Where are you from and does that affect your work? I’m originally from Northridge, but I’ve made Pasadena my creative home. I developed a deep appreciation for beauty in everyday life. That perspective translates directly into my work—I strive to design jewelry that feels personal, meaningful, and timeless.

How did you get your start? I started small, making handmade pieces for myself and close friends. What began as a passion project slowly grew as people connected with my designs. Over time, I took a leap of faith and built my own brand, pouring everything I learned along the way into creating pieces that people would truly love to wear.

What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process? The hardest part is knowing when to stop. Because every piece is handmade, I always want to keep adjusting the tiny details until it feels “perfect.” I’ve learned that sometimes beauty comes from imperfection and letting the piece speak for itself.

I feel like that is such a common thread among artists. What is your favorite piece that you have created and why? My favorite is the Love is Protection Bracelet. It’s special because it represents "LOVE". Every time I see it, I’m reminded of why I started this journey with my husband. 

What do you love most about Pasadena? I love the creative energy here—the mix of history, culture, and vibrant community. Pasadena feels like a place that celebrates individuality while still feeling connected, and that inspires me both personally and professionally.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? I’m actually a total plant mom—I have over 30 houseplants, and I talk to them like they’re part of the family.. It often surprises people because it’s so different from what I do day-to-day with jewelry design.

Plants are happiest when showered with love! We will need to catch up on our favorite plants… Where do you see yourself in 5 years?  I see myself growing a brand that not only offers beautiful jewelry but also inspires creativity and connection around the world. I’d love to expand our reach, build a strong community, and continue to create pieces that carry meaning for people’s everyday lives.

Any advice for someone just starting off on their own?
Don’t wait until you feel “ready”—just start. The most important thing is to keep moving forward, learning, and staying true to your vision. Mistakes will happen, but they become stepping stones if you keep showing up with consistency and heart.

Love that - it’s something so many of us need to hear! Anything special that you would like to share?  I’m so grateful for the community that supports handmade artists and small businesses. Every purchase, every kind word, every little interaction makes a huge difference—it keeps dreams like mine alive.

We are so ecstatic to see the community come together this fall!

Find La Meno at Jackalope Pasadena on November 15th & 16th.

Website: www.lamenojewelry.com

Instagram: @lamenojewelry

Nina Breuer | Artisan Jeweler & Designer 

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?  

I'm from Houston which sadly has a very short hot soup season but my family has a gazpacho recipe that's been passed down through many generations that's so great during the hot summer months.

Corn Chowder

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
Nature. We do our best to work WITH Nature by not only sourcing ingredients as locally as possible so we're creating from abundance but also by committing to regenerative practices such as composting, glass jar return program, and little to no plastic.

It’s inspiring to see how your work goes beyond soup and into sustainability. What is the hardest part of your creation process? 
Sourcing ingredients. Colorado has a short growing season so there are many items that we can only get for a few weeks out of the year. Not only that, but finding canned goods (like coconut milk or tomatoes) that don't have a ton of gums or preservatives added is much harder than it should be. These ingredient standards are important to us because we're making soups that feel as good as they taste. Many of our customers are people struggling with digestive issues or recovering from postpartum so we want ingredients to be as simple and nourishing as possible.

Creamy Chicken Congee

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?
Creamy Chicken Congee. It's a simple, nourishing meal that can be eaten alone, used as a base for other soups, or topped with things like soy sauce and butter, a fried egg, sauteed greens, kimchi, and an avocado. It's also really easy to digest and incredibly supportive for those who are newly postpartum or dealing with tummy troubles.

That sounds amazing — especially with all the topping possibilities! Comfort food at its best. What do you love most about Colorado in general?
I love the outdoors, nature, hiking, and the seasons. I also really love how supportive the communities are of farmers markets and makers markets. As a vendor, it's so special getting to meet so many fellow makers, farmers, producers right alongside our customers!

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? 
 I have a deep passion for romantasy books right now!! I can't get enough of magical worlds, mythical beings, otherworldly powers, and how they all tell a story of overthrowing tyrannical empires through community, small actions, and standing strong in your values.

Anything special you’d like to share? 
While many people think of a witch as someone in a pointy hat, I think of a Soup Witch as an old medicine woman who casts spells of healing through her connection to Land and the plants along with the love, time, and intention infused while the soup bubbles away for hours. It's a reminder that you're worth the time. You're worth the energy. You're worth being nourished and well-cared for. You're worth it <3

This really captures the heart behind your soups and the care you pour into them.

Catch Soup Witch at Jackalope Arvada on October 4th & 5th, 2025

Website: www.soupwitchco.com

Instagram: @soupwitchco

Nina Breuer | Artisan Jeweler & Designer 

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?  

I am Fort Collins CO based Artisan Jeweler and Metalsmith. I’ve lived in Colorado now for over 20 years, but I’m what you would call a “Oil Brat”. Like a military kid but my Dad worked in Oil & Gas, so we were fortunate to have lived and traveled to so many different parts of the world. 

But when it was time to find a place to lay roots, my Dad who had been working in the Northern Colorado area decided this is where we would call home. 

You can see so many references to my South Asian heritage, travels and my love for Colorado in my pieces.

I’m most recognized for my Red Rocks, Rocky Mountain National Park & Colorado Wild Flowers collections, each piece is a celebration of all the beauty around us. 

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
Every one of my pieces has a story or thought behind it. Nature, art, music and travel have been huge influences in my life. Once I have an idea I like to sketch it first and then make a note as to what inspired the design. 

One of my favorite pieces to make are Earrings from my Alhambra Collection, influenced by Spanish tiles found in the Alhambra Palace. I had taken detailed pictures of the different tiles used throughout the palace on a trip to Spain during my gap year. I found the photos in an old album and saw so many inspiring designs and patterns. I decided to sketch out some ideas and used hand cut tile shaped organic metal to hand stamp the design. The design has to stamped perfectly, by hand without bending the metal. They are some of my most time consuming pieces but truly one of my favorites to make.

What is the hardest part of your creation process? 
Work /Life creative balance.. Finding the time to focus on the creative side and then also being able to take some time to focus on my family. 

When Market season is in full swing which for me is September-December being a jeweler, it’s pretty much make and sell. And every weekend is busy, I love doing craft shows, markets and connecting with my clients. I just don’t get much time to be creative and have to wait till January to try out new designs. And I’ve been trying to have a better work/ home schedule during the week so I can be present for my family. I absolutely love to create and keep going, so I’ve had to remind myself it’s ok to take breaks. 

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?
I have so many favorites and every one of my designs has a story behind it.  And when I recreate that item it brings back all the memories and feeling put into the making of that piece. One of my favorites to create are my Zen Necklaces a.k.a Anti-Anxiety Bowl necklaces.

It was created in 2018 for a friend dealing with anxiety and stress who needed a fidget necklace. The design features a hammered bowl pendant. It can be used to self-soothe by tracing the rim or rubbing the textured interior. Made with organic, non-toxic materials, the necklace can be worn at all times.

What do you love most about Colorado in general?
Beyond the natural beauty, Colorado boasts a rich cultural diversity. And being able to access a city or the mountains within a 40-minute drive offers a great balance. 

In university towns like Fort Collins, you encounter people from all over the world, exposing you to various languages and cultures and providing unique experiences of Colorado alongside them. 

We also have a strong artistic community, with many people supporting and appreciating the creativity that local artisans pour into their work. 

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? 
I speak 5 languages, English is my primary language but I also speak Urdu, Hindi, Pashto & Hindko. I can also read Arabic, but don’t speak it. With so much diversity here in Colorado, it’s fun to meet folks from all over the world at Artisan Markets and speak with them in a different language. It helps you connect with them on a personal level and makes the world feel so much smaller. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 
Hopefully still creating and evolving! I absolutely love what I do and hope to keep creating handmade and hypoallergenic life long pieces. And I’d love to travel more, as my kids get older I’m hoping to take them to places I went as a child to experience it with them. 

You have the day off, what do you do? 
Spend time with my Boys & Hubby. I have a 13 yr old and two 10 year olds so we try to go for as many bike rides, walks and visit the park when the weather is nice. And then we also enjoy time at home watching movies or playing board games. My days off my goal is to spend quality time with my family. 

Anything special you’d like to share? 
When I started Harmony Bazaar I wanted to do two things, create a brand that was truly inclusive to everyone. From offering different size options, materials to suit your needs of every age, and high quality pieces that were created one at a time, affordable but lasted a lifetime. 

And 2nd was to give back to my community. This is my 6th year of making jewelry and since day one I have given 10% of my sales to Local Food Banks, No kid Hungry & Feeding America. 

Catch Harmony Bazaar at Jackalope Arvada on October 4th & 5th, 2025

Website: www.theharmonybazaar.com

Instagram: @theharmonybazaar

Theresa from Minkara

Where are you from and does that affect your work? I’d say I belong to a lot of places as I have traveled a lot and I have lived in many different locations (Madrid, Naples, Rome, Canada, Australia, and several spots in the USA…) but if you ask where I was born, I was born and raised in Madrid, Spain.

Having been to so many countries has made me seen the world around me with open eyes, definitely affecting my work by taking mental notes of all the landscapes, nature, cultures, textures, colors .. and mixing all that into eclectic collections that are inspired by all the things I lived and saw in each of those beautiful locations

That is so cool! Who/what are your biggest artistic influences? Nature plays a big part in my inspiration process but also the places I've been to and all the elements I encountered while traveling: Textures, colors, shapes, materials and people. 

On another hand, I have always been into botany and plants ( as a pharmacist I guess that's unavoidable! ) and when I first saw my Australian teacher John, a royal artist, sculptor and master opal Jeweler, I soon wanted to learn his technique so he taught me how to turn organic materials into living jewelry pieces (amongst other things). John travelled the world in search for stones, pearls and all kinds of materials that he then incorporated into these designs. He was one of my biggest inspirations as well; thanks to him I quickly found my passion in metal smithing, as this allowed me to use the chemistry involved in the process to combine the beauty of different elements and natural materials in my designs.

Metalized Leaves

What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process? Sometimes I have an idea to make a piece of jewelry, but the material does not allow making it because it would be too fragile or not suitable to wear it comfortably. This happens a lot with those pieces inspired directly by nature, when I try to cast a tiny lichen into a necklace, for example, and it does not work.. or a tiny something. However when it works it’s a reason to celebrate because the piece becomes so special. I remember last year when I succeeded electroforming a sea cucumber and a cicada into a pendant and a pin respectively, of course they had to find that special person to take them home, but when they did, it was amazing to share the story of the making with the customer and sharing how unique that piece they took home was.

Another challenging part is the tech part of running a business… the social media slavery!

Rings

Haha we agree on that! What is your favorite piece that you have created and why? Lately I am loving more than anything else the 18K gold salt and pepper diamond rings and the contour rings that I created for them. It was lot's of fun to make those waxes and trouble shoot the unusual shapes of the stones. And I love thinking that I was able to create such a beautiful piece from repurposed diamonds. (By the way, those will be discounted during the Burbank market ! Shhhhhh... Keep the secret! ;-)   )

What do you love most about Burbank? I love the huge creative community that Burbank has. It makes sense having all the big movie studios near! I always get customers with the most amazing professional stories and creative advice, and I really like that.

I also have special friends from my very first job in Madrid who live now in Burbank so I enjoy seeing them after the markets every year :-) 

I have participated in a continuous way in the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival with Jackalope from the beginning of my jewelry adventure and I have really good connections there. 

Some of my best customers I met there, they kept on coming through the years and I ended up making their engagement and wedding rings. They even invited Cat and I to their wedding! It was so special to feel a part of the community in that way. 

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect?   Quite a few!

• I am a Pharmacist as well and used to work in Breast Cancer Research.

• I sang at the Sydney Opera House with their choir while I was living there

• I was in a Roller Derby team in LA

• I've been to 47 countries around the world

• I was almost attacked by a Grizzly bear in Yellowstone while happy campers were trying to warn me and my husband from the base of the mountain that the Bear was coming! Now I laugh but that was quite scary... We could hear his menace grawl!

OMG you win on the fun facts! Where do you see yourself in 5 years?  Hopefully having a successful and sustainable business that allows me and my family to travel every year looking for adventure while searching for new materials and stones :-)

You have the day off, what do you do?  Now that I am a mother.... SLEEP!!

Find Minkara at the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on May 31st & June 1st.

Website: www.minkara.life

Instagram: @minkarajewelry

Family Business! Founders (Tiffany, her mom and sister)

Where are you from and does that affect your work?  
I am originally from Shenzhen, China, and immigrated to the U.S. when I was 13 years old. My cultural background plays a big role in my designs, as I love incorporating elements of my Chinese heritage into our products. For the past three years, we’ve created a Lunar New Year collection, as well as an Asian food and fruit collection, both of which are inspired by my childhood memories, traditional symbols, and the vibrant colors of Chinese culture. Blending these influences allows me to create pieces that feel both nostalgic and fresh, celebrating the joy and playfulness of my heritage.

That is very cool and unique to you. Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
My biggest artistic influence is Hayao Miyazaki. I grew up watching his films and have always been deeply inspired by his whimsical art style, rich storytelling, and the sense of wonder he creates in his worlds. I strive to bring that same sense of playfulness and magic into my own designs

What is the hardest part of your creation process?
The hardest part of my creation process is the design and prototyping phase. I usually start by sketching out ideas before turning them into digital illustrations, but I also have to consider how they will translate into physical product. This includes choosing the right colors, figuring out the best way to cut the acrylic, and ensuring the design is both visually appealing and functional. Each collection goes through multiple rounds of prototyping to perfect the colors, shapes, and overall look. Once this phase is complete, the rest of the process flows much more smoothly.

There is a lot of behind the scenes involved. What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why?
My favorite item we’ve created is definitely our animal portrait magnets and brooches. I’ve always loved the charm of vintage cottage-style gallery walls and wanted to bring that idea to life with my own designs. That’s how the Sunnie Farm collection was born—I imagined a whimsical farm where these animals live, each with their own unique personality. I designed their portraits as if they were meant to be hung in a cozy farmhouse, adding a playful and nostalgic touch to our collection.

What do you love most about Pasadena?
Pasadena has such a unique charm—its diverse community and rich artistic culture make it an inspiring place to be. The city is home to incredible art spaces like the Norton Simon Museum and the Huntington Library, and it hosts amazing yearly art events that bring creatives together. It’s a wonderful place for artists to share their work and for people to find inspiration.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? 
In university, all my art classes were from 7-10 PM, so I naturally became a night owl when it comes to creating. Even now, I do my best design work late at night—it’s when I feel the most inspired and focused.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 
In five years, I hope to still be growing Sunnie Creative, expanding the business in a way that allows me to reach more people while also giving me more time for myself and my family. 

Any advice for someone just starting off on their own?  
My biggest piece of advice for someone just starting out is to strongly consider doing in-person events. They're an amazing way to test your products in real life, get immediate feedback, and really start building your brand's presence.

Love that. Anything special you’d like to share? 
We release a new collection every 1-2 months, and we’re always excited to share more fun, creative art with you! Stay tuned for fresh designs!

Find Sunnie Creative at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena.

Website: https://sunniecreative.com/

Instagram: @sunnie.creative

Araceli Concordia
Founder & Creative Director

What inspires you to create?
I love the mid-century and the Art Deco eras, but all the materials I work with can influence and inspire me and my designs. 

We can see that in your designs, very cool! How has your style changed over time?
Career change, parenthood, and prioritizing what makes me feel good and comfortable have been a big change for me. 

What would you say is the hardest part of the creation process?

For me, designing is the hardest part because I want to design something authentic, unique, and innovative. 

That is a lot of pressure. How do you define success as an artist?

My definition of success as an artist is to be able to give joy to the wearer through my art.

What do you like most about Pasadena?

I love the architecture around the city, whether it be a residential home or a commercial building.

Find Araceli Studios at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th, 2024

www.arachelistudio.com

www.facebook.com/arachelistudio

Instagram: arachelistudio

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I’d say I belong to a lot of places, as I have traveled a lot and I have lived in many different locations - Madrid, Naples, Rome, Canada, Australia, and several spots in the USA… but if you ask where I was born, I was born and raised in Madrid, Spain.

Having been to so many countries has made me seen the world around me with open eyes, definitely affecting my work by taking mental notes of all the landscapes, nature, cultures, textures, colors .. and mixing all that into eclectic collections that are inspired by all the things I lived and saw in each of those beautiful locations. 

I’d love to dive into hearing about all of those travel stories eventually! What is your biggest artistic influence?
Nature plays a big part in my inspiration process but also the places I've been to and all the elements I encountered while traveling: Textures, colors, shapes, materials and people. 

On another hand, I have always been into botany and plants (as a pharmacist I guess that's unavoidable!) and when I  first saw my australian teacher John - a royal artist, sculptor and master opal jeweler - I soon wanted to learn his technique so he  taught me how to turn organic materials into living Jewelry pieces… amongst other things. John travelled the world in search for stones, pearls and all kinds of materials that he then incorporated into this designs. He was one of my biggest inspirations as well; thanks to him I quickly found my passion in metal smithing, as this allowed me to use the chemistry involved in the process to combine the beauty of different elements and natural materials in my designs.

The influence of nature on your pieces is so clear… but I had no idea you were a pharmacist! Very cool. How do you define success as an artist?

I guess success to me is first, being able to find the right technique to transform an idea into an actual piece (that can sometimes be challenging) and also seeing your pieces go with the right people, no matter how weird or unusual. That means you're doing something good.

I imagine it must be so special seeing who falls in love with each piece. What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process?

Sometimes I have an idea to make a piece of jewelry but the material does not allow making it because it would be too fragile or not suitable to wear it comfortably. This happens a lot with those pieces inspired directly by nature , when I try to cast a tiny lichen into a necklace, for example, and it does not work.. or a tiny something. However when it works it’s a reason to celebrate because the piece becomes so special. I remember last year when I succeeded electroforming a sea cucumber and a cicada into a pendant and a pin respectively, of course they had to find that special person to take them home but when they did, it was amazing to share the story of the making with the customer and sharing how unique that piece they took home was. 

Another challenging part is the tech part of running a business… the social media slavery!

How has your style changed over time?

Uhh! I started making bangles with leather, beads and fish skin that I found in Iceland…that style was very chunky! Then I learned metal smithing, wax carving and electroforming while living in Australia and my style evolved into more detailed pieces, until now that I also like to follow a minimal, dainty style in many of my designs. 

After moving to LA, I started admiring the Art Deco building styles in the Downtown Jewelry district and that also made me start some totally different pieces more inspired in shape. In the end the style evolves with you depending on what surrounds you with time, but always keeping a still seed in it that does not change. 

What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

I love the Opal chevron ring set. I created it mixing inspiration from different places travels and it became one of my forever pieces. The Australian opal, being all of them one of a kind, symbolizes the uniqueness of a person - it can be you or another.. how ever you envision it.The arrow means continuity and direction, despite of anything and everything and whatever is going on. And the bubble ring symbolizes the ups and downs of daily life. 

 So the three pieces would mean something like: “ Embrace yourself, take in mind that not always will always be perfect and just keep going” 

What do you love most about Pasadena?

I love how green Pasadena is, the kind people who live in it,  I love the Descanso Gardens nearby and the old adobe houses… 

I have participated in a continuous way in several markets in Pasadena from the beginning of my jewelry adventure and I have really good connections here. Some customers from Pasadena have become good friends with the years and I am very thankful for that. But what I like most is the good memories I have there. I've seen my baby girl grow over the years and enjoy every Jackalope spring market since she was born... that's very special!

That is seriously so special and cool to hear! Anything special you would like to share?

Lately I have been fascinated with old shapes and the intricate designs from last century, so I have incorporated that vintage look into my collections, mixing old stones and rings refurbished from vintage pieces with nature inspired style with art deco shapes… I have also made some new styles with the electroformed leaves and have incorporated a pin to every leaf pendant, making it so that it can be worn in two different styles. I am very excited about my current collection and I am so looking forward to sharing them with everyone at Pasadena ARTWalk!

We are so excited to explore your collection in person!

Find Minkara Jewelry at Pasadena ARTWalk on September 21st & 22nd.
Website | https://minkara.life

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/minkarajewelry

Lilia and Alisa of Untitled Square - featuring the star of the show.. Lilia’s pup, Shanty.

“Time’s Gentle Embrace”

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?

Lilia and I are both Armenian American artists. I (Alisa) was born in Armenia and moved to the U.S. when I was 6 years old. Lilia was born in Iran, moved to Armenia for college and then moved to the U.S. when she was 29 years old. We grew up under very different circumstances, but when we met, we shared so many commonalities that we became fast friends. Even though we had very different artistic styles, we found that we were able to work together quite easily, even sometimes on the piece. We were able to match each other’s brushwork while keeping our own artist hand still visible in the piece. This led to us constantly working together and eventually becoming business partners. Our studio was founded in 2020…while the world shut down, we went to work! We are a transnational duo, classically trained fine artists from different corners of the world. We both spent our artistic careers as painters; creating, exhibiting, and teaching Art. We still continue to paint, but found a deep love for clay and the beauty in working with malleable raw materials. With clay we get to play again, learn again, and create differently than we ever have before.

Our art has always been inspired by the harmony of human impermanence as it relates to behavior, the vibrant colors of cultures and tradition, and storytelling. These concepts are the lens with which we create our ceramic pieces. We derive strength from the richness of our unique perspectives and our diverse experiences and we take pride in the connection each piece forges between us as artists and you as the customer.

Very cool! I love hearing about you two have come together. What is your biggest artistic influence?
There are so many incredible ceramic artists that influence our work in one way or the other, that it is extremely difficult to choose. These are just a few that come to mind Grayson Perry, Betty Woodman, Peter Voulkos, Beatrice Wood, Shoji Hamada, and Lucie Rie are just a few that we are in awe of. 

How do you define success as an artist?

Artistic success, for us, is a multifaceted journey that encompasses personal fulfillment, financial stability, impact, and growth. We find joy and satisfaction in the creative process, which fuels our passion and drives us to continuously improve and experiment with new techniques. Achieving financial stability through our art allows us to sustain our practice and focus on our work without external constraints. Beyond personal achievements, we aim to make a meaningful impact through our art, influencing culture and contributing to society.

 There is endless value in that. What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process?

Ideation! Going from working conceptually and technically, to making work that is functional and sculptural, has proven to be a challenge. Thinking through practicality, necessity, and functionality before we start creating, and asking ourselves “how can this be used?” before we has been an interesting trial for our creative process. 

How has your style changed over time?

The biggest change has been shifting from two dimensional to three dimensional materials. Working with clay introduces tactile, hands-on elements to our creative process. Clay allows for a direct manipulation of form and texture, enabling us to explore different dimensions, shapes, and surfaces in a way that is different from paint. With the change in artistic medium, our conceptual framework and artistic expression has naturally shifted.

Love that you both were able to make that shift together. What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

Lilia’s favorite piece is called “Contemplative Echos” [pictured below]. She loves the overall composition, the rich turquoise glaze draped over the brown clay, and the expression and body language of the people that we sculpted on this vase.

Alisa’s Favorite piece is called “Shadows that Sing” [also pictured below]. I love this piece because of its monochromatic nature, its use of negative and positive space, and because it has just the right balance of texture and smooth.

“Contemplative Echos”

“Shadows that Sing”

I’m having trouble picking a favorite myself! What do you love most about Pasadena?

Pasadena is a unique blend of old and new, of culture and history. There is such beauty in the historic homes and scenic views. Not to mention it houses two of our favorite places, The Norton Simon Museum and Blick Art Materials. What’s not to love.

Find Untitled Square at Pasadena ARTWalk on September 21st & 22nd.

Instagram | www.instagram.com/untitled.square

Etsy | www.etsy.com/shop/untitledsquare

Christine Ann Nicols of CANdesignsn

Do you have a story behind your business name?
Growing up my dad would tell me and my sisters that "success comes in CANS". I took that very literally and looked for the "success can" mixed in with the Campbell's Soup. Unsurprisingly, I didn't find it. But it was never lost on me that my initials, Christine Ann Nicols, spelled CAN. CANdesigns was born from childhood innocence and a desire to change the world.

That is too funny. How did you get started?

I tell environmental stories through my jewelry and art. I want to give a voice to the surroundings that have inspired me, and my hope is to help people find a deeper connection with nature.

What is a typical studio day like for you?

As a solopreneur there is no such thing as a "typical day" in the studio. But there are some non-negotiables- coffee, music, and time outside. Beyond that the days vary based one where I am in a launch cycle. Some days are really technology intensive, some days I only emerge from my cave to go for a walk with my sister.

What is your favorite product that you have created and why?

I was asked to make a custom necklace for my friend's wedding. The design mimics the lace of her dress. It was challenging, experimental, and playful - all the things I love most about metalsmithing.

How unique and personal! What do you like most about Arvada?

The access to green spaces and old trees in Arvada is incredible. A park or greenbelt seems to be no more than a 10 minute drive from wherever you are in the city.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I am so excited to be bringing one of a kind and small batch jewelry to Jackalope. You should have jewelry as unique as you are.

Anything special you would like to add?

Giving looks good on you - a portion of every sale goes to the Xerces Society, an organization working for the conservation and preservation of bugs and their habitats.

Find CANdesigns at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024
Website: christineannnicols.com

Instagram: @christineannnicols

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I was born in Dordrecht, Holland from French and American parents. We moved to Southern California when I was 6 and I have been living and working in Long Beach, California since moving there to go to University. I think I have my love of old things, old houses and beautiful ornate objects from the formative years in Europe and I have my relaxed, playful, nature vibe from growing up in Southern California. We always lived near the beach and being so close to such an impressive natural space has really impacted the way I see the world. Even if my work isn’t particularly beachy, there is a strong reverence for the natural world that I try to bring into all of my pieces.

I definitely see the influence of nature in all of your pieces & I’m obsessed. What is your biggest artistic influence?
I grew up going to a lot of museums and going to see tons of live music. Just last weekend, we saw Keith Haring at LBMA, I love his bold lines and patterns.  Also, not too long ago we were at the Norton Simon Museum with a group of friends, taking in the European painting  collections from Manet to Kandinsky. There is always so much to be inspired by, with the great painters, even if it’s a totally different medium, I love to look at color combinations and compositions.

We still go to a lot of rock shows, we are so fortunate that LA has such great venues to see bands, it makes it so easy to get out and see great music. We recently saw LCD Sound System at the Rose Bowl, Nick Cave at The Orpheum, The Dandy Warhols at the Fonda and Queens of the Stone Age at the Forum. Besides rock, drop by the studio any day and you will hear anything from jazz to neo soul to afrobeat to Latin punk, The music is always playing!

Especially jealous that you saw LCD Sound System! How do you define success as an artist?

I’ve been at this for almost 25 years so my views of success have changed over time, but one thing that has been a constant is quality of life. I have tried to make fulfilling work while still allowing time for raising my two boys and exploring the world around me. Making jewelry has provided me not just with an income and flexibility by being my own boss but a chance to make work with my hands - a practice that is both meditative and thrilling. There is so much problem solving in jewelry making, there is never a dull moment. I also really enjoy making pieces that other people can connect with and wear as a part of their daily life. That connection and experience is really important to me. 

What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process?

The selling part can sometimes be a challenge. I love connecting with people in person, it gives me so much satisfaction seeing the work on customers. That said, outside of doing shows, it’s hard to market the work and grow the audiences, every time I think I’ve got it down the technology changes!

How has your style changed over time?

I feel like my style has changed slightly over time in terms of scale and shapes, in jewelry you do have to move with the trends a bit, even if not following them, you have to at least nod to them.  However I think if you look over the years, most people see a thread or style that runs through most of the work. I have learned some new techniques along the way so they usually make it into new works as well. Overall, story telling through texture, symbols, picturesque stones and organic forms have inspired my work since the very beginning. 

What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

These are the first three cuff bracelets that I ever made. The one in the back with the row of dots is one of my favorites and a piece that has been the jumping off place for some of my most popular pieces. I have been making wide and skinny stacking pebble cuffs for 20 years! I love the texture, the dark and light contrast, the way it works with so many other silver textures as a layering element. I also love arranging the little silver pebbles and fusing the piece together, the process itself is really fun.

I love that the first cuffs you ever made are still your favorite. What do you love most about Pasadena?

Pasadena arts and crafts! The old school charm, the architecture and magnificent gardens. 

Sitting at the base of the San Gabriel mountains, Pasadena is beautiful!  I have been coming to this city since I was a kid, for museum visits, strolling Colorado Blvd and Huntington Gardens with my Grandmother. Later as an adult I did the Contemporary Crafts Market at the Convention Center for many years. During that time, I met some really wonderful people, I feel like people here really appreciate craftsmanship, and as a maker, that is such a special thing to connect with. It’s  been so nice to reconnect with some of those customers  through Jackalope and to meet so many new amazing people! I love any chance to come up and spend some time in Pasadena.

It really is a special place. Anything special you would like to share?

Right now I’m working with some really fantastic stones that have this wonderful sky scene in them. They feel so fresh and optimistic, I’m really loving the feel of this new collection. I can’t wait to share them with you all at Pasadena ARTWalk! 

I’ve never seen any stones like this!! Can’t wait to see them in person.

Find Jivita Jewelry at Pasadena ARTWalk on September 21st & 22nd.
Website | www.jivitajewelry.com

Instagram | www.instagram.com/jivitajewelry