for Artisan Living

Stories, features & beautiful finds

founder stories

Kathleen Appleyard Jewellery

A story of returning to what matters and making space to create again

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.

HOW A QUEST FOR SKIN HEALTH GREW INTO A FLOURISHING NATURAL SKINCARE BUSINESS.
A story of triumph, transformation and a touch of Mediterranean magic.
An inspiring story of crafting a uniquely recognisable artisan style.

THE WEEKLY EDIT

A selection of products we love, crafted by independent makers.

win something lovely

From handcrafted homeware and wellbeing treats to stylish accessories and small-batch food & drink, our artisan giveaways celebrate creativity, quality, and slow living.

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.

places to be

Whether you’re planning a restful getaway or seeking hands-on learning, these special places offer authentic moments to recharge, explore, and connect with the artisan way of life.

Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Northamptonshire
folded corners

CURATED BY SHERLOCK & PAGES

The days grow longer, and new life abounds. It is an iconic part of our annual cycle. So here at Sherlock & Pages we’ve curated the perfect seasonal book club reads to help you spring season of unfolding renewal. The dark days of winter are over!

Across a Waking Land

Roger Morgan-Grenville

A life-affirming and life-changing narrative that captures the essence of a British spring.

Morgan-Grenville embarks on a thousand-mile trek in search of hopeful signs from a distressed planet, encountering overwhelming human kindness along the way.

listen along
She Grows Veg

SHE GROWS VEG

FOUNDER STORIES | APRIL 2025

In this episode of The Artisan Founder Podcast I meet Kate, co-founder of She Grows Veg, an heirloom seed company who grow and harvest colourful easy-to-grow vegetable seeds. 

Join me on 1st June for Season 2!

behind the scenes

Quiet moments of making

behind the scenes prenoa

PRENOA

Heirloom coin jewellery for all generations

‘In the workshop today we are making a collection of eleven British silver coin badges from old sixpences, for a wedding client. 

We heat the coins gently, soldering a sterling silver tack pin to the back of each sixpence, before quenching, removing the firescale and polishing them to a natural shine.’

Rebecca, Founder