How would you describe your style? 

Geek Sheik! Our style is highly focused on creative sustainability, while staying true to our geeky personalities. I am always wearing bow ties and Saqouy is always constructing something amazing with legos, so we found a unique fusion of the two when we sat down and really talked about it. What we love most is how universal the styles are with all who wear our bow ties! There truly is something we can capture for anyone.

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

We do not claim to have invented the lego bow tie because the idea itself could be created by anyone. We wanted to take the lego bow tie and and create a fashionable style that was both unique and sustainable. After much trial and error we found ourselves with an idea to ensure the environment was at the base of our building, an interchangeable neck strap! Woven from recycled plastic bottles, you only need one for endless options in styles, characters and sizes!

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

We are inspired by all parts of life interacting together! Drawing our passions from comic books, video games and legos, to being outside in nature, creative collaboration and sharing our ideas of sustainable fashion with anyone wanting to be a part of the conversation. Most of the time we inspire each other and it's been such a beautiful journey to own a father/son business.

When do you feel the most creative?

We LOVE building to loud music and something with a good beat!! It is a 'must' in our creative process and always fuels our interaction not only with one another, but individually as well. Music, laughs and bow tie building.

Any special item you'll be releasing or sale you'll be doing at the fair that we should tell people about?

Definitely keep an eye out for our new bow tie home displays and specially made interchangeable barrette bow ties! 

Where can we learn more about you?  

Please check us out at sonandpopbowtieshop.com and follow us at: FB- Son and Pop Bow Tie Shop, IG- sonandpopbowtieshop. We love interacting with everyone and taking custom orders so please feel free to reach me directly at oliver@sonandpopbowtieshop.com or 517-996-2224.

1. What is Teller Street Gallery? Teller Street is an art studio in Wheat Ridge featuring classes for kids and adults. The studio is locally owned and operated by Mandy Fulton and Nicole Anderson. The walls are crammed with awesome artwork by local artists. We also have 10 private studios for artists to rent on a monthly basis, which have been occupied for years by most of the same artists.

2. What activities will you be offering fair patrons during the festival? Teller Street will offer free art activities for kids during the Carnation Festival. Including take home pinwheels! We will be onsite from 4pm-7pm on Friday and 12pm-6pm on Saturday,

3. Where can we learn more about you? You can find out more about Teller Street, the classes offered, and featured artists and instructors on our website:  www.TellerStreetGallery.com

4. What do you love most about the handmade movement? We love to see creativity in people, and do our best to help teach, inspire, and promote art locally.

How did you start in the handmade community?

We started in the handmade community at farmers market's. We were making our habanero pepper jelly for friends and family at Christmas.  Everyone loved it and always asked for more so got a certified kitchen and started selling the jelly at events.

What or who inspires you?

I'm inspired by people that are the best in their practice or profession, I love watching, trusting and working with people that are good at what they do.

What makes your work unique and truly your own?

We use the best quality produce, de-seed and de-stem the fresh peppers by hand. We know the farmers we work with. Our products have a modern feel that appeals to our customers that enjoy entertaining and cooking.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope Art & Craft Fair? 

Habanero, Strawberry Habanero and Marionberry Habanero Pepper Jellies

Learn more here: 

www.kellysjelly.com

www.facebook.com/kellysjelly

Twitter @kellysjelly

How did you start in the handmade community?

It’s in my blood to create; I have made handmade my whole life. If I couldn’t create I would be one grumpy person. So I’ve been working towards this goal my whole life just recently realizing that it could be a career. In 2014 my bags were born and I started selling on Etsy. After that I had my first show July of 2015 (which was Jackalope). It’s been love at first show! Shows have been the most rewarding part of my journey so far, I love the instant feedback I get from strangers and other makers.  

What or who inspires you?

People!! I love street style and seeing how people put outfits together, or seeing how people mix fabrics and prints. This is why I really like doing art and craft fairs… my customers give me so much inspiration!

What makes your work unique and truly your own?

I hand pick every fabric that is used for my bags, and mix new with vintage. I add my signature bow to all of my bags, and use fun pattern and color combinations. 

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope Art & Craft Fair?

Fanny packs which are my newest addition to my collection, coin purses, tampon cases, make-up bags, and purses. I will also have a small line of bags without bows!

Learn more and shop Sew Chrissy Market on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sewchrissymarket/?fref=ts

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/sewchrissymarket

How did you start in the handmade community?

As an art student, I sold paintings and drawings to friends and family, and also sold items during school holiday shows and my senior art show. When I started Wandering Ink, I had the support of friends and family who were interested in purchasing my designs shortly after I started screen printed. I received many sales through Etsy, and then started my own website. The summer after getting my LLC, I started doing my first markets.

What or who inspires you?

I'm inspired by hiking, camping, climbing, and enjoying all that Colorado has to offer. 

What makes your work unique and truly your own?

My shirts are hand printed in small batches using eco-friendly water-based ink. All of my designs currently use two ink colors, which requires considerable skill and patience to assure they are properly lined up. I have an excellent eye for detail and quality control. As a one person business, my duties include design, printing, product photography, model photography, tagging, shipping, accounting, building and maintaining my website, social media marketing, and much more. 

What can we expect to see from you at the Jackalope Art & Craft Fair?

At Jackalope Art & Craft Fair, I will have a variety ofsoft, light weight, comfortable. outdoor themed tees for fitness minded men and women, lots of tanks, and my newly added selection of kids' shirts.

Check out wandering ink at our Summer Denver Fair in August!

How did you start in the Handmade Community?

I started as mostly an admirer of the handmade community. Denver has such a strong group of makers and shakers and re-thinkers, there was always someone at a booth or market to ask about how and why they got started. Their stories were different, but it always came down to "so I just did it." Knowing if I did the same I would have a natural support network, I decided to jump in and open and Etsy shop in February 2016. 

What or Who Inspires you?

Elizabeth Gilbert's book "Big Magic" was totally the creative wake up call that I needed. It came into my life at the very beginning of my idea to start Tin Lizzie Apothecary, and was the catalyst for actually getting it off the ground. Her words on creativity and fear rang so true, I knew I couldn't go another day without focusing my life around creating my own Big Magic. 

What makes your work unique and truly your own? 

I've always felt more connected to pieces and brands that have a deeper, intentional meaning. From the name of the company, down to the gemstones I use on each necklace, there is always something deeper to the cute logo or pretty bead. The holistic health movement is slowly coming into the mainstream, and I wanted to help people share these tools that have helped me create a more balanced daily life. My hope is that when someone says "That's a cute necklace," it sparks a greater conversation about health and wellness.

What can shoppers expect to find from you at Jackalope Art & Craft Fair?

I'll be bringing all my favorite diffuser necklaces, along with my own essential oil blends. And some sneak peeks at items not yet available on the website :)

Every year the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival grows bigger and bigger and with Wheat Ridge poised as one of the next big up and coming neighborhoods, we are thrilled to join them this year!  

HISTORY
The Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival began in 1969 when the city of Wheat Ridge was first born. It is one of the oldest and longest running festivals in the state of Colorado. The name of the festival honors the slogan “Carnation Capital of the World” that was given to the area long ago when Wheat Ridge and the surrounding area actually numbered 32 different growers at one time! 

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The two+ day annual festival features ongoing live music on the main stage, a large beer garden and expanded food court with specialty food vendors and craft brewers and wines. The Kids Fun Zone has been expanded to include even more full size carnival rides, midway games and yummy carnival concessions including the famous funnel cake! Also featured is a vintage circus, fine art show, the famous spaghetti dinner (on both nights), a chili cook-off, community softball game, and two nights of fireworks. 

Check out the events schedule here: http://www.thecarnationfestival.com/events-entertainment/

And now the Jackalope Art & Craft Fair is an exciting new addition to the festivities!  Check out where we will be during the event!

We can't wait to see you all there!  You can apply to be an artisan online until May 20th at www.jackalopeartfair.com/apply

Keep an eye out for our vendor announcement coming in June! http://www.jackalopeartfair.com/denver/

We are sad to hear that Whorl will be closing its doors in Denver, but what is next on the horizon for you?

I'm so excited about what's on the horizon. I'm dabbling in a few different things, but still keeping the essence of Whorl and the mark I leave. I will be assisting with nonprofit events, assisting local designers with business management, branding, and sales, as well as working on my own brand consulting. 

Imprints by Whorl 

How do you see the handmade community evolving in Denver?

I see the handmade community evolving both creatively and functionally. Every year I find myself impressed with the talent and items that are being made for a variety of markets with both fashionable and functional components. 

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

Honestly, I look up to all the artists and designers who put their work out there not knowing what the outcome is going to be. It is a huge risk creating something not knowing how people will react, but it's even more amazing to just do it. 

What are you looking forward to the most in being apart of our Jackalope jury panel for the second time?   

I am looking forward to seeing what amazing handmade products come through this year. Helping to curate last time around was an honor and seeing the talent there is locally and nationally was really cool. I also hope that everyone takes that risk to apply because when they do I see it pay off in the applications. 

Helen Rice

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

Twelve years ago I started a small art consignment shop in a tiny side-street space in downtown Littleton.  My little business grew steadily over the first few years and when I had an opportunity to move into a prime space on historic downtown Littleton's Main street, I jumped at it.  I started as more of a fine art gallery, but when the recession hit, I had to quickly restructure, shifting my focus to gift items.  I figured people would still buy gifts for other people before they'd buy an expensive piece of art for themselves, so I stayed focused on handmade items and it proved to be a good fit!  I believe that was when the handmade movement gained momentum, as well. People turned to "making" things themselves, flexing their entrepreneurial muscles and selling their work directly to the public, who readily embraced and supported them in a big way.

What / who is your biggest inspiration?

Any woman who has or had the courage to make her way (and a difference) in this world! 

What do you love most about the handmade movement?

The return to basics - realizing that we can be innovative with common materials and make things with our own hands that are functional, fresh and beautiful! 

Tell us about a few favorites of yours; food, color, animal?

A nice, big, juicy burger - loaded!

Any shade of BLUE is my favorite color!

DOGS, Dogs, dogs....I love them all!

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

Seeing new, fresh work from our local makers!

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

Innovation and originality

Where can we find out more about you?

Besides owning and operating my store, I also produce an 3-day annual urban art retreat in September.  The retreat is called Art Makers Denver and you can find out more about that and ME at http://artmakersdenver.com/our-team/

What is your favorite part about owning XO Gift Company?

I really love being a part of this amazing community and seeing the different faces that walk into the shop. I think it's exciting that literally anyone can walk in at any moment and completely change your day (hopefully in a good way!). My customers are great fun and I truly enjoy meeting and talking with all different types of folks!

How do you see the handmade community evolving in Denver? 

I think there's a ton of growth and opportunity for the handmade community in Denver right now. Besides that fact that Denver itself is growing immensely, there is definitely more of an appreciation for handmade vendors and items from those who understand what kind of love and time goes into the process and creation. There are a ton of people who come in the shop and make "this or that" and there is so much access to workshops and the like, it's great!  

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

I would not single out a particular artist that I look up to. I believe it truly takes a village and it's just so exciting to see all of the different ideas and final products that people come up with from paintings to bike chain sculptures to vinyl jewelry! There is so much creativity out there and it all inspires me in a different way. I have made some great friends in my artists and I love to learn about people's journey and what they are all about. 

What are you looking forward to the most in being apart of our Jackalope jury panel for the second time?

I love to see which vendors apply and their awesome handcrafted work! It's also just a great learning experience to be able to visit all of the different websites and see such a variety of branding and marketing tactics that are used. It's exciting to see what vendors might be a great fit for XO too!

eXtraOrdinary Gift Company (XO Gift Co.) 3867 Tennyson Street// www.xogiftco.com