Photo credit by: Pedro Oros

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background in the arts world? 
First and foremost, I am an illustrator. I believe deeply in the transformational power of honest and vulnerable representation. My background is in art therapy; a career I decided to put off until later in life, but I use my own art making practice to process, and specifically my relationship with myself and my body. 

I also co-own two creative businesses; an art studio space called Allmost, providing accessible creative space and community for creative entrepreneurs and artists in MidCity, Los Angeles. And a retail collective in Silverlake (Allright Collective); where we provide a brick and mortar infrastructure for local makers and artisans to sell and grow their independent brands. Both of these businesses give artists and creative entrepreneurs a platform for growth in Los Angeles, which I believe is incredibly important for the future of my city.

Illustration by Theresa (@reesabobeesa)

2. What/who is your biggest inspiration? 

I am most inspired by the people around me. Incredible makers and creative entrepreneurs who are creating the world they want to see. And this city!

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

I love the sustainability and unique and honest perspectives represented in goods made by hand, or dreamt up by artists. I don’t want to be told how to be and what to want by an advertising agency; I am most excited by products and imagery that is reflective of honest human experience.

Allright Collective in Silverlake

4. Where do you see yourself in 5+ years? 

Doing what I’m doing now, but working less and making more. 

5. Anything you want to see more of in the arts world in the future? 

I believe that we can change ourselves and our world through representation. I want to continue to see more bodies and more humans represented in the art world.

6. What is the most important feature in an artist’s application for you?

I think an artist’s purpose and intention is most important - I love to see that someone’s brand is authentic and meaningful to them. I will also be looking for sustainable supply chains, and production practices that support other local independent businesses.

7. What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Jury? 

I am looking forward to seeing some new artists and brands! And shopping for our store as well :)

8. Where can we find more about you? 

My favorite part of the internet is Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reesabobeesa/

I also have a website: http://www.theresabaxter.me/

Photo credit by: Pedro Oros

We all know someone who would live outside if they could, or you are that person! Here are our picks for any nature lover all from our artisans in Jackalope Summer Nights this August!

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Mussel Earrings

Grey Jays
Price: $52

Take part of the ocean with you anywhere you go with these beautiful oyster shell stud earrings. The shells were found along the Oregon coast!  

https://greyjays.com

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Freefall Graphite Legging

Wear AM
Price: $88

Be ready for your next adventure with this set. Whether you want to rock climb, hike, dance or just be one with nature you will look and feel good while doing it!

https://www.wear-am.com

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Grapefruit Mint Mist

Morning Blossom
Price: $15

Who doesn’t feel rejuvenated after a quick spritz, especially after being outside all day?! Nourish and condition your skin (and hair) with organic aloe vera juice, rose water & 100% pure essential oils.

https://morningblossomstudio.com

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The Drake (Olive) // Ribbon Collar

Trax Ties
Price: $20

Man’s best friend loves to be outside just as much as you do so make sure they are ready for their next adventure too.

https://www.trax-ties.com

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The Geode

Shop Blue Bridge
Price: $10

The most important thing is to hydrate, so feel good doing it with this awesome geode water bottle! We guarantee you won’t forget this beauty at home.

https://www.shopbluebridge.com/

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Sneakers

Vamvas
Price: $70

Put a spring in your step with Vamvas! The worlds most comfortable sneakers (according to us and anyone who owns them!).

https://www.vamvasoriginals.com

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Erva

Erva Brew Co
Price: $

Cool off with a nice glass of yerba mate! Get the boost you need to continue your day into the night, plus the nutrients your body craves.

https://www.drinkerva.com

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Wild One Muscle Tank

Wee Monster
Price: $29

Let the wild rumpus start! Make sure your young explorer is dressed to take on the world with you.

https://www.weemonster.net

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Don't miss your chance to shop all of our Jackalope Pasadena artisans in person this August 2nd and 3rd . Click below to add us to your iCal calendar!

Q: Tell us a little about yourself & your background in the arts & crafts world: 
As a young girl, growing up in Los Angeles, I found influence in my family trips to Mexico. I have distinct memories of cobblestone streets lined with quaint shops of many flavors. My cross-cultural background blessed me with a tasteful fusion for crafts. From then on, handmade artisan work became my mission and my passion. 

Q: What / who is your biggest inspiration?
My father is a superhero. Manuel endured more than my naivety could handle at the time. He ventured from Mexico to America, with no knowledge of English, and eventually came to own his own body shop in Culver City. I thank him and my mom for supporting my decisions to conquer the risks that I took to get me to where I am today. 

Q: How did you get into your position in the arts & crafts world?
Roughly 25 years ago I owned a shop in Old Town Pasadena, before the resurgence, when it was primarily mom and pop. Dusk lasted about 9 years. After that I worked for my dad, raised three dorky boys, and opened my treasure, Belle’s Nest. 

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: 
Soozee Woods and Tracy Chamberlin from Ramona Paloma Tiles are an all time favorite. They are both an absolute joy to work with—their tiles reflect the warmth in their personalities.

Q: What do you love most about the handmade movement?
I love that social media and wonderful events, like Jackalope, allow a myriad of creatives to expose their work. For me, connecting with my customers is the best feeling ever. 

Q: What is the most important feature in an artist's application for you? 
I need to make sure that my vision stays on track.  Above all, I look for well made, original and unique creations. 

Q: What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury?  
It's such a pleasure to be part of something that helps the handmade community. It's gratifying in so many ways for me because I've had experience in all aspects of this process. 

 Q: Where can we find out more about you? 
You can visit me on Instagram and my brick and mortar shop in Sierra Madre, or you can visit me online as well.

Belle's Nest: 55 N Baldwin Ave, Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Web: https://bellesnest.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellesnest/ 

1. How did you get your start in the handmade community?  I’ve been drawn to creating and promoting handmade creations from a young age. When I was younger, I’d go to work with my mom who was a graphic designer and worked in an office full of women owned businesses. There I’d sit under her desk and draw…sometimes on the walls… and make things from everyday objects. I was incredibly fortunate that the designers, architects, and other professional women in the office would buy my colored paperclips and eraser sculptures and show me what it was like to support each other and the joy of having someone want something made by hand. This feeling of community around creation was present through my college experience where I studied theatre – the art of creating what you need because there’s never enough in the budget to “just go buy it.” I also started working for an American craft artist/ gallery at that time and fell in love with the idea of art being accessible for anyone.

2. What/Who is your biggest inspiration? My biggest inspiration is my mom,  Ann, who is the other half of Period Six Studio. She always taught me that people, no matter how different, have shared experiences and their stories are worth listening to and retelling. 

3. Tell us a few favorites of yours (animal, tv show, weekend activity, food etc)? A few of my favorite things… polka dots, rusty things, my dog Malcolm and husband Toby, Gilmore Girls, Broadway musicals, and a beer & chocolate combo to top off a day of bump skiing.

4. What do you love most about the handmade movement?  My favorite part of the handmade movement is seeing how people who where displaced from jobs in the recession or found that there were no jobs for them out of college have carved out places for themselves. By taking nontraditional career paths they’ve had to build upon what lights them up. I feel privileged watching aritsts grow and change and feel honored when they trust us to tell their stories.

5. What is the most important feature in an artists application for you? For me the work itself is the most important feature. The joy, thoughtfulness and attention to detail is all reflected in the work itself. That being said, make sure there’s good pictures to represent it in the best light.

6. What are you looking forward to the most in joining the jury panel with Jackalope? I am excited to join the jury panel to meet other people who share my passion of the handmade and to see the scope of what people are creating!

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

My grandma taught me how to crochet one summer and I started making earrings out of crochet and buttons. At this time I was studying art at UCLA. I took the option to study abroad in South Africa for 1 semester. So I started wearing these earrings to my art classes there and many students wanted to buy them. When I came back to UCLA the same thing happened. Being near very eclectic and cool boutiques, I started selling them on consignment at a few shops in the area. 

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

My approach in making/designing. I come from a fine art background so the initial stage is sketching out shapes from the environment. The things I find interesting can be very ordinary or a small detail of something. Then I think, can I wear this, would I want to wear this, how can I make it so it can be worn, what materials will help me achieve this idea? I am interested in making timeless pieces, not trends. It's also exciting to make pieces that are modular. Simple pieces that can be combined, rearranged, and reimagined by the wearer (such as the front back earrings and second hole earrings)

3. What or Who Inspires you?

It's hard to find things that don't inspire me. I see fascinating shapes everywhere. Shadows, strange angles of furniture, my backyard, construction sites, wires sticking out from electrical poles, unfinished buildings. I take quick photos of them and look through them at home. Going to a contemporary museum is super inspiring. I go with my 4 year-old son so it's even more eye opening seeing it from his point-of-view. Also, hardware stores are great for ideas. I go through each aisle looking at tools, parts, shapes. 

4. What is your creative process like?

I have a sketchbook and I make small drawings here and there. Being a mom I don't have the luxury of having a long stretch of time to focus on one thing. So when I have 20mins, I just stop and look around and search for shapes that catch my eye and document them. I make a lot of little drawings and I am not precious about them, I just put as many ideas down as they come. When I get a bit of quiet time (usually when my son is asleep) I look through all the drawings (and sometimes photos) and pick out a few and manipulate them and think about how they can be simplified and become wearable objects. Then I may make some samples. 

But sometimes this process is completely flipped. I love hardware stores and when I find a really cool part or piece there I think, how can I incorporate this into my work. So sometimes the work is completely informed by the material. 

5. What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?

The value of learning many techniques. I love to learn and having many making solutions under your belt puts you in a position to fully realize your ideas. 

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

I will have minimalistic, playful, versatile earrings and necklaces. I look forward to helping shoppers try them on and find their own combinations. Almost every earring design has the option of being sold per piece (instead of as a pair) so you can create different asymmetrical looks. It's so exciting to see my work on someone else, it totally changes the context. As soon as they wear it, it becomes something else, something new. 

7. Where can we learn more about you?

www.sonemade.etsy.com

www.instagram.com/sonemade

www.facebook.com/sonemadeshop

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

Back in 2009 I was stitching plush toys under the name Planet Ogie as a senior project in college. A lot of curiosity grew surrounding the Ogie characters so I thought,  maybe if I threw a price tag on them I could make money doing something I enjoyed. I participated in my first holiday market in 2010, since then I’ve picked up leather work which is almost 100% hand-stitching and more recently became quite interested in pottery. I need to keep my hands busy otherwise I go crazy.

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

I only create pieces I myself would want to use on the daily. Almost everything is built by hand, it’s a very slow imperfect process, but this is what makes each piece truly unique.  

3. What or Who Inspires you?

Traveling has brought the most inspiration to my work.

4. What is your creative process like?

I usually start with sketches, moving then to paper prototypes. From there I really just go for it, cross my fingers and start cutting into leather. My process has become a bit faster with each new product.  I have a pocket full of Fortnight design elements I know will work well, and this has helped me stay consistent so I don't always have to start from scratch with each new product.

5. What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?

I’m not sure if this is considered an artistic tip but, I remind myself almost daily of a quote I read in Liz Gilbert’s book Big Magic - “ Any motion whatsoever beats inertia, because inspiration will always be drawn to motion.”

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

Mostly leather work from large hand-stitched totes to small leather matchbooks.  If I can get my act together maybe a bit of pottery too!

7. Where can we learn more about you?

My Instagram feed, @fortnightcompany and someday soon I’ll have my site up - www.Fortnightcompany.co

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

Stacy Dymalski and I are the best of friends who go WAY back (over 30 years). Once our kids got older we decided to do something creative together that highlighted our artistic gifts. I like to draw and Stacy likes to write comedy, so we decided to pool our talents to produce a card line that really speaks to people the way we communicate in person. We really ARE artistic and funny, just like our cards.

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

Our cards reflect our very own creativity and our voice. They say what most people think, which is what a greeting card should do. We’ve been told by many people that they’ve never seen cards quite like ours before. 

3. What or Who Inspires you?

We’re inspired everyday by our friends, family, dogs, and other women whom we read about, but may have never met. Let’s face it, women juggle many jobs every second of everyday of their lives. We get that, because we’ve been there, too. That’s why we’re able to draw funny images of life and put funny captions to them that (in essence) say, “Here’s a humorous take on what you’re going through. I bet you can relate.” If someone has a moment of levity during their busy day because of our cards, we feel it in our hearts (honest). 

4. What is your creative process like?

Typically we meet for coffee or a meal at my house to work. Sometimes I draw a picture first and then Stacy puts a funny caption to it. And sometimes Stacy has a list of funny captions that she presents to me for drawings. Then we tweak the cards together; both making suggestions to the other in terms of art and captions. In the end we come up with something brilliant. (At least, WE think so!) But more importantly, we have a great time working, creating, and laughing together, and in the end, that’s all that really matters.

5. What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?

Just be yourself. Don’t try to be something you’re not, and don’t try to be everything to everybody. Do that unique thing that you do, and do it really well. Yes, you will have a specific, limited audience, but those people will love you and your products. If you try to please everyone, your art will be so generic it will no longer stand out in the crowd.

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

Unique, funny, handmade cards with a vintage flair that you’ve probably never seen before, all of which are made with love. They include funny cards about life, plus dog cards that will crack you up. (And, due to popular demand, we are also bringing in a new line for us - cat cards.) Honestly, we could be doing so many other things in life right now, but we truly enjoy making these cards, because its something creative that we can do together. Plus we know their destiny is to brighten someone’s day. It’s a win-win situation.

7. Where can we learn more about you? 

Our website is sassypantsdesign.com. In addition, we have an Etsy shop that contains a subset of our products, called SassypantsdesignUSA. We are on Instagram and Facebook as @sassypantsdesign. 

You can also find us in independent shops in 5 states. (We are always on the lookout for new, cool shops!)

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

I've been making stuff since I was a kid, so it was a natural long-time progression. I worked for a corporate fashion brand for a long time and really missed the hands-on part of design, which is what ultimately motivated me to start Pliers & String.

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

For the most part, I try to create pieces that are complex but not in an obvious way—a lot of my jewelry is structural, like a little puzzle. I also make my own cords and wind each and every tassel.

3. What or Who Inspires you?

Anything and everything. You just never know when inspiration will strike. There are so many deviations and permutations, and design is like music—infinite possibility.

4. What is your creative process like?

Sometimes I have a clear concept in mind, but generally my process is like a creative relay. I get an idea then try to execute it, meanwhile it spawns another idea which goes in a different direction, and basically I just follow along until I end up with something that clicks. I wish I was more methodical, it certainly would make for a neater work space, but sometimes the fun is in the mess. 

5. What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?

I'd say the best tip I've received—and this is in line with my own belief—is people will innately gravitate toward that which you're passionate about and the love you put into something will manifest in one way or another.  In essence, love what you do, and others will too.

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

Lots of dainty hand-forged and wire-wrapped pieces, and colorful fiber-mix jewelry.

7. Where can we learn more about you?

You can check out my jewelry at @pliersandstring on Instagram, and www.pliersandstring.com, and my design portfolio at coroflot.com/mivcreative

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

I got started sewing 28 years ago, patternmaking about 18 years ago, and doing this as more than a hobby about 7 years ago.  Sewing has gone from being a hobby to a slight (okay, maybe my husband wouldn't agree with the slight part) obsession for me through the years, and doing it as a full-time endeavor and designing clothing for young people just seemed to be a natural outgrowth of what I loved.  The real start for Eddy & Scout was the challenge of trying to make boy's clothing that was durable, soft, comfortable, and would comfortably clothe my lanky boy.  Now I make boy and girl clothing, but believe it or not, I started with boy stuff.  Girl stuff just tends to be a little more fun to design and sell (sorry boys!).  Eddy & Scout turns 4 this year!  It is hard to believe, but it has been such a fun journey!

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

Let's face it.  It's kind of trendy to make cute little clothes and sell them on the internet.  Why are Eddy & Scout clothes any different?  Honestly, if I didn't feel like they were different, I wouldn't keep doing what I do.  I have a mission to really provide a quality garment that provides an alternative to the currently accepted norm of buying trendy and "disposable" children's clothing.  I believe, as a parent, that sustainability applies not only to the way that a garment is produced, but also that a garment has the ability to stick around and not only clothe one child through two full years, but to still hold up to countless "hand me down" cycles, and various adventures that kids regularly undertake that tend to be rough on their clothes.  For this reason, you'll notice that our sleeves and pantlegs almost always are cuffed, to lengthen or shorten according to the stage of growth.  You'll also notice that our boy pants have reinforced knees, that our girl leggings have a "ruching" function that allows them to adjust 4" longer.  That we use 9.5 oz cotton jersey milled in LA for our garments, instead of the 6 oz that you'd see in almost all leggings and tees, and that all of our dresses and skirts are cut to be appropriate lengths on growing bodies.  More than that, we really care that our clothes are washable, and soft.  It is easy to find polyester in kid clothing, but becoming harder to find the quality cotton that we seek out.  Feel means everything to us.  If our most sensitive testers turn a nose up at our designs, it is back to the drawing board.  If our kids are comfortable, that means less dressing hassles, and more time to focus on the adventure of being a kid!

3. What or Who Inspires you?

Strangely enough, I receive the most design inspiration when traveling and people-watching.  I think about clothing design all hours of the day and night, and I only wish that I had the resources to be able to sell half of the things that I design.  I am held back a lot by the complexity of the garments I want to design, and, in the interest of creating things that people can afford, I end up simplifying a lot, as the amount of time and work that would go into a more complex design would keep me from making enough pieces, and force me to work for much lower than the worst sweatshop wage!

4. What is your creative process like?

My creative process is pretty fluid.  I receive inspiration from a shape I see, or a curve on an existing garment, and then I immediately begin cycling through ways to implement it.  I watch small children, and see how they play, and I consider what will have the most fun as well as functionality too.  I go over and over in my head, ways to sew such a design most efficiently, and only once I have all of this figured out do I begin to sketch.  Sometimes once I get to the fabric sourcing step, I will find several fabrics that play well together, and they may inform a modification to best showcase themselves.  I will draft a preliminary pattern, sew a sample, and then try it on several children and solicit feedback from kids and parents.  At any point during this process, there are usually edits in complexity, sewing order, special details, fit, or seam placement, but I really enjoy the lack of rigidity, as it brings me so much joy to revel in the process of the garment bringing itself to life.  The real crowning glory is watching a child light up at something that I've created, and especially when one of those "details" (like a thumbhole in a hoodie, or a pocket in a skirt) make that piece special for them.  Honestly, that is what keeps me coming back for more--because it feels like more than just "making kids clothes" to me.

5.  What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?

Someone once told me that "you cannot pour from an empty cup", and I find this to be especially true of creativity, and for me, clothing design.  If I am stressed, and feeling like I need to produce--that which I produce is usually not something I'd be comfortable putting my name on and selling.  I am learning more and more that if I allow my life to be run by deadlines and timelines, that my cup depletes, and I face a diminishing return in the quality of design that I can produce.  "Filling my cup" is sometimes as simple as taking a drive toward the ocean and glimpsing the sun on the water, or sitting quietly and listening to my own thoughts instead of the ever-growing list of all of the things that I "should" be doing.

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

I am really excited about some of the Spring/Summer designs that will be available for purchase at the upcoming Jackalope.  Inspired by my recent move to California, my designs have taken a more flowy, layered look, and there will be swingy and twirly dresses and layering cardigans, as well as some old favorites like our Penelope Pocket Skirts and Hadley dresses.  Spring and Summer fabrics will have fireflies, light and airy florals, and wildflowers, which just remind us of sunny fields, warm summer nights, and beachy breezes.  

7.  Where can we learn more about you?

You can see more about us on our website, www.eddyandscout.com, on our instagram at instagram.com/eddyandscout, and via our facebook page www.facebook.com/eddyandscout.  We also have a VIP group on facebook where we offer our newest products first, as well as sales, and VIP only bargains and giveaways.  You can find that on facebook for searching for "Eddy & Scout's Rockin VIP group".

Downtown Women’s Center Partners With Jackalope To Eradicate Homelessness For Los Angeles Women

Pasadena’s Central Park will play host for a third year to local handmade design as the Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair makes its return this April 29th & 30th.  New to 2017, Jackalope will be partnering with the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) to promote their programs and services by accepting donations on their behalf.  

“Being a women owned business, we found DWC to be a perfect fit to align with our own mission and values in running Jackalope.”

— Sara Diederich, co-founder of Jackalope Arts

DWC’s mission is to provide permanent housing and a safe and healthy community, and to advocate ending homelessness for women.  

Photo By Erica Hsu: http://www.ericakhsu.com/ 

Jackalope attendees will also be able to visit the MADE by DWC booth during the fair, carrying a line of unique gift items that were created in collaboration between DWC program participants and community artists.  MADE by DWC is a social enterprise created by DWC to break cycles of chronic homelessness and unemployment. By purchasing DWC’s handmade products, Jackalope attendees can directly contribute to these women.

“MADE by DWC allows women the space to really work through some of the barriers they’ve been facing living in poverty or living in homelessness.”

— Dena Younkin, Senior Product and Merchandise Manager for MADE by DWC

Join Jackalope Pasadena and the Downtown Women’s Center in Pasadena’s Central Park to shop handmade and support local women in need.

Learn more about DWC at: 
www.downtownwomenscenter.org
www.MADEbyDWC.org