coal and my Mum's hairdryer as a forge. That hobby quickly became a real passion for metalwork and making things from scratch.

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In 2020, I also started making jewellery, and after some posts on social media sharing my work Ben Makes was born. I began sharing my work online, and the business has grown alongside my skills ever since.

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In 2021, one of my handmade whale bottle openers unexpectedly went viral on Reddit with over 90,000 upvotes. That led to features on BBC Breakfast, a short BBC film, and coverage in The Times and The Telegraph, which introduced my work to people all over the country.

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While growing Ben Makes, I've studied Business & Digital Marketing at Falmouth University, graduating in 2026. Running a business alongside my degree meant I could put what I was learning straight into practice.

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Today

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I now split my time between Falmouth in Cornwall and Guildford, working on Ben Makes more than ever. Most of my work is leaning more towards custom rings and jewellery made with meaningful materials, such as:

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• Sand from a favourite beach
• Ashes or fur from a much-loved pet
• Shells, opal and other personal keepsakes

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Every one of these pieces has a story behind it. I love taking something that matters to you and turning it into something you can wear and keep for years to come.

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Blacksmithing is still where it all started, and whenever I'm back in Guildford I get back to the forge and I love it! Having recently finished a chef knife for a friends wedding and lots more exciting projects to come. 

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On the side, I also host the Chasing Peaks podcast, sharing stories and conversations about adventure, challenge and living life to the full. www.instagram.com/chasingpeaksco

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Whether I'm at the forge, making a ring in Cornwall or recording a podcast, I'm driven by the same thing that started it all: making things by hand that mean something.

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Thank you for supporting me as a small,

independent maker. If you'd like to get in touch

with any questions about custom pieces, media work

or anything inbetween, I'd love to hear from you!

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Thanks, 

Ben :)

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