Photo credit by: Pedro Oros

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in the arts world? 
First and foremost, I am an illustrator. I believe deeply in the transformational power of honest and vulnerable representation. My background is in art therapy; a career I decided to put off until later in life, but I use my own art making practice to process, and specifically my relationship with myself and my body. 

I also co-own two creative businesses; an art studio space called Allmost, providing accessible creative space and community for creative entrepreneurs and artists in MidCity, Los Angeles. And a retail collective in Silverlake (Allright Collective); where we provide a brick and mortar infrastructure for local makers and artisans to sell and grow their independent brands. Both of these businesses give artists and creative entrepreneurs a platform for growth in Los Angeles, which I believe is incredibly important for the future of my city.

Illustration by Theresa (@reesabobeesa)

2. What/who is your biggest inspiration? 

I am most inspired by the people around me. Incredible makers and creative entrepreneurs who are creating the world they want to see. And this city!

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

I love the sustainability and unique and honest perspectives represented in goods made by hand, or dreamt up by artists. I don’t want to be told how to be and what to want by an advertising agency; I am most excited by products and imagery that is reflective of honest human experience.

Allright Collective in Silverlake

4. Where do you see yourself in 5+ years? 

Doing what I’m doing now, but working less and making more. 

5. Anything you want to see more of in the arts world in the future? 

I believe that we can change ourselves and our world through representation. I want to continue to see more bodies and more humans represented in the art world.

6. What is the most important feature in an artist’s application for you?

I think an artist’s purpose and intention is most important - I love to see that someone’s brand is authentic and meaningful to them. I will also be looking for sustainable supply chains, and production practices that support other local independent businesses.

7. What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Jury? 

I am looking forward to seeing some new artists and brands! And shopping for our store as well :)

8. Where can we find more about you? 

My favorite part of the internet is Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reesabobeesa/

I also have a website: http://www.theresabaxter.me/

Photo credit by: Pedro Oros

Q: Tell us a little about yourself & your background in the arts & crafts world: 
As a young girl, growing up in Los Angeles, I found influence in my family trips to Mexico. I have distinct memories of cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops of many flavors. My cross-cultural background blessed me with a tasteful fusion for crafts. From then on, handmade artisan work became my mission and my passion. 

Q: What / who is your biggest inspiration?
My father is a superhero. Manuel endured more than my naivety could handle at the time. He ventured from Mexico to America, with no knowledge of English, and eventually came to own his own body shop in Culver City. I thank him and my mom for supporting my decisions to conquer the risks that I took to get me to where I am today. 

Q: How did you get into your position in the arts & crafts world?
Roughly 25 years ago I owned a shop in Old Town Pasadena, before the resurgence, when it was primarily mom and pop. Dusk lasted about 9 years. After that I worked for my dad, raised three dorky boys, and opened my treasure, Belle’s Nest. 

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: 
Soozee Woods and Tracy Chamberlin from Ramona Paloma Tiles are an all time favorite. They are both an absolute joy to work with—their tiles reflect the warmth in their personalities.

Q: What do you love most about the handmade movement?
I love that social media and wonderful events, like Jackalope, allow a myriad of creatives to expose their work. For me, connecting with my customers is the best feeling ever. 

Q: What is the most important feature in an artist's application for you? 
I need to make sure that my vision stays on track.  Above all, I look for well made, original and unique creations. 

Q: What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury?  
It's such a pleasure to be part of something that helps the handmade community. It's gratifying in so many ways for me because I've had experience in all aspects of this process. 

 Q: Where can we find out more about you? 
You can visit me on Instagram and my brick and mortar shop in Sierra Madre, or you can visit me online as well.

Belle's Nest: 55 N Baldwin Ave, Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Web: https://bellesnest.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellesnest/ 

1. How did you get your start in the handmade community?  I’ve been drawn to creating and promoting handmade creations from a young age. When I was younger, I’d go to work with my mom who was a graphic designer and worked in an office full of women owned businesses. There I’d sit under her desk and draw…sometimes on the walls… and make things from everyday objects. I was incredibly fortunate that the designers, architects, and other professional women in the office would buy my colored paperclips and eraser sculptures and show me what it was like to support each other and the joy of having someone want something made by hand. This feeling of community around creation was present through my college experience where I studied theatre – the art of creating what you need because there’s never enough in the budget to “just go buy it.” I also started working for an American craft artist/ gallery at that time and fell in love with the idea of art being accessible for anyone.

2. What/Who is your biggest inspiration? My biggest inspiration is my mom,  Ann, who is the other half of Period Six Studio. She always taught me that people, no matter how different, have shared experiences and their stories are worth listening to and retelling. 

3. Tell us a few favorites of yours (animal, tv show, weekend activity, food etc)? A few of my favorite things… polka dots, rusty things, my dog Malcolm and husband Toby, Gilmore Girls, Broadway musicals, and a beer & chocolate combo to top off a day of bump skiing.

4. What do you love most about the handmade movement?  My favorite part of the handmade movement is seeing how people who where displaced from jobs in the recession or found that there were no jobs for them out of college have carved out places for themselves. By taking nontraditional career paths they’ve had to build upon what lights them up. I feel privileged watching aritsts grow and change and feel honored when they trust us to tell their stories.

5. What is the most important feature in an artists application for you? For me the work itself is the most important feature. The joy, thoughtfulness and attention to detail is all reflected in the work itself. That being said, make sure there’s good pictures to represent it in the best light.

6. What are you looking forward to the most in joining the jury panel with Jackalope? I am excited to join the jury panel to meet other people who share my passion of the handmade and to see the scope of what people are creating!

Q: Tell us a little about yourself & your background in the arts & crafts world
A:December 1997 I was hired as extra Christmas Help at Handmade Galleries in Sherman Oaks... Handmade Galleries was a 5,000 sq ft retail space, where artists would rent space from us and we would be there to sell their wares. I immediately fell in love with the business. Fast forward 10 years later, managing the store, in charge of renting the spaces to artists and working on store promotion and having a space of my own, reselling vintage clothing and odd ends. (I have vintage resale/flea market experience, before Handmade). 

Q: What / who is your biggest inspiration?
A: My biggest inspiration? That's a tough one, I feel inspired daily by all the artists I work with. I've always had an eye... I would have to say my Mom! She's an amazing artist and has such an inspiring outlook on life. She's always saying... it's in "The Details" and that has kind of stuck with me.

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: 
I've been working with Mark Brunner for 8 years, we met right after we open our Burbank store. I love his color sense and simplicity of subject matter. I like accessibility.

Reza Kassai is another artist I'm obsessed with. Again strong colors, his crazy girls are brilliant. I have so many favorites. If you've ever been in one of our shops... We really cover so many areas. Art, Jewelry, Ceramics I could go on and on. 

Q: What do you love most about the handmade movement?
A:The Handmade movement is so important. I love a community. I grew up in the 70's and have lived in communal settings. Creativity was always around. To this day nothing makes me feel more alive than connecting with community. The world is changing and with the disconnect, connecting has never been more important. 

Q: What is the most important feature in an artist's application for you? 
A: What I would be looking for... first something I've never seen before, originality. Interesting use of materials. I always like "eco friendly" items. My artistic style tends to be more on the wild side. I'm drawn to edgy works. But have been moved by color alone. I have a very organic process, I just know what interest me when I see it.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury?  
A: I'm looking forward to expanding my horizon and hopefully helping to expand yours too... I love discovery! 

Q: Where can we find out more about you?
A: Find out more about me... WWW.MINDFULNEST.COM

How did you get your start in the handmade community? 

I started a jewelry business called Wasabi back in 1992. I had always loved Jewelry and took classes in high school and college. I wanted to have my own business from an early age and loved fashion. After working in Retail and manufacturing I took a leap. With the support of my new husband and sister, I took some jewelry making classes and started Wasabi as a fashion freshwater pearl line. I continue to work with a few stores but focus on representing handmade artists at Hömage now. 

What/Who is your biggest inspiration? 

My mom! She would be considered a stay at home mother, but she was a creative go-getter and super active.  She always had us doing some kind of project in Campfire Girls or for fun and was a part of the crafting community where she always killed it at boutiques! She also inspired me to give back through volunteering and was named Woman of the Year by our local newspaper! 

Tell us a few favorites of yours (animal, tv show, weekend activity, food etc)?

Totally a cat person. Meow! Love Project Runway’s incredible creativity, plus I can also relate to the pressure because of my jewelry business where “one day you’re in and the next day you’re out." It’s so important to stay innovative! 

What do you love most about the handmade movement?

Personal connection, in life, is one of the most important things to our well-being. Being able to work with people who are so passionate about what they do and communicate that to our customers, in person, gives us a chance to have an impact on the public. The ability and value in touching and feeling handmade products reminds us that we are human and connected in some way. Slow Shopping, instead of internet shopping, is like Slow Coffee. It’s so much more satisfying!

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

Originality, quality and a well rounded presentation. 

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

The opportunity to influence the market choices and to provide feedback to emerging artists, if that is possible. 

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

We got our start in the handmade community as members of Ladies Fancywork
Society, which began with us putting up yarnbombs around town ten years
ago, and has evolved into creating large scale crochet art installations!
Five years ago, two of us started Lowbrow as a way to approach art from
another avenues as well.

2. What/Who is your biggest inspiration?

Lisa Frank, weed, and glitter.

3. Tell us a few favorites of yours (animal, tv show, weekend
activity,food etc)?

We're big fans of Supernatural, ponies, tacos, and rooftop patios!

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

It's so amazing to see the variety out there, and how differently people
approach the creative process to make something unique, whether that's
through their methods or materials.

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

Originality, branding, creativity, and definitely good photos!

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

We're excited about getting to see some artists and creators that we may
not have had the opportunity to see before!

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

Hmmmm, that's a tricky one. I've made things all my life I guess, I was raised by 2 artists so it's always been around me. Not to say all who are raised by artists become artists, but I fell in love with it.  I went to school first at DU then CU Boulder for my BFA in printmaking and BA in Religious Studies. I loved printmaking and textiles and that sort of led me into fabric.  For my BFA show I made the 2 outfits my Great Great Grandparents were wearing in these photos I had of them.  They were made out of paper. I made the paper, dyed it sepia to match the subjects, printed the fabric textures like lace and twill, and sewed the garments on a machine.  I was really interested in textiles in general and sewing seemed to be the best way to integrate texture and pattern into every day life, so I started making clothes. Poorly. 

I decided to go to NYC because doesn't every girl interested in fashion, or anything for that matter? haha. I got my Patternmaking Certificate from the Fashion Institute of Technology and stayed for another year before moving back to Denver, where I discovered the Denver Design Incubator.  They were sort of in a state of flux, as they had just moved locations, lost some members, etc and I submitted and was accepted to be the Creative Director there.  I put in place, (with a wonderful team of badass ladies) new pay structures, a few more specialty machines, staffing, and we did some cool workshops.  It was a wonderful experience and I'm so happy they are still a resource available in Denver for young designers, but my sister decided to open a shop, so there I went, to open Studio Colfax.

2. What/Who is your biggest inspiration? 

Oh gosh so many.  I just saw the exhibit of Georgia O'Keeffe's wardrobe at the Brooklyn Museum, and damn she was amazing. Such a pioneer and so firm in what she was doing.  I guess they call that prolific, it's what I strive to be in my work.  My dad is also a big inspiration.  He's had such a commitment to his art through the years. He is always experimenting outside of his medium which I think is so important for an artist, to keep a fresh perspective, to integrate something new, unknown. 

3. Tell us a few favorites of yours (animal, tv show, weekend activity, food etc)?

My dog Emerald Louise is the most wonderful thing in my life. Animals really teach you unconditional love, it's such an awesome lesson for humans. I love yoga, Iyengar yoga.  The teachers and community in Denver are the best and the practice makes me so focused in my life.

Broad City, my god when is it coming back?  I dream of making something for Ilana to wear, or Abby.  They are some funny and talented ladies who can inspire us to just do us.   

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

That it's personal.  It's about connecting to a person who put their energy and straight up blood and sweat into creating something unique.  Creating something that then goes on to live a life, be worn, used, carried into a new world.  I always think about what I've made, and where it's now been.   

Studio Colfax

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

I like a good story, but PHOTOS! If this is the only way I can see your product, it's got to be well lit and not have a busy background.  Show it's use, it's life, it's character. 

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

I love discovering new artists.  Meeting people who are doing different and meaningful work in the world is really what we need right now. There's so much talent out there and I love to support that.   

Editor in Chief & Co-founder of Denver Style Magazine

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

By attending local fashion events and getting involved. I met local fashion icons that have created a foundation for a thriving community, helped with fashion shows, markets, and boutique openings, and started shopping local. When you surround yourself with people that are creating, you begin to create your own work. Community is the circle of creative life.

2. How is Denver’s fashion scene evolving?

Every apartment building filled with new residents, office tower filled with new commuters, and community workspace that invites creativity comes the experiences, travels, and style of new inhabitants. The inspiration of style between residents new and old changes the demand of products offered and creates opportunity for new trends.

3. What/Who is your biggest inspiration?

Denver. I am in constant awe of the support of the people in this city. Whether you’re starting a business, adventure, or new life path, you’ll be supported. The spirit of community and involvement is alive and well and I love seeing people believing in people.

4. Tell us a few favorites of yours (animal, tv show, weekend activity, food etc)?

School supplies. Side dishes. Dateline. Sundresses and wedges. Dinner dates with myself and a stack of new magazines. News anchors. Appropriate pockets. La Croix. Cooking more than I can eat. Documentaries. Puns.

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

It’s actually made. Most of us have grand ideas of projects we’re going to do and things we’re going to make with no follow up. These artists go beyond just the idea and make it happen. They take the time to create a product, build a brand, but most importantly put themselves out there.

6. What is the most important feature in an artist's application for you?

Passion for product. I love to be sold through a story. I enjoy knowing that an artist is creating a product that they believe in and want to share with others.

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

Shopping. I’ve attended quite a few Jackalope experiences and always walk away with finds from new vendors. Jackalope is full of treasures for friends and family, but it’s also the best place to find that ‘I’ve been meaning to...’ item. You know, the new candle for the bathroom or guest bedroom, Colorado tee you’ve been meaning to replace because the wine stain is just too obvious, or tote bag to carry all your goods. Find me shopping with my ‘I’ve been meaning to’ list.

Learn more about Denver Style Magazine at: www.denverstylemagazine.com

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.

Joining our 2017 Jackalope Pasadena Jury panel is Kay Yee.  We're excited to have Kay help us continue our goals with promoting the highest quality handmade artisans.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself & your background in the arts & crafts world

Education: BFA from California College of Art, Oakland CA (majored in Crafts & Metalsmithing) MFA from CSULB in Long Beach (majored in Metalsmithing, jewelry, and Crafts)

Q: What / who is your biggest inspiration?

Mentors: Roger Baird was my inspiration when I began my studies in the Bay Area in the early 70’s.

But Alvin Pine an early educator of metalwork who many of the current teachers in the area have studied metalwork with in the 60-70’s have worked with him.

Q; How did you get into your position in the arts & crafts world?

I would say that my position in the jewelry/crafts area has been that of an educator. I had taught for over 30 years at Pasadena College, and am now a Professor Emeritus. At PCC, I developed the Jewelry and Crafts certificate and program. 

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: 

My two great interests are traveling to see archeological sites and studying crafts (historical & contemporary)

June Schwarcz was a enamelist and metalworker for the the Bay Area that created beautiful timeless electroformed enamel vessels that continue to inspire me.

Harlan W. Butt another metalsmith/enamelist teaches in Texas. He makes hollow ware that  incorporates cloisonné enamel and silver accents.

Carol Webb, an artist who incorporated bi-metal (of copper & silver) with photo etching to make graphic jewelry.

Q: What do you love most about the handmade movement?

There is nothing like being a maker or a craftsperson. The gratification of problem solving through creativity is a creative zone of accomplishment.

Q: What is the most important feature in an artist's application for you? 

The quality of the creativity and craftsman.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury?  

I am honored to join a group of jurors who wish to help promote unique quality handmade products to the community.

Q: Share some of your own work with us:

1. Copper enamel & silver vessel
2. Copper & silver enameled bowls
3. Sterling and enameled brooch