Meet the Pasadena Jurors: Marci Toombs

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

The arts have always been a huge presence in my life. I studied Ballet and Apparel Design in College.  I have had a sting passion for crafting since I was a little one, with a particular interest in Yarn crafts. 

Q: What / who is your biggest inspiration?

My customers, they inspire me to always strive to do more. They are the reason we introduced Lula School. 

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

I saved my pennies and opened my dream store in 2003. :-) A collection of thousands of crafters under one roof.  My teaching credentials for Lula School are from personal crafting experience, and passion for craft.

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: 

Some current favorites are Mods Best Friend, Lo & Chlo, Something Blue, Chez Gagne Letterpress, Life is Funny LA.. I could go on and on haha

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

The uniqueness and individuality that comes from each piece. It adds a heartbeat to a gift. 

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

Passion for their craft & individuality. 

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

To be a part of such a beautiful growing community, and to stand by the side of an organization that is helping these crafters to grow and reach their dreams. Such an honor.

Q: Where can we find out more about you? 

On our website lulamae.com and from our IG page :-)


Meet the Jackalope Jurors: Lindsay Viker

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.

Meet the Phoenix Jurors: Rachel Malloy of Bunky Boutique

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/

Jackalope Arts: A Year in Review!

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! 

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! 

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! 

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! 

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!

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!

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!

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 piec…

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! 

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! 

Phoenix Vendor Spotlight: Artifact Fine Art

Meet Leah Kiser, of Artifact Fine Art.

I'm a figure painter of characters.  Satirical ideas and dark humor often inspire me, sort of like a cartoonist, but where I feel I differ is in my patience for details. I enjoy falling deep into the visual world to learn how things fit together realistically.

What sort of things inspire you? 

I find inspiration in everyday life.  Silly thoughts will often pop into my mind at inopportune moments and when they make me laugh out loud I start to think about how I can make that idea work on canvas (I have to admit -my kids are helpful in that part of the process). My ideas often seem childish, but the color and composition of my work has a more serious or mature feeling. 

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

I look at paintings by masters for inspiration on composition and color.  Gustav Klimt, Degas, Van Gogh, other impressionist figure painters are usually a good start for me. 

When do you feel the most creative?

I feel most creative when I'm alone. I paint in my garage and listen to sort of visceral music while I'm working -White Stripes, Bon Iver, El Ten Eleven, Adel, Postal Service. I like the way the music makes me feel.  It puts me into a creative and active frame of mind. 

I paint because it is therapeutic for me.  I am more of a listener and observer.  Words do not come easily for me, and when I make art I get to develop my ideas and understand the world from my humble perspective.  When I share my hard work with others, I learn that many people do appreciate my way of thinking and the hard work that I do. It helps me feel valid (thank you, fans).

You can learn more about me on my website artifactfa.com

Shop Artifact Fine Art at Jackalope Art & Craft Fair on December 12th & 13th at Steele Indian School Park!

Phoenix Vendor Spotlight: Reagan Alexander Photography
  • What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own

My skull series was inspired by the Arizona desert and the popularity of cow skulls in home decor. I was searching for a means to combine the two in a creative way to hang in my own home and I think as it was something for myself initially, I became very invested in the creation of the series. The double exposures are unique because they are made in camera, not in photoshop, and the detail in the layered images is amazing. I'm also really happy with how unique each image looks printed on different materials - metallic paper, metal, wood and even fabric. 

  • What sort of things inspire you?  

The desert and the southwest have been huge inspirations for me. I am fascinated by the light, colors, shapes, and textures found here. 

  • Where do you look for inspiration?

I love to see others create in any medium: film, paint, metal, music, writing, etc... 

  • When do you feel the most creative?

Most of my ideas come to me during a good run. I think most runners would tell you that! 

  • What is your creative process like?

An idea usually takes time for me to develop fully and to execute completely. I often sketch what I have in mind, I make tons of lists, gather materials and scout locations, and then I just try out my ideas. There can be many test shoots before I find the right elements to create the image I had in mind originally.

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

One of my photography teachers encouraged us to experiment and explore because you never know where one small idea might lead and how it may evolve. 

  • Where can we learn more about you?  

My website: www.reaganalexander.ca also includes my documentary and family photography.

My Etsy shop: www.reaganalexanderphoto.etsy.com

and Instagram: @reaganalexanderphoto 

Phoenix Vendor Spotlight: Adam Rabbit

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

Phoenix Vendor Spotlight: Melis Accessories

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

 

 

 

We LOVE our Phoenix Sponsors!

Phoenix New Times:  The paper continues its tradition of award-winning long-form journalism while covering daily happenings and pop culture in its Valley Fever (news), Up on the Sun (music), Jackalope Ranch (culture), and Chow Bella (food) blogs. The total package makes Phoenix New Times a must-read and a perfect partner for Jackalope Arts! We will even be doing a giveaway with them featuring some of our vendors once we get closer ;)

Arizona Art SupplyFor over 65 years, artists have depended on Arizona Art Supply for high quality art materials and technical information. Between their website and stores they offer over 30,000 artist products with the highest in-store student/instructor discount in Arizona. Arizona Art Supply also makes generous contributions to professional arts organizations to ensure that individual artists have strong foundations in the community.

This Could Be PHX:  This Could Be PHX provides a creative outlet to envision Phoenix the way "we" want and start a community discussion in order to plant the seeds of our future. Their goals are simple: envisioneducate, and inspire.  They help to raise awareness about urban living and sustainability in Phoenix through monthly envisioning projects, educational blogs, and inspirational showcases.

We Do Men : The Man Spa: This male focused spa is throwing the taboos and stereotypes of the industry right back at it!  Making it something new to talk about, with a comedic twist, owner Stacey Grondahl wanted to create a new take on ManHandling.  Hence WE DO MEN, and the #BoozeAndTaboos Menu, was born. 

francesGeorganne Bryant opened Frances, affectionately named after her grandmother, in the heart of midtown Phoenix in 2006. She personally curates Frances’ revered blend of unique clothing, jewelry, paper goods and handmade gifts.

Couture in the Suburbs:  Fashion. Beauty. Culture. 
Couture in the Suburbs seeks to expose talented individuals excelling within these industries to an investigative audience. They look for the best of the unknown; whether that be a fashion designer, makeup artist or photographer. Discover the stories of these emerging artists as told by a team of distinguished bloggers, determined to showcase the next generation of talent.

Phoenix Ale Brewery: The home of our artisan mixer!  You can't drink the beer at the Fair but they have graciously hosted our artisan mixer and you can visit Phoenix Ale Brewery yourself for some delicious, local pints!

Yelp: Everyone knows and loves Yelp as the premier site to find the best of what's local!  

Junk N Love:  A collaborative community for creatives. Junk N Love is a cost effective way to promote businesses and a venue for creative collaboration within our community. A juried Merchant Directory and Event Calendar are the cornerstones of the website, along with an ever-growing list of additional features to help you stay informed and connected.

Phoenix Vendor Spotlight: Hot Chick Aprons

How would you describe your style?  
I'd say my style is a mixture of a few elements...a little bit modern, a little bit bohemian, and a little bit vintage.  

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Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?
There are so many to choose from!  I'm a big fan of Justina Blakeney, author of The Modern Bohemian and creator of The Jungalow.  I admire her sense of style and her love of mixing prints.  I feel like we'd be friends if we met :)

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own? 
I've always been the friend who gives handmade gifts for birthdays, weddings, special life events, etc.  And fortunately for me, my friends and family seem to love receiving these handmade gifts!  I just feel like there's more life and love attached to the gift, and it makes a person feel special when they receive it.  I think this is why I love doing custom apron orders.  I love finding prints that match a person's aesthetic and then creating a product that I know they'll love.

What sort of things inspire you? 
First and foremost my friends and family inspire me.  The support I get from them to continue creating my product is most inspiring.  Also, I've come to the realization that I am a fabric addict.  I am obsessed with textiles!  Finding prints and mixing and matching them makes my heart flutter!  That feeling inspires me.

Where do you look for inspiration?
I love shopping at the local vintage shops and finding quirky items that are rich with history.  I'm inspired every time I go to farmer's markets and flea markets.  It's so great to see all the talented vendors selling products that their hearts (and time) go into. There's just so much creativity out there!  

When do you feel the most creative?
It's strange to say, but I'm most creative when I've had the least amount of sleep!

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?
"Believe in your product and others will too." and "Your love for your product will be contagious."

Where can we learn more about you?
You can also find me on www.hotchickaprons.etsy.com
Instagram @hotchickaprons
Twitter @hotchickaprons
Facebook @hotchickaprons

Shop Hot Chick Aprons at Jackalope Art & Craft Fair on December 12th & 13th at Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix AZ!