Amber with Sparklez Slimez

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences? My biggest artistic influences are things in nature like sunsets, the ocean, and flowers. I like finding beauty in the everyday things in life. It inspires me to try to make pretty things that give me a sense of joy and calm. 

What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process? Staying tidy! I have so much going on all the time with different projects that it’s hard to keep my space organized and that can stress me out. I try to pack everything up after I’m done for the day, but I never really feel done! 

Rings

A clean space is also high on our list! Do you have a favorite item that you have created? I love the little cork tops for the small jars I use for my slime station. I’ve been decorating the tops with different themes for holidays, sleepy time dreamland, gemstone garden, etc.  Every time I make one I think it’s my favorite, until the next creation. It’s a little something extra that adds some cuteness to the day and I love when people notice the details I put into every part of my work. 

What do you love most about Burbank? I love the people and community in Burbank. I regularly do the Downtown Burbank Cultural Market every weekend and I love the interactions and laughs I have with everybody that comes by. There’s so much fun stuff to do and explore around every corner. I love being able to be a part of that fun. 

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect?   I’m a licensed attorney and obviously have veered off that path. I love the education and knowledge I have received and the law degree still comes in handy but being able to work with my hands and create is what makes me happiest, and that’s what I wanted to follow. 

Love that! Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In 5 years I see myself happy and fulfilled because those are the intentions I have set for myself. I have no idea what that will look like, and that’s ok. 

You have the day off, what do you do?  Dog beach with my three rescue pups is probably one of my favorite things to do. I love seeing my boys so happy running freely at the beach. Sharing the experience with friends and their dogs while sharing laughs and food is the best. 

Anything special you would like to add? I’d like to give a huge thank you to Jackalope because without them my slime business wouldn’t exist! I was doing an ASMR soap booth for the festival one year when I offered to do a slime workshop. They asked if I could do that as part of the booth and Sparklez Slimez was born! Their events will always hold a special place in my heart and it’s one of my favorites of all the events I do throughout the year! 

We love that so much! Find Sparklez Slimez at the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on May 31st & June 1st where she will once again be offering her awesome slime station!

Website: www.sparklezslimez.com

Instagram: @sparklezslimez_

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

Where are you from and how does that affect your work? I was born and raised in Italy, in a town nested between Mount Vesuvius and the Mediterranean Sea. Growing up in Napoli, with its art, ancient history, and vibrant culture, shaped my entire way of seeing the world. It’s a melting pot of people, colors, and stories, and that energy lives in my work. That’s also why I feel so connected to Southern California, it has a similar creative, sunny, and soulful vibe that feels like home to me.

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences? My biggest artistic influence was my grandfather. He was an oil painter, and I grew up surrounded by his canvases, color palettes, and the wonderful smell of paint in the air. We always shared a special connection, and I think that his creative spirit got passed down to me. I also attended art school, and growing up in Italy, art was everywhere, in churches, museums, even the streets! It was a normal (and totally awesome) part of daily life, and it made a big contribution in how I see beauty in the world.

 What is the hardest part of your creation process? As a recovering ☺️  perfectionist, letting go and trusting that a piece is truly “done” can be difficult. Embracing imperfection doesn’t come naturally to me, but I’ve come to realize that nature isn’t perfect either and that’s what makes it so beautiful. I want my work to reflect that same organic, imperfect beauty, even though it’s hard to resist the urge to control every detail. Clay is the perfect medium to learn to let go, and honestly, I find it deeply therapeutic.

As a fellow perfectionist, I get that! What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why? My leaf plates are a delight to make and I’m kind of obsessed with them. I love my quirky bud vases a lot. But if I had to choose just one, I feel a special connection to my “plump” amphora with blue glazes and underglazes. There’s something about it… the shape, the symbols, the deep-sea colors that reminds me of ancient Greece and the Mediterranean sea. It just feels like me.

What do you love most about Burbank? I live in Pasadena and love the whole area so much. Burbank is a vibrant community with an artistic energy, a creative hub with a vintage soul. There’s something magical about being in the heart of the entertainment world with just the right mix of inspiration and charm.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? There's actually a picture of me and a caption with my name inside the Griffith Observatory! I moved from Italy 20 years ago and had the incredible opportunity to work on The Big Picture, the largest astronomical image ever created, alongside a small group of scientists from Caltech. It's still thrilling to know I was part of something so cosmic… literally!

Also, long before that, I founded Soldissimi.it, the very first Italian website dedicated to coupons, sweepstakes, and freebies. This year, it turns 25 and it is still the largest Italian community on that topic!

That is so cool! Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In five years, I see myself with my hands and clothes full of paint, clay, and a little dirt (from collecting rocks and exploring places). I’m drawn to bold colors, transparency, and textures shaped by nature. I have a passion (and a MS) for Geology; my nature plates are inspired by my love for fossils. Whether I’m creating, painting, or just getting lost in the desert with my family, I am happy!

You have the day off, what do you do? If I have a day off, you’ll probably find me out in nature, whether it’s a forest, a desert, a river, or the sea. I crave that peaceful, quiet connection with the natural world. It recharges me, grounds me, and fills me with inspiration. No better way to spend a day than surrounded by beauty and silence. I usually come back with sand in my shoes, a few interesting rocks in my pockets, and a hundred new ideas in my head.

Anything special you’d like to share? I’m so excited to be a part of the Jackalope community, this is my first time participating, and I’m truly looking forward to every smile, kind word, and bit of advice from people attending. What makes it even more special is that my 15-year-old daughter will be with me. She’s an amazing artist in the making, and creating together has always been our happy place. I feel grateful to share this experience with her and with all of you!

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

Website: https://www.simonamadeit.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonamadeit

Where are you from and does that affect your work?
I was born in Jordan, with roots in a small Lebanese village and deep ties to Palestinian culture. I spent my childhood surrounded by women who cooked from scratch, passing down recipes and traditions through the generations. That upbringing shaped my entire relationship with food. To me, baklava isn’t just a dessert—it’s a symbol of hospitality, memory, and joy. The flavors I use are inspired by my travels across the Middle East, and every bite tells a story of where I come from.

Very cool. Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
My biggest influences are my mother and grandmother. They were passionate, intuitive cooks who taught me that food is an expression of love. I also find inspiration in the beauty of Middle Eastern design—the layering, symmetry, colors, and textures. That same sense of balance and craftsmanship goes into every baklava I make.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?
The hardest part is also what I love most—staying true to tradition while offering something fresh and elevated. I never use shortcuts: no corn syrup, no preservatives. Every batch is handmade, using organic clarified butter and premium nuts. I also test new flavor combinations regularly—chocolate baklava with almonds and walnuts, pecan baklava, almond baklava. Each one has to be just right before I share it with my customers. There’s no faking flavor—people can taste the care.

And much appreciated. What’s your favorite that you’ve created, and why?
Pistachio Baklava—hands down.
It’s rich, flaky, and made with organic clarified butter, premium pistachios, and a touch of rose water for balance. This is the baklava I grew up eating in Jordan—it’s the most traditional and the most nostalgic for me. It’s also the first flavor I felt truly expressed who I am: rooted in heritage, elevated in quality, and full of heart.

All of my baklavas are made with that same commitment—flaky layers, high-quality ingredients, and just the right amount of sweetness. But pistachio will always be my favorite.

Now we are hungry! What do you love most about Burbank?
Burbank has such a welcoming, creative energy. It’s a place where artists, small businesses, and food lovers all connect. Every time I participate in a market or event here, I meet people who genuinely care about the story behind the product. That kind of community support is what keeps me going.

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect?
I might be a chocolate whisperer—I’ve mastered chocolate tempering and created a unique pistachio chocolate with Dubai-inspired flavors. I originally made it just for display at a wedding expo, but curiosity got the better of me and I brought samples to the farmers market. My customers loved it—some even texted me asking to bring it back. Now it sells out every week! I didn’t expect it, but it looks like I’m becoming a chocolatier too.

So fun. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself opening a small baklava café in Los Angeles—part boutique, part gathering space. I want to create a warm, inviting place where people can slow down, enjoy Arabic coffee, and taste something that brings comfort and connection. I also plan to keep growing through more wholesale accounts, weddings, large events, and maybe even a baklava subscription box. Most of all, I want to keep building through word-of-mouth—those honest, heartfelt referrals from one happy customer to the next.

That sounds like a great goal. Now, you have the day off—what do you do?
When I have a rare day off, I try to enjoy all the beauty LA has to offer. I catch up with family, meet friends, or take a walk at the beach to recharge. I don’t always slow down completely—but a cardamom coffee and some time outdoors does wonders.

Anything special you’d like to share?
I graduated from Temple University with a degree in Human Resources at age 49 and was honored to be the commencement speaker. When I moved to California in 2018, I decided to follow my passion for food and began catering and offering Middle Eastern cooking classes—both privately and through Airbnb Experiences: 🔗 https://www.airbnb.com/experience-hosting/listings/422850/experience

Today, I’m fully booked creating my Dubai chocolate, making Middle Eastern desserts, catering weddings, attending farmers markets, and fulfilling online orders through my website.

I absolutely love what I do—but I do miss teaching in-person cooking classes. There’s nothing quite like sharing a table, telling stories, and showing someone how to make something from scratch.

Find Jackie’s Middle Eastern at the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on May 31st & June 1st.

Website: jackiesmiddleeastern.com

Instagram: @baklava.by.jackie

How did Blooming Amethyst get its start?

Blooming Amethyst was born out of a passion for offering something that isn’t always easy to find—truly natural skincare. As an herbalist, I understand the importance of using pure, plant-based ingredients in our everyday routines. We wanted to create products that are completely free from synthetic chemicals and artificial fragrances, allowing people to experience skincare as it was meant to be—simple, effective, and in harmony with nature.

Beyond just creating products, we love educating others about how the evolution of modern skincare has led to an overuse of plastics and harsh chemicals. Our mission is to help people make the shift back to natural, high-quality ingredients that nourish and heal, just as they were originally intended to do.

Very cool. Where did the name come from?
Amethyst is my birthstone, making it a reflection of me and a part of what I’m sharing with the world. The name Blooming Amethyst represents growth, transformation, and the journey of creating something pure and natural.

Love that! What inspires you to create?
I love creating products that I can trust on my own skin and that others can feel good about using too.  

And what is the hardest part of your creation process?
The hardest part of my creation process is achieving consistency in scent and color. Since everything I make is 100% natural, variations naturally occur from batch to batch. People are used to products that look and smell exactly the same every time, but nature has its own seasons. Different harvests bring subtle shifts in scent and color, and while that may seem unpredictable, it’s a reminder that our products are truly derived from nature.    

Sun Glow

Interesting, I would have never considered that. What’s your favorite item that you’ve created, and why?
Sun Glow is my favorite product because it’s truly been a face saver. It’s a daytime facial oil with natural UVA and UVB protection, which is perfect for me since I’m allergic to sunscreen but spend so much time outdoors. It keeps my skin nourished, protected, and glowing without any of the irritation I’d get from traditional sunblocks. 

What do you love most about Pasadena?

What I love most about Pasadena is the ambiance and the people. The city has this perfect balance of energy and relaxation. it's full of life yet has a laid-back feel to it. 

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

A fun fact about me that others may not expect is that I’m currently learning American Sign Language (ASL) to become trilingual! I’m really excited about connecting with the Deaf community and embracing new ways of communication. Shout out to the best teacher ever Dr. Tomas.

Wow, super cool! Find Blooming Amethyst at Jackalope Pasadena this April 26th & 27th at Central Park, Old Pasadena AND the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on May 31st & June 1st.

Website: bloomingamethyst.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Blooming_Amethyst

Do you have a story behind your company name?

I started my business in 2018 originally creating one of a kind merchandise for my husband, Chuck Negron, former lead singer for the band Three Dog Night, and expanded into merch for other 60’s bands.

So I called my brand Ami’s Rock N (Roll) Pop (Culture) Shop.

Very cool! How did you get started?

When the pandemic hit in 2020, my husband could no longer go out on concert tour due to his lung disease. I was his manager so that put us both out of work.

I took a virtual workshop from Martina the owner of My Creative Outlet in Chatsworth. She taught me how to make vintage style cone dolls using spun cotton heads, felt and cardboard cones. I had so much fun designing the dolls that I began looking for things I had around the house to make more. I put them in my Rock N Pop Shop on Etsy and my husband’s fans bought them up. 

Since I was looking for a way to replace our lost income, I needed to expand beyond my current market and I had the idea to upcycle lost and forgotten vintage doll heads in order to appeal to the vintage collectors on Instagram. My business blew up on Instagram live sales, and from there I moved into Youtube and eventually Whatnot. And this year I am finally able to come out into the real world to do in person markets.

Congratulations that is awesome! What is your favorite part of your maker process? 

My favorite part of the maker process is pairing bright colors and accessories to give each doll a unique personality.

What inspires you to create?

Bringing joy to others with my creations.

Tell us what a typical day is like for you in the studio? 

A typical day in the studio first involves me opening packages of new supplies, doll heads that I have curated, new fabrics for the cone bodies. Then I might prepare to make some of my original doll face designs on spun cotton by applying a base coat of paint. Then cover cones with fabric while those are drying. I do everything in batches so I have various stages of dolls in production all at once. I usually have a couple of my cats hanging out with me in my studio, and one that is always trying to steal my supplies.

Funny! What is your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

I have created thousands of art dolls in the last four years,  so it’s impossible to choose just one.

I have included pics of my original handpainted grinch, snow person and holiday bat.

What do you love most about Burbank?

What I love most about Burbank is the community of creative people. I also love the retro vibe. 

What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

I will be bringing my one of a kind holiday art dolls and ornaments. I specialize in Christmas and Halloween year round.

I hope to have some of my Kitschmas Hats and also plan to bring my popular Build a Doll Workshop to the festival where guests can choose their doll head, cone material and accessory and I create it live in person.

Find Ami’s Rock N Pop Shop at Jackalope Burbank at the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival this December 7th & 8th:

Website: https://rocknpopshop.company.site/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockNPopShop

Instagram: @amisrocknpopshop

Tell us who you are and how you got your start?

I'm an illustrator in LA working in animation- I've probably designed that animated show you love! My favorite professional projects are Bobs Burgers and Over the Garden Wall. I wanted to branch out and start making my own brand of illustrated items and I'm loving the creative satisfaction.

I had been working designing characters and products for major companies (Disney, Cartoon Network, toy brands, Paul Frank) and I thought: I want to make my own merch! It was really empowering and creatively satisfying to make items inspired by all my favorite things. The best part is connecting with other people who want to geek out about the same stuff!

Very cool. What is your favorite part of your maker process?

I love taking a sketchbook doodle of something I think would make a fun pin design and turning it into production art and then having the physical item in hand within weeks. It's so fun to make wearable items: I think pins and patches are the funny T-shirts of today: a way to show your personality on your sleeve (or jacket, or hat, or backpack!)

What inspires you to create?

I make items that are inspired by all the things I love and think are fun: pop culture, music, scary movies, silly movies, animals, California and junk food! My art is bright, colorful and happy: I hope it makes you smile!

What’s a typical day like for you in the studio?

My full time job is art directing for a primetime animated TV series, so I make my personal art after work and on the weekends. It keeps me staying creative by constantly making stuff. The holiday season is definitely my busiest time of year as my pins and patches make great gifts!

Great stocking stuffers! What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

I have two new tote bag designs debuting at Jackalope this year- I worked with a new production partner to make these and they are so much fun! I have one with a California Love theme and one with spooky Over the Garden Wall art. You can always use a nice tote bag at a craft fair to carry all your other purchases.

Very True! What do you love most about Burbank?

I worked at Cartoon Network for many years and I dig the vibe in downtown Burbank! There's always something fun going on and a big creative community to support it. Can't wait to see you!

What all will you be bringing to Jackalope?

I have a large collection of pins and patches as well as art prints, stationary, tote bags and greeting cards. Its fun! It's bright! It's happy! It's a whole vibe!

Anything special you’d like to share?

I love being a part of the Jackalope Fair! I've done other craft fairs and I think Jackalope really shines with the assortment of vendors and the organization of the show. I'm excited to see everyone out on San Fernando Road this December.

Find Miranda Dressler Illustration at Jackalope Burbank at the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival this December 7th & 8th:

Website: www.mirandadressler.com

Instagram: @mirandaright

Do you have a story behind your company name?

TheLittleLabs was conceived as a space where big ideas could flourish in a playful and imaginative environment. The name reflects our belief that even in a small studio—or “little lab”—we can experiment, innovate, and create impactful work that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Love that! How did you get started?

Founded in 2016 by a husband-and-wife artist duo with years of experience at Disney, TheLittleLabs began as a passion project. Leveraging our backgrounds in animation and design, we started offering services in illustration, animation, and user experience design. As our client base grew, so did our team and the range of projects we took on.

What is your favorite part of your maker process?

Our favorite part is the creation and conceptual phase. This stage is an endless exploration of ideas, enhanced by collaboration with incredibly talented people. It’s where imagination knows no bounds, and we can truly innovate and experiment with different styles and mediums.

What inspires you to create?

From an early age, both Aradhana and Camilo, our founders, felt compelled to express themselves through art. They’re inspired by the challenge of distilling life experiences into simple, engaging stories for younger audiences. This passion drives our team to create work that’s not only visually appealing but also meaningful.

Tell us what a typical day is like in the studio?

Our day typically begins around 9 AM, following a good breakfast and a cup of coffee or tea. Aradhana, our lead, starts by meeting with the team to plan and prioritize upcoming tasks. The rest of the day is a blend of client meetings, collaborative sessions, and hands-on work with our illustration, animation, and design teams. The atmosphere is dynamic and collaborative.

Is there something that you love most about Burbank, especially with it being the media capital of the world?

Burbank is special to us—it’s where Aradhana and Camilo met and where TheLittleLabs had its first office on Olive Ave. The city has been the backdrop to many of our personal and professional milestones, making it an integral part of our story.

What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

We’ve always admired the Jackalope initiative and are excited to participate this year. We’ll be bringing some exclusive previews of our new side project, 'Cloudy and Friends' - a line of products aimed at kids 2-6 years old. We’re eager to connect with fellow creatives and attendees who share our passion for art and innovation.

Anything special you’d like to share?

We’re continuously evolving Cloudy and Friends, a project close to our hearts aimed at kids. Whenever we have time at the studio, we delve into developing this initiative further. We’re also proud to share that TheLittleLabs is a minority and woman-owned business, something that adds to the diverse perspectives and creativity we bring to our work.

Find The Little Labs at Jackalope Burbank at the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival this December 7th & 8th:

Website: Thelittlelabs.com

Instagram: @thelittlelabs

Clara of Funky Gavroche

Do you have a story behind your company name?

The story behind the Funky Gavroche name is the story of a little, adventurous boy from the book “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo. I loved the character in the book, for his spirit of freedom and breaking the conventional rules, so when I started my small brand, I thought it could be a good representation for the artistic statement I was going for which was: artistic, free of rules and constraints, whimsical and creative.

Very fun. How did you get your start? I started Funky Gavroche back in 2010 when I became a mother for the first time. I have always loved to knit, I had learned to knit by my wonderful mom back in my home country, Romania, when I was just 12 years old. I’ve kept it as a hobby over the years and when I became a mother and decided to stay home with my boys, I wanted to keep my creative juices flowing, thus I’ve began designing and knitting children knitwear. As the years went by and my boys grew, I decided to continue my knitting endeavors by designing and knitting adult garments as well.

What inspires you to create?

In one word, ART! I love looking at paintings and other creative outlets that open new portals into my own imagination. I am a huge admirer of the DADA movements and surrealism as well as a Frida Khalo aficionada.

What is your favorite part of the maker process?

This question is hard to answer because I have more than one favorite part in my maker process. I LOVE the imaginative part of the process where I can visualize the garment I would like to knit, but I also LOVE the design process when I figure out textures, yarn weights and color combinations.

I bet there are so many options it is hard to narrow it down. Do you have a favorite item you have created?

I find hard to choose just one favorite item that I’ve created because I have so many designs I truly cherish and that have so many beautiful stories behind them. But there is ONE that I love a lot that blends in my love for drawing with the knitting process. It is a vest I designed and handknitted, and then I used the free form crochet technique for the appliqué on the back of the vest. The garment is called “Mirrored face” and it is truly a piece of wearable art.

So Fun! What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

I can’t say I have a typical day in the studio, but I try to have an artistic, creative day every day. I try to design and handknit two collections per year as well as custom orders and other fun inspirations that come to my head. I set aside a few hours every day to knit either custom orders that I need to fulfill, or just the designs I had already planned. On top of that, I try to stay active and engaged with my social media followers, creating content and prepping photoshoots.

What do you love most about Burbank?

Her favorite piece!

I love the vibrant artistic community in Burbank, where creativity thrives at every corner. It's a hub for filmmakers, animators, and artists, with studios and galleries that celebrate both established and emerging talents. The city's rich entertainment history, combined with its welcoming atmosphere, makes it a perfect place for artistic expression and collaboration. Whether strolling through the downtown area or attending local events, there's always a sense of inspiration and community that makes Burbank truly special.

Well said. What will you be bringing to the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival?

I will bring a variety of handknitted items: from scarves to hats, and crocheted bucket hats, to cozy and fluffy sweaters, as well as cardigans, and knitwear for children.

Anything special you would like to add?

I would really like to say to all the people who will come to the Jackalope fair that supporting small businesses and artists is vital for building strong, vibrant communities. These local entrepreneurs and creatives bring unique products, services, and perspectives that enrich our everyday lives. By choosing to shop small or buy from independent artists, we help foster innovation, preserve culture, and keep local economies thriving. Our support allows them to continue pursuing their passions, while also ensuring that communities remain diverse and dynamic places to live and work.

Find Funky Gavroche at Jackalope Burbank at the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival this December 7th & 8th:

Website: https://www.funkygavroche.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/funkygavroche

Instagram: @funkygavroche

Ingrid | Petals to Stems

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I am originally from Guatemala—I am a Mayan. Knowing my roots has helped me become more comfortable with my artistic pursuits.

What is your biggest artistic influence?
My biggest influences are my husband and daughters: My husband for his support and always believing in me; And my daughters because they inspire my imagination so that I could, in turn, inspire them. 

Love that! How do you define success as an artist?

Success as an artist is seeing the surprise in people's faces when they realize that what they are looking at—these flowers—are not real. The look of awe inspires me to keep pushing forward.

We can’t wait to see them in person! What would you say is the hardest part of the creation process?

The hardest part is de-constructing all of the flowers. I hate to destroy the beauty of orchids or a rose… But the feeling of dread is quickly replaced with joy when I can finally recreate them out of paper. And knowing that that single flower will live on through many creations.

How has your style changed over time?

Over time my style has grown to be more elaborate, more detailed, but at the same time more confident. When I first started the amount of detail scared me to death. Now I embrace all the little dots, lines and even diseases that you’ll find on some of the flowers.

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

My favorite item would be the two wreaths on driftwood on my piano. It’s so peaceful with its blush colors of whites and soft pinks. It is an open wreath that can be placed anywhere on a table top.

What do you love most about Burbank?

Burbank is full of cute restaurants and vintage stores. I could just spend all day walking in and out of them. The best little intimate restaurants are so cozy and fun, the community theaters, the music… How can you beat any of this?!

Find Petals to Stems at The Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on June 8th & 9th, 2024.
Website: petalstostems.com

Instagram: @petalstostems