Craftswoman Sandra Hunke is successful. It wasn't always this way. In her new book, she offers encouragement to all those who doubt themselves and their abilities. (Photo: © Robert Lüdenbach)
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women in crafts - Theme specials
August 2025
Craftswoman, mother, model, author. Sandra Hunke is a doer. It wasn't always this way. With her second book, the "construction girl" wants to encourage people who doubt their own talents due to external influences.
Red hair, freckles, pale complexion. Sandra was somehow different. At least, that's how her classmates felt. "I was unpopular, and that was true of everyone," the Plant mechanic for plumbing, heating, air conditioning In an interview with the German Crafts Journal, she described her school years as extremely difficult. Unsettled by the bullying in the schoolyard, she simply couldn't achieve anything at school. During recess, she tried to remain invisible to everyone. Attending class was difficult for her.
Sandra finds support in her family. Her father is a tiler. The craft becomes a place where she can feel safe and at home. Called the "construction girl" by her mother, Sandra throws herself into her beloved crafts after school. From building a tree house to working with her father, she learns how easy and simply enjoyable the work is for her.
Based on the children's book "Bella, construction girl" Sandra has now published her second book at the age of 32. In "I'll show you where the hammer hangs" the craftswoman opens her heart. Isn't this biography a bit early? "Yes, why not? That's nice!" laughs Sandra and explains: "I've already experienced a lot at 32." Above all, she was motivated by the idea of ​​using her own story to encourage all those people for whom math or English is the often-quoted book with seven seals.
The turning point in Sandra Hunke's life begins on her last day of school. On her way home, a supermarket poster bears six words: "Nobody is talentless, find your talent!"Sandra is fortunate found her talent early in the craftShe now converts bathrooms into wellness oases, is a model on the catwalk, and a welcome guest at panel discussions.
Operations management
Operations management
The Chambers of Crafts in Germany - Koblenz Chamber of Crafts
For Sandra, working on the book was a journey into the past. A healing process, she says. Looking back on her school days, the craftswoman wishes that a subject is offered at school that gives students the chance to discover their talent at an early stageWeek after week, more than 700.000 followers follow the influencer on social media channels. Whether it's her craft work or her message: "Look, anything is possible if you know what you're capable of." The book "I'll Show You Where the Hammer Hangs" is an authentic life story, with heart and clear language, and a further plea: "Self-pity is no way. Instead, pat yourself on the back and look at all the good things you're doing."
Handicraft makersTogether with the Publishing House Crafts Sandra Hunke is an intern at the Craftsmen on Instagram and TikTok She presents the trades with humor and enthusiasm.Recommended readingPhoto: © Verlag EMFI'll show you where the hammer hangs! Put an end to old prejudices. For more strong women in the trades!
Off to the construction site
with @sandra_hunke
EMF Publishing
224 pages, 18 euros
The book can be ordered here: vh-buchshop.de
DHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!
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