Bunky Boutique is a neighborhood shop that has been a central Phoenix staple since 2007. Rachel Malloy is the owner and buyer, she specializes in blending well known lines along with local and indie designers and artisans.  Bunky has it's own in-house line, Arizona Love, which are hip and stylish Arizona pride products that are perfect for locals and visitors alike. 

Rachel loves traveling to the ocean and to brooklyn with her husband, exploring new coffee shops, exercising, spending time with her two kitties, and reading (Bunky even has it's very own book club!).

Being on the Jackalope Art Fair jury is a honor and so much for for Rachel because it allows her to have a first hand seat to the innovation and creativity of artisans and designers that are putting their art into the world. That vulnerability is beautiful and inspiring. 

Learn more about Bunky Boutique at www.bunkyboutique.com

The deadline for applications to the Jackalope Art Phoenix Holiday show on November 26th & 27th, juried by our start studded panel featuring Lindsay Viker & Rachel Malloy, is just next Friday, September 2nd.  www.jackalopeartfair.com/phoenix/

This exciting event taking place at WestWorld of Scottsdale will be an alternative to the chaos of Black Friday and provide an oportunity to #ShopSmall with over 150 artisans, live music, workshops and more!  

How would you describe your style?  

I would describe my style as Rustic Chic. The natural look of the wood along with the colored layers within the skateboard make the pieces stand out. I love to make stylish pieces that can be worn everyday.

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

All of my products are made using Recycled Skateboards.  I take all of the broken or unusable skateboard decks that would normally be thrown in the trash and I use them to create each piece. I create every idea from the heart.  Everything I make is created from emotion, mood and inspiration.

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?

There is not one specific thing that inspires me to create.  It could be someone giving me an idea which then inspires more ideas.  It could be a shape or color of an item.  Sometimes my kids inspire me when they watch me work and tell me to try an idea of theirs.

When do you feel the most creative?

Creativity for me happens very spontaneously.  It is never during a specific time or day.  I can go a week without creating anything then something as simple as a wild idea can spawn a months worth of ideas and projects.  I have learned to carry a notebook with me so if I come up with an idea at any given moment I can write it down or draw it up so I won't forget later.

What is your creative process like?

My creative process starts the moment I get an idea - whether I have to run out the same day to get materials or just go into the workshop to get started.  My creative process is also pretty messy.  I usually don't see the mess until after I have finished!

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?

The best tip I have received is to stay true to yourself and not compare yourself to others.  There are so many creative people and everyone has different talents and styles.  There is always going to be someone that doesn't like your style but there will be a lot that do.  

Where can we learn more about you?  

You can find out more about me on my website www.r3sk8products.com

Instagram: @r3sk8products

Facebook: @r3sk8products

Twitter: @r3sk8products

How would you describe your style?  Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?

My style is classic and timeless, leaning toward preppy with a bit of outdoorsy. When designing something new, I blend durability and usefulness with a polished and refined aesthetic. I want my work to stick around for a long time rather than pass in and out with the trends. I look up to designers and companies that embrace this sense of history, like Ralph Lauren, Filson, and J. Crew. And the fun part is combining this practical, intellectual side with adorable little dogs!

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

The thing that makes my work unique is in the way I approach the design process. I start by asking myself, "How can I contribute something good and useful to the world, and not just make for the sake of making?" To me, this means I'm solving a problem, then designing a solution. This drive to create through intentional actions shapes my day-to-day decisions. For example, using reclaimed materials makes my pieces different from anything else that people can buy, and it also contributes to a positive cycle of reuse. Or with my toy design, I included a treat pocket so that it's more engaging and stimulating -- the dog (or cat!) has to nose around and interact with the toy to get at the treat. And I didn't add anything extra, like plastic eyes, that could get chewed off and hurt a pet.

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?

I'm inspired by things that endure the test of time, and are rooted in heritage and tradition. When I'm designing something new, I tend to turn to classic menswear because those pieces are made to last. They change with the trends less, are intended to be wardrobe staples, and have really nice subtle details that make them more pleasurable to use. I'm also inspired by accessories like Dopp kits and canvas totes -- handy and useful things that people go back to over and over again.

When do you feel the most creative?

I feel most creative when I have the mental space to sit down and concentrate. For me, creativity comes from contemplation and quiet, rather than exuberant bursts. I start to feel creative after I've done some research on a subject because all of this new knowledge and information swirling around in my head inspire me to apply what I've learned to making something new.

What is your creative process like?

When I'm ready to create a new idea, I think about what problem I'm solving, and then sketch out ideas. What I'm looking for during this process is something that will function well for both the pet and their human (comfortable, user-friendly, reliable), is compatible with reclaimed materials (typically there are odd shape or size constraints here), and and has timeless style. Once I settle on a sketch, I calculate measurements and dimensions, and draw up a pattern in Adobe Illustrator. With this paper pattern I start the prototyping process, cutting out a paper version and doing some test fitting or sizing. After the sizing is looking good, I make a version in test fabric, check and adjust, and finally make a version in the final fabric. There's a lot of back and forth -- the process involves refining the shape, size, materials, and construction. 

When the final designs are done (after much testing with my sweet little dog, Pipsqueak), I make a small batch to start sharing on my website and at events. I love sharing my work at events because I get immediate feedback from customers. This is a key part of the creative process for me because it's a good opportunity to learn more about how my products can fit better in their lives. And it's this sense of improvement that's really the foundation of my creative process.

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?

My favorite artistic tip is from Elizabeth Gilbert, which I heard while listening to her Magic Lessons podcast. Essentially what she says is that not everything you create needs to be shared with the world -- some things can just be made because you must make them, and you don't need to put any pressure on it to deliver anything to you beyond the pleasure of making it. I love that tip because it's liberating, and it reminds me to balance out my drive to create something meaningful with having fun. 

Where can we learn more about you?  

My shop can be found at http://oxforddogma.com, where there's also a link to my blog where I talk more about my work and the process behind making it. I'm also on Instagram @oxforddogma, and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/oxforddogma

Anything you'd like to add that I didn't ask....?

I started Oxford Dogma because I wanted to help more pets feel loved. When I think about the things that bring me the most joy in life, pets are right up there at the top of the list, and doing something to help make more of this joy in the world became my mission. One part of this is creating work that fosters happy experiences for pets and their humans, and another part is supporting shelters. With each purchase, I make a donation to a local shelter to help animals in need. So whenever a person buys one of my items for the special little dog in their life, they're helping other animals feel cared for, too.

How would you describe your style?  

My ceramics style is a mix of southwestern and folk. It aligns a lot with my aesthetic as a illustrator/graphic designer as well. I love to incorporate bright colors and hand lettering to give each piece personality. Often, I'll include the ruggedly beautiful elements of nature around me to make each piece authentically unique.  

Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?

YES! I really enjoy watching any videos of this ceramicist named Eric Landon, he makes the most amazing large vessels that I could only dream of creating. I'm also constantly inspired by my former design-school classmates and teachers. I love seeing people that I've known for a while grow and develop their own style.    

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

When I first started experimenting with ceramics, I was buying bisque fired pieces and painting them. Sort of like painting on a pre-made canvas. This was fun for a while, but I felt limited by what I could make. So, from there I decided to buy a few blocks of clay and start making my own pieces. I started experimenting and in the beginning made a lot of things that came out pretty badly, but from that mess, I also got a feeling for what I really wanted to create. I like to have fun with my ceramics and add a bit of humor to them. Whether its a gold luster cactus or a snarky saying on a coffee mug, I try to incorporate a fun personality to my pieces. 

What sort of things inspire you?  

I'm very inspired by the southwest. I love seeing desert plants and animals and then putting my own eclectic spin on them when I paint. We live out in the middle of nowhere, so I'll go on walks just to see all of the crazy different types of cactus that grow all around my house. I'm also largely inspired by the people I follow on Instagram. It's fun to have a stream of creative people delivered right to my phone. The perks of technology, right!? I follow a wide variety of artists from sign painters to leather artisans and I love seeing the world from their point of view. Most importantly, I'm inspired by my two children. When we draw or do art projects together I love seeing what they come up with. They are a constant reminder that while I take my job very seriously, I shouldn't take the same approach with my art, its better to keep my pieces light-hearted and out of the box.  

When do you feel the most creative?

 I feel the most creative when my hands are dirty and I'm making something with clay. The tactile processes of pouring molds, hand building or wheel throwing are what made me fall in love with this craft. I love all of the possibility and being able to control the outcome of a product from start to finish. Although I enjoy seeing a finished product come out of the kiln looking shiny and fabulous, I probably feel the most freedom in that beginning part of the process when I'm making something new.  

What is your creative process like?

My ceramic making time is squeezed in between the time I spend doing my graphic design and parenting, so it can be a little hectic. The entire process of creating a piece takes several days and at least 2 kiln firings, (3 if I'm using gold luster). So I have a bunch of pieces, all at various stages of completion, all over my studio. I find that I do most of my ceramic painting at night. This is the part that requires the most time and focus, so it is a really nice way to unwind after a day of looking at the computer.  

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?

I guess this isn't an artistic tip, more of a life tip. One thing that we were taught over and over again in design school is to keep pushing yourself and your ideas further. So I try and do that every day, weather its a logo project or a new concept for a jewelry dish, there's always room to improve or refine your craft. 

Where can we learn more about you?  

My website: www.laurajonesmartinez.com

My etsy shop: www.laurajonesmartinez.etsy.com

or for a daily does of what I'm doing, my instagram @laurajlaura 

Where does your inspiration come from?

    I'm inspired both by nature and myths, I love travel and adventures.  When working on paintings and art I try to integrate that experience of adventure or the unknown with touches of home and nature.  When sewing I create or choose textiles that reflect my experiences or ideas.  I create wearable art, I find things I enjoy and talk about them or integrate them into my pieces.  I guess I'm inspired most by everyday life, any my work is a reflection of the 'things' I find valuable.

When do you feel the most creative?

    I feel most creative when I'm creating. I usually need to be alone, sometimes with music, and then remind myself what inspires me, if there are recent images from a trip we took or thoughts I had while traveling, I look at my journals, research images and get to it.  I find that when I'm creating, I completely lose track of time and can stay up all night just drawing or sewing.  I think painting is my favorite which is why I paint each silk screen by hand instead of using photo emulsion techniques, it's what separates my tee shirt fonts apart from other designers.  Each and every shirt is screened with my bare hands and handwriting.  There is something magical about creating with our physical bodies, don't get me wrong digital has it's place too, but you can feel the love of something handmade. 

Where can we learn more about you?  

    I have my blog hawksandhoney.com  where you can find out more about my everyday life and projects, adventures and thoughts.  I'm all over the place, I like to keep busy and the blog is a space for me to document all things worth sharing. You can also find me overgramming on Instagram @jenniferlindschutsky.com where I post too many photos of my favorite people, places and things.

Q. What did you like most about Jackalopes Holiday show and what are you looking forward to in this Springs Event?

A. My favorite part about the holiday show was buying Christmas gifts for all my family and friends! It was really awesome to tell them about the person who handmade the special product they were enjoying so much. This spring, I want to shop for myself! I saw a lot of great home items, jewelry pieces, and yummy treats that I am excited to try. 

Q. What do you gravitate to while shopping at Jackalope and similar events around town?

A. I love things that are different from anything else I've seen before. One of my favorite items is the dinosaur plants from Peabo Pots. How can you not be happy at work if you have one of those cute guys sitting on your desk?! 

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

A. I began Couture in the Suburbs when I was in college as a way to discover the local fashion industry around me. With the recent expansion into art, I hope to make Couture in the Suburbs the single online destination for learning more about the local industry here in Arizona.

It’s a self-appointed position, but I get validation every day through the audience that comes and enjoys the content my team and I feature on the website.

Q. How do you see the handmade community evolving in Phoenix? 

A. I see the handmade community becoming more and more professional. Several artists have been able to transition their craft from a hobby to a full-time career and that is incredibly inspiring.

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

My name is Rachel Malloy and I own Bunky Boutique, a neighborhood shop that has been a Phoenix staple since 2007. Bunky specializes in blending well known lines along with local and indie designers and artisans. I live in downtown Phoenix, love spending time with my husband, enjoy reading, exercising, coffee shops, drinking tea, writing and traveling. The ocean waves on a cold day make me feel alive and the energy of cities makes me feel connected to all of humanity.

 Q: What/who is your biggest inspiration?

My Uncle Tim has been my biggest inspiration since I was a child. He taught me that if I can dream it, I have the capacity to fulfill that dream. He was an incredibly talented dancer and choreographer and he will always inspire me to walk through the fears that come with being vulnerable and taking creative chances.

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

As a shop owner, my job is to curate a collection of products that are innovative and unique. I have had the honor to develop relationships and partnerships with local artisans and see their growth and the growth of the arts and crafts world in Phoenix as a whole. 

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: Weekend activity? Food? Color? Animal?

Favorite weekend activity - drinking tea and reading the NY Times with my husband Jim

Favorite color - burnt sienna

Favorite animal - kitties

Favorite Broadway show - Hamilton the Musical

Favorite people - my team Bunky family: Lauren, RC, and Ashley

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

The people I have met and have had the privilege to work with!  They are hard working and have just the right combination of grit and vulnerability to stick with their passions. I admire anyone that has a vision and knows that one of the most important things to creating a peaceful world is to do the thing that makes you feel joy!  

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

Authenticity. Being a buyer for the past 8 1/2 years has given me a keen eye for knowing when someone's creation is authentic to their vision and self.

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

I'm looking forward to seeing beauty and art from a whole new perspective and to get inspired by the bold creativity of the Phoenix arts and crafts community.

Q: Where can we find out more about you?

http://www.bunkyboutique.com/about/

https://www.instagram.com/bunkyboutique/

https://www.facebook.com/visitphoenix/videos/10153754105704717/

To celebrate the end of year 1 for Jackalope Arts we thought we would take a look back at this past year through photos! We are so thankful for a great first year and we can't wait to watch Jackalope grow and bring more awareness to the handmade community! 

With Love+Ink from our very first Jackalope Art & Craft Fair in Pasadena, CA this past April! 

Our first Denver Summer Jackalope Art & Craft Fair, so much fun seeing our logo come to life! 

We love when the artists embrace the Jackalope and create pieces specific to the show-this Jackalope piece was presented by Becky Designs at our Summer Denver Jackalope Event! 

Eclectic Hoops brought tons of energy to our Holiday Jackalope Art & Craft Fair in Pasadena! 

Our Holiday Pasadena Jackalope Art & Craft Fair kicked off the holiday shopping season, and we loved having all handmade vendors to shop from, including The Wicked Boheme!

Boxwood Pinball brought the fun to our Holiday Jackalope Art & Craft Fair in Denver!

Shannon Faber Fine Arts at our Denver Holiday Jackalope Art & Craft Fair, these postcards make perfect stocking stuffers!

To help last minute holiday shoppers complete their gift giving, Jackalope Art & Craft Fair made our debut in Phoenix this past weekend! Even though the weather was chilly, all the fabulous vendors really brought their A Game, we love these pieces by The Wooden Nickel!

This year ended with a bang with us being interviewed on Live TV with Fox 10 Phoenix promoting the fair! Thank you Moms Gone Nuts, Savannah Ashley and Be You Jewelry for your support! 

Seeing all these memories makes us anxious for next year and what 2016 will bring! We hope you all enjoy the Holiday season and we will see you next Spring! 

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?
Aside from my designs being simple but also statement making pieces, I use jewelry to promote a message of loving and accepting yourself. It's important to me that Adam Rabbit isn't just another handmade jewelry company. As AR has grown, I've been able to share more of my personal feelings as well as helping others start handmade businesses. My goal is for my message to translate through the designs and although I don't stamp, "You deserve to feel good today." on my packaging,  that's the general theme and energy I want to put out there in a subtle way. 

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?
I'm really inspired by nature and the feeling you get when you are unplugged from technology. Sometimes I feel like all of the wifi is frying my brain so it is nice to get outside and feel connected to something beautiful. I'm also a proud supporter of the treat yo' self movement! I use self-care as apart of my creative process to design jewelry from a place that is pure. 

When do you feel the most creative?
I definitely feel most creative in the morning. I love waking up between 4AM-5AM to just spend time in my craft room and see what ideas come before the stress of the daily grind begins. I also teach 6th grade special ed full time so my mornings are sacred to me. 

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?
I've received a lot of advice when I first started AR. Most of it was unsolicited and along the lines of jewelry being an over saturated market.  The best tip would have to come from one of my former students who has autism. One of the only sentences he would say is, "Never EVER give up!" (You have to scream the ever) He would say it at least 20 times a day whenever he had to do something he didn't want to which included walking in a line and getting up to sharpen his pencil. When I think about never EVER give up it brings a smile to my face. 

Where can we learn more about you? 
I really love the Instagram community! I post everything from new designs, daily woes of no longer being able to eat gluten, and pretty frequently gush over my boyfriend Joe. @adamrabbitjewelry

How would you describe your style?  Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?                                                                                                                                                     

I guess the best way to describe my style is a gypsy rockstar!   A bit of an edge with a free spirited gypsy vibe.  I love the freedom of expression and sharing in spreading positive energy and happiness to one another.  

We are all energy and the positivity of enjoying each moment is contagious. If I can help my customers focus on today and enjoy the little moments, then my job is done and my journey as a designer has purpose.  

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

I feel my work is unique because of how the accessories make you feel!   Many times we buy accessories because we like them, which we all want of course.   But my accessories bring out something different in everyone. 

Countless times I get feedback from my customers that my cuff or bracelet makes them feel so “cool," even if they are very conservative and do not wear statement pieces or much jewelry at all.   Their vibe changes while wearing the jewelry and there is not a better gift than that as a designer.   

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?

I have to say I am truly inspired by color and textures. My process always begins with something raw that I see; a material, a stone, a piece of art or sculpture.  I then create incorporating how I feel and the message that I want to convey or inspire someone else to feel.  I went on a very personal journey about a year ago and through that very positive and enlightening path I designed my new lines Energie and Henergie. I definitely learned that when you are authentic and true to yourself as a designer, the designs and inspiration are one in the same.   

When do you feel the most creative?

I am actually most creative when I am sad or on crunch time…it is such an extreme difference I know.  But both actually do not allow too much time to think and I am forced to make decisions instead of the possibilities of change or direction.  When I am saddened or stressed, my mind shuts off and my feelings go into my designs, but I will not put the time into it as I would if I was happy thus not a need for change. When I am on crunch time I have to make the decisions and my mind chooses things and processes differently.   The need to not have the “Maybe” is extremely important in my creative process.  

What is your creative process like?

My creative process really begins with an idea and the medium I choose comes second. The design process determines the medium. I always say that there is something about an artist’s mind that allows us to see and create without barriers. There are challenges and we always find the solutions.

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?

The best tip I received was from a very successful man a long time ago.  He said "NEVER listen to someone else’s ideas or opinions!!   Stay true to yourself and your designs.”   We all have a message to share in all aspects of design including painting, sculpting, music or designing.   We create from our soul and it is an expression of who we are.    Others like to project opinions and unsolicited advice that can steer you in the wrong direction.   

If you stay uninfluenced by others and believe in your path, no matter how many No’s or negative feedback you receive, you will get where you are supposed to be.   Stay Positive and Stay True to yourself and the possibilities are endless.  

Where can we learn more about you?  

You can find out more about me on my website at www.melis.com