About us

The Heart of Artisan Instruments

At Artisan Instruments, we make unconventional musical tools that invite people of all ages and abilities to explore rhythm, find their confidence, and express themselves without limits. What began as one man’s obsession with crafting flutes has blossomed into a journey of artistry, healing, collaboration, and purpose — all inspired by nature and fueled by curiosity. Our instruments don’t just sound beautiful — they’re designed to change lives

The Spark: A Musician’s Restless Spirit

Kristian had been a musician his whole life, but years of work-related travel left little time for playing. When he finally settled into a steady routine, the music came rushing back. A job at a local drum shop rekindled his passion, and the moment he picked up a native-style flute, everything changed. He was captivated by its sound, its soul — and with it, discovered a new, unexpected obsession: crafting instruments.

Becoming a Maker: From Flute to Flame

With no formal training, Kristian began crafting flutes from PVC pipe, driven purely by curiosity. He had never thought of himself as a maker — only a player — but something inside shifted. The act of making became meditation. As his skills grew, so did his vision. He experimented with woodworking, metal, plastics, and sound. And then, something even bigger happened.

The Love Story Behind the Craft

While playing in a band, Kristian met Lori. She wasn’t just his soulmate — she became his collaborator, his partner-in-creation, his daily spark of inspiration. Together, they immersed themselves in woodworking, drum-making, and experimentation. Lori’s encouragement gave Kristian the confidence to take the leap into starting a business. It was her belief in him that brought Artisan Instruments to life.

From Storage Unit to Oasis

In the early days, the shop was a converted storage container in Kelowna. It was cramped, unventilated, and occasionally on fire. (Yes, literally — welding plus cloth = lesson learned.) Eventually, the couple moved to the Kootenays, realizing a dream of acreage, fresh air, and quiet space to create. Today, they run Artisan Instruments from their forest sanctuary, surrounded by the rhythm of nature.

Triumphs, Tools & Tenacity

Learning to weld. Cutting propane tanks safely. Figuring out powder coating. Kristian describes those years of trial and error as a dance of skill-building: “research, development, skill, skill, buy the tool, fail, try again.” Every mistake taught a lesson. Every breakthrough felt hard-earned. And the ultimate triumph? After years of refinement, the creation of the Boom Kashakas.

Who We Serve

We build instruments for those who don’t fit the mold. Kids who thrive on movement instead of music sheets. Adults reclaiming joy. Curious minds seeking a rhythm all their own. Our instruments speak to those brave enough to try something different — and playful enough to keep going. If you’re drawn to vibration, sound, and self-expression, you’re one of us.