Tennessee Crafters Turn Agricultural Products Into Artisanal Goods
In partnership with: Tennessee Department of Agriculture
In a state known for its natural beauty, rich resources and artistic spirit, it’s no surprise local crafters are reimagining agricultural products with a creative eye. From beeswax and honey to wood and wool, Tennessee farm products are used by gifted makers throughout the state to produce handmade items that are both beautiful and functional.
Backyard Tailz
A stay-at-home mom for more than a decade, Savanah Kortright purchased Backyard Tailz at the beginning of 2024. The company creates birdhouses and feeders from Tennessee red cedar and handcrafts seed accessories to turn any backyard into a birder’s paradise.
“My neighbor started the business as a hobby, but it became a full-time job. He knew I had an animal science background, and this was a way for me to get back into the workforce with flexibility,” Kortright says of running the business from her Lascassas home.
“My business partner, Christina Burnette, does the woodworking, and I do the seeds,” she says. “We have suet cakes and wild bird seed ornaments that I make fresh. Nothing sits on a shelf – it’s all made to order.”
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While Backyard Tailz enjoys a national clientele, Kortright focuses on local access.
“I knew people here would love our products, so I’ve really pushed going to farmers markets this year,” she says, adding the company also offers local seed delivery.
Iron Kettle Bath Co.
For Tracey White, creating Iron Kettle Bath Co. was an homage to childhood memories of her grandmother watering marigolds planted in the big iron kettle her great-grandmother used to make soap with fat rendered from the family’s hogs.
Today, White’s company relies on natural oils, shea butter and goat’s milk along with local lavender, honey and beeswax to create a line of artisan bath and body products.
“I try to use all-natural ingredients anywhere I can,” White explains.
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The fifth-generation Robertson County native infuses her agricultural products with scents ranging from lavender and Japanese cherry blossom to kid-friendly favorites like blue raspberry and orange dream. She also creates fragrance-free soaps for sensitive skin.
“This started as a hobby in 2015,” White says of making soaps as gifts. “A woman from the Robertson County Farmers Market mentioned they were looking for local artisans,” she adds of the impetus to launch commercial sales in 2017.
“I started with four soaps and six bath salts,” she recalls. “Now, I have 16 soaps and 10 bath salts plus bath bombs, body scrubs and lotion bars.”
In addition to the farmers market, customers can find White’s handcrafted products and gift sets at Pappy’s Knives and Antiques in Springfield.
Mulberry Lavender Farm and Agricultural Products
Located halfway between Lynchburg and Fayetteville, Mulberry Lavender Farm and B&B is a model for sustainable production.
In 2016, owner Anita Scheelings and her family relocated from Arizona to Tennessee, bringing with them a herd of Navajo-Churro sheep. They soon reopened the 1865 farmhouse as a bed-and-breakfast, brought in chickens and ducks, and began growing lavender and organic hay, all while using bee-friendly farming techniques.
Free-range eggs are served to guests with any extra sold at the farm store. Raw honey from the bees is infused with lavender in season. And the luxurious sheep’s wool is also put to good use.
“Right now, I’m making a lot of dryer balls because they sell so well,” Scheelings says of the natural alternative to softeners and chemical-laden dryer sheets.
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“We use most of our lavender for essential oil and hydrosol, making small batches in a copper still,” she says. “They are a natural antiseptic and natural analgesic – and they smell so good.”
Whether staying overnight or just visiting the store, Scheelings says it’s important for people to experience farm life.
“Our motto is ‘relax, unplug and unwind,’” she says. “The products are all very calming, the environment is calming, and we love to share that.”