On August 24-25, the University of Gothenburg, the Horizon Europe project HEPHAESTUS consortium partner, kicked off a four-year collaboration journey with local craft makers in Dals Långed and Fengersfors, Sweden. Together with craft makers and craft ambassadors Lova Öberg, Jokum Lind Jensen, Alice Kettle, Rob Curran, Lukas Arons, Linnéa Dalstrand, they explored the craft ecosystem, visited workshops, and laid the groundwork for the upcoming HEPHAESTUS project meeting and academic event in May 2024.