The Power of Making - in pictures

An exhibition dedicated to reinvigorating our notion of "craft" and what it is to hand make items, either for pleasure, to sell or for art's sake, opened at the V&A this week.

In a world which is increasingly expensive and where the ability to make-your-own is prized above buying the same thing ready-made, we bring a sneak peek of the exhibition in the pictures and video above.

Watch the film to find out about the working lives of four makers: crotcherdermist Shauna Richardson; shoe designer Marloes ten Bhomer; glass designer, artist and curator Matt Durran; and flute maker Stephen Wessel.

There are some weird and wonderful things on offer. Flick through this picture gallery to view a shark made from old tires, Wedgewood-style soft drinks (right), a gold ecopod and more.

Click here or on the image (right) for a picture preview

Power of Making, 6 September 2011 – 2 January 2012, A V&A and Crafts Council exhibition, www.vam.ac.uk