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

We are from Eaton, CO. Being Colorado native has always been a source of pride in our work providing handmade artisan Hip Bag purses. We feel Colorado provides a quality of life like no other which offers daily inspiration and creativity. 

The Original Hip Bag!

Totally Agree! We feel so at peace whenever we get to work in Colorado. Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
As we mentioned above, Colorado is a big influence for creativity and outdoor activities. Plus, our love of motorcycle / horse riding. Hip Bags provide a stylish solution for a common issue ie. the discomfort and impracticality of traditional crossbody purses.

What is the hardest part of your creation process? 
Honestly, making each Hip Bag individually beautiful. Keeping a fresh creative slate is our daily challenge. 

I can totally see that - what’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?
My favorite item is my first Hip Bag that I made.  And, still wear to this day. It is so rewarding to see what I created become more beautiful with age. Our leather mosaics and their developed patina tell a story or their own. 

I love the idea of growing into a different love for your bag as it ages. What do you love most about Arvada or Colorado in general?
I have also live in Arvada for years. There are numerous things that I love about both Arvada & CO. To summarize the beauty and outdoors provide a unique community and events like...Jackelope Arts!
Awwww - the community in Colorado is one of our favorites too! What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? 
Fun things about me are I love concerts, dogs and tiny homes. Costa Rica is my second home.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 
On the beach in Costa Rica with an umbrella drink on ice.
You have the day off, what do you do? 
I'll find out in 5 years ;-). No, seriously, riding, spending time at the lake or in the mountains with family. 
HA the life of being a small business owner! Anything special you’d like to share? 
Everyday is a blessing that I get to work with my mom and family in our small manufacturing company in Colorado. 

Catch Hip Bag Co. at Jackalope Arvada on October 4th & 5th, 2025

Website: www.hipbagco.com

Instagram: @hipbagco

Nina Breuer | Artisan Jeweler & Designer 

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

I am Fort Collins CO based Artisan Jeweler and Metalsmith. I’ve lived in Colorado now for over 20 years, but I’m what you would call a “Oil Brat”. Like a military kid but my Dad worked in Oil & Gas, so we were fortunate to have lived and traveled to so many different parts of the world. 

But when it was time to find a place to lay roots, my Dad who had been working in the Northern Colorado area decided this is where we would call home. 

You can see so many references to my South Asian heritage, travels and my love for Colorado in my pieces.

I’m most recognized for my Red Rocks, Rocky Mountain National Park & Colorado Wild Flowers collections, each piece is a celebration of all the beauty around us. 

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
Every one of my pieces has a story or thought behind it. Nature, art, music and travel have been huge influences in my life. Once I have an idea I like to sketch it first and then make a note as to what inspired the design. 

One of my favorite pieces to make are Earrings from my Alhambra Collection, influenced by Spanish tiles found in the Alhambra Palace. I had taken detailed pictures of the different tiles used throughout the palace on a trip to Spain during my gap year. I found the photos in an old album and saw so many inspiring designs and patterns. I decided to sketch out some ideas and used hand cut tile shaped organic metal to hand stamp the design. The design has to stamped perfectly, by hand without bending the metal. They are some of my most time consuming pieces but truly one of my favorites to make.

What is the hardest part of your creation process? 
Work /Life creative balance.. Finding the time to focus on the creative side and then also being able to take some time to focus on my family. 

When Market season is in full swing which for me is September-December being a jeweler, it’s pretty much make and sell. And every weekend is busy, I love doing craft shows, markets and connecting with my clients. I just don’t get much time to be creative and have to wait till January to try out new designs. And I’ve been trying to have a better work/ home schedule during the week so I can be present for my family. I absolutely love to create and keep going, so I’ve had to remind myself it’s ok to take breaks. 

What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?
I have so many favorites and every one of my designs has a story behind it.  And when I recreate that item it brings back all the memories and feeling put into the making of that piece. One of my favorites to create are my Zen Necklaces a.k.a Anti-Anxiety Bowl necklaces.

It was created in 2018 for a friend dealing with anxiety and stress who needed a fidget necklace. The design features a hammered bowl pendant. It can be used to self-soothe by tracing the rim or rubbing the textured interior. Made with organic, non-toxic materials, the necklace can be worn at all times.

What do you love most about Colorado in general?
Beyond the natural beauty, Colorado boasts a rich cultural diversity. And being able to access a city or the mountains within a 40-minute drive offers a great balance. 

In university towns like Fort Collins, you encounter people from all over the world, exposing you to various languages and cultures and providing unique experiences of Colorado alongside them. 

We also have a strong artistic community, with many people supporting and appreciating the creativity that local artisans pour into their work. 

What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect? 
I speak 5 languages, English is my primary language but I also speak Urdu, Hindi, Pashto & Hindko. I can also read Arabic, but don’t speak it. With so much diversity here in Colorado, it’s fun to meet folks from all over the world at Artisan Markets and speak with them in a different language. It helps you connect with them on a personal level and makes the world feel so much smaller. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 
Hopefully still creating and evolving! I absolutely love what I do and hope to keep creating handmade and hypoallergenic life long pieces. And I’d love to travel more, as my kids get older I’m hoping to take them to places I went as a child to experience it with them. 

You have the day off, what do you do? 
Spend time with my Boys & Hubby. I have a 13 yr old and two 10 year olds so we try to go for as many bike rides, walks and visit the park when the weather is nice. And then we also enjoy time at home watching movies or playing board games. My days off my goal is to spend quality time with my family. 

Anything special you’d like to share? 
When I started Harmony Bazaar I wanted to do two things, create a brand that was truly inclusive to everyone. From offering different size options, materials to suit your needs of every age, and high quality pieces that were created one at a time, affordable but lasted a lifetime. 

And 2nd was to give back to my community. This is my 6th year of making jewelry and since day one I have given 10% of my sales to Local Food Banks, No kid Hungry & Feeding America. 

Catch Harmony Bazaar at Jackalope Arvada on October 4th & 5th, 2025

Website: www.theharmonybazaar.com

Instagram: @theharmonybazaar

Matty Miller

How did you get start?

Creativity has always been a part of my life. Growing up in a creative household, I was surrounded by artists, makers, and opportunities to express myself. My artistic business has evolved over the years, but the core themes of beauty, making, and teaching have remained constant. I believe that art is essential for enriching our lives and connecting on a deeper level.

That is so true. What inspires you to create?

 I'm inspired by the natural world and ecology... I love being in quiet, remote spaces in nature where I can look and listen with presence, and daydream. I also love to research! I love learning about native plants, regional mythology, folklore, culture, you name it...

What is a typical studio day like for you?

It's hard to say what a typical day in the studio is. I wear a lot of hats for my job so it could be anything from painting new work, sending off commission sketches, teaching private lessons, or packing orders. An ideal day in the studio starts slow with some journaling and a cup of coffee, and ends with standing back and taking in the view on a painting's progress.

What is your favorite part of being an artist?

I love finding a flow state as I paint, the feeling of being completely absorbed in the moment. I can access an ethereal and meditative state of mind, and there's a magical quality to the process of transforming ideas into tangible works of art.
I also love the personal connections I make with my clients when creating custom pieces. It's incredibly rewarding to bring their vision to life and create art that resonates with them and their values.

Do you have a favorite product that you have created and why?

My favorite works are my original paintings. Original art has a special essence to it that's transferred through the love and hours spent creating it by the artist. 
At the moment my favorite piece is called Meadow Sentinel. It captures the serene beauty of a meadow, with a graceful deer adorned with flowers and quilting patterns. It's a reminder of the importance of connecting with nature and finding moments of peace in our busy livesI

Meadow Sentinel

What do you like most about Arvada?

Arvada is such a great blend of small-town charm and urban convenience. The community is super friendly and supportive of the arts. Also, Yak and Yeti is one of my favorite restaurants!

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

At Jackalope, you'll find a selection of my original works, art prints, and a brand-new line of silk scarves. They make amazing gifts and I can't wait to share them.

Find Matty Miller Studio at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024

www.mattymiller.com

Facebook

Instagram: @mattymillerstudio

Nicole of Mountain Essentials

Do you have a story behind your business name?

I’m not sure the best way to phrase this but Mountain Essentials is M.E. It’s from my heart but it’s also essential to have good skin care in the mountains.

Very true. How did you get started?

My daughter had some extreme skin allergies. I couldn’t find a diaper cream that worked for her, so I created my own. I was excited to see what else I could make. When we got a couple little goats I had too much milk. Read about all the benefits it has to offer our skin. Started adding it and haven’t looked back.

Very cool. What is a typical studio day like for you?

My typical day in the studio includes the farm and daily chores. From milking the goats, feeding the babies, mucking pens, helping does give birth, shearing the fiber animals. Farm chores typically take 2 hours a.m and pm. Then I head to the shop with my fresh milk in tow. After processing the milk so it is ready for soap and lotion making, I tend to the shops needs. Opening and helping customers. I’ll make products as the day goes if time allows. Then back home for evening chores.

What is your favorite part of being a maker?

My favorite part about the marker process is being creative and experimenting with new recipes. Filling a skincare need. Helping people with their skincare needs.

And what about a favorite product that you have created?

My favorite product is the Healing Balm. It’s what changed my course.

What do you like most about Arvada?

I love Arvada! I love the people and the atmosphere. This event brings me joy!

That makes us smile! What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I’ll be bringing all my favorites and staples.

Soaps, lotions, lip balms, healing balm, plus we are launching the holiday line! So excited to launch it. 

Find Mountain Essentials at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024
Website: www.mountainessentialsllc.com

Instagram: @mountainessentialsllc

Facebook: @mountainessentialsllc

Jennifer

Do you have a story behind your business name?

Chickens on the Moon Publishing, which is my parent company, is named after a plot line in a book series that is due out in the coming months. In general though, it's meant to represent the idea that there are no rules when it comes to imagination, especially when you are creating for children. 

Jambo Jennifer Puzzles was named for the friendly greeting you get all over Africa. It means hello but it is always said with a bright smile and a genuine warmth to make you feel welcome.  I get to experience this time and time again when I am there photographing animals for my puzzles and books.

Love the meaning behind Chickens on the Moon, and I bet that is such a great experience being able to photograph animals in Africa. Tell us how did you get start?

I come by this business honestly. First and foremost, as a mom! But I also had a 20 year career in photography and a bit of magazine writing. And always in the background I wrote poems and stories. So when it came time to put down my 40 pound backpack of camera equipment it was easy to decide what to do next - children's books and wildlife puzzles!

Very cool. What inspires you to create?

My company specializes in unplugged fun, to try to help parents and teachers combat the onslaught of screen options in our world today. I think it's really important for kids (and adults!) to be able to still enjoy themselves away from a screen.

So true. What is a typical studio day like for you?

Right now I'm doing a LOT of puzzles! Literally putting the pieces together so that I can photograph them at different stages for marketing. I'm also working very hard on my Becky Barnes book series. The first two books will be released together (hopefully this winter). I do the lettering myself and so it takes a good bit of time. So in short, I don't really have a typical day as my projects are many and varied!

What is your favorite part of being an artist?

Right now I'm completely obsessed with my alphabet puzzles and the explorer cards that come with them. I love that when you buy a Jambo Jennifer Puzzle, you also get to learn all about the animal that it features. That was very important to me as I developed the product. Even the 1000 piece puzzles come with an Explorer Card because I feel strongly even adults still love to learn.

Do you have a favorite product that you have created and why?

I do love Africa Dreaming - I think it's the perfect bedtime book but it also has a lot of adult fans because of the intimate wildlife photography.  

What do you like most about Arvada?

I'm a relatively new resident here so I am still learning about my hometown! I love Old Town of course, and the parks are amazing. I'm partial to the one across the street from our house - I can photograph turtles, ducks, muskrats, herons, bullfrogs... the wildlife here is so abundant, even in the city. But also, my camera and I can be above 14,000 feet with my beloved mountain goats in just a little over a hour!

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I hope families will discover me so that they can have a few new items to share with their kids when they know they've had enough screen time for the day. I try to make sure my creations are fun for the whole family to experience together, whether they are reading one of my books aloud or learning from one of my puzzles that bighorn sheep can ram each other at 40mph! 

Anything special you’d like to share?

It's never too late to reinvent yourself. I turned 50 last year and I started my company at age 48. If you aren't happy or can no longer do what you've always done, dream big and go for it.

Find Jambo Jennifer Puzzles & Books at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024

Christine Ann Nicols of CANdesignsn

Do you have a story behind your business name?
Growing up my dad would tell me and my sisters that "success comes in CANS". I took that very literally and looked for the "success can" mixed in with the Campbell's Soup. Unsurprisingly, I didn't find it. But it was never lost on me that my initials, Christine Ann Nicols, spelled CAN. CANdesigns was born from childhood innocence and a desire to change the world.

That is too funny. How did you get started?

I tell environmental stories through my jewelry and art. I want to give a voice to the surroundings that have inspired me, and my hope is to help people find a deeper connection with nature.

What is a typical studio day like for you?

As a solopreneur there is no such thing as a "typical day" in the studio. But there are some non-negotiables- coffee, music, and time outside. Beyond that the days vary based one where I am in a launch cycle. Some days are really technology intensive, some days I only emerge from my cave to go for a walk with my sister.

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

I was asked to make a custom necklace for my friend's wedding. The design mimics the lace of her dress. It was challenging, experimental, and playful - all the things I love most about metalsmithing.

How unique and personal! What do you like most about Arvada?

The access to green spaces and old trees in Arvada is incredible. A park or greenbelt seems to be no more than a 10 minute drive from wherever you are in the city.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I am so excited to be bringing one of a kind and small batch jewelry to Jackalope. You should have jewelry as unique as you are.

Anything special you would like to add?

Giving looks good on you - a portion of every sale goes to the Xerces Society, an organization working for the conservation and preservation of bugs and their habitats.

Find CANdesigns at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024
Website: christineannnicols.com

Instagram: @christineannnicols

Margaret

Do you have a story behind your business name?
The founding belief of my business is that we ARE Nature. So the name came from remembering that our innate wildness is what helps us reclaim our radiance. And everything I make comes from the land so I wanted to invoke that connection to Mother Nature as well.

How did it all get started?

I worked at Whole Foods in college, in the body care and supplement department, which is where I learned about non toxic skincare. But being a broke college kid, I didn't have money to buy those products so I started making my own skincare. 10 years later, I started my holistic health coaching business supporting women in menstrual health and fertility, and clean skincare is one of the topics we focus on. So I started the skincare side to complement the health coaching, and to offer simple botanical skincare that's so clean you could eat it.

That is so cool! What is your favorite part of the maker process?
Growing some of the plants I use, harvesting them, and making them into products that are deeply nourishing for the body, mind, and soul. 

Where do you draw inspiration to create?

Being able to work with plants and help people remember their connection to Nature through what they put on their body.

What is a typical studio day like for you?

I light a candle, listen to an audiobook (currently re-listening to Outlander), then get into the flow of whatever needs to be made. I also chant healing mantras whenever I first start working with the plants to invoke that loving energy into every product that gets applied to people's bodies.

Love how personal that is. What is your favorite product that you have created and why?

Naked Body Oil! As an Ayurveda Health Counselor, massaging your body with oil is one of the most highly recommended practices. And for good reason! Not only does it support the lymph system, circulation, digestion, and the nervous system, but oil in Sanskrit is sneha which is the same word for love. And your hands are an extension of your heart. So when you massage oil into your body with your own hands, it's a way to imprint self-love into your very tissues.

So interesting! What do you like most about Arvada?

I love how community centered it is, with a lot of focus on supporting local businesses.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I'll be bringing our signature line of skincare which includes herbal powder cleansers, hydrating toners, face oil, and body oil. I'll also have tallow belly balm for the pregnant people wanting a clean, non-greasy, and deeply nourishing balm for their growing bellies.

Find Wild & Radiant Botanicals at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024
Website: www.wildandradiantbotanicals.com

Instagram: @thewildandradiant

Sandra & Edoardo

Do you have a story behind your business name?
Our company name is our family name. 

How did it all get started?

We are a family business. We are the 3rd generation.

That is incredible! What is your favorite part of the maker process?
Creating designs and paying attention to the little details.

Where do you draw inspiration to create?

Nature is our biggest inspiration.

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

My favorite item is our alpaca socks. We are very proud of the feel and the fit of our socks.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?
We will bring our alpaca socks, our hand embroidery accessories, and our WUAMAN Kids collection.

Anything special you’d like to share?
We are certified fair trade and sustainably grazed.

Find WUAMAN at Jackalope Arvada this October 4th & 5th, 2025
Website: www.wuaman.com

Instagram: @wuaman.official

Dante Perozzi

Where are you from and does it affect your work?

I have moved around a ton in my life, so it's not easy to sum up. I was born in Zimbabwe, lived in places like Virginia, Louisiana, South Carolina, sailed on a boat along the US east coast and into the Caribbean, and finally settled in Arizona. The longest I stayed anywhere was 12 years in California, but I was just 21 when I got there. I think all that moving around made me more open to taking risks, trying new things, and not being afraid of big changes or new ideas.

Very cool! Do you have any artistic influences?

Yes! Other than finding beauty in formal attributes and shapes - I am always moved and inspired by sculpture. Some favorites that I can think of right now are Louise Nevelson, Gordon Matta Clark, Robert Motherwell, Carl Andre, Eva Hesse.

How do you define success as an artist?

Success as an artist is creating something that can affect the thoughts or emotions of others through my creations. They have an impact and can be absorbed/appreciated by an audience. In the case of jewelry, I feel successful when I see someone light up when they find or wear my my jewelry. 

What’s the hardest part of your creation process?

Knowing when to stop! I have endless ideas and I could make new designs indefinitely. But I have learned to hold myself back otherwise I become buried by the production of too many pieces at a time. Patience doesn’t come easily to me.  

What’s a lesson that’s helped you grow as an artist?
It's important to embrace the possibility of failure in my art (and life) and to welcome the opportunity to learn from mistakes. I try not to attach the thought that anything in the work is too precious. That invites worry, fear and doubt (in that order). These three things can kill creativity before it even sparks.

When I look back at my career to date- I can link every period of significant growth and breakthroughs as an artist further back to moments when I fell short, had to change direction, or let go of something I believed in. Those were difficult to process in the moment but I soon discovered a shift in my perspective and turned the momentum around any frustrations into inspiration for some of the really excellent work that followed.

Well said. Has your style changed over time?

I went from working with very clean lines, straight edges, smooth surfaces with sharp angled designs that were highly structural in nature to the complete opposite end of the spectrum! I am currently making pieces that are highly textural, and more organic in form. It’s funny to think about how very different my work is now.

Ya we can spot the difference from when you first started doing our fairs! How have you continued to develop your skillset as an artist?

I have steadily added skills to my knowledge base from the beginning. I thrive off of a design challenge-and since I don't let my personal skillset limit my ideas, I am often seeking out knowledge via courses or local resources in order to bring my idea to life.

What is your favorite item you’ve created and why?

I could never pick a favorite. But I’ll say that I am really enjoying making chains lately. I have a beautiful new piece called the Nara Chain and I find it mesmerizing.  I can definitely see more unique chain making in my future.

What is a fun fact that others may not know about you?

I have two fingers on my right hand. Luckily, the fingers I have make a solid combo- opposable thumb and a pinky. I’ve always figured things out my own way, which probably explains my version of creative thinking and making.

I played all-star level sports growing up, I picked up guitar in high school and I'm still playing. I truly never felt that I had to sit anything out- except maybe the dream of being a hand model....but in the end, I make up for my lack of ring fingers with my strong earring game. Snark aside, I'm not conscious of my difference- and because it rarely crosses my mind- I find that it's a bit uncomfortable to bring it up now. But I admit that it is a foundational piece of how I have come to operate in the world. Maybe you will be surprised by this little fun fact about me.

That is incredible and inspiring that it never held you back from doing something you wanted to. Any new items or projects you’re excited about?
At the start of the year, I set a goal to make a handful of one-of-a-kind pieces to bring to every in-person event as a way to ensure there will always be a surprise in store. Put into practice, making these has turned out to be a great way to stay creatively loose—playing with new forms, experimenting with stones and pearls, and refining ideas for Fine pieces in development and with metal market prices rocketing even higher, I am obliged to work within a smaller scale that is financially accessible when made in solid gold. The aim is to find the fancy without losing the bold, sculptural feel that defines my work.

And since I basically spilled the beans in the last paragraph… I am on the record (for the first time) that DPJ Fine line is finally happening - it will debut to much celebration on my end. Now you have an idea of what's been happening behind the scenes at DPJ - keep your eyes peeled and come for a visit as I'll probably sneak a few of the newbies out to Jackalope and other events to see what you all think of them before making anything official! 

We can’t wait to see! And finally, what do you love most about Colorado?

I have been in Colorado for 7.5 years now and the beauty of this state is truly incomparable, I have also really grown to love the active and engaged community of people I have found here. I have 2 young boys that I am very grateful to be able to raise in this special place.

Can’t wait to be back there soon! Catch Dante Perozzi at Jackalope Arvada on October 4th & 5th, 2025

Website: www.danteperozzi.com

Instagram: @danteperozzijewelery

Daili Shang

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

I am from China. I majored in Physics. Being an Asian descendent who was forced into a career which didn't bring joy to me makes me understand those who want to be true to themself. I promote pursuing one's dream and self-care in my work. 

We love that mission. How did you get your start? 

I majored in physics in college because that’s one of the “society approved” majors in Asian culture. I’ve always loved art and the great outdoors. I wanted to be true to myself and started exploring art and a more flexible lifestyle after I graduated.

What are your biggest artistic influences?

My biggest artistic influences are the problems we face every day. I try to use a humorous tone to address the problems and use my art to let people know that this is okay. We will get through this. In the meantime, take a deep breath and take care of yourself.

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

A successful artist is progressing compared to herself/himself/themselves. A successful artist has the freedom to create what makes herself/himself/themselves happy.

What is the hardest part of your creation process? 

To slow down and recharge to create better work.

It can be hard to step a way at times. What is a typical day like in the studio for you? 

I reply to emails in the morning. I spend most of my day learning and practicing as I’m a self-taught artist and I’m only in the second year of making art. There is a ton to learn. 

How has your style changed over time?

I intentionally make my style simpler and more stylized over time.

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

My favorite piece is the national park sign which says "some who wander are lost and that is okay too". I love that I altered Tolkien's saying and made it my own version. Many people get courage and spend time to explore more from this new version. This piece is also clever in the sense that a national park sign is supposed to tell you where you are, but this sign tells you that you are lost and that is okay.

As someone who’s attended fairs in multiple Jackalope cities, what do you love most about Pasadena?

I love the mountains in Pasadena. The authentic Chinese food in San Gabrielle village comes to a close second.

And how about (Arvada) Colorado?! I love nature. I love bicycle riding in Colorado.

Now we can’t wait for you to be a part of our Burbank event and see all that this great city has to offer as well.

And finally, is there anything special you would like to add?

I started my art journey in my 30s two years ago. I am a full-time artist now. I want to let those who want to pursue their dream but in doubt know that you just have to start. The rest will take care of itself. 

My work can also be found at Ten Women Gallery at 2719 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405. 

Catch Shang Daili at the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on December 7th & 8th, 2024.

Website: www.shangdaili.com/

Instagram: @shang_daili