Constance Petersen and Lynn Torkelson, raising a toast to our wonderful customers

Let's have some fun!

Cheers to all of you smart artisans from Constance Petersen (founder) and Lynn Torkelson (partner in life and business) at Smartisans!

Our family business supplies smart artisans with crafting tools, materials, and inspiration. We offer individualized, small-town customer care that you'd expect to find at your favorite local shop.

Our History

Constance founded the business in 2003 while living in Michigan's upper peninsula. The business grew in Michigan between 2003 and 2019, and eventually came to employ several family members.

In 2019 we relocated to central Iowa (Ankeny, just north of Des Moines) to be closer to extended family.

In 2022 we rebranded from Shop Smartisans to Smartisans in preparation for the next few years as we seek to expand into Smartisans branded products and other premium products that our customers have come to expect.

What makes us different?

We're a small family business, trying to bring a local craft shop experience to our online customers.

We pack with care -- your fragile quilting rulers or knitting needles will not be tossed into a cavernous cardboard box with (if you're lucky) a single bag of air.

We answer our phones ourselves. Call if you have a question about a product or want to place your order by phone. We don't outsource customer support because we want our customers to feel at home.

Blog posts

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Stitching Together a Legacy: The Unforgettable Story of Nancy Zieman

Stitching Together a Legacy: The Unforgettable Story of Nancy Zieman

Constance Petersen
For anyone who cherishes the art of sewing, there’s a YouTube video tribute to Nancy Zieman that’s a must-watch. It's a celebration of her remarkab...
Freezer Paper: Your Go-To for Paper Piecing, Applique, Stenciling and Beyond

Freezer Paper: Your Go-To for Paper Piecing, Applique, Stenciling and Beyond

Constance Petersen
Unlock Your Creativity with Freezer Paper. It’s wonderful to have in your supplies for quilting, applique, embroidery and other fabric crafting uses. Foundation paper piecing with freezer paper is an especially interesting use. 
A Quilt Ruler That Lights Up? Really? That's Amazing!

A Quilt Ruler That Lights Up? Really? That's Amazing!

Constance Petersen
Quilters, get ready for game-changing new tools! Carolina Moore has created innovative new quilt rulers with built-in LED lights to make fussy cutt...