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 mothers and women from remote villages, some from communities historically impacted by Nepal’s caste system and social exclusion. Hillyarn's artisans
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 artist, Janna Willoughby-Lohr, received a surprise email from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
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 to the values that guide her work, Chloe shares thoughtful insights into her artistic process, the realities of running a
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 beauty to the objects we use every day. Read our interview with Sandra to discover how they do it. What do
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 jewelry with real presence. Keep reading to discover how he does it. What do you make, and what makes your approach distinctive?
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 Pawtucket-based Rag & Bone Bindery shared how a class abroad became a lifelong craft – and a family business. What do you make, and
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, domestic violence and social stigma. But social enterprises can create real opportunities for dignity, skills and long-term change for women. Zamrudpur
When a crafter passes away mid-project, Loose Ends matches grieving families with volunteer finishers who complete what their loved ones couldn't.
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 and crocheting. Born in the Bronx, Adella never imagined becoming a yarn dyer. That part
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 an adult, she rediscovered this passion, shifting from personal projects to educating others through workshops and DIY kits. Read
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 media growth and commitment to showcasing diversity in her work. Despite challenges, Monika's creativity and resilience propelled her passion into a
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 need and leave if you don’t.” The knits were anonymously placed on sculptures along the city’s Century Walk public