1. How did you get your start in the handmade community?

I've been making art since I was 16, some 30 years now. I hold a BFA and an MFA in fine art and I keep a studio in West Hollywood. I don't think there has really ever been a time that I wasn't making something. 

2. What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?

I have a love affair with bunnies, cocktails and ephemera. Each piece of art tells a personal story from bits of my life and experience. 

3. What or Who Inspires you?

My husband inspires me. He is the smartest, most lovely human I have ever known. 

4. What is your creative process like?

I make "paper" first, sourcing ephemera that comes from my past. Then I decide what rabbits fit the best. 

5. What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?

The best tip I ever received was that it is the artists only job to produce and to leave the criticism to others. 

6. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

Lots of bunnies and cocktails in cool acrylic frames. Loads of handmade flowers. Color and joy. 

7. Where can we learn more about you? barbie5x5.com

1. How did you get your start in the handmade community? 

I've always tinkered with creating things but it wasn't until my son was born that I really got interested in the handmade/DIY community.  As a stay at home dad (before that was a thing), I had not only the time, but the desire to create for my son objects and items that could not be purchased at stores and also try to instill in him the value of hard work.   

2.  What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?

Although there are lots of woodworkers (and the more the better, I say), I feel that most craftspeople work in the "functional" aspect of woodworking.  Cutting boards, pencil holders, boxes of all sizes, furniture, etc. are all great things but, to me, they loose some of the simple joy of the medium.  I make designer wooden toys because I want people to experience wood not as just the functional resource it becomes but also as the magical, living material it remains.

3. What or Who Inspires you?

I pull my inspiration from a multitude of artists.  Woodworkers like George Nakashima and Sam Maloof.  Other toy makers like Takeji Nakagawa and Pepe Hiller.   Also cartoonists, John K., sculptors, Richard Serra, and musicians The Dreadnoughts.  

4.  What is your creative process like?

Although my work appears simple in concept and construction, I spent numerous hours planning everything from the shapes of the arms to eye placement on each Winklebean character.  I've been known to sit with a block of wood or a length of board for months until I can figure out exactly what character trait the wood is calling for.  While the cutting, drilling, sanding or other aspects of the craft are nothing special, it is the act of character creating, the "bringing to life" an object that I take most pride in.  

5.  What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?

An art school instructor once told me that to be an artist, one must always be making.  Even if it's crap, even if it winds up in the trash, it is the act of making that matters most.  We can all imagine the most profound works of art or the most beautiful crafts but until they get made they are nothing.  It's only through making, and constantly making, that any thing is ever achieved.  So even though my trash can is full, I just keep making. 

6. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I've been branching away from the original character Winklebeans for awhile now but for Jackalope I'll be coming back to them.  I'll use the same sizing but I'll be incorporating paint into the new ones in a series I'm (tentatively) calling SportyBeans.  While I love the natural look of wood, the effects one can achieve by contrasting the warm tones of nature with the vibrant hues of modern colors in something I'm enjoying exploring.  I hope to have 5-6 fully developed new characters for the Jackalope show in Pasadena. 

7.  Where can we learn more about you?

You can follow along with me on Instagram @winklebeans, or our Facebook page @winklebean or order off our website www.winklebean.com or better yet, come to one of the shows and hang out for a bit.  

Downtown Women’s Center Partners With Jackalope To Eradicate Homelessness For Los Angeles Women

Pasadena’s Central Park will play host for a third year to local handmade design as the Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair makes its return this April 29th & 30th.  New to 2017, Jackalope will be partnering with the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) to promote their programs and services by accepting donations on their behalf.  

“Being a women owned business, we found DWC to be a perfect fit to align with our own mission and values in running Jackalope.”

— Sara Diederich, co-founder of Jackalope Arts

DWC’s mission is to provide permanent housing and a safe and healthy community, and to advocate ending homelessness for women.  

Photo By Erica Hsu: http://www.ericakhsu.com/ 

Jackalope attendees will also be able to visit the MADE by DWC booth during the fair, carrying a line of unique gift items that were created in collaboration between DWC program participants and community artists.  MADE by DWC is a social enterprise created by DWC to break cycles of chronic homelessness and unemployment. By purchasing DWC’s handmade products, Jackalope attendees can directly contribute to these women.

“MADE by DWC allows women the space to really work through some of the barriers they’ve been facing living in poverty or living in homelessness.”

— Dena Younkin, Senior Product and Merchandise Manager for MADE by DWC

Join Jackalope Pasadena and the Downtown Women’s Center in Pasadena’s Central Park to shop handmade and support local women in need.

Learn more about DWC at: 
www.downtownwomenscenter.org
www.MADEbyDWC.org  

1. How did you get your start in the handmade community?

 I started ceramics when I was 8 years old in Chicago.  Then after many years away from the craft... about 10 years ago I started teaching and creating functional art and have been in love with handmade since!

2. What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?

I make my work with my own two hands, so nothing is slip cast... my hands form every single piece, I infuse my energy, heart and soul into every piece and I believe the love and care is felt from this intimate process.

3. What or Who Inspires you?

Being present... clay calms my mind. So do subtleties and peace promoting colors and forms in nature.  

4. What is your creative process like?

It's very organic.  I'll get inspiration at times, but often I just create and it evolves.  I don't sketch much.

5. What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?

Every day, no matter how busy you are with client deadlines... make something just for you.  my commercial photography teacher said that, and it translates to every artistic medium I've done.

6. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

Everything, it's my first time and I'm thrilled to join... 

I'm excited to share many pieces from my new line I've just started to show that is hand built and extra organic, which is a sweet compliment to my cleaner wheelthrown designs.

7. Where can we learn more about you?  My Etsy page has some lovely details ... 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/aveshamichael

1. How did you get your start in the handmade community?

Even though my mom doesn't think of herself as artistic or crafty she is.  When I was young my mom often made gifts for friends and even sold a few things.  My favorite was candles.  My mom made molded candles and the room she made them in always smelled so good.  Back in the 60's there was a lot of macrame going on and my mother did that also.  Hanging planters, wall art and gods eyes were done a lot.  In the summer we took art and craft classes at the school.  When I started teaching preschool and kindergarten I came to love crafting with things people would typically throw out: kleenex boxes, toilet paper tubes, boxes, etc.  When I started my store I really wanted to focus on handmade and local.  There are so many "closet crafters" out there who didn't have an outlet for their crafts other than doing fairs.

2. What/Who is your biggest inspiration?

I can't really say there is one person or thing.  I feel like I get different kinds of inspiration from different people and places.  Inspiration comes from connection.  When you connect on a real level with something or someone you become inspired!  Love, beauty, heartbreak, adventure, challenge.  If the world touches you, you will find a way to express it in some way whether it is a poem, song, story, painting, jewelry etc., etc., etc.

3. Tell us a few favorites of yours?

My favorite color right now is probably a teal shade.  

My favorite people are probably my kids.  They range in age from 18 to 23 and I am just loving watching them turn into adults and finding their passions and working to that end.  

My favorite dream is winning the lottery.  I love to think of all the ways I would use the money to relax and do good!

My favorite drink is a chai latte.

My favorite thing to do in any gathering is play games (of all kinds).

4. What do you love most about the handmade movement?

I think the thing I love most about the resurgence of handmade crafts is the peace and community it offers people.  Almost everyone I talk to who crafts does it because they love it, it is their stress relief.  It also brings people together.  Someone will always want to learn how you do something.  So you teach them, or you tell them.  You have shared your passion and excitement for life and that spark will spread like wildfire!

5. What is the most important feature in an artists application for you? 

In the application itself it will probably be the picture and description of what the artist does.  Do they take pride in their work and take care to craft an item of good quality not something that is slapped together and likely to fall apart?  The application needs to be thorough and provide all the information that is asked for.

6. What are you looking forward to the most in joining the jury panel with Jackalope?

I look forward to being a part of the reason someone comes to a craft fair and falls in love with crafting or handmade items.  I have always loved event planning (worked to put on conferences, weddings, bat mitzfahs and fundraisers a lot!) and I love it when a patron comes away saying they loved it.

Have you heard? New this Spring, we are partnering with Verlocal for Jackalope Pasadena to provide hands-on workshops and unique activities at the Verlocal Experience Booth within the fair! 

Verlocal is a perfect fit for us because we both believe in better exposing the local community to handmade makers and artisans. Verlocal takes experiences beyond just individual events by building businesses and connecting them to people looking to discover local classes, events, products and services! 

So, What is Verlocal?  

Verlocal.com is a platform for artists, artisans, craftsmen and domain experts to offer unique classes, events, services and sell handmade products to a community of passion seekers.

Through Verlocal, Verlocal Business users can set up an online Verlocal Storefront and sell their experiences and products to hundreds of thousands of local customers.

Businesses will also gain access to online tools like an online booking system, customer messaging tool and more to help them launch and manage their passion-based business efficiently.  

How to Get Involved? 

Whether you want to host a workshop at the upcoming Jackalope Pasadena event, or simply want to sell your products through Verlocal, the first step is creating a Verlocal Business Account. 

Here’s TOP 6 reasons you should set up your Verlocal Business Account:

REASON 1 - Get a free digital online shop to sell anything, even workshops!  
A Verlocal Business Account provides you with a free digital online shop that allows you to sell classes, workshops, events, services and products. Your offerings will also be listed in their localized marketplace for unique experiences and products.

REASON 2 - Join hundreds of other users, you will gain access to a suite of online software tools to maximize your craft business processes. Check them out at www.verlocal.com/pro.

REASON 3 - You can supercharge your craft fair experience through the social features of your Verlocal Account.

People can find your offerings easily through the Verlocal iOS App or Mobile Website. And through your account, people can easily follow your store in one scan/click and store you in their wish-list so they can revisit your store after the craft fair.

Any Verlocal business who is at Jackalope Pasadena will have a QR Code for shoppers to scan!

REASON 4 - If you are a Jackalope Pasadena vendor, you will benefit from their direct marketing promotions to get more sales from Jackalope Craft Fair Visitors.

1. $5 Free Verlocal Credits will be given to new sign-ups and iOS app download users at Jackalope Pasadena. If you have a Verlocal Business Account, these users can spend those credits in your store or for a workshop that you may be hosting at the fair!  
2. Be Featured Prominently in their marketing campaign leading up to Jackalope Pasadena. They will work with you on a branded content article that will be shared across their social media channels and on their Landing Page website.

REASON 5 - Also for Jackalope Pasadena Vendors, be part of a Fair-Wide Giveaway Scavenger Hunt!

Get customers to visit your store like Pokemon GO! When they scan a unique QR code at your store, they win a raffle ticket which they can use to enter in their online raffle exclusive where they can win free gifts and discounts.

REASON 6 - Get dedicated marketing support for Verlocal Businesses. For any Jackalope Pasadena Vendor, that will include: 

1. Verlocal X Jackalope Pasadena Landing Page will feature all Verlocal Stores participating in the fair.

2. Visitors can easily go to this landing page to find stores and follow those they like and they can make purchases directly on this page.

3. Verlocal will also write a content article about you that will be shared across all their social media channels.

4. At the event itself, they will also promote your brands in their Experience Booth and also display you at their Verlocal Booth.

Want More? Meet some Verlocal Users: 

From Craft Store to Passion Sharer, Meet Brandi, the Succulent Master  

DIY Succulent Terrarium Experience with Brandi Tickets: https://goo.gl/prFf0Z --ABOUT BRANDI-- My love of succulents stems from my long-time residence in San Francisco's Outer Sunset neighborhood, which is full of wondrous succulents both large and small that thrive with minimal care and survive the harsh ocean winds, sandy soil, and fog.

From Wood Craftsmen to Passion Sharer, Meet Chris from Wood Thumb

Join us as we take a closer look at Chris's local experience "Triangle Shelves Woodworking" Tickets: https://goo.gl/pN5lwr Video Shot and Edited by: Bryce Charles Botorowicz Music Courtesy of www.bensound.com "" Like us on Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/verlocal/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Verlocal Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialverlocal/

As you can see there are many reasons why Verlocal is such a powerful tool! We are very excited to partner with them and we hope many of you see the value in what they have to offer, whether you are a Jackalope Pasadena vendor or not. 

If you are interested in setting up a Verlocal Business Account, simply click here 

OR....

Interested in hosting a workshop at Jackalope Pasadena this Spring? Click Below!
 

For any queries, feel free to contact us at edmund@verlocal.com

1. How did you get your start in the handmade community?

As a child I grew up in the environment of makers, enjoying the company of my dad while he crafted wooden toys for us and seeing grandpa make household items; learning alongside grandma while she patiently knitted yet another pair of socks; or being by her side in the outdoor kitchen watching 3 gallons of sour cherry jam bubble on the stove. Nothing seemed impossible and I also wanted to make everything.

2. What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own? 

I formulate my skincare from scratch by researching hundreds of ingredients and being inspired by nature's bounty and the physical properties of botanicals. I love creating very complex formulas with dozens of natural and exotic ingredients that harmonize to make a final product. 

3. What or Who Inspires you? 

I've always wanted to be a botanist and be surrounded by plants, to care for them and to watch them grow from seeds. I still think it's magical and my garden is full of saplings. I love knowing about the plants I use, where they originate, how they are harvested, where they are grown. I don't chase the latest trends; all formulations are the result of true inspiration and passion for botanicals. 

4. What is your creative process like?

The inspiration for a product typically arises from necessity. I imagine what would be nice to use, then do research to see what ingredients have qualities to suit that need. I love creating my formulas, which are quite intricate and involved. After working with biotech companies as a interior designer for 8 years, I've observed so many manufacturing processes that prove very handy right now. Calculating a formula and ingredient proportions is probably my favorite thing to do. I start by making few test batches, refine the formula and proceed to preparing the products for final pictures, write ups and presentations. There's a lot of technical know-how involved, and I love every aspect of the process. Later comes picture taking which as a designer by training I enjoy very much. All aspects of the process truly fulfill my passion for making things and being in sync with nature and health.

5. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

All the classics and all the new products which I'm very excited about.  Perhaps some free samples. I may play a little giveaway game prior to the event. We shall see. 

6. Where can we learn more about you?

The best place to learn about me is on Instagram where I post my daily maker's life through a lens. Occasionally you'll see my kids and healthy cooking,  in addition to the skincare making craft. There's a quick write up about me on the LENUS website, as well as my Etsy page. 

1. How did you get your start in the handmade community? 

Wee Monster got its start in the handmade community by hearing about the holiday markets from different vendors. I love being apart of such a creative and loving group of individuals. There is so much support for one another--everyone really wants the best for each other.

2. What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?

It's not every day you find trendy and comfortable kids wear. Wee Monster is unique, because our styles are right on par with adult fashion trends. Kids don't always have to wear flowers and sparkles. They can be unruly and wild. Kids should be kids.

3. What or Who Inspires you?

My kids inspired it all. They taught me how to become a better designer. Now, I have a sense of how clothes fall and styles that look best for kids. From people watching to dance, everything and anything inspires new styles each season.

4. What is your creative process like?

What's cool? What's the next trendiest thing? I do a bunch of research on fashion trends. I look at reports of what is up and coming and incorporate it into the line. Most fashion forward brands don't do kids wear, so that's where Wee Monster comes in.

5. What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?

Surround yourself with the most creative individuals and progressive thinkers you can find. Oh, and lots of caffeine. 

6. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

Our latest spring collection! Some highlights are rompers, muscle tees and patchwork on denim jackets.

7. Where can we learn more about you?

Website: www.weemonster.net

Instagram: www.instagram.com/wee_monster

Facebook: www.facebook.com/weemonster.kidswear

In light of the New Year, we want to take a look at what we can do to continue to grow and improve, and how to help our artisans do the same. We took notice in how popular Snapchat has become and wondered what we could do as a business to hop on the fastest growing social media platform. We're not going to lie, it was a little intimidating. We've seen snapchat used on a more personal level, posting stories for family and friends, but as a business how do you make that connection? 

We are no Snapchat pros.  However, as we begin our journey we thought we would share what we have learned so far in case you would like take the plunge as well.

First, make sure Snapchat is for you. According to Hootsuite, the largest Snapchat age demographic is 18-24 year olds, making up 37 percent of users. Followed by 25-34 year olds, with about 26 percent of Snapchatters, and about 12 percent of users are aged 35 to 54. Each company has a target demographic so look into whether or not yours is on Snapchat. 

What makes Snapchat stand out between other social media platforms is that you can utilize individual snaps (photos/videos) to create an overall snapchat story, or in other words, a video narrative. Each snap only lasts 24 hours which creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity which is always good when trying to engage your audience.  Instead of demonstrating product photography, you have the chance to be more immediate and personal. 

Here are some ways in which you can better engage your Snapchat audience:

1. Use it in real-time! This can include doing product launches, or snapping live events. Creating something new? Make it a story! Your first snap can be a mysterious "Stay Tuned" post or an incomplete snap teasing what is to come. Building excitement for your audience so that they keep coming back. Doing any live events/fairs, snap your day! 

2. Deliver private content, exclusive for your snapchat audience. This creates a sort of VIP status. This can be a sneak peak, a look behind the scenes, and/or contest. You can even post on your other social media pages that you will be doing a first look via Snapchat, to encourage your fans to join Snapchat and follow you in order to achieve VIP status ;) (make sure to include your Snapchat username so they can find you!). 

3. Offer a contest, perk, or promotion.  Offer promo codes or discounts to the fans who watch your entire Snapchat story. Tease them to watch it until the end. This would especially be good for a product reveal, or perhaps promoting an event you will be at. Snap how you are preparing for the fair, or a new product that is coming. At the end of the story, maybe they get a discount code they can use at the fair or for that product?!  

4. Feature your followers. Snapchat is more personal then other outlets so help engage your followers by enticing them. A great way to do this is to ask them to take a snap while utilizing your product! You could even create a contest utilizing this method. Post a photo with "______" and be entered to win "_________"

5. Demo your product. Use it as a guide for your followers, create a tutorial with your story. Have fun with it, since it is so personal, don't be afraid to be goofy. 

6. Reward new followers with exclusive previews! "The next 25 new followers will get an exclusive peak at a new product or giveaway." Again post on your other social networks to entice them to join you on Snapchat.

Snapchat can be tricky and we are still figuring it out ourselves.  So far, these are the things we found to be most relevant. We hope this helps, and if you do join Snapchat make sure to follow jackalopearts!

1. How did you get your start in the handmade community?

I've been a creative person since childhood but started working as a creative professional in 2007 when I started working in a photography lab. I learned so much about color, composition, style and developed an intense eye for details during my 5 years with them. After that I started my Etsy shop while in between jobs and it slowly grew while I worked in the textile industry. During this time I started sewing without fear and tried pattern making, fabric dying and doing whatever I could with fabric. It was during this time I started sewing bags and other accessories. Designing handbags was a natural transition for me because I am a little bit of a bag hoarder.

2. What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?

All of the fabrics I use are hand crafted by myself in my home studio. I hand dye, hand print and digitally design all of my patterns before sewing them into handbags, pouches, wallets and other accessories.

3. What or Who Inspires you?

The ocean and the night sky. There's nothing like a vast expanse of nothingness to get my creative mind churning. Watching the soothing waves along the Pacific Ocean or the twinkling stars in the Milky Way inspire a calming feeling of being a spec in a huge magnificent universe filled with wonder and endless possibilities.

4. What is your creative process like?

I start with a small idea and try lots of variations. My goal is to always end with a product that is unique and aesthetically works from the smallest detail to the overall piece. I'm not afraid to scrap plans and start fresh. Some details remain as a framework to build on with new ideas and details. Trial and error is my friend, I learn whenever I can. I refine my designs and patterns until I have a beautiful, professional and meticulously sewn item.

5. What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?

“Through the mere act of creating something—anything—you might inadvertently produce work that is magnificent, eternal, or important.” - Elizabeth Gilbert
Just get started. So many times I overthink and get all anxious about the idea of something I have in my head, that I don't even start.

6. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

Indigo dyed shibori fabrics, bright colorful patterns, canvas bags, tote bags, women's wallets, makeup bags, accessory cases, cross body purses.

7. Where can we learn more about you?
www.starlightbags.com or say hello on Instagram @mariashacreaw