Photo by Leon Villagomez http://www.leonvillagomez.com

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

I would describe my style as geometric, organic, masculine and feminine, minimal at times and over the top at others. I recently went to the MoMa in SF and finally saw some of Richard Cerra’s work and I totally love it. I love how raw his work is. I think there is an incredible amount of beauty to be found in the rougher things in our world. I also love the work of Ellsworth Kelly. His forms are so clean, minimal and refined, kinda genius how his pieces interact with light. I’m also inspired by a lot of local artists who I’m friends with. Anna Sofia Amezcua, is a wonderful abstract painter. Her work is passionate, soft and explosive and her use of colors is incredible. She’s actually inspired me to try my own hand at painting, which has lead to the hand painted effects that I use on my woodworks. There’s Also Shannon Sullivan, who is a talented ceramicist. I love her process and how she uses a limited amount of shapes in forms in different ways to create so many different pieces that look so distinct from each other. Also, there’s Peggy Loudon, another ceramicist. Her work is refined and clean and very precise and is informed by traditional, beautiful practices. 

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

All of my compositions feature triangles. I try to use them in as many ways as possible. I try to find a balance between controlling my materials and allowing the natural, rough stuff to shine through.   

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

I’ve always been really fascinated by people and the things that they create. I think that the hardest thing to do is to understand another. There’s a really special sense of knowing a person when you can see what they’ve created. It’s sort of like the old notion of, I wonder if the red I see is the same red you see. I can understand what you are saying, to an extent I can understand what you are feeling but when you create something it’s a synthesis of all of your thoughts, feelings, experiences and hard work. So that can really be anything that people make: paintings, architecture, sculpture, beautiful food presentation, etc. I just try to find any place where people are expressing themselves as purely as possible in what they are creating. That’s the thing that excites me, that’s the thing that makes me want to respond by creating myself. 

4. When do you feel the most creative?

I feel the most creative when I’m in my shop. I have big piles of\ raw materials, processed materials, paints, glue, nails, etc. I sometimes feel anxiety about making things or life, but when I’m in my shop, I feel very focused and the rest of the world can be put aside. I love getting into the process of making things. There’s a lot of tedious aspects to what I do, but I love it and embrace it, it has become to me a meditation.  

5. What is your creative process like?

I do a little bit of sketching, not as much as I use to. When I’m working out new ideas or color schemes, I like to try them out with making small pieces. I might make 15-20 small things until I feel confident that I know what I want to do on a larger scale. I mostly build all of the pieces in my mind before I even cut a single piece of wood. But while I’m actually making the piece, I do allow myself to take a detour whenever I get a new idea. For me, rules and order allow me to actually be more free and creative and strike out in a different direction. 

Photo by Leon Villagomez HTTP://WWW.LEONVILLAGOMEZ.COM

6. Where can we learn more about you?  

On my website jdesoto.com or on Instagram jdesoto_fineartwoodworks

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

I make art in part as a political statement. We live in a time where unfettered capitalism is the largest and most permeating religion that humanity has seen. This comes at a huge cost to our environment and to each other. We are faced with systems that are tearing us apart from each other and the earth, and causing us to harm and consume everything as much as possible. Ecosystems are destroyed, entire species of animals are wiped from the planet. What we receive from this system in turn, is a bunch of useless, soulless junk that is designed to fail. We have had our psyches hacked and have bought into materialism and money as a source for meaning. 

I want, as much a possible, to know that every step of the process of what I create is made with intention. Where do the materials come from? How are thepeople working with the materials I use treated, paid; what are their working conditions like? How is the environment treated?

I want how and why I make things to be central to my art. I want to make thingsthat reduce our environmental impact, I want to make things that last. Ultimately,  I want to contribute to a society in which people are paid what they are worth,  and through my work, create a place that is supportive of happiness.     

How did you start in the Handmade community?
Creating has always been second nature to me. I worked retail in college while studying Art History. I soon combined the two, running an Etsy shop for custom painted and embroidered shoes and wearables. After working full time as a Creative Director for a women's boutique, I realized my true passion was in the art of the Handmade. As in art, one project leads to the next and I began decorating and embellishing the cow skulls. With Rose & Royce I can combine all my creations in one place for modern bohemian art and accessories. I love knowing someone can enjoy my creation.

What or who inspires you?
I love fashion. The art of combining pieces to create an entire look is a lot like creating something handmade. You might have to try a few things before you get the combination that feels right to you. But in the end, there is no wrong answer. I am also endlessly inspired by the colors, textures, and patterns in fashion. 

What makes your work unique and truly your own?
Each piece from Rose & Royce is one of a kind. The accessories are all handmade, hand embroidered, or hand painted. I source a lot of fabrics, threads, trim and beading from thrift stores creating something new from something old. Similarly, the cow skulls are all authentic, sourced from Mexico. Each cow has it's own uniqueness from the horns to the shape of the skull. The cows get a second life as art in their new homes!

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?
I am excited to bring a variety of goodies to Jackalope. I will have the hand decorated cow skulls, mini resin skulls (if you can't commit to a big guy), wrapped antler sheds, dream catcher wall hangings, hand sewn clutches and purses, as well as fun boho Christmas stockings and ornaments! 

How would you describe your style?  Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?
Hmmm. I guess ‘playful’ would be the word I’d choose. I love the work of Chris Antieu! She’s able to make me think and laugh with her clever fabric pieces.

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?
I take a lot of time to ensure that each of my Noshkins felt pieces is recognizable to kids in a realistic way. I don’t hold with dumbing down toys. They should be well made and beautiful. I add detail so that multiple senses are engaged. I have a sister and as good friend help me sew. The rule is to create the pieces as long as there is enjoyment in the making. I don’t want any bad juju going into the pieces!

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?
I look for inspiration all around me. Definitely nature, but also work by other artists.  I love being outdoors observing natures colors and textures. I also enjoy just observing people and how they interact and react.

When do you feel the most creative?
I feel especially creative after visiting a museum. I heard people say that there is no original art. But I think what we put into our art makes it original.

What is your creative process like?
I try to imagine what will spark smile in someone. Then it starts with a sketch and a rough sample. I could spend hours on a piece but eventually the actual production has to be cost effective. I’m constantly reworking patterns.

Any special item you'll be releasing or sale you'll be doing at the fair that we should tell people about?
We will be offering a 15% discount on all Noshkins sets and a 20% discount on Facekins eco-friendly reusable facial pads.

Where can we learn more about you?
My pieces may be seen at www.etsy.com/shop/noshkins and www.etsy.com/shop/facekins. Both shops have videos about their respective products.

My wife and I were driving through the Texas panhandle when she spotted her first tumbleweed tumbling down the middle of the road, "just drive over it”, I said, “people get in accidents when they try to miss them... it'll fall apart when you run the car over it." One mile later, on the side of the road, as I dug the surprisingly tenacious tumbleweed out from under the car, we decided on the spot that such a determined “weed” should have a place in our home.

After several years of spray paint and tinsel, Halloween ghosts, and Christmas ornaments, our mascot tumbleweed just fell apart into an eclectic display of dried sticks and stems in a beautiful array of colors, resting in the bottom of an old clay pot. The first thought in my artist’s brain was, “if I can get those bits and pieces to stick together, I can sculpt something unique.”

My beginning attempts to dye and press tumbleweed into a viable medium (stable and visually stimulating) for sculpturing firstly became a weekend hobby, then a part-time project, then a full-time obsession! The first try failed, so did the second and third, so did the 78th! With the needed equipment becoming more complex, supplies costlier, patience waning, my commitment often failed me, but I continued to come back to the “vision” of tumbleweeds resting in the bottom of that old clay pot.

Finally, in September of 2012, the very first “fossilized” tumbleweed brick was produced! The first cut into the brick revealed a stable and stunningly beautiful product. When I finally held the very first tumbleweed gem in my hand, with my wife and grandson gathered around, we knew something (never seen before) had just blinked into existence…. And that moment is truly the beginning of my family’s journey.

Mature tumbleweeds are gathered from the Arizona desert, debarked, and dyed vivid colors using plant ­based pigments. The dyed sticks and stems are heated and compressed for 30 days, producing a brick of "fossilized" tumbleweed. From the first cut to the finished piece, each handmade stone is unique in size, shape, color, and grain pattern. Appreciate the slight imperfections that naturally occur during the dying and pressing processes of this re-purposed southwestern icon.

Learn more about Tumblestone on their website at  http://www.tumblestonejewelry.com/

How did you start in the Handmade community?

After 32 successful years in multiple senior management positions in corporate America and successfully beating chemotherapy and Ovarian Cancer, my husband and  I decided to retire early.  

I have always been crafty and did Counted Cross Stitch, Quilting, Scrapbooking and jewelry design.  So, I started designing and making Leather Wrap Bracelets.  Once Customers see the bracelets and realize that they are wrist size specific they started to order them.  Through of mouth, Beading by Diana was born.

What or who inspires you?

I am inspired by fashion in general especially now when there are so many options available.  I believe what I have learned about color and color pairings in Quilting coupled with a "natural eye" for color pallets, has really helped in designing my bracelets.

What makes your work unique and truly your own?

There are other designers making Leather Wrap Bracelets but mine are NOT one-size-fits-all!  I make multiple sizes to fit your specific wrist size and the ability to make them to fit the smallest wrist to a larger wrist, including Men's and Children's sizes.  

I also design the bracelet to look like five different bracelets.   Each of the wrap's five sections are a different design. For example, if you have a 7 inch wrist, Each 7 inch section is a different design.  

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I have both four and five wrap Leather Wrap bracelets in sizes from 5" to 7.5".  The color combinations are endless.  These bracelets are for all occasions, all seasons and for all family members.  They are great for your own fashions sense and make great gifts.  I have even designed bracelets for a wedding party! 

Visit my website on www.beadingbydiana.com!  Once you buy one....you will buy more!

How would you describe your style?

I’m not sure that I can name my style. So many art movements and cultures inspire me. I’ve always felt that I’m a very intuitive maker. I go wherever the art takes me. Often I complete a design and the final piece looks very different from my original notes and sketches. People that see my work in person sometimes tell me that my work has an art deco or tribal feel and as long as the costumer has a connection to the pieces I’m totally ok with that.

When do you feel the most creative?

In the dark! I feel that my best ideas come to me when I’m laying in bed at night. I toss and turn thinking of all the how’s and why’s of a design. I get so excited to get a sketch out on paper but am too lazy to actually get up and do it. I eventually fall asleep and if the idea still makes sense to me the next morning, then it’s a winner.

What is your creative process like?

I start of new designs with a really loose sketch that consists more of notes than actual drawing. I usually don’t do many detailed drawings by hand; I’m more of a digital designer. When I’m working on a new design I use my sketches/notes and build the design by adding and subtracting elements. I follow my gut and have to keep many things in mind as I design because stitching onto wood isn’t as forgiving as stitching into fabric so a lot of planning goes into the designs. Once I feel good with the design I start building and drilling a prototype. Then once my wood panel prototype is ready that’s when I actually start thinking about threads and colors. The final step is stitching and I finally get to see the design come to life.

When people see my work in person they assume that the embroidery phase is the most time consuming, sometimes a piece does take hours to stitch but what takes the most time is building and drilling each design. It’s a long and detailed process but a true labor of love. Completing each piece brings me joy and pride.

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

It’s not a tip but a quote by Saul Bass, “I want to make beautiful things, even if nobody cares”. It keeps me motivated to create for me and no one else.

Any special item you'll be releasing or sale you'll be doing at the fair that we should tell people about?

I didn’t participate in any spring or summer fairs because I wanted to focus on producing new designs. So there will be many new and limited pieces to see at Jackalope holiday market. Plus, I always do a small price mark down on all my pieces for craft fairs.

Where can we learn more about you?

I’m most active on Instagram @GracyDesignAndCraft but you can also find me on facebook/GracyDesignAndCraft and on twitter @GracyDesign

1. How did you start in the handmade community?

My previous work as a mapmaker in a city government had been creative and challenging but cubicle life and male bosses eventually wore me down. By chance I'd seen a camera bag made of waxed canvas and lined with plaid flannel. Entranced with the image and believing that being taught to sew in childhood would translate to the industrial sewing machines needed for canvas, I set off to become a maker. As it turns out, there is a great deal more "to it" than that but I'm really glad for the means to claim a position in the tribe of hand-makers. Living rural, as I do, having that community is crucial.

2. What or who Inspires you?

My husband John, a blacksmith operating as Black Bear Forge, did all the hard work of learning how to start a maker business and operate it in the age of the Internet. I copy him! For design inspiration I look to the fabric outdoor gear of the past - things that were made by sailors, carried by the people who first made hiking a recognized activity, taken to the Gold rush, or churned out for the armed services by factories full of women during World War II. In my family such items were familiar, even everyday and I guess I am imprinted on them.

3. What makes your work unique and truly your own?

Any uniqueness I might claim would be based on my design aesthetic, my willingness to search out top-quality materials that fit that aesthetic, and the ways that I combine those factors.

4. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I plan to bring to Jackalope a number of variations on my ditty bag design, plus tool rolls and aprons for the hand woodworkers who are so much a part of my tribe, and some items with a DeHavilland Beaver floatplane print theme for pilots both real and wannabe (like me). There will be nothing frilly or whimsical, just practical and handsome gear.

Find our more on Camp Robber at: https://camp-robber.com/

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

Since I hand make all my bags myself, no two bags are exactly alike...they each take on a personality of their own.  That's whats so cool about handmade and not factory made...nothing is sterile.  Also, I really like to add fun little details into my work, like color-blocking, really fun patterned lining fabrics to the inside, and even some bags have hand braided straps.  I think the graphic and geometric details of most of my bags make my brand distinguishable.

2. When do you feel the most creative?

When I'm out exploring LA. I've been here a little over 3 years now and I feel there is always somewhere new to go and to see.  DTLA's arts district has the coolest murals, just walking around there inspires me.  Also, being around other creatives, which is basically anywhere and everywhere throughout LA.  

3. What is your creative process like?

Usually I'll do a quick rough sketch of what I want to make, then I start making the pattern from there.  After I make the paper pattern I cut all my leather and lining fabric and start sewing.  Each bag takes a fair amount of time to cut and sew....on average a good solid 8 hours total (sans breaks), so I break up the process over the course of a few days.

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

Being prolific is key.  Just keep creating and it will take you where you need to be.

5. Any special item you'll be releasing or sale you'll be doing at the fair that we should tell people about?

15% off everything for Jackalope Craft Fair! 

6. Where can we learn more about you?  

Check out my about page @ www.BrittanyMatyas.com

1.  What made you come up with the concept for Waffling Around?

We were traveling in Europe and our kids loved the waffle on a stick, we toyed around with it for a year or so and realized it wasn't really known on the westcoast and decided to give it a try, while also adding some other uncommon waffle creations, luckily for us it has been a success. 

2. Do you have a favorite flavor/combination?

One of my favorites is coconut baked into the waffle dipped in chocolate!! The sweetness of the coconut in the waffle makes it such a treat and the chocolate on top of that... Like a Mounds bar in pastry form. 

3.  What do you like most about doing art & craft fairs?

Arts and crafts fair usually go hand in hand with foodies who really appreciate the concept of our waffle, we also enjoy all the different people that the fairs attract and the unique vendors we get to meet and sometimes team up with in the future. 

4. What are you looking forward to in doing Jackalope?

 Looking forward to making new relationships and experiencing the culture of Jackalope and its following. 

With holiday season prep underway, and shows upon shows all just around the corner, we thought it would be a great time to share some tips on how to make the best at any event.

And who better to hear tips from than artisans who have been in your shoes?  Our Jackalope community has a wide array of knowledge and show experience to be shared.  Here are some of the top tips for show day:

1) "Great advice given to me: "Sitters don't sell" I keep a high stool in my booth so I can get off my feet if there's a slow moment, but makes it easy to get up and talk to people." - Wendy Osmundson: Granola Mama's Handmade

The Vintage Grooming Company @ The Jackalope Denver Summer 2016 Fair

2) "Really think about your display! Customers will be drawn into your booth when they can visualize how your product will look in their home. People will notice all of the hard work you put into your product!" - Laura Rodriguez, Beyond and Back Vintage

The Happy Pantry @ Jackalope Pasadena Fall 2015 Fair

3) "Make sure to bring proper weights - there are great DIY videos on YouTube to make your own. Just the right gust or monsoon can be devastating but with weights... Sooo much less so. 😃 " - Heather DeSimone, Leetie Lovendale

Tumeric and Old Lace Healing Essentials @ Jackalope Denver Summer 2016

4) "Smile big and welcome everyone the same way. Don't prequalify your customers. You never know which ones will buy and how much they will spend." - Jennifer Enck, Drinks and Crafts

5) "Bring your craft or something to work on during the show. Customers love to see the work that goes into the products they're shopping for. And you'd be surprised at how many people ask if you make the product!" - Ashley Rutstein, Apparently Ashley

6) "Do a practice set up of your booth ahead of the show. Makes the best use of your space, and saves so much time at setup." 
- Amy Godinez, SnickyB Handmade

7) "1. Do not eat at your booth, it looks unprofessional and people don't want to interrupt your meal so they keep walking. 2. No cell phones, again it's unprofessional and people feel you are too busy to engage with them. You aren't present when on your phone. 3. Don't sit, if you can, stay standing and available during the event. Be ready to engage with a vibe of positivity. 4. If applicable, have dog treats in your booth. We met so many cute furry friends and dog treats were very appreciated by owners and a great way to start a conversation. 5. Price your goods. People really liked our little price tags and table signs. Easy to read information is key" - Jamie Lynn, PrinEle Designs

8) "If you have the option, create a walk-up display vs a walk-in display. For example, vendors who use a table to showcase their products, like a single 6 or 8 foot table, move that table to the front of the booth and stand behind it. People are more likely to stop and browse the items on the table at the front of a booth than they are to walk in to a tent. There's a level of commitment in entering a canopy that not everyone is prepared to make, but taking a look at a table as one walks past or approaches, that's low pressure on the customer."  - Mark Brunner, HumanTreeRobot

Lutume @ Jackalope Pasadena Fall 2015 Fair

9) "It can really be worth it to leave your stuff out, and not start packing up until the show is officially over. Some of my biggest sales have happened at the last minute." - Jennifer Wedgle, WillowSwitch Designs

Laura Ann's Jams @ Jackalope Pasadena Fall 2015

10) "Keep energy high! Remember good healthy snacks & water. It will keep your mind clear and a smile on your face. A beautiful booth wont help if you are crabby or sluggish.

Also, CARDS. I can't tell you how many booths I go to that dont have biz cards. You might not close a sale that day but with your card and a good memory of you, they may order online or pass it onto a friend later!" - Laura Ann Masura, Laura Ann's Jams

11) "I have a checklist of essentials that I keep and print it off before each show. It has saved my butt many times. I also keep an "emergency" backpack full of supplies - from paper clips to pens to a hammer and screwdriver." - Cari Ann: Wuve

12) "Utilize vertical space.  Using varying heights is more interesting to the eye and makes it easier to scan your products.  Also try raising your tables up by placing them on bed risers.  This makes it so customers don't have to lean over uncomfortably to shop." - Carmen McNiel Voelpel: Jewelry by McV

13)  "I found it really helpful to have pieces at a lot of different price points.  Sometimes there will be a customer who really likes your work but doesn't have a huge budget.  Likewise, if you have all lower priced items, you're going to have to sell so much more to profit." - Laura Jones Martinez: Line & Dot by Laura Jones Martinez

14) "Be thoughtful of your shoppers and offer small or medium paper bags with handles for their purchases from your booth. Put your name and logo on the bag and it's free advertising as well!" - Rondo Mieczkowski: Coldwater Canyon Provisions

15) "Be kind and courteous to your fellow artists attending the show with you and the organizers, everyone is there at the same place for the same reason, to share our passion with the world!  When you remember that, everything runs smoothly and you will have a good show!" - Jenilyn Bailard: The Painted Ladies