Stephanie Blanchard is the founder and editor of Artisan Joy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit magazine telling the stories of artists, designers and makers across the country and around the world.
Stories
Acworth, Ga. — When Asha Chaudhary talks about her company, she is really telling a family story rooted in conviction, sacrifice and dignity through work. In 1978, in Rajasthan, India, Asha's father, N.K. Chaudhary, turned down a bank job, borrowed 5,000 rupees from his father and launched
Stories
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 beyond repair or don't survive her strict cleaning standards get a second life through Lottie Dal, a
Creative Entrepreneur
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 how a class abroad became a lifelong craft – and a family business. What do
Stories
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 Library building, but with its own entrance, CHOP, an acronym for Culinary Hub of Providence,
Stories
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 where the art of gathering is the main attraction. The tearoom's roots are in Stowe'
Stories
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
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
Stories
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
Stories
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.
Stories
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
social enterprise
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.
handcrafted
When a crafter passes away mid-project, Loose Ends matches grieving families with volunteer finishers who complete what their loved ones couldn't.