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!  

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

Flower Pepper Gallery has been in business for four and a half years. We exhibit contemporary art from local and international artists. We host monthly exhibitions. We also have a boutique area inside the gallery that features books on art & design, and art products for everyday use. Flower Pepper Gallery is located in the Old Pasadena district in the city of Pasadena. Pasadena is an exciting place to be for the arts. There is always something new to see, savor, and experience which naturally results in a wildly creative atmosphere. We hope to continue to be a platform for contemporary art in Pasadena for many more years to come.

Q: What / who is your biggest inspiration?

I’m always inspired by the artists we show here at Flower Pepper Gallery.

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

I had the opportunity to start an art gallery four and a half years ago, and I jumped at it immediately.

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: 

The LACMA
People who work for a good cause such as people who rescue and help animals etc.

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

With the constant rise of digitalization and mass production of consumer products, it is refreshing to see pieces being made by hand with care and uniqueness.

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

Individuality is an important feature when reviewing an artists’ application.

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

The opportunity to discover more talented artisans.

 Q: Where can we find out more about you?

www.flower-pepper.com

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 :-)

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.

Owner at Whorl Shop

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

A. I was always a young entrepreneur at heart making crafty goods for the Young American Bank markets. I always thought that the product I was selling was the “hottest” thing. That’s where my love of arts and crafts started. After all those years I finally found my passion… curating local, national, and global clothing, jewelry and home goods for the Denver community. 

Q. What/who is your biggest inspiration?   

A. Currently, all the Denver small business owners who wake up, do all the hard stuff, love what they do, and go to bed happy and excited about all of it! 

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

A. I created it for myself. I wanted to contribute to the Denver fashion community by giving local designers a quality place to house their brand, as well as other brands that have a story and or a cause behind them. 

Q. Tell us about a few favorites of yours: Weekend Activity/Color/Animal?

A. My favorite weekend activity is exploring new shops in Denver hubs, followed by some delicious Sushi! My favorite color has always been purple and my favorite animal is a cheetah. 

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

A. That it has become a way of making a living. People can now pursue what they love and carve out their own future. More and more retail stores are carrying more handmade work and it adds a distinctive characteristic to their store. 

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

A. The artisan statement is really important for me. The why and the passion behind every artist can speak wonders for the product itself. 

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

A. I’m looking forward to discovering new and talented local artisans who offer a unique and fun product to the market! 

Q. Where can we find out more about you?

A. You can visit www.whorlshop.com, follow me on Instagram @msmegantimlin OR come on in the Whorl and hang out! 

Founder and Owner of Spices of Life Gift Co.

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

A. Hi! My name is Kat (just so you don’t have to do the math, yes my name is Kat Furr and you are allowed to laugh ☺). I am the owner of Spices of Life Gift Co. on Tennyson, going on 2 years. We carry almost 100% made in America items, with more than half being from local artists. I am also the owner and designer of my wire craft business, First Comes Love. I started my wire company after getting involved in some DIY crafts for our wedding (almost 5 years ago!). One of the projects was creating wire place card holders, which also doubled as a favor for guests to bring home and use as a photo holder. I realized after all was said and done, that I enjoyed creating them quite a bit and since I had leftover materials, I kept on playing and it became what it is today. I began to have appreciation and respect for handmade items and the time and love that goes into the process. I started to realize how important it was to support this movement and the individuals behind the scenes. Thus, my dream of owning a “made in America” shop was born!

Q. What/who is your biggest inspiration?   

A. Besides my amazing husband, Nate, I would have to say my customers are a big inspiration for me. I have always gotten so excited to see what reviews people leave for me at my online shop and the stories they would tell me of what gift they were giving or who they were making smile with something I created! It is always very touching and appreciated and I knew I wanted to carry that customer service over to the brick and mortar shop. Sure enough, seeing my customers and their smiling faces is what gets me through.

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

A. Well, there is no beating around the bush here...I got fired from my marketing job of 5 years and knew that it was meant to be. I was let go on a Friday and went to work for myself full time on Monday without looking back. I could not question what I had been asking the universe for, 10 months later, we opened the doors to Spices of Life Gift Co.

Q. Tell us about a few favorites of yours: Weekend Activity/Color/Animal?

A. Some favorite weekend activities (now that I actually have weekends again!!) are definitely spending time with loved ones; my husband and our dog, Scarlett, and of course, dear friends. We love to hike, camp, see live music and all of the amazing things Denver has to offer. Favorite food: anything involving cheese and/or potatoes. Color: I really could not say ;) Animal: dog, to be boring.

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

A. What I love most about the handmade movement is being able to support these extremely small businesses, most of which are a 1-man/woman show and knowing and hearing how important our support is to them and their families. Of course, having one of a kind, unique items is pretty awesome and just seeing what ideas and creations people come up with is always astonishing to me!

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

A. Most importantly, uniqueness as well as great craftsmanship and presentation. It should be fun and hopefully be able to portray the passion that artist has for his/her work!

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

A. I’m just so excited to learn about new local artists and the passions behind the names and products. I am honored to be a part of the selection process and can’t wait to see what connections it might bring my way. 

Q. Where can we find out more about you?

A. I would love to see your friendly faces at our shop anytime, located in the ever evolving Berkeley neighborhood at 3867 Tennyson.  Otherwise, you can find us online! 

Visit the shop Facebook page HeRe! 

Follow us on Instagram hERe!

Our Spices of Life website is HEre and my Etsy shop is hErE!

CEO and Founder of Share Denver

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

A. I’m Becky Hensley and I run Share Denver - a community craft and maker space in Denver’s lovely Park Hill neighborhood. My background in arts & crafts started at home with my mother who learned how to embroider and crochet from her great grandmother and grandmother.

I was a pretty obstinate student, as a child, and didn’t pick up my own embroidery and crochet practice until much later. But once I did, I was hooked (pun intended!).

Q. What/who is your biggest inspiration?   

A. My mom is my inspiration. She didn’t have an awesome childhood, but she made a concerted effort to give me a great life and she was always committed to continuing her education and professional development. 

Also, I’m inspired by Lynda Barry, all the teachers at Share Denver, and Santiago Burritos!

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

A. When I moved to Denver, I was tired of the punk rock party scene and wanted to start doing things that were a bit more productive. I started a group called Denver Craft Ninjas. It started in the backyards and basements of people’s homes, but moved to a fantastic punk rock bar. 

Denver Craft Ninjas created a foundation that Share Denver was built on and I’m so proud of the community that exists because of it.

Q. Tell us about a few favorites of yours: Weekend Activity/Color/Animal?

A. I love to hike with my dude. Drink wine and watch Netflix, eat Mexican food, and start projects I never finish! I love every color as long as it’s black. And I’m REALLY into puppies right now - which is a problem because I can’t have one.

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

A. The community that lives around it. In my experience in Denver, I have encountered the most responsive and supportive group of people that legitimately want good things to happen for their fellow crafters, makers and artisans.

Sometimes it is hard to break into communities, but Denver really loves its makers - it wants them to thrive. And I love that I live here in a city that’s like that!

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

A. That they are being themselves. Not trying to be anyone else. Not making what they think people want, but making what they want.

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

A. Seeing all the amazing work of people in our community!

Q. Where can we find out more about you?

A. Come to Share Denver and take a workshop with me or one of our amazing teachers! Or better yet, take our Teacher Training and work with us!

Hit up our website for details: www.sharedenver.com

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

Hello! I'm Leanna Lin and own a shop/art gallery in Eagle Rock, CA (Northeast LA). I've been doing art and design since I was a kid, moving to fashion design and worked in the industry as a designer up until I opened Leanna Lin's Wonderland in 2010. I also have a jewelry line and have done a bunch of shows over the years including Find, Fashion Co-Op, Bazaar Bizarre, Unique, and recently Jackalope! Through these shows, I've met some amazing talents and decided to open my own shop to carry indie artists and designers!

Q: What/who is your biggest inspiration?

I'm inspired by so much around me (art, design, architecture, fashion), but I'd have to say I adore the street artist Fafi! I also look up to Tarina Tarantino, who I've been following since the beginning, for coming out with a specific brand and her businesses adventures with The Sparkle Factory.

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

I started my own jewelry line in the early 2000's and started applying to some indie shows. I think the Fashion Co-Op was the trendiest one in LA back then & I would do those shows!

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: Weekend activity? Food? Color? Animal?

I enjoy exploring what LA has to offer from the boutiques, secret stairs, eateries, museums and more! I'm always looking to try the next dessert trend and the perfect boba ;) My favorite color is purple and my favorite animal is the poodle.

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

That you can get creative in any way and now market yourself well and turn it into a real business!

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

How well they brand themselves.

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

Being a part of the Jackalope community and helping to discover new talent!

Q: Where can we find out more about you?

www.LeannaLinsWonderland.com

@LeannaLIn on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest 

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

I'm a native Phoenician, who has grown up frequenting the many awesome boutiques and craft fairs of our city. Aside from being on the consumer side of things, I’ve grown up in theatre and have loved nerding out on plays for my whole life. I’ve been creating experimental work for the past several years in the Valley, and love being a part of our arts scene.

Q: What/who is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration these days, are the thousands of people all over our country fighting for equality. I got the chance recently to meet Rika Tyler, Co-Founder and Director of Hands Up United, and she absolutely inspired me. To be so young, leading a movement, and to retain the amount of light that she does... I was taken aback. She and her colleagues are not only protesting for equality, but are actively using their resources to empower the youth of St. Louis, through their Books & Breakfast Program, and their courses on coding. And she still makes time to go out with her friends and enjoy life! I’m inspired by the many people in our community and others doing amazing work to make the world a better place tomorrow.

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

Through an insatiable curiosity and coquettishness with Phoenix. I grew up going to school downtown, so a new experience was always just around the corner. Whether we were trying out a new coffee shop, bumming around on First Friday, or checking out a new restaurant, there were always so many people to meet and so many things to learn about what made those places unique. I sought out boutiques like Frances or Bunky, and now it’s my pleasure to get to share a life’s findings with our Localists at Local First Arizona.

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: Weekend activity? Food? Color? Animal?

Weekend Activity: Every Saturday I go to the Downtown Phoenix Public Market to stock up on my veggies for the week. It makes me feel connected to our city, and my neighbors, and the families and lives around me.
Food: Pesto Pasta with tons of fresh garlic and veggies. OR Indian food, I love Curry Corner on Apache in Tempe!
Color: Copper
Animal: Lemur, they're so goofy.
Passion: Experimental Theatre, and Social Justice.
Fruit: Fig

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

The arts & crafts world has a lot to do with the placemaking work I do with Local First Arizona. With the Localist program, it’s all about finding the ways the that people connect to their “place”. I love being able to paint a new story for Phoenix, or at least my story. Growing up, it was always easy to get down on Phoenix. We planned of moving away, chasing our dreams and sharing our successes with far away places. To me, Phoenix is a thriving city with an enviable arts scene, and enough boutiques to fill your closet for a lifetime. I get to show people the best our state has to offer, and so much of that is through getting to know our neighbors, and the many talented artists that our state has to offer.

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

To me, the most important feature in the artist’s application is the artist statement. I want to learn who these people are, and why they create what they create!

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

I’m looking forward to learning even more about what my state has to offer! I’m also looking forward to seeing folks at the fair whose applications I saw waaaay back in summer. Seeing it all come together, that’s going to be great.

Q: Where can we find out more about you?

Check out http://localfirstaz.com/localist to learn more about the Localist Program, and find new ways to see the city! I’m also a part of the Emerging Arts Leaders of Phoenix, which you can find more info about at http://www.ealphx.org/

“Georganne 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.”

Tell us about yourself and your background in the arts & crafts world:
Georganne 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.  Georganne is dedicated to collaborations with other local businesses to enrich the Phoenix community. The award winning annual craft fair, "Frances Crafeteria" has showcased hundreds of independent Arizona crafters and artists.

WIth a loyal following, Frances has been voted "Best Boutique" by Phoenix New Times since 2006. Georganne is also the co-creator of the Phoenix Small Wonders Map, a free guide to local dining and shopping. For her work in the community she was listed by Arizona Foothills Magazine as one the the "Ten Women Who Move The Valley" in 2012. The Frances family shares Georganne's passion for creating a special shopping experience and encouragement of the creative community in Phoenix.

What/Who is your biggest inspiration?
I have to say my parents have been my biggest inspiration. My father was a very successful entrpenuer/dentist while my mom is an artist. Combining their sensibilities and learning from the two of them has helped me build Frances. They were constant and encouraging.

How did you get your position in the arts & craft world?
I started Crafteria, a 45 vendor curated indie craft festival held the first Friday in December, nine years ago after attending the Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago.  We also hosted Faythe Levine and her indie film Handmade Nation approximately 7 years ago, I was very inspired by Faythe.

Tell us about a few favorites of yours:
My husband and I love to hike, we love Mexican food and that is why we have to hike!  
I love to hunt for the perfect items for Frances.
Several of my favorite restaurants are: Cibo, Pane Bianco, Otro, Los Compdres, and Via De Los Santos

What do you love most about the handmade movement?
I love that there is a handmade movement still happening, we all know our ancestors handmade items to survive by making their own foods for day to day life or just to make something special for someone.  My mom tells a story of her mom making her a dress from a flour sack and that is when flour sacks were a lovely floral.  It has come a long way from that time in America but the sense of making something with your hands feeds your soul and then taking it into the community for someone to admire and purchase is a beautiful thing.

What is the most important feature in an artists application for you?
Uniqueness, consistency and quality

What are you most looking forward to in being part of the Jackalope Arts Jury?
I am always happy that an artist has an opportunity to show their talent, glad to help the community add another quality event to the Phoenix calendar. 

Where can we find out more about you?

 www.francesvintage.com   
@francesvintage on twitter & instagram
@georganneb on instagram