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 :-)

Photo by: Stella Kelinina

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?
he concept of outdoor living is a major inspiration for me. We are so lucky in Los Angeles to be able to spend most of the year outside and have some connection to nature, even if that's just a little backyard.  Enjoying time on my patio, whether entertaining friends or just lazing about with my husband and our dogs always brings me joy.  Hedge is a way for me to provide a little bit of that lifestyle to anyone, no matter what climate they live in or whether or not they have any outdoor space. 

I also draw a lot of inspiration from craftspeople and the process of making. Growing up the daughter of a carpenter and seamstress, I saw from an early age the problem solving involved to take an idea or design and make it a reality. Now, I love to visit crafts people in their shops or studios and see them in action. A lot of my design ideas are generated  by observing how they manipulate materials. I also love to see the hand of the craftsperson in my designs. There's always some small imperfections that say this was not cranked out by a machine.  

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?
" You never never know when you're done, but you always know when you've done too much!" was a quote from my artist Grandfather. I think as creatives, we have a tendency to second guess when a piece is ready to meet the world. 

Photo by: Stella Kelinina

What is your creative process like?
My creative process is very fluid. Sometimes, a concept or sketch is the beginning of something new. Other times, I am inspired by an interesting material and I work out ideas that are influenced by that materials capabilities. Either way, I never commit to what the design really is until I start making the prototypes. I like to live with the prototype for a while and make changes based on how it really functions. The Beatrix and Gertrude Hedge Planters went through so many variations before I was satisfied. Many of the early prototypes are still hanging in my garden, as a constant reminder of that progression.

We've seen MANY, MANY talented artisans of all types since applications opened in October for our Spring Pasadena Fair, and we can't wait to narrow it down to the very best to join the Jackalope community.  

For those of you who've already applied --- February 15th is the date applications are sent off to our jury!  

We'll be making official selection notifications by March 1st, so keep a lookout for our email notifications!

Meet our jurors:

MaryAnne LoVerme

MaryAnne is the owner of the Los Angeles County Store in Silverlake, the only shop dedicated exclusively to fine goods made in Los Angeles.  From artisanal food, to small housewares, apothecary to prints & stationary, it's a thoughtfully curated collection of crafted wares. 

A view from outside MaryAnne's LA County Store

Brent Turner

Brent is an art-enthusiast, with a PR, marketing, and copywriting background.  Brent operates the Campbells PR, with clients all over the arts realm: from Palm Springs Fine Art Fair, to several local galleries in and around Los Angeles.

A shot from above the Palm Springs Fine Art Fair in February 2012

Christine Haynes

Christine is a Los Angeles-based sewing author, teacher, and pattern designer with her own line of sewing patterns, which are perfect for the vintage loving modern seamstress.  Find our more about Christine, here: www.christinehaynes.com

She has written four books: How to Speak Fluent Sewing, Skirts & Dresses for First Time Sewers, The Complete Photo Guide to Clothing Construction, and Chic & Simple Sewing.  She has also contributed to other books.