How did you get your start in the handmade community?

I started in December of 2015 and basically taught myself how to make candles.  With only a couple instructional books and no one showing my the ropes, there was a lot of trial and error and definitely costs that came along with those mistakes.  But with repetition, I got better and better until I created a quality product, which was eventually turned into a concept for the business that I have today!

What or who inspires you?

Generally speaking, other entrepreneurs and small business owners who are successful definitely inspire me to achieve great things. I always look for inspiration from other creative individuals who are not afraid to take risks and think outside the box.  When I decided to start a business, i knew that I had to be unique and different in order to be successful.  I enjoy meeting people who love to go against the grain.  More specifically speaking, the inspiration for the collection of candles is mostly what I personally perceive as a cool looking and good smelling product.  I try to put myself in the customer's shoes, while also trusting my gut instinct on what makes a product work.  70% of my customer base is female, so I have definitely learned how to look at things from a woman's perspective and subsequently market my brand appropriately. 

When do you feel the most creative? 

I feel the most creative when I am either sitting in a coffee shop with my earbuds in, or when I am sitting on a plane traveling somewhere.  I rarely purchase the WIFI on the plane and solely use that time to just focus on writing down ideas in Microsoft Word.  Good coffee, good music, and traveling are keys to creativity for me!

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

My product is unique, different and will make a great gift!  The scents in the collection are perfectly accurate to their description and definitely surprise some people! I can't wait to be a part of the Holiday season.

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

Break the rules!  Don't break the law, but break the rules.  It's impossible to be a maverick or true original if your always following the "rules".

1. How did you get your start in the artistic community?

Fresh from school I escaped the icy tundra of Pittsburgh, and started my professional Phoenix career, in the massively growing architecture field as an architectural graphic designer.  My extensive knowledge in 3-dimensional design dovetails nicely into my current passion of painting fantastically bold, graphic, and colorful artwork.

2. What or who inspires you?

The Southwest Sonoran Desert is a never -ending source of inspiration. Both the "Mars like"plants, and the super fast desert animals, (running for shade) fascinate me! 

3. How do you come up with your creations?

Although proficient in all mediums, I enjoy the spontaneity of acrylic... But, the smell of oils! Sometimes, watercolors, too.

4. When do you feel the most creative?

My Zen happy place is with a canvas in front of me, a brush in my hand and a fantastic song in my ear! I live and breathe art 24-7!

1. How would you describe your style?

Steam Crow (me and my wife, Dawna) are a weird hybrid between cartoon and graphic design. We love vintage advertising, old time Cub/Girl Scouts, friendly monsters, and propaganda/WPA design.

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

Well, sure! We love: Mike Mignola, Alphonse Mucha, Tony Diterlizzi, Dungeons & Dragons, Arthur Rackham, Tom Waits, the Arts & Crafts movement, Saturday Morning Cartoons, Halloween, antiques and more than we can list here.

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

We infuse our own quirks, personality, and viewpoint into our stuff. Some of it's funny, odd, and weird... but it's all US and it makes our work unusual. Most of our stuff has an "old meets new" feel.

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

We're inspired by old movies, toys, cartoons, comics, Halloween, old signs, D&D, bands (Dawna and I were both in bands when we met), vintage illustration, kid's books... inspiration is EVERYWHERE!

5. When do you feel the most creative?

When I get to design Monster Scouts stuff. (Our odd-ball community.) I love drawing monsters, giving them a story, and sharing it with our Scouts.

. What's Monster Scouts all about?

It's our weird gang of folks who meetup, make stuff, do Monster Camps together, and even wear old timey uniforms. It's super-nerd (Scouts + Halloween) but it's been a ton of fun. We made up these "Spirit Badges" and the Scouts made up all of these other things that we're now doing. It's for anyone who wants to believe in Monsters.

7. What is your creative process like?

We're on the road an awful lot... so I sketch in the Vanotaur. The drawings are bad and all bumpy (because we're rambling down the highway) but it's where we just generate hours and hours of ideas. When we're back at the studio, we can select the best of them to take to completion. 

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

Use every single talent that you have.

9. Where can we learn more about you?

http://steamcrow.com/our-story/ and http://www.monsterscouts.com

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

I think my style is fresh and light, with a sense of warmth and homey feel to it. I love to make things that would also inspire me and make me feel at home, something you'd want to keep forever. There are lots of artist I admire but a few of my favorite are Kelli Murray, Lindsay Letters, and Autumn Matney (a Phoenix local)  

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

All of my artwork is original and hand done. I think today its pretty easy to become and "artist" without much skill or background, but I think my work is a result of not only skill but years and years of practice and education. I'm drawn to things that are pretty and well designed with an unmatched skill. Every piece of my work comes from something I've been inspired by. My biggest thing when creating is creating something I love that also has meaning. I try to produce work that others can bring to their home and feel hopeful and inspired whenever they look at it. 

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

So many things from a good song lyric, to colors on a building, to watching my kids imagination run wild. 

When do you feel the most creative?

When I'm traveling and discovering a new place and experiencing new things I never have before. 

Where can we learn more about you?  

Follow along on my blog or my instagram! 

www.coleykuyper.com

https://www.instagram.com/coleykuyperart/

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!

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

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

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

Learn more about Bunky Boutique at www.bunkyboutique.com

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

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

How would you describe your style?  

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

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

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

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

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

When do you feel the most creative?

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

What is your creative process like?

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

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

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

Where can we learn more about you?  

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

Instagram: @r3sk8products

Facebook: @r3sk8products

Twitter: @r3sk8products

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

I would describe my style as whimsical, cute, and delicate. The artists I'm influenced by include Salvador Dali, Dr. Seuss (if you haven't seen his fine art, you should look it up), and Daniel Merriam, among others.

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

What makes my work unique and truly my own is the love and care I put into every piece. I make a lot of similar items but they are all unique in some way and I love making each one. They all have their own "personalities", and I love seeing people connect with the one they choose to bring home with them. I call it an adoption, not a sale.

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

It's hard to say what inspires me because inspiration comes from everything, everyone, and everywhere. I never know what's going to spark an idea next. Right now I'm taking a sculpture class at Scottsdale Community College and seeing some of the other students' and my instructor's work has been inspiring. I also get a lot of ideas when I travel. Sometimes individuals are my inspiration, or a cool tree, or a cloud, something I read... you get it. I love the unpredictability of it.

When do you feel the most creative?

I feel the most creative when I'm with my partner chatting over coffee about the future and our plans. He's also very creative, but in a very different way than I am, and that makes us an amazing team. I think that's what people mean when they refer to their "other half." He thinks of things I'd never come up with and pushes me to try things I wouldn't otherwise. Partnering with him has been one of the best decisions I've made for Happy Kitty Ceramics so far and I can't wait to see where we go!

What is your creative process like?

Creating just one Happy Kitty mug is a very involved process. First all the individual pieces of the feet, face, ears, and tail must be formed. Sometimes I add a bow tie or tongue, too. Then I make a pinch pot for the mug, and assemble everything. After that, the mug has to dry slowly to redistribute moisture throughout the porcelain and prevent cracking. Then when they are bone-dry each mug is underglazed with its own unique design. The first firing process is called bisque firing, which semi-vitrifies the mug at a relatively low temperature (about 1900 degrees F) leaving it porous but less fragile than bone-dry. Then it's time to glaze the mugs and fire them again at a higher temperature to vitrify the porcelain (turn it into stone using high heat) and turn the glaze into the glossy waterproof surface of the finished piece. Each of those firings take about 8 hours. It takes a lot of time to make them, but now that I have help from my partner and can get higher volume batches done, the process is slowly becoming more efficient and sustainable on a larger scale. We're not quite ready to go viral yet, though.

What other products to you create?

I do more than just kitty mugs, too. I make nose mugs, alien planet mugs, and other animals upon request. I also sometimes make bowls and other vessels as well, when time permits. The Happy Kitty classic mug is our most popular item, but the Happy Kitty product line is expanding to other items as well. As we streamline the production process, I'll also begin to incorporate more fine art pieces into our inventory as well. I also create some small porcelain jewelry. I'm sensitive to metal and want to provide a jewelry line that others like me can wear without severe irritation. Stay tuned! Instagram will be the best source of new product sneak peeks. 

Where can we learn more about you?

You can learn more about me, my partner, and Happy Kitty Ceramics by following us on Facebook (Happy Kitty Ceramics) and on Instagram @happykittyceramics.

Follow us and feel free to send a message through either of those profiles and you'll get a reply within a few days. Custom orders are more than welcome and we're looking for shelf space in local coffee shops, shelters, galleries, etc. to help make our items more accessible. We also have a very under-stocked Etsy store. Product has been selling out before I can list it. Our Website is coming soon!

Also, Happy Kitty mugs will be available at Fearless Kitty Rescue in Fountain Hills in the very near future. If you're looking for a new pet and maybe a coffee mug, they'll both be available there. Part of the proceeds in a mug purchase at their facility goes back to the Fearless Kitties and supports their no-kill shelter.

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

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

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

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

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

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

When do you feel the most creative?

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

What is your creative process like?

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

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

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

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

Where can we learn more about you?  

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

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

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

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

I describe my style as simple, bold and modern. I am always inspired by women artists/designers such as Frida Kahlo, Eileen Gray and Georgia O'Keeffe.

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

My designs are an extension of my visions and my personality.  The colors, textures, and materials converge into my creations.  They are the offsprings ofmy architecture background and my own design visions.  

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

My daughters are a big part of my inspiration. They make me see the world humbly. They make me thrive and work harder.  I am also fortunate to have a husband that encourages my creativity. 

Inspiration comes to me in different forms and shapes, butI find that memories are a big influence in my creativity.  My days growing up in Puerto Rico with the beautiful deep and prominent colors of the Caribbean are a major influence in my designs. Now that I live here in the desert, I find its colors, shapes, and patterns  that make up these beautiful landscapes are becoming embedded in my visions.

When do you feel the most creative?

I am the most creative early in the morning with a cup of coffee in hand.  Or whenever I have a quiet moment to myself  which is hard to come by.

What is your creative process like?

I look at color patterns and materials and think of an idea. I start by drawing and using color to have a complete look.  Then I can start making my pieces and finally combining everything until I am satisfied.  Creating is a constant process. You are always thinking about it;  You need to draw it, make it, draw it again, make it again, until it makes sense. 

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

When I was in my last year of architecture school I was always drawn to my memories and experiences to create a space.  It was during one of those moments that my studio teacher always told me to sketch, sketch, sketch because it was the only way to visualize what I was thinking. 

Where can we learn more about you?  

You can find out more about me on: 

        Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/soniagraciahandmade

        Instagram:@soniagraciahandmade

        Facebook: www.facebook.com/soniagraciahandmade