Artisan Joy

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Amplifying the positive impact of art, craft & creativity on the economy 🌉 bridged from ⁂ https://www.artisanjoy.com/, follow @ap.brid.gy to interact

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Longform Stories

Two Women, One Mission: Giving Vintage Quilts a Second Life

TEXAS & FLORIDA – Allison Eyler rescues vintage and antique quilts from her Texas base, restoring what she calls their "cuddle-worthiness" through a proprietary cleaning treatment. Quilts that arrive …

2d ago·5 min read·916 words

How a Bookbinding Class in Italy Sparked 35 Years of Craft: Meet Ilira Steinman

PAWTUCKET, R.I. – Ilira Steinman fell for bookbinding during a workshop in Italy as a student at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). In her interview, the co-owner of Rag & Bone Bindery shared h…

Jun 10·5 min read·840 words

CHOP Serves Great Food and Something More in Providence, R.I.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – CHOP looks like a restaurant. The welcoming aromas confirm it. But the people in the kitchen aren't just cooking – they're training for future careers. Inside the Providence Public…

May 29·2 min read·388 words

Artisan Joy Launches Directory to Simplify Finding Art, Craft and Culinary Classes in RI

BARRINGTON, R.I. — Artisan Joy has launched a new online directory designed to help Rhode Islanders discover local art, craft and culinary classes across the state. The searchable directory features s…

May 28·2 min read·364 words

The Art of Gathering: Meet Jennifer Stowe of Three Sisters Tearoom

CAMBELLSVILLE, Tenn. — In a quiet corner of rural Tennessee, Jennifer Stowe and her daughters aren’t crafting objects, but moments. Their family homestead is home to the Three Sisters Tearoom, a haven…

May 27·7 min read·1229 words

From Wool to Wonder: How Hillyarn Uplifts Marginalized Women in Nepal

From its base in Bhaktapur, Nepal, Hillyarn crafts wool-felted pieces for wholesale buyers while creating training and dignified work opportunities for marginalized women. Their team includes single m…

May 26·7 min read·1280 words

Why SFMOMA Reached Across the Country for These Handmade Upcycled Cards

BUFFALO, N.Y. – At Papercraft Miracles, paper is never a blank slate. In this handmade paper studio, the fibers carry a history of their origins. Earlier this year, the studio's founder and lead arti…

May 21·3 min read·532 words

Forged with Passion: How Chloe Hannan Creates Beauty from Sterling Silver

In this interview, we explore the inspiring journey of Chloe Hannan, the self-taught metalsmith behind Solar Wilds, who crafts handmade sterling silver jewelry. From the moment her passion was sparked…

May 15·5 min read·947 words

Elevating the Ordinary: How Sandra Bonazoli Turns Metal into Heirloom Housewares

Beehive Handmade creates metal housewares and gifts rooted in the American Studio Craft tradition. Founded by husband-and-wife team Sandra Bonazoli and Jim Dowd, the studio aims to bring intentional b…

May 14·3 min read·518 words

Jewelry Designer Turns Sentimental Objects into Wearable Art: Meet Lincoln Pollock

Many of us hold onto items that carry our dearest memories, like family heirlooms and personal mementos. At Arcwood Jewelry, designer Lincoln Pollock transforms those objects into one-of-a-kind jewelr…

May 12·4 min read·760 words

How This Social Enterprise Is Expanding Opportunity for Women in New Delhi

In India, women continue to face barriers to independence, even as access to education, work, and legal rights has improved. Many still contend with restricted mobility, entrenched gender roles, domes…

Apr 28·8 min read·1521 words

The Crafters Who Finish What Loved Ones Couldn't

When a crafter passes away mid-project, Loose Ends matches grieving families with volunteer finishers who complete what their loved ones couldn't.

Apr 17·7 min read·1342 words

Crafting Change: How Adella Colvin Knits Social Justice Into Her Hand-Dyed Yarn Business

Editor's Note: This story was first published in Artisan Joy magazine (Issue 4) in 2023. Meet Adella Colvin, the founder of LolaBean Yarn Co., a brand of custom hand-dyed luxury yarns for knitting an…

Apr 10·15 min read·2951 words

The Art of Pivoting: Meet Embroidery Artist Melissa Galbraith

Melissa Galbraith is the innovative force behind MCreativeJ. With a focus on nature-inspired hand embroidery, Melissa's creative journey was nurtured from a young age, crafting with her mother. As…

Apr 9·1 min read·85 words

Fashion Illustrator Monika Gentry Helps Those With Health Challenges Feel Seen

Monika Gentry is a self-taught fashion illustrator and content creator passionate about health and disability-inclusive art. In her interview, Monika shared details about her career trajectory, social…

Mar 24·6 min read·1069 words

Handmade Scarves Bring Warmth and Community Spirit to Downtown Naperville, Illinois

On a frigid winter week in Naperville, Illinois, passersby discovered downtown statues wrapped in colorful, handmade scarves, each tagged with a handwritten note inviting neighbors to “take if you nee…

Feb 10·1 min read·88 words

Rhode Island Bake Sale Combines Sweet Treats and Social Justice

In Newport, Rhode Island, a sweet form of protest is taking shape – one that smells of freshly baked cookies and pastries. On Saturday, March 7, the gift shop Matriarch will host an "ICE Cakes Not Pe…

Feb 6·1 min read·91 words

5 Thought-Provoking Stories from Handmade Seller

We’re excited to share a curated selection of features from our friends at Handmade Seller. These stories bring fresh perspectives and practical insights to makers, creatives and purpose-driven entrep…

Oct 31·1 min read·87 words