Michaela Vae Walton

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

Hi! I was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. Growing up I was surrounded by nature, whether it was our big magnolia tree in our backyard that served as the safe zone in a game of tag or the wide open woods of my grandparents house, knee high grass, trees, and flowers surrounded me.  Nature feels like home and it affects every aspect of my work.  I see my art in nature, the textures, the colors, the movement, how the wind bends and sways the plants.  When creating with flowers I try to embody nature's natural movements and textures.  What I grew up surrounded by is in every aspect of my art.

That sounds like an absolutely beautiful place to grow up. Who are your biggest artistic influences?

My biggest artistic influences are my mom and grandmother, the two of them instilled in me a love of flowers.  They owned their own floral and home décor business called The Town Peddler. Their creativity and way of viewing the world shapes who I am.  Seeing beauty in a weed, how a stick can create movement in an arrangement, how statement flowers should be in odd numbers, and that everything always needs a touch of red.  They are the strongest and bravest people and I owe all that I am to them.

How do you define success as an artist?

I think success is defined by being able to create.  I feel success when I finish an arrangement or when I feel in the groove while creating a wreath.  My idea of success is doing what I love.  When I am in my garage making things with my hands, I feel an immense amount of joy, often skipping into my house yelling, “I’m so happy!” and I really am, that to me is success.

Does your art help you in other areas of your life?

My art helps me in every aspect of my life.  I find myself always looking for inspiration, I love seeing plants growing from the concrete, I think the way they grow wild and free anywhere is inspiring, it helps remind me in life that everything will be okay and to always grow wherever you find yourself planted. 

How have you developed your skill at your craft?

People always say practice makes perfect and it's true, the more times I create something the better it gets. I have been creating things with flowers for years and the work is always improving.  I also read a lot, I have many books on flowers, the art of wreaths, flower recipe books etc, and they are filled with techniques and practices that better shape my work.  Also, a lot of hours spent on pinterest, I think it's wonderful to see other people's work and skill, it is inspiring and there is so much to learn from others.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

The hardest part of my creation process is often the final small details, I work with delicate subject matter, dry flowers can break or crumble and it is a material that needs to be handled with care.  It’s the last little details that are often the hardest parts, intricately threading a piece can be tedious and time consuming but it is in those little details that really count.

How has your style changed over time?

My style has definitely become more wild with time, I love a lot of movement in my pieces and the wild bits of palm or curly willow sticking out have become a signature for me.  At first I was focused on how I can cover this wreath form and with time and experience it has become more about how I can make this product look like it's been blown by the wind or about how different textures of flowers accentuate the other.

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

The best thing about being an artist is the joy I have in self expression.  I pour out who I am into every piece I create, everything I make is a little love letter.  It’s the best feeling in the world to be making something with the idea that it will spark joy for someone else.  A little kindness, a smile, a happy tear, I feel all those things in being an artist and it's my life's greatest joy to share it.

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

My favorite thing I have ever created is this wreath I made a few years ago for my mom.  I foraged the greenery from her backyard and made it sitting in my parents driveway.  It still hangs in their living room.  I love it because it was early on in my journey of wreath making and it's made from home for the person who inspired it all. It has a peacock feather (which wasn’t foraged!) that represents my mawmaw, and I will always love this little wreath.  It has taken me a few years to get where I am now but this wreath is filled with love and gratitude to my mom.

What do you love most about Burbank?

Burbank is my home. I live here and I love it deeply.  I love that Burbank feels like a small neighborhood in the middle of a big city.  I love that Burbank celebrates small business and community.  My full time profession is an Assistant Director in the film industry so I love that work can sometimes just be a short drive from home.  I love that Burbank was a safe space for my boyfriend and I when we first came to LA (before even officially moving here).  Burbank is truly my happy place, on Magnolia everyday can be Halloween, the mountains make me feel as if I live in the Shire, and some of the greatest stories ever told are made down the street.

 Anything special you’d like to share? 

All of my creations are made with recycled flowers, they start as fresh arrangements and are then dried out in my garage, my vases are recycled cans that I patchwork.  I'm doing my best to make art more sustainable.  I hope that it can bring you a smile, a small bit of joy that feels like home.  My art is intended to make us all check in and ask, how are you bud?

See How are you Bud in person at the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on June 3rd & 4th!

Instagram: how.are.you.bud

Do you have a story behind your company name?

The emotional experience of scent, occurs in the right side of the brain, often referred to as the "psyche". The psyche, another word for "soul", is the realm of emotion and imagination.

When olfactory stimulation engages the total brain, a mental dance begins between feelings, thoughts, associations, and desires. Our brand's purpose is to bring this joyous experience to life through our candles and carefully curated fragrance collections.

Very cool, how did you get your start?

My candle making journey began in 2020. What started out as a stress-relieving diversion, became an all-out obsession within weeks. Prior to this time, I had been working in product development for 20+ years with a focus on apparel. The experience of building brands from the ground up, and being an expert in project management, has been key in creating my own brand.

I will be the first to admit that I do have a candle addiction. I am drawn to scents that are inspired by nature and the more complex and layered, the better. I really do not care for fragrances that smell, in any way synthetic, fake, or plastic-like. I could not find these candles in a price range that I was willing to invest in, so I started creating them myself. I spent months experimenting with fragrances, materials, and vessels. In January of 2021, I founded Scent and Psyche, LLC. and applied for the brand trademark.

That is very admirable. Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

I love the creation of scents and the blending of fragrances to get something unique and true to the experience I would like the user to enjoy. The process takes multiple iterations of testing and refinement, but I love every minute.

That sounds fun.What inspires you to create?

The overall end experience is what inspires me. I love to create scents that will brighten and enliven living spaces, inspire memories, and sometimes even change your mental state. I am also inspired by unique scents. I gravitate to fragrance blends that are grounded in nature, with earthier tones but have a refined complexity. I love to find the notes that really pull me in and grab my interest and then blend them to create

Candles are great for evoking emotions. Do you have a favorite item you have made?

I’m really excited about my Fall candle collection and some new signature scents that I will launch this Fall. One of those scents I am totally addicted to is Heirloom. A mixture of sandalwood and black cardamom, very earthy and woodsy yet feels very elevated. I’ve been burning that in my home on repeat. Another scent that I’ve worked on for over a year is called Embers. A new take on a Fireside or bonfire feeling scent with notes of charcoal and black pepper, grounded with creamy woodsy notes. It’s really cozy warm, like sitting by a fire.

That sounds amazing. What’s a typical day like for you in the studio?

I am usually creating or making early in the morning or later at night…which I find the most relaxing time of day to work. During the lunch hour, you can also find me around lunch time running to UPS with a stack of square boxes artfully balanced. On the weekends I’m usually at markets or getting ready for them!

What do you love most about living in Minnesota?

I’ve called Minnesota home for 16 years. I love raising my kids here. I love the variety of everything to do throughout the state, and especially the change of seasons. I think what I love best is the unique community of creative artists and the amount of local support we receive, it’s amazing.

The seasons are the best, and I bet there is a candle for each! What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

I’m excited to be bringing some amazing new fragrances that I feel are some of my best yet. This is my official kick-off to candle season!

Anything special you would like to add?

I’m opening up more opportunities for private, in-person, candle making workshops for groups of 10-16 people. It’s so much fun to connect with others and share my passion of candle making!

Awesome! We can’t wait to see you in person this September 10th & 11th for Jackalope Minneapolis!

Where to see more of Scent and Psyche:

Website | https://scentandpsyche.com/

Instagram | @scentandpsyche

Do you have a story behind your company name?

Mindful Works was chosen to reflect our meditation and yoga products. Our original name was Infinitely Simple, but participants felt that name did not accurately portray our mission and activities.

Tell us, how did you get your start?

Our Executive Director, Susan Williams, saw a need for employment to be part of the recovery process for individuals overcoming mental health challenges. Mindful Works is supervised by The Windhorse Guild and was created in 2015. We provide employment and real wages to our participants as they build skills to prepare them to enter the traditional labor market or pursue educational goals.

We love that! Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

We love the collaboration that goes into making all of our goods. One person may cut the pattern, and another may sew, and then another may fill. It feels really great when it all comes together and we arrive at a finished piece. It is also wonderful to see the progress made by our participants as they improve their skills and gain confidence.

It is a true team effort. Can you tell us what a typical day is like in the studio for you?

Our day typically starts at 10am, with Program participants clocking in and getting work assignments for the day. Our Shoppe Manager keeps the work flow going as pieces are cut and serged, sewn and filled. Our baking team, The Mindful Bakers, head to the commercial kitchen and work with our Kitchen Manager to create delicious cookies and scones. The atmosphere is lively and buzzing with activity as our program participants learn work skills.

That is inspiring! Speaking of, what inspires you to create?

We are inspired to create different items according to the seasons, as well as color, texture and the beauty of the natural world.

Do you have a favorite item you have made?

That’s a hard question! We have so many items that we love to make. If we had to pick a favorite it might be our Kilim Patchwork Pouf. That seems to be a customer favorite as well.

What will you be bringing to Jackalope Arvada?

We will be bringing some old favorites like our poufs and meditation cushions. We always have festival flags, jewelry pouches and napkins, which make great gifts.

Anything special you would like to add?

By buying our products you are supporting the recovery of individuals overcoming barriers to employment due to mental health challenges.

We can’t wait to see you in person this August 5th & 6th for Jackalope Arvada!

Where to see more of Mindful Works:

Website | www.mindful-works.org

Instagram | @mindfulworksboulder

What is the story behind your company name?

The original name of my company was Frontyard Feast, encouraging people to grow food out loud and proud in their front yards, but people found it confusing and assumed that I didn’t work in backyards or otherwise. Plant Grow Eat was actually the tag line, but it became clear that it was really what my company was all about — the cycle of food, in front and back yards, side yards and balconies — and that it was way more than a tag line! Teaching people that everyone can Plant, Grow and Eat their own organic produce, as well as all of the other physical and emotional benefits that go along with that is the story of Plant Grow Eat.

How did you get started?

I’ve been a gardener all of my life, but it became my profession after I was laid up, again, with illness caused by the stress of my previous career, as well as being so busy that I just wasn’t taking care of myself. So, all strung out on steroids with another bout of stress-induced bronchitis provided the dream, and the next thing I knew, I had a complete vision to execute, which involves taking a huge leap, and I’ll never look back!

Oh wow, I am glad you were able to switch gears for yourself. Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

I think the favorite part of my maker process is pulling all of the pieces together to see the complete product. I also test new seeds every season, and I’m always trying to make my garden kits as easy and successful as possible — with the goal of making the food-growing process a no-brainer for everyone.

What inspires you to create?

This is easy! I want to save the world, one garden at a time, and I’m going to do it by creating a community of people who also want to save the world by growing their own food and spreading the word to others by their example. When we simplify our lives, use our bodies and minds and get a little dirty, the sky is the limit!

That is great! What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

My studio is my garden. And my garden is my test ground for what I put into every garden kit. Good soil and organic amendments to nourish seeds and plants, non-gmo seeds that have been tested to grow as simply and deliciously as possible, as well as paying attention to the seasons. Every component of a Plant Grow Eat garden kit is tested for optimum growth and health and simplicity — for gardeners of all skill levels and even all ages.

What do you love most about California?

California has everything! Besides the mountains and ocean and desert, we have cool people, excellent industries, from entertainment to cutting edge health and agriculture, fine dining to classic diners and excellent architecture, which is one of my favorite things about Pasadena, along with the beautiful Arroyo Seco and spectacular hills. Can you tell that I’m an LA girl?

What did you miss most about in person events now that events are picking back up again?

I didn’t realize how much I missed people until I started seeing and talking to them in real life again. Zoom and FaceTime were fantastic tools to have during lockdown and quarantines, as well as other online substitutes of varying success, but being able to talk to people is something that I love, especially when it’s about something they’ve made or believe in or that you can pick up or taste…. I think some things have evolved online nicely, like I love online garden coaching, but I’m really looking forward to mixing in-person back in!

Do you have anything special that you will be bringing to Jackalope?

I’m so excited to share my garden kits with people in real life. As well as my branded merch to help get the Plant Grow Eat word out. It’s about getting more people to grow, and showing how easy it can be and how good it is for your mind, body and spirit. And the planet. And for anyone who doesn’t have a yard, Plant Grow Eat salad and herb gardens are perfect for small spaces, whether it’s for yourself or someone you love. A garden is a gift for everyone!

Anything special you would like to add?

When I first started gardening for a living, I dreamed of having a booth at Jackalope, and I’m so excited that my dream is finally coming to life! I can’t wait to see it all come together, be a part of such a great event, and meet and support other small business artisans! Let’s do this!

That is so sweet! We can’t wait to see you in person this November 20th & 21st when Jackalope returns to Central Park, Pasadena.

Where to see more of Plant Grow Eat:

Website | plantgroweat.com

Instagram | @plantgroweat

Do you have a story behind your company name?

When I first launched my Etsy store I offered two types of products: macramé and mirrored pieces. So my company name is a "play on words" that incorporates the knots of macramé and disco in the mirrored pieces.

Funny! Please tell us how you got started?

The Knotty Disco started as a side hustle while I was still working as a marketing executive for a fashion brand in 2019. I would create pieces after work and on the weekends. In March 2020, when COVID-19 hit, the brand fell apart and the entire company was laid off. Over the next few months I dedicated myself to my Etsy store and made the decision to be a maker full time. It was the best decision I've made. Nothing makes me happier than getting up every day and creating with my hands.

What is your favorite part of your maker process?

Dreaming up new product ideas! I love everything about the creative process when I design new items. It's when I get to use my imagination and all my creative juices!

What inspires you to create?

More like WHO inspires me to create :) Both of my grandmothers as well as my husband inspire me to create every day. My maternal grandmother is also a maker and a plant lover. She worked with ceramics for decades. The love for disco comes from my father's mother. She can still dance to the Bee Gees all night! And my husband who supports me and pushes me to keep dreaming and keep creating.

A good support system is everything! What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

Lots of mirrors and lots of knots! Most of my products are made to order on Etsy so I typically will work on my orders for the day and answer any customer questions that come in. My favorite items to make are the planters. I listen to music and get into a groove. It can be tedious work sometimes but I enjoy it! I'm a bit of a perfectionist so each mirror piece is placed with a lot of care.

That requires a lot of patience I am sure! Do you have a favorite item you have created?

My largest planter that I named Ellie is my favorite for sure! I designed the 10 inch size after getting several requests from customers for larger pots. She is definitely a show stopper!

What do you love most about California? How about Pasadena?!

The sunsets! And our proximity to national parks. My husband and I are big campers and love getting out in nature. I've always admired how Pasadena still feels like a small town while being in a metropolitan city. The little stretch of Downtown is the best!

Yes we love Old Pasadena- so much to do! What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

A little bit of everything from my shop! I will have disco planters, disco hats, macrame plant hangers, terrariums, air plants, tie dye sweaters, stickers and plant trellises.

We can’t wait to see you in person this November 20th & 21st when Jackalope returns to Central Park, Pasadena.

Where to see more of The Knotty Disco

Website | https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheKnottyDisco

Instagram | @theknottydisco

Tell us how you got started?

I am addicted to buying vintage glassware to use for parties and entertaining. So much so that I promised my husband I would stop collecting it since our china cabinet and bar shelves are completely overflowing! We entertain a lot and I absolutely love finding the perfect cocktail for a gathering - particularly my annual birthday bash theme party that I throw for myself. After I discovered a couple of candlemakers on Instagram making candles out of thrifted and vintage ceramic wares, I thought it was absolutely brilliant and knew how I wanted to put my own spin on the idea: by pairing a candle scent with an inspired cocktail recipe and using only vintage glassware for my sets. Now I get to enjoy the thrill of the hunt searching for unique glassware and cocktail recipes and they get to live on someone else’s shelf!

Such a fun concept! Do you have a story behind your company name?

Not a story per se, but I wanted the brand name to reflect both aspects of our sets - the candle and the cocktail. A very literary-minded friend of mine helped me develop word association lists and she helped me come up with the combo Flicker and Fizz (over a couple of cocktails of course). It made us both smile as we said it and I hope it evokes a similar sense of happiness for others as they burn their candle and enjoy their curated cocktail recipe along with it.

Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

I love that Flicker and Fizz taps into different sides of my brain and touches on so many diverse interests of mine, from the thrill of the hunt sourcing the glassware to the actual candle pouring to the graphic design of the recipe cards that are included in every set.

What inspires you to create?

Creativity has always been part of my life thanks to my parents. I like to joke that they were the OG dumpster divers and repurposers from back in the 70s before it was so mainstream. Our house was full of antique furniture and architectural finds that they had found and restored or repurposed into something new. Dad was a high school art teacher at one point in his career and Mom was always sewing her own clothes and accessories or recovering furniture. So being creative makes me feel close to them.

Love that! What’s a typical day like for you in your studio?

It’s different depending on what aspect of Flicker and Fizz I’m working on. On candle making days, I crank the tunes and take over the entire kitchen. But when I’m working on graphic design or website stuff, I’m usually in my home office at the computer in silence because I get so engulfed in the process and like to hear myself think. And then it’s party time during cocktail development. I usually have a house full of friends sampling drinks and providing feedback. That part is very social for me. All in all, I think it goes back to the fact that I love how my process taps into so many facets of my personality.

Do you have a favorite item you’ve created and why?

I’m actually an architectural historian by training and worked in the field for several years earlier in my professional life. There’s this set of Midcentury Modern style highball tumblers with gold leaf illustrations of Minneapolis architectural landmarks from the 1960s that I had had my eyes on for a really long time but could never find them for a price that I could justify. This was years ago, so fast forward to being on the hunt for Flicker and Fizz and I found a set at a local antique mall that I just couldn’t pass up. So I brought them home thinking I could enjoy them for myself for a while and then make them into Flicker and Fizz sets to sell. Then the next week I saw a second set (complete with the original box!) on Facebook Marketplace and I knew I had to get it for myself. I just love that these glasses are so intersectional with my passion for architecture. The set even has my favorite building in all of Minneapolis as one of its featured landmarks!

So Fun! What did you miss most about in-person events now that events are picking back up?

I actually started Flicker and Fizz in the spring of 2021, so I’m just now getting my first few events under my belt. But I’ve always loved going to art fairs and shows to discover new things and support local creators. I really enjoy interacting with artists and hearing about what excites them about their work because it makes me even more excited about it. So I’m looking forward to being on the flipside of that coin and hope I can create a similar experience for others.

What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

Flicker and Fizz will be bringing lots of great fall-inspired candle and cocktail sets. I love fall, so I’ve had great fun curating my collection of glassware for the season. There will be lots of vintage smoky glass sets as well as amber goblets and really cool retro printed sets. And I’m particularly excited to debut the Minneapolis landmark tumbler sets I mentioned earlier.

Fall is so pretty here in Minneapolis! Speaking of, what do you love most about Minnesota?

I love the diverse geography the state offers. My husband and I like to get out and explore all the state parks, lakes, rivers, and forests with our two dogs. No matter which way we go outside of the Cities - or even within the metro area - there are so many wonderful landscapes to discover.

Definitely very fortunate for that here. Anything special you’d like to share?

As a new creator to the scene, I’m just really excited to be part of the inaugural Minneapolis Jackalope Art Fair. It kind of feels like we’re going through these firsts together and I’m really looking forward to the event!

We can’t wait to see you in person this October 2nd & 3rd when Jackalope makes our debut in the Twin Cities!

Where to see more of Flicker and Fizz:

Website | www.flickerfizz.com

Instagram | @shopflickerandfizz