Our Story
Willow Creek Crafts began as a shared dream between Eliza Hawthorne and Silas Blackwood, two passionate artisans who met at a local crafts fair in Asheville, North Carolina. Eliza, a talented ceramicist known for her hand-painted mugs depicting the stunning landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Silas, a master woodworker renowned for his intricately carved bowls, quickly discovered a shared vision: to create a space where local artisans could showcase their work and share their craft with the community.
In 2018, they took a leap of faith and opened the doors of Willow Creek Crafts in a charming storefront on Lexington Avenue. Their initial collection featured Eliza's ceramics and Silas's woodwork, along with a curated selection of handcrafted jewelry from Aurora Silverleaf, a local jeweler specializing in sterling silver leaf necklaces. Word of mouth spread quickly, and Willow Creek Crafts soon became a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike, seeking unique, handcrafted treasures.
Over the years, Willow Creek Crafts has grown and evolved, expanding its collection to include hand-woven tapestries from textile artist Iris Weaver, and a variety of other handcrafted goods from talented artisans throughout the region. In 2020, Willow Creek Crafts launched its workshop program, offering classes in pottery, woodworking, jewelry making, and weaving, taught by the artisans themselves. These workshops have become incredibly popular, providing a supportive and inspiring environment for people of all skill levels to learn new crafts and unleash their creativity.
Today, Willow Creek Crafts remains committed to its original mission: to support local artisans, promote traditional crafts, and provide the community with access to unique, high-quality handmade goods. We are proud to be a part of the vibrant arts scene in Asheville, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community for many years to come.
Meet Our Team
Eliza Hawthorne
Co-Founder & Ceramicist
Eliza is the co-founder of Willow Creek Crafts and a talented ceramicist known for her hand-painted mugs depicting the stunning landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the shop and teaches pottery workshops.
Silas Blackwood
Co-Founder & Woodworker
Silas is the co-founder of Willow Creek Crafts and a master woodworker renowned for his intricately carved bowls. He sources the wood locally and teaches woodworking workshops. He is the resident pun master.
Aurora Silverleaf
Jeweler
Aurora is a talented jeweler specializing in sterling silver leaf necklaces and other nature-inspired jewelry. Her delicate and intricate designs are a favorite among customers. She also leads jewelry-making workshops.
Iris Weaver
Textile Artist
Iris is our resident textile artist specializing in vibrant hand-woven tapestries. Her unique creations add a splash of color and texture to any space. Iris also teaches beginner and advanced weaving workshops.
Our Values
- Supporting Local Artisans: We are committed to providing a platform for local artisans to showcase their work and earn a fair wage. We believe in the power of handmade and the importance of supporting our community.
- Promoting Traditional Crafts: We are dedicated to preserving traditional crafts and passing them on to future generations. We offer workshops and classes to help people learn new skills and connect with their creative potential.
- Providing High-Quality Goods: We are committed to offering our customers unique, high-quality handmade goods that are made with care and attention to detail. We believe that our products are a reflection of the passion and skill of the artisans who create them.
- Ethical and Sustainable Practices: We are committed to sourcing our materials responsibly, prioritizing local and sustainable options whenever possible. We believe in ethical production practices and fair wages for our artisans. We strive to minimize our environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future. We partner with organizations like Appalachian Sustainable Development to source local and sustainble materials.
- Community Engagement: We strive to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and inspired. We actively participate in local events, support community initiatives, and provide opportunities for people to connect with art and creativity. We believe that art has the power to transform lives and build stronger communities.
- Transparency and Integrity: We are committed to operating with transparency and integrity in all aspects of our business. We believe in honest communication, ethical sourcing, and fair pricing. We value the trust and respect of our customers, artisans, and community partners.