Posts in Denver

How did you get started with your art?

I got started painting in 2005. My husband spent 4 years fighting for disability through social security and in 2005 we finally obtained it. That meant a check for four years worth of disability. He wanted art supplies to keep him busy. I asked him if he minded if I got some watercolors because I was interested in learning them. He said to go for it. I ordered watercolors, paper, brushes and some books. I taught myself watercolors and four months later did my first fine art show. My style changed about ten years ago. (There’s a blog article on this on my website)

Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part of the process is watching the pigment in the water travel and mix with other colors.

We can definitely see some clear themes in your work, but where does your inspiration come from?

Nature inspires me to create. I enjoy painting animals and flowers, with a particular focus on endangered animals as well as sea life.

What’s a typical day like for you in the studio?

A typical day in the studio includes me getting up at 630-ish, working on a sketch or making a list for the day. At 7:20 I leave to take my boys to work/school, run any errands I need to and return home to work on the painting or to knock out my list of todos. Which could include augmented reality work for my paintings, or coloring book, inventory and ordering, or sublimating some of the merch I have.

Do you have a favorite piece you have created thus far?

My favorite item that I created is an animated augmented reality piece. A painting that comes to life with an animation after scanning a QR code.

Very Cool! What do you enjoy most about in-person events now that things are picking up again.

I missed talking to people the most at in person events.

Us too. What will you be bringing to Jackalope this September since you are driving out from California?!

I will be bringing some pretty cool original paintings to Olde Town Arvada as well as hand sublimated items like magnets, keychains, coffee mugs, puzzles, tumblers, coasters and stickers, greeting cards and of course Fine Art Prints. I will also be bringing Augmented Reality Art that has embedded videos and/or animations.

Anything special you’d like to share?

I do custom work both painting as well as augmented reality. So think about the wildest thing you’d like to see and let me create it!

Where to see more of Water + Ink Studios:

Website | www.waterplusink.com

Instagram | @waterplusink

Vendor Spotlights, DenverJackalope ArtsSeptember 8, 2021vendor spotlight, art, artwork

Meet Transient Craft

We have to ask, do you have a story behind your company name?
I watched a documentary on the history channel about “trench craft” in WWII. The name evolved from there. My idea was crafting products that worked for our lifestyle. Everything could be worn multiple ways and was made of eco friendly fabric.

Love that! Tell us more on how you got started?

My husband (then boyfriend) had a one neck gaiter. It was old and made of polyester and he wore it everywhere. I knew that I could make a better, more sustainable product. Transient Craft - Handmade Bamboo Clothing was born.

What inspires you to create?

I have been making things my whole life, I can't imagine not creating something new everyday.

What is your favorite part of the creation process?

Definitely the colors. Every four yard piece of fabric I dye is unique. I love every shade from blue to bright red. Some colors we can repeat, some colors will never be the same. Not knowing how something will turn out until the end is part of the draw to continue.

What about a favorite item you have created?

Our multifunctional dresses are one of my favorite items. Made with small batch production in our home studio, each one is unique. I designed them to be worn three ways as a dress, a skirt or a poncho.

Awesome, can’t wait to see that in person! Take us through a typical day in the studio for you?

It depends on what we are working on. If it's a dying day, it starts by cutting down a bolt of fabric. Then while I soak the fabric I make a general plan for what colors I am going to make that day. After that the dying begins, I layer four yard pieces in plastic tubs, a different color in each layer. As I rinse each bucket I get to see each color come to life.

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

I missed getting to talk to people about what I make. At each show you always meet new people and experience new things.

In prepping for Jackalope, what will you be bringing to show in Olde Town Arvada? Do you have anything special you’ve been working on lately?

We will be bringing our bamboo multi functional dress, gaiters and headbands, along with all of our eco friendly handmade goodness.

Support us in celebrating the newest addition to Transient Craft, their baby boy Leo

Final question: what do you love most about Colorado?

Being outside.

Fall is a perfect time to be outside in Colorado. We can’t wait to see you in person this September 18th & 19th when Jackalope takes over Olde Town Arvada. See you soon!

Where to see more of Transient Craft:

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

Instagram | @thetransientcraft

DenverJackalope ArtsSeptember 3, 2021vendor spotlight

Meet Wit & West

We have to ask, do you have a story behind your company name?
Wit & West Perfumes is named for myself and my husband (i.e., the owners of the brand), Whitney (aka Wit) and my husband's last name (aka West).

Your names really go so well together. Tell us more on how you got started?

Brumaire Woods Eau de Parfum_Lifestyle.jpg

From as early as I can remember I have had a passion for scent and the world of perfume. Beyond my own passion for perfume, my husband (West) and I have always been captivated by music and the visual and gastronomic arts and constantly drawn toward travel and unique cultural experiences. How could we join these pursuits together in an interesting and genuine fashion? Perfume.

After spending time studying and experimenting with perfume making on my own, I longed to explore the world outside the bounds of commercialized synthetic scents and move into the world of handcrafted natural perfumery. Encouraged by West to channel my desire to create a unique and expansive natural perfume line as well as nurture my delight in constructing custom bespoke perfumes, I set out to learn from the masters by studying perfumery with world-renowned natural perfumers such as Anya McCoy of the Natural Perfumery Institute, Mandy Aftel, owner of Aftelier Perfumes and Charna Ethier of Providence Perfume Co.

Embracing the process and art of perfumery, thrilled by West’s willingness to join me on this journey, and inspired by the idea of building an uncompromising perfumery that could connect life’s many passions and share them with others, Wit & West was founded.

That’s very inspiring. What inspires you to create?

My inspiration to create a perfume is driven by experiences (the connection of the sense of smell to memories). As an example, Gavitella is the Wit & West perfume that was inspired by our time in Praiano, Italy and the beach named Gavitella. Stunning and beautiful, the lesser-known hidden gem along the Amalfi Coast, Gavitella is just a mere 350 steps down rocky cliffs shaded by citrus and olive trees.

What is your favorite part of the process?

Perfumery is a methodical, iterative process that requires stringent record keeping and constant experimentation to finalize a formula. However, that is not all perfumery is. Truly, perfumery is an olfactory artform (our olfactory system is the sensory system used to smell or what is known as olfaction). For me as a maker, the art of perfume making is a powerful creative process that requires not only formulating a perfume that smells beautifully, but also one that taps into the connection of our sense of smell and its effect on our memory recall and our emotions.

Do you have a favorite scent you have created?

My favorite perfume I've created would have to be either Gavitella (mentioned above) or one of our most popular perfumes Brumaire Woods and/or Summit Rose (the latter being Colorado themed of course!).

Take us through a typical day in the studio for you?

It depends on the day of the week! I am not only a small business owner and maker, but I also work full-time for a national hotel chain as the head of marketing. This means most of my work starts after 5pm on weekdays and 8am on weekends for Wit & West.

A typical day is focused on everything from order fulfillment for B2C orders that come in through witandwest.com to inventory management and perfume making (restocking our perfumes as needed via our small-batch perfume process which includes the aging of each perfume for up to 8 weeks depending on the perfume) as well as other standard day-to-day business activities like social/digital marketing, website optimization, etc.

Beyond the standard day-to-day operations of Wit & West, I am focused on new products such as the launch of our new Cologne Collection (pre-launched through wholesale and at pop-ups in July with official launch on our website in late August), formulating a new perfume for our Reserve Collection, Bespoke clients I'm currently creating custom perfumes for as well as outreach to potential wholesale partners at local brick-and-mortar boutiques and shops around the state of Colorado.

In prepping for Jackalope, what will you be bringing to show in Olde Town Arvada?

We will be bringing our Signature (includes 10 eau de parfums) and Reserve Collections (2 limited release eau de parfums) as well as our new Cologne Collection (3 eau de colognes). For the event itself we will have 15ml bottles only but both samples and 50ml bottles are available on our website at witandwest.com(shipping is free for every order in the state of Colorado).

So fun, we can’t wait to come over and smell all of your creations! Final question: what do you love most about Colorado?

I am a Colorado native so Colorado obviously holds a special place in my heart. For me, my favorite thing about Colorado is the weather and the varied seasons that come with it. My favorite season is fall because it is time to slow down and reset.

Fall really is a gorgeous time in Colorado. We can’t wait to see you in person this September 18th & 19th when Jackalope takes over Olde Town Arvada. See you soon!

Where to see more of Wit & West:

Website | witandwest.com

Instagram | @witandwest

DenverJackalope ArtsSeptember 1, 2021vendor spotlight

Meet Eye of Rah Art Co.

So tell us, do you have a story behind your company name?

When my nephew was little he couldn't pronounce my name (Sarah) and instead would say Aunt Rah-Rah. Eventually everyone started calling me Rah, so I thought Eye of Rah was very fitting for my art business.

Cute! How did you get your start?

It all started while I was living in the Panamanian jungle back in 2017. I brought a travel-sized watercolor kit with me, because it had been neglected in a pile of art supplies that I told myself I would use "one day.” I finally woke up one morning in my jungle hammock and decided to stop putting it off. I sat down and created my very first watercolor piece. Nothing spectacular, but it made me feel alive. That piece somehow survived the jungle critters & humidity, and I still have it in my studio. If it weren't for my jungle experience and the beautiful people I met there, I would not be the artist I am today. It was the place where my soul was found. And my soul only wanted one thing - to create.

That is so fun, what an awesome experience! Safe to say the jungle provided the inspiration you needed.

My experience living in the jungle is such an inspiration, even these years later. Really being out in nature of any kind inspires me.

Do you have a favorite part of the maker process?

There are tiny finishing touches & details that go in at the end of the process that really tie the entire piece together. They are so small that no one would know that they are the power behind the piece, the reason it works as a whole image. It's like a little secret I get to keep with each piece.

What about a favorite item you have created?

Right now I'm really digging my new hemp buttons. I have a sunflower and a coneflower at the moment. They have this cool vintage look to them, and they're the most sustainable button in the market right now! One of my goals is to lessen my business's ecological footprint, and these products definitely help!

Take us through a typical day at the studio for you?

There kind of is no "typical" day in the studio for me, which is why I love it I think. I will say there's always music playing and numerous dance breaks throughout my creation process. I do like to take time in the studio to reach out to new customers to chat, not to pitch my sell but more so to make a connection with people, to help build that great Colorado art community.

What do you love most about living in Colorado?!

How hard it is to be bored here! There's so much to do, from festivals and street fairs, to countless outdoor activities & so much live music!

What will you be bringing with you to our Arvada fair?!

I'm going to have some of my Colorado Wildflower series originals, tons of prints, stickers, pins, and a brand new series of originals as well!

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

Getting an idea for where my art is going - it's nice to know who my art & part of my soul is living with when it leaves my booth.

Thank you Sarah! Anything else you would like to share?

I'm currently working on a watercolor & ink series based on my jungle experience that I hope to share with all of you soon!

We can’t wait to see you in person this September 18th & 19th when Jackalope takes over Olde Town Arvada. See you soon!

Where to see more of Eye of Rah Art co.:

Website | https://eyeofrahartco.bigcartel.com/products

Instagram | @eyeofrah_artco

DenverJackalope ArtsAugust 27, 2021vendor spotlight, art, artwork

Meet Two Ravens Soap Company

Jake: Owner and Creator of Two Ravens Soap Company

We have to ask, do you have a story behind your company name?
Two Ravens Soap Company was inspired by a ski documentary where a backcountry ski guide and a guest perished in a tragic avalanche accident. The next season, the owners of the outfitter came back to their lodge to open it up for the season and there was a raven flying around. They saw it as a good omen and named it after the guide that perished. The raven would greet them every morning, fly above them while out skiing and came back every season after that. The movie had quotes from a book called The Ravens End by Ben Gadd. I HAD to read this book and was absolutely inspired by them and how intelligent they are. How they're protectors of those who adventure out in nature, as well as all the lore behind them in Native cultures.

Ravens truly are amazing creatures! Tell us more on how you got started?

I had just quite my management job at a major retailer and was burned out on corporate management roles from the previous twenty years. I knew I was crafty and could start a small business with the passion I have for entrepreneurship. So I started thinking about what I could do. I am a huge fan of craft soaps and natural body care products and was having a hard time finding products specifically for men. Whether it was more woodsy and masculine scented products, or just products to help my body; beard care, outdoorsy lifestyle, etc. I took two months off of working after I left the corporate world to research soap making, the recipes, how-to's, equipment needs, the industry as a whole, etc. I started with some small batches just to give to family and friends, and after a couple rounds of production and great feedback, the business ideas, licensing and other exciting things that go into starting a business began. I officially launched my business in February of 2014 based out of my home in Littleton, Colorado.

What inspires you to create?

The mountains that surround me is the pure inspiration I get on a daily basis. Colorado is full of unique places to adventure. Part of the fun of exploring this beautiful State is the sights and smells you come across from just a simple hike or a big backcountry ski trip. I am very much tied to the correlation between sight and smell and use that as inspiration every time I create a new soap or product. No two experiences in the Rocky Mountains are the same. Just like my product lines.

What is your favorite part of the process?

Each time I make a soap, there's an artistic process that goes into it. From the scent blending, to color options, swirls, and the fancy tops, each aspect has an artistic flare. It's very intentional on my end, and the part I love the most about making soaps. Even coming up with new recipes for beard care, or body sprays, etc can all have a creative touch and unique, Two Ravens, spin on it. From branding to product line to scents, the Two Ravens Soap Company vibe is very unique and stands out amongst the crowd.

Do you have a favorite item you have created?

Out of all the product lines I create, I'm most excited to show off my bar soaps. Each one is unique from the scent blend, to the colors to the herbs I put on top. They truly are pieces of functional art and it's a very enjoyable process for me. Then comes all the feedback once I have them out on my displays for sale.

Take us through a typical day in the studio for you?

Usually I'm up and having coffee, feeding dogs and tidying up the kitchen first thing in the morning. Then I get to shipping any orders from the day prior as well as getting social media posts out there right away. After those are completed, if there's any emails to follow up on or messages on social media to reply to, I'll take care of those. I keep a list on a dry-erase board in the kitchen to prioritize my week of production. There's many steps to the soap making process that have to be done in a certain and timely fashion. Once I plan and prioritize my day, I get after it; weigh out the oils for the day, get the lye solution blended and into the cooling stage, gathering any soap molds I need, or specialty equipment, and then essential oils and colorants needed. Once everything has gotten to their proper temperatures for production, then it's off to the races. Each batch of soap happens really quick once the oils and solutions are at proper temp. Then it's just blending, pouring, topping and putting the slab mold on a shelf to start the curing process overnight. After each batch the equipment and kitchen get cleaned up to start the next. And as the saying goes, rinse; repeat. The end of my day is putting equipment away for the evening and preparing the kitchen for dinner. But first, a craft beer as my reward for the day.

In prepping for Jackalope, what will you be bringing to show in Olde Town Arvada?

I'm excited to bring my full lineup of natural bar soaps, beard care, body/bath care and more! I've launched a couple new product lines this year including my solid dish soap setup, Denali Dish Soap. It's an eco-friendly way to wash your dishes without the plastic bottle, chemicals and blue colored liquids soaps we've been so used to using our whole lives. I've also launched a Van Life edition that's easy to take with you on your camping adventures, or if you're dedicated to living in your van and working wherever the nearest road brings you.

What did you miss most about in person events?

During the pandemic in 2020, I was lucky enough to be part of the local farmer markets that I typically vend at. It was SO good to be in public, even with all the safety measures in place. But what I really missed was my fellow craft vendors. The painters, leather-makers, potters, jewelers, etc. I missed the vibe of that type of market and the customers that attend. I am so lucky and appreciative that I was even able to attend markets in 2020, and am even more excited this season that craft fairs and artisan markets are back. It's a different vibe from a farmer market, and so much fun.

We missed everyone so much too! And final question, what do you love most about Colorado?

I love everything about Colorado! The mountains are the biggest inspiration in my life, but I love how easy it is to get into any type of fun here. Plus you're not that far away from literally anything you'd like to do. The husband and I get into skiing at the local resorts such as Arapahoe Basin and Keystone, to backcountry adventures off of Berthoud Pass. Mountain biking at Keystone and Winter Park Resort is always a blast, as are just easy hiking days accessed by their respective gondolas. The dogs LOVE to ride the gondola and go for a hike. Best part is the ride back down when everyone is tired and ready for dinner and a beer. There's also plenty of lakes and rivers to get the kayaks into during the summer. Camping on National Forest land? YES! Hiking on the trails within the foothills of our neighborhood association? Absolutely! Plus we're just a few short miles away from the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater. Concerts and movies and hiking abound all right there at this world-renowned venue.

We can’t wait to see you in person this September 18th & 19th when Jackalope takes over Olde Town Arvada. See you soon!

Where to see more of Two Ravens Soap Company:
Website | www.tworavenssoap.com

Instagram | @tworavenssoap

DenverJackalope ArtsAugust 25, 2021vendor spotlight, body care

Meet Fox Hill Baby

We have to ask, do you have a story behind your company name?
My company name comes from the name of two of my boys, Fox and Hill. I had another baby boy in 2020 so we joke that he is the "baby" in Fox Hill Baby

That is so cute! Tell us more on how you got started?

I originally started my shop in 2011 after my first son was born as a way to make extra money and work a little less then at my full time job. It ended up turning into my full time career. Over the years I took classes on surface pattern design so am now able to not only sew all the items, but also design the fabric I use.

That sounds fun!

My favorite part of my process is designing the prints! There is something so exciting about taking something you drew and seeing it come to life on fabric.

What inspires you to create?

I am very inspired by my children. I love to design cute and playful prints that make them say "awwww!" I'm also inspired to create items that are made in America and stand out from the crowd.

Do you have a favorite item you have created?

My favorite item I create is our clothing. The organic knit I use is milled in the USA and my designs are printed on the fabric by a company in North Carolina. I love that I am able to make an organic product completely made here in the USA. Plus the fabric is unbelievably soft and cozy!

Take us through a typical day in the studio for you?

As a maker who is also a mom to 3 boys, my studio time is split between taking care of them and sneaking in time to design or sew. I'm definitely in that nap time hustle club at the moment!

In prepping for Jackalope, what will you be bringing to show in Olde Town Arvada?

I will be bringing cozy organic baby and toddler leggings, t shirts, hats and bibs as well as baby loveys, blankets and big kid blankets.

What did you miss most about in person events?

There is nothing like connecting with people in person! Instagram is great but I'm so happy to see people in real life again :)

Us to! And final question, what do you love most about Colorado?

My favorite part of Colorado is absolutely the mountains. My husband proposed to me on the top of Pikes Peak and now we love to spend time in Rocky Mountain National Park with our three boys.

That is so sweet. We can’t wait to see you in person this September 18th & 19th when Jackalope takes over Olde Town Arvada. See you soon!

Where to see more of Fox Hill Baby:

Website | foxhillbaby.com

Instagram | @foxhillbaby

DenverJackalope ArtsAugust 20, 2021vendor spotlight, family friendly, kids, baby

Meet Sheena Marshall Jewelry

Where are you from and does that have an affect on your work?

Originally from South Carolina, my roots trace back to a lineage of creators. In my family, artistic endeavors and entrepreneurial spirit run deep. My grandfather was a master of stained glass artwork, my father wielded his welding skills to craft practically anything imaginable, and my mother indulged in the realm of oil painting as a passionate hobbyist. Witnessing their creative journeys while growing up undoubtedly shapes who I've become – a jewelry designer. Their influences have seamlessly woven into my artistic DNA, infusing my work with a unique blend of craftsmanship and passion for entrepreneurship.

Seeing as how creation was all around you, how did you personally get your start?
Hustling has been the name of the game for me for as long as I can remember. I’m that one friend who’s always working on some kind of side hustle on top of her full time job. In high school, my best friend and I hand rolled polymer clay beads and sold them to friends, family and coworkers in packaging with handwritten labels. I have always felt drawn to working with my hands and empowered to create a strong community built on connection, which led me to create Sheena Marshall Jewelry. Jewelry for women making empowered choices. I wanted to create jewelry that I know a lot of women have trouble finding — jewelry that is simple, functional, and consciously made.

You mentioned being drawn to working with your hands, is that your favorite part of the maker process?

I find it deeply satisfying to work with my hands and transfer what is in my head into a wearable piece of art. Drawing inspiration from various paintings and textiles, I will forever be drawn to creating designs with a mixture of subtle textures and organic forms that are small in size. I am a true minimalist at heart and believe this is showcased in my work.

What is the hardest part of your creation process?

The most challenging aspect of my creative process is often carving out the time for it. Engaging in metalwork is incredibly calming to me, and I could easily lose track of time while immersed in my studio. However, as I also prioritize maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life, I've learned to set boundaries. Over time, I've become adept at recognizing when to wrap up my work in the studio and transition to other activities that bring me joy.

Life is all about balance isn’t it? Does your work help you in other aspects of your life?

My art is like therapy for me. It's a way to relax and have time for myself. When I create, I feel calm and at peace. This feeling carries over into the rest of my life, helping me deal with things in a more peaceful way.

Take us through a typical day at the studio for you?

A typical day in the studio depends on what part of the fulfillment process I am in with customer orders. As a one woman small business owner, I wear many hats. Sometimes that means I am at my bench during a production day, sawing and soldering metals. Other days I am working in the packaging department writing handwritten notes to each customer. I am very detailed oriented and tend to go into the studio with a plan for what I would like to accomplish that day.

How have you developed your skill over time?

I began my journey in jewelry making during my high school years, working with polymer clay before it became a popular trend. As time went on, I decided to delve deeper into the craft by enrolling in metalworking classes. This eventually led me to receive one-on-one instruction from a retired goldsmith. Through genuine determination and unwavering commitment, I progressively honed my skills over the years.

What does success mean to you?

For me, being a successful artist means finding a balance between spending time with my family and creating work that I'm proud to share with the world. When I manage to do both well, that's when I feel successful.

Love that! In prepping for Jackalope, what will you be bringing to show in Olde Town Arvada?

One of a kind pieces are always available when you shop Sheena Marshall in person. These are designs not available on the website so it is worth the trip to come say hello. Additionally, you will find a collection of everyday favorites that are simple, functional, and consciously handmade. Stopping by with a piece in mind that you saw on the website? Feel free to reach out and I can make sure to bring that design.

Final question, what do you love most about Colorado?

I grew up in South Carolina and moved to New York City shortly after graduating from college. After a few visits to Colorado, I knew immediately it was somewhere I could live long term. The friendly people, healthy lifestyles, and endless possibilities for activities has kept me here.

Thank you Sheena! We can’t wait to see you in person this October 13th - 15th when Jackalope takes over Olde Town Arvada. See you soon!

Where to see more of Sheena Marshall Jewelry:

Website | sheenamarshall.com

Instagram | @sheenamarshalljewelry

DenverJackalope ArtsAugust 18, 2021denver jewelry, jewelry, vendor spotlight

Things to do in Colorful Colorado

We love that we call Denver our second home and we can’t wait to be back there! If you have not yet visited not just Denver, but Colorado in general, you are missing out. We have rounded out our favorite must see things to do while you are in Colorful Colorado. Take a look and explore with us:

1. Visit Red Rocks: It is such a unique venue and hands down the most beautiful place to catch a concert or to enjoy Film on the Rocks. At most shows, I love to be close to the stage so I can really take in the action. However at Red Rocks, I prefer to be higher up so I can enjoy the scenery, especially if there is a lightening storm going on in the East. It will truly take your breath away and the concert will take second stage.

2. Explore the many breweries, street art, and galleries in the Rhino District: otherwise known as the River North Arts District. Utilizing many old warehouses and factories, this is one of my favorite areas to enjoy two of my favorite things, beer + art. There is also super cool street art around every turn, my favorite is Larimer Boy and Girl by artist Jeremy Burns at 27th and Larimer. Walk one direction and you see a girl, and walk the other to see a boy.

3. Take a tour of Coors Brewery in Golden: not only do you get free beers, it is really fun to see behind the scenes of the beer making process. Fun fact, it is the largest single site brewery facility!

4. Tubing down Clear Creek: One of my favorite summertime activities, and it is free! Golden is a great place to do a quick getaway to, even if it is just for the afternoon. And once you need to break from the rapids, head to Old Capital Grille for sustenance- shout out to their Chocolate cake, best ever! And on your way out of Golden, stop by Period Six Boutique to shop handmade/local goods.

5. Enjoy Colorado’s take on Mexican food: they have their own spin on Tex-Mex and it is good! Say it with me, chili chili chili chili and if anything has the option to come smothered, do it- and please get the green chili. Oh and if breakfast is your thing, you have to get a breakfast burrito from El Lucerito in Aurora or Santiagos!

6. Enjoy the fall foliage: Colorado is one of my favorites places to be in the fall, the leaves are beyond gorgeous. This is also the perfect time to head to the mountains to enjoy the scenery and get your last hike in before the snow falls! Estes Park is a quick trip from the city, or if you want to venture further up, Breckinridge is personally my favorite mountain town.

7. Visit the Denver Art Museum: One of the largest art museums between the West coast and Chicago, the Denver Art Museum is home to 70,000 works of art. They always have great exhibitions and currently have the Monet exhibit going on- I mean come on!

8. Explore the smaller Denver- metro neighborhoods that pack just as big of a punch as Denver itself: Tennyson is an awesome area just outside of Denver that has a ton of restaurants, breweries of course, and fun shops! Shout out to XO Gift Co and Jolly Goods who both feature handmade local artisans there. Downtown Littleton is also a great spot to getaway to that also has small town charm, and shout out to Willow- an artisans boutique, who also features great handmade goodies. If you don’t want to venture out of Denver but still want the shop small experience, we recommend South Broadway or West Highlands.

9. Take in Garden of the Gods: Experience the 300’ towering sandstone rock formations and try not to gasp! Bring a bike, pack a lunch and take a ride through the park.

10. Visit Denver Biscuit Company: Denver Biscuit Company has a location along Tennyson and of course at Stanley Marketplace who we also have to mention as a must be place to stop. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Denver Biscuit Company with their mouth watering biscuits and then explore the marketplace with their fun shops and yes, even a brewery ;)

DenverJackalope ArtsFebruary 4, 2020colorado, denver, things to do

Fun Facts About Our Cities

As we gear up for our sixth year, we want to celebrate the cities we call home with some interesting facts about each of them.

The Cheeseburger Legend

Rumored to have been created in 1924 by a 16 year old at his father’s restaurant, The Rite Spot, in Pasadena.

However, the name “cheeseburger” was trademarked in 1935 in Denver CO.

So… where did the cheeseburger really originate? Pasadena, Denver, or somewhere in between? One thing we know is, it probably wasn’t in Burbank.

Holidays in our cities

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Every New Year is marked with the famous Rose Parade in Pasadena. Ever since it began, organizers have promised never to hold the parade on a Sunday in exchange with a pact with God that it not rain out the parade. In it’s 130 years, the parade has yet to be rained out!

Later in the year, where can you find one of the largest St. Patricks day parades? I bet you did not know that Denver has one of the largest parades in the country! Celebrate Irish culture and the start of Spring.

We are all about supporting local artisans and we would consider Norton's Winter Wonderland in Burbank as one of them! This fabulous Christmas display has been going on for more than 50 years. There are more than a dozen handmade displays including a ferris wheel, see-saw, train, angels, and carousel within.

Historic Locations

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Pasadena Ice House is the oldest comedy club in the US. It’s also home to the first ever Trader Joe’s (with the world’s tiniest parking lot), and Vroman’, the longest independent bookstore which has been open for over 120 years.

The oldest remaining Bob’s Big Boy is in Burbank and was officially declared a historic landmark in 1993.

Meanwhile, Denver is home to the unsinkable Molly Brown’s house! The activist and philanthropist who survived the historical sinking of the Titanic.

On the big screen

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Home to three major motion picture studios, Burbank could be named the movie capital of the world. It is also home to Walt Disney Animation studios who released the first fully animated film, 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!

Pasadena plays home to many on the big screen: The Gamble House = Doc Brown’s house in Back to the Future, Pasadena City Hall = HQ for Parks and Rec, Pasadena Central Library = The Law Library in Legally Blonde, and many more!

We can’t count Denver out though- Die Hard 2 was filmed at the old Stapleton Airport, and the stadium in Blades of Glory is the Pepsi Center. Yippee-ki-yay!

Animals

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What’s with the squawking? Wild parrots fill Pasadena and urban legend has it that the exotic flock began with birds that escaped a burning pet store, or were released from Busch Gardens when it closed.

You wouldn’t expect horseback riding to be so popular in the middle of the city, but Burbank is home to a large equestrian park and provides over 50 miles of trails!

Denver is the city of dogs. No, really! It was reported that Denver has more dogs than children. There were about 158,000 dogs in Denver, and only 140,000 children according to the last U.S Census.

Pasadena, Denver, BurbankJackalope ArtsJanuary 28, 2020handmade shopping, shopsmall

Holiday Picks at Jackalope Denver

Shop small and support small business during this holiday season! Give a unique one of a kind gift for anyone on your list, we have rounded out our favorites all from #jackalopedenver artisans, take a peek ;)