This article examines the role material culture and making items can serve in establishing a sense of place or informing place-based educational practices. It is arranged around six principles that, if used in a learning context, connect material from a place to an enhanced comprehension of a sense of place. A critical component in making the stuff of life includes shaping and making practical items like tools, food, shelter and clothing. Contemporary place-based educational practices frequently emphasize connecting children with their food through gardening activities, but this article emphasizes that making practical items from local material is also a valuable way to begin learning about the place where one lives. The author describes some guiding principles that can be used to enrich the context of place during making experiences focused upon the stuff of life.