Editor’s note, June 2020: In our Featured Shop series, we shine a light on a standout shop from Etsy’s talented seller community, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at their process and story. And as we spend more time at home these days, getting cozy and catching up on our reading lists, we’re taking a moment to revisit some of our favorites—like the story behind this Minnesota-based craft supply shop from November of 2016.
In January 2015, fiber artist Ashley Kreisman found herself at a creative crossroads, unfulfilled by her job at a local bridal boutique and in search of her next artistic venture. Noting the rising popularity of weaving, Ashley pitched her husband Jonathan, a second-generation loom craftsman at family-owned wood shop BEKA, Inc., an idea: an Etsy shop dedicated to modern weaving kits and supplies, combining BEKA’s products with her unique expertise.
Explore the Oake and Ashe collection
With the support of Jonathan and his family, Ashley opened Oake and Ashe to provide a personal, boutique-style shopping experience for beginning weavers. With an emphasis on curated get-started kits and top-notch customer service, Oake and Ashe offers a dangerously easy introduction to weaving tools, advice, and inspiration.
Read on to learn more about Ashley’s passion for weaving and shop the collection.

You call yourself the “ultimate DIY kind of gal.” How did you get started weaving?
My husband’s family has been making looms since before I was even born—in 1973, my father-in-law founded BEKA, Inc. with his brother. They were the ultimate hippies, traveling across the country teaching weaving classes with their wives. Today, it’s a small family business and my husband is a second-generation craftsman.
Growing up, I was always a creative kid—I’d do any type of arts and crafts I could get my hands on. I’m a huge fabric nerd, so I ended up going to college for apparel design. I always knew that Jon’s family made looms, but I was so artistically involved in other things that I never gave it much thought. Then one day I decided I wanted to give weaving a shot, so I called Jon up and asked him to bring a loom home from work.
I started out on the simple frame loom, then I asked him to bring home the beginner’s rigid heddle loom. I even took a class at our local weaver’s guild—it was just so much fun. I fell in love with the craft shortly after getting my own loom.





As someone who’s dabbled in many creative mediums, what made you fall in love with weaving?
Weaving is such a neat artistic form because you can do whatever you want—create patterns, incorporate different techniques—and it doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s something that anybody can do, at any age. If you’re old enough to take a piece of yarn and go over and under a set of warp threads, you’re weaving.
Why did you choose to focus on selling weaving supplies instead of finished woven products?
I’ve always thought that artistic crafts should be available for anybody to learn, so after I fell in love with weaving I wanted to share my passion with others. I like to teach, and I want to share weaving with everybody! Whether it’s a new hobby or a lifelong passion, we’re here to encourage and inspire you.




You describe Oake and Ashe as a personal weaving boutique. What makes it feel that way?
Etsy makes it super easy to communicate, so I provide a lot of one-on-one customer service; people send me questions about weaving and I do my best to answer them. Sometimes people contact me who haven’t purchased anything from me—they may have gotten a loom somewhere else, but they’re looking for guidance. They tell me what they’re looking to do, and we talk through the capabilities and limitations of different looms so they can make an informed decision.
I can be shy in person, but when I’m asked questions about something that I have a lot of knowledge about, I get really excited to share what I know. When it comes to weaving, there are a million ways of doing things, and I learn a lot from my customers, too. Even though it’s all online, it still feels very personal.






Sustainability is an important part of your business. Will you tell us more about that?
All of our products are made from beginning to end with sustainable practices. The wood for the looms is harvested from tree farms run by certified sustainable growers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Then, everything is cut down and made into products by my husband in our wood shop in St. Paul, Minnesota, and it doesn’t travel again until it leaves for a customer’s home. All the products have a natural finish—nothing is painted, and nothing has any weird chemicals. The yarn that I include in our kits is made in the United States out of all-natural fibers.





In addition to running Oake and Ashe, you’re also a full-time office manager. How do you balance your Etsy shop with your day job?
Because Oake and Ashe is so fun for me, I happily spend my evenings and weekends working on it. My business allows me to explore my creativity, and I enjoy every moment — even things like taking product photos and choosing the colors of yarn in a kit. It might be boring to somebody else, but counting out yardage and winding it into balls is fun for me. I make the time for it.

What does the future hold for Oake and Ashe?
I’ve got a brain full of ideas! I’d love to offer video weaving tutorials, because so many people are visual learners. I also want to introduce sewing products to show people the many things you can create with the fabric you’ve woven yourself. My goal is just to keep growing the business.
Follow Oake and Ashe on Instagram and YouTube.
Photos courtesy of Oake and Ashe.
82 comments
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 4 years ago
Love your shop! What a great way to start learning to weave! Congratulations on the feature!
Sue from SuesAkornShop said 4 years ago
Awesome shop! Congrats on the feature.
benna and hanna from bennaandhanna said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop and studio. Congrats and more blessings.
Francine from HomespunHeartofMine said 4 years ago
I can easily see how someone could fall for such a beautiful craft! Your kits and supplies are beautiful! Congratulations on the feature and many blessings for your continued success!!! :D
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 4 years ago
What a beautiful shop. Congratulations o the feature.
DeUno from DeUno said 4 years ago
Great idea! So beautiful and well arranged workshop! Congratulations on the feature!
Vadim Moroz from VadimMorozArt said 4 years ago
Congratulations on the feature! All the Best!
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congratulations on the feature:)
renee and gerardo from GTDesigns said 4 years ago
Awesome genre of art...love the idea of selling supplies, but also knowing what really works and actually using them, too. Great combination! Congrats on the feature!!
Niki from JandEdoodles said 4 years ago
I love how your shop blossomed from something both you and your husband already had a passion for - just slightly different sides of it - to something you both love now. Congratulations on the feature!
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 4 years ago
Very nice, congrats on the feature.
Olga Generalova from CloudberryClub said 4 years ago
Wonderful! Like your shop!
AnitasPottery.com from potterybyAnita said 4 years ago
Lovely work! Congrats on the Feature! ♥♥♥
Barbara Gable from CrazyLovely said 4 years ago
fascinating! I've never tried weaving, but it looks fun!
Marisa M. from FeltInMyHeart said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop. You can tell you love what you do! Congratulations on the feature. :)
Helen Harwood from FatBerry said 4 years ago
Beautiful work to love and be inspired with. Congratulations on the feature!
Hey Chica from HeyChica said 4 years ago
It's great that you found a way to share something you're passionate about with others, congrats!
Cristy Ramos from ArtisanBathandBody said 4 years ago
Wonderful shop! Congratulations ♥
Zalooza from Zalooza said 4 years ago
Congrats and beautiful wishes! : )
Nedra Foster from Rainbowtribe said 4 years ago
awesome shop
River and Andrew from BentandBound said 4 years ago
I love this! For a long time I've wanted to learn to weave (after seeing so many gorgeous wall pieces on Etsy,) but in our rural area, classes and looms are non-existent. I never thought about just buying my own loom and doing it on my own (even though that's basically how we got started metalsmithing!) Thank you for the great feature, and the great idea. Andrew and I wish you the best!
Mary Robertson from MaggiesInn said 4 years ago
Such a beautiful shop and so creative and inspiring. You do amazing work!
Debra Gilstrap from gilstrapdesigns said 4 years ago
I so wanna learn how to weave and your interview was so inspiring to read. You have a great shop with beautiful products and I love your studio. Much continued success to you and as soon as I can I will be purchasing a beginner's kit from you!!!
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 4 years ago
Great article! Congrats!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 4 years ago
Yay ! The gift of crafting and the tools to do it ~ Great feature !
Renee from RandMhandmade said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop..great job!!
Georgia from JewelMeShop said 4 years ago
Great shop! Congrats on the feature!
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 4 years ago
very nice shop!!!
Jennifer and Gary Pierce from LoftAtticEarth said 4 years ago
Wonderful shop! Weaving is a such a therapeutic pursuit, glad you are helping people get started with such beautifully crafted looms.Best wishes as your business grows.
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congrats on the feature and best wishes for bringing all your dreams to fruition! :)
Greg and Mary from LightingAlchemy said 4 years ago
AMAZING!! Congratulations!!
Tina from sierramoontreasures said 4 years ago
I spent many happy years spinning and weaving when I was home with my young children! What a wonderful experience which contributed much to my life. Enjoy the weaving process.
Yadaluk from Muntra said 4 years ago
So cute and beautiful shop!. I have to try it. Thanks for sharing.
Teerasak Borkam from TribalAndHarem said 4 years ago
งานปราณีต น่าใช้งาน
Madeleine Keller from ThoseGoodVibrations said 4 years ago
I think it's great you are encouraging people to be creative - congrats on the feature and keep up the good work!
Monika Moroz from NickoArts said 4 years ago
Thank you for sharing your interesting story. Congratulations on the feature of your shop and much success :)
Amy Dionne from heartofautumn said 4 years ago
I'm tempted to try weaving now! Lovely feature.
Olesya Bagriy from BelkaUA said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop!!! Congratulations on the feature!
Maria from StyleGraphicDesign said 4 years ago
Loving this!!
Andrea Lozano from CotonEtAquarelle said 4 years ago
Your creations are exuisite. We love your workshop, congrats on the feature.
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 4 years ago
Love your shop and the studio! Congratulations on the feature!
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 4 years ago
I love your attention to the detail
Relly from RelsFindsNapaValley said 4 years ago
A very nice shop selling weaving tools... I find woven wall art décor very interesting... awe the soft feel of the yarn, the color. It's an art form that made a come back from the past with a modern twist. Congratulations Ashley of shop Oake and Ashe!
Dorothy from JewelrybyDorothy said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congrats on the feature!
Gwynne Collins from DaysLongGone said 4 years ago
Love your looms! I used to weave when I was in college and loved it! Seeing your looms, makes me think about taking up weaving again. Thanks for sharing your story. Congrats on the feature!
DivineOrders from DivineOrders said 4 years ago
GLORIOUS! Congrats on the feature. Thank you Ashley for sharing your creative journey, passion for educating and phenomenal arts with us. - Peace.
Rosita from pillowlink said 4 years ago
I am in love with this story. It was pleasure to read the text wit so many cozy photos. Wish you the very best!
marggie hennessy from LoveFreeStyle said 4 years ago
Beautiful work, great feature!
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 4 years ago
Very nice shop. Congrats on the feature.
deardear from deardearArt said 4 years ago
so good ~~
Cristina Moreno from CMGArte said 4 years ago
Beautiful shop!!
Steve and Kate Kreisman from BirdhouseBlessings said 4 years ago
Good job Ashley. Amazing what you have accomplished.
Rachel Bingaman from BingArt said 4 years ago
Such beautiful work! I just love it all :)
Maryanne and John Fender from FenderMinerals said 4 years ago
Wonderful shop! Congratulations on your success
PSOGLAVKA KLARA from PSOGLAVKA said 4 years ago
Very nice! Big congrats on the feature. =)
emaxtees from EmaxTees said 4 years ago
Fantastic, good work
Yuri Pysar from Pysar said 4 years ago
love that the old tradition has a chance for contemporary interpretations. You are one of those who helps to preserve this old craft. GREAT! Congrats on the feature and lots of success to you!
Joann Hayssen from JoannHayssenDesigns said 4 years ago
I love everything about this business! Creative husband and wife business, beautiful work, gorgeous yarns!
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 4 years ago
very nice and creative!!!
ciaffi from ciaffi said 212 days ago
Congratulations!! :-) :-)
Maria Klevakina from KnittingForBabyArt said 212 days ago
Very neat and interesting job!
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 212 days ago
Lovely shop. Congrats on the feature.
Ekaterina from katrinshinesupplies said 212 days ago
It's great to have a passion together with a husband! 15 years ago I was appasioned by hand waving too, but I used to create ribbons and I used special square cards with 4 holes for threads.
Ana C. Gomez from MixBerryDesignsShop said 212 days ago
Wow! I loved everything about this feature. This shop is beautiful. Congratulations!
Planity Team from planity said 211 days ago
These are so cute! Supplies look like finished pieces of art itself
Anna from SublimationDesignsAn said 211 days ago
Very interesting activity. You can weave your own carpet.
Joanna from CedarRoseStationery said 211 days ago
That's so cool! I love that you teach people how to do what you love. And with so many people staying home more right now it's great timing to pick up new hobbies! Congratulations on the feature! It is well deserved-- you have a beautiful shop ♡
branda Moreno from branda said 210 days ago
Great tools!! Congrats!! :-)
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 210 days ago
What a beautiful craft to share ~ looks very Zen ~!~ The quality looks solid and the colors of the materials are mouthwatering.Cheers to much success ... to you and adventurous beginners ~*~
Maria Klevakina from KnittingForBabyArt said 210 days ago
Interesting technique.
YourFrugalFriend from YourFrugalFriend said 210 days ago
I came for the weaving and stayed for the shop organization. Wow! Great product and shop!
Vermeil Supplies from VermeilSupplies said 210 days ago
I only pray one day I can be this talented. Amazing
Gillian Northcott from esanivintage said 208 days ago
Love the soft gentle colours.
Cheryl A Danner from ChersJoyfulJewelry said 206 days ago
This is a great story and you are an inspiration to anyone who wants to learn to weave or to try to learn any other craft. Great pictures also! Your shop looks amazing!
Ruth and Tere' from STRUNGandCAST said 206 days ago
Wonderful and inspiring site! Can't wait to dive in!
nerina52 from nerina52 said 203 days ago
Fantastic idea to make a "magic ritual" such as weaving work accessible to everyone, heartfelt congratulations! The 4 heald weaving has been a passion of mine for years ... and like all passions it has remained in my heart ... with your idea you will make many people happy and serene, good!
Oksana from LetaHome said 201 days ago
So interesting post! I just admire weaving products. Maybe soon I will buy myself such a set; it should be a very interesting activity!
Ariadna Ferret from MaisonPenedes said 197 days ago
Beginner kits are the best to try out new things. If you're interested in punch needle, check the starter sets I've put together ;D
Irina Shcherbinina from AmiguRinaDesigns said 195 days ago
it is so bewitching! I would also like to try
Liza from eEssenceOrganics said 183 days ago
Wow....looks amazing. It feels like I can learn weaving too. Really getting inspired now :)
Christie P from Thejeweledhippo said 180 days ago
Congrats on the feature! Looks fun I need to try weaving:)
Gina from GinaBogomolArt said 141 days ago
The shop is amaising! I love weaving! I do a lot of it with my little students. Congrats on the feature!