Kathleen Appleyard Jewellery
Up on the top floor of her Victorian home in Exeter, jeweller Kathleen Appleyard works from a peaceful studio that looks out across the river.
Kathleen’s journey into jewellery wasn’t rushed. It unfolded over years, with moments of clarity, a much-loved necklace, and a decision to step away from teaching and turn towards making.
Here, she shares what drew her back to the work she always wanted to do.
The Artisan Founder Journal
Welcome to our Journal. A quiet space to pause, discover and reconnect with what matters.
Here, we share stories of artisan founders and the paths they’ve carved, alongside reflections on country living, seasonal recipes, creative ideas, and thoughtful insights from those who make with purpose.
Whether you’re here to find inspiration for your own journey or simply to enjoy a slower moment with a cup of tea, our Journal is an ongoing conversation about creativity, care, and finding beauty in the everyday. – Lyndsey, Editor
MAY 2025
The lilacs are out. Their scent catches me off guard every time I pass by the garden gate.
I mostly leave them where they grow, but I do sometimes snip a single bloom. Just one can transform a space for a day or two.
A little trick if you do the same: crush or split the stems at the base to help them drink deeply. They’re short-lived indoors, but worth it.
A WILD GARLIC RECIPE FOR MAY
For me, baking cheese scones is the smell of home.
They’re best split warm with a thick slice of butter, shared at the kitchen table with someone happy to linger.
Grate 50g of butter into 225g of flour and mix with a fork. (add a tablespoon of baking powder for plain flour)
Grate 50g of hard cheese into the mix, with 1 teaspoon of salt and mix again. I also added a handful of chopped wild garlic leaves and a big pinch of chilli flakes.
Stir 1 teaspoon of grainy mustard into 150ml milk then pour onto your dry mixture.
Combine it all until you have a slightly sticky lump of scone mixture.
Flatten into a thick round disc on a floured board, slice into 8 like a pizza.
Transfer onto a lined baking tray, sprinkle with more grated cheese then bake at 180c for 10-15 mins or until golden top and bottom.
This week’s product of the week is the beautifully crafted Toasted Mug by Hilda Carr. A tactile delight that feels just right in your hands. From limited editions, each is shaped with care and marked by Hilda’s distinctive patterns and natural textures.
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What is an Artisan Business?
An artisan business crafts products of their own design in-house. They are the ones who create with intention, who have spent years honing their product, and whose work is a reflection of their skill and dedication.
At The Artisan Founder, we seek out those brands—the founder-led businesses who pour themselves into what they do, not just for profit, but because they couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
