Summer is quickly approaching and that means Memorial Day is right around the corner. That also means the kick off to summer parties and barbecues. Here are some awesome ideas to help take your Memorial Day party to the next level from a handful of our #jackalopedenver artisans! 

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Mexican Blanket

Vela Apparel
Price: $39

Summer nights get a little chilly, so have these out for your guests whether its by the camp fire or in your backyard! 

https://velaapparel.com

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Tumblers

Kickwheel Creative
Price: $30

Bring a smile to all of your guests faces and embrace Summer with these bright and unique tumblers!

www.facebook.com/kickwheelcreative

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Pina Colada Wine Slushy Mix

Nectar of the Vine
Price: $13

Cheers to Summer and good times with your family and friends. Get the drinks flowing with this frozen pina colada wine slushy mix!

https://www.nectarofthevine.com

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Mineral Sun Stick

Bee-Och Organics
Price: $16

Make sure you don't start your summer with a not so fun sunburn. This unique twist-up tube makes it great for no-mess application and great for kids to apply themselves. 

http://www.bee-och.com

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Custom Party Flags

Party Wolf
Price: $40

Add some funk to your backyard with these custom party flags! What is great is that they are reusable so you can bring them out for any Summer event.  

https://www.partywolfparty.com

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Wood Disc Wine Charms

Mountain Gypsea
Price: $22                                                   

Make sure your guests keep track of their glasses with these wood burned wine charms! Each one reminds them of the great outdoors and what Colorado has to offer.  

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MtnGypsea

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Foldover Clutch with Snap

Cloud 9 Stitching
Price: $80

Keep all of your necessities by your side while you play hostess with the mostess with this cute foldover clutch. 

https://www.cloud9stitching.com

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Baja Border Blend 

Rockin' Rubs
Price: $12

This mouthwatering seasoning will leave your guests wanting more. With a blend of chilies this can be used with beef, fish tacos, fajitas or even on veggies! Perfect for grilling.

https://www.rockinrubs.net

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Don't miss your chance to shop all of our Jackalope Denver artisans in person this May!  Click below to add us to your iCal calendar!

There are so many goodies from the artisans featuring at Jackalope Denver that will make your mother smile. We have selected a few of our favorites to help make this Mothers Day one for the books!

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Pressed Flower Ring

Adventurous Hearts
Price: $22
Make mom smile with this pressed flower ring that will add an elegant touch to any outfit. Go a step further and you could even make it a mother-daughter ring and buy one for yourself ;)
https://www.etsy.com/shop/adventuroushearts

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Hemp Tea Towel

GoldfinchLimited
Price: $14
Does your mom enjoy cooking or baking? Help dress up her kitchen with this hand dyed tea towel in deep coral. Then maybe next time she will share those fresh baked goodies with you!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/GoldfinchLimited

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Lavender Whipped Body Butter

Mountain Essentials
Price: $15.25
Lavender has a calming affect and we all know mom could use some relaxation! Give the gift that keeps on giving with this whipped body butter so mom can have some much deserved TLC.

 https://www.mountainessentialsllc.com/

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Herb Markers

Ceramae Studios
Price: $4

Can your mom be found out in the garden making her own herbs? If the answer is yes, these ceramic herb markers will make the perfect gift! 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CeramaeStudios

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Mothers Day Cookie

Sweet Treats by Melissa
Price: price varies
Almost too pretty to eat, these mothers day cookies will put a smile on mom's face and one in her stomach! If you ask nicely, maybe she will share.   

http://www.sweettreatsbymelissa.com/

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Reverb Rosemary Candle

Herb Hapa
Price: $42                                                   

A candle always makes a perfect gift and this rosemary candle is no exception. Plus 20% of the profits is donated to thesolutionsproject.org to help fund renewable energy grants and projects!

https://herbhapa.co

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Thank You Very Much Floral Card

Notable Paper Goods & Services
Price: $2.75

We all know you have a lot to thank mom for. So start with this card that way your message doesn't got lost in translation! 

https://www.notablepapergoods.com/

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Denali Reversible Skirt 

Li'lSkirts
Price: $99
Help to jazz up moms wardrobe with this reversible skirt! Perfect to wear to the mall, out with friends, or to your next mother daughter adventure. 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Lilskirts

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Don't miss your chance to shop all of our Jackalope Denver artisans in person this May!  Click below to add us to your iCal calendar!

You have seen our Pasadena choices for the best grad gifts, and now here are our top picks from our Jackalope Denver artisans! 

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Isle of Ice Iphone Case

Carved
Price: $39
With this handmade wooden case, ensure your college student won't break their phone....again.

Not only will they look cool, but now the phone has a bit more protection while traveling from class to class, or party to party! 

www.carved.com

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Custom Vintage Map Keychain

The Navigator Handmade
Price: $25
Customize this keychain so that your graduate will have a little piece of home with them while on the go!

www.etsy.com/shop/thenavigatorhandmade

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Grandpas Coin Pouch

Berit Brooks
Price: $22
Dorm living means the beginning of coin laundry. Never forget the quarters for the laundry again with this stylish leather coin pouch.

www.beritbrooks.com

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Tabletop Cornhole

A Good Turn Colorado 
Price: $13.50

Need to take a break from the books? 

Take your favorite backyard game and make it compatible to play inside with this mini tabletop cornhole! 

www.etsy.com/shop/agoodturnco

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Graduation Lollipops

Sweet Caroline Confections
Price: $16.50
Put a smile on your graduates face and start the celebration right away with these graduation lollipops! The perfect favor to any grad party. 

https://sweetcarolineconfections.com/

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Hand-Embroidered Archival Print of 'Drenched Desert II'

Noelle Phares Art
Price: $100                                                   

Make a statement and jazz up dorm life with this awesome print of the Joshua Tree Desert. What makes this print even cooler is that there is extensive embroidery throughout making quite the impression. 

www.etsy.com/shop/NoellePhares

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Focus & Intention Sodalite Mala Beads Kit - Make your own Mala Necklace

Merakalpa Malas
Price: $69

Give the gift of focus and intention to your graduate with this mala kit! Set your intentions with every bead you strand, every knot you tie. 

Sodalite is a good study aide, helping one maintain focus, perfect for the new college student! 

https://merakalpamalas.com

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Hand Bound Lined Journals  

Mountain Bound Designs
Price: $5
College = studying and studying = notetaking!

This is the perfect journal for class notes, a weekly planner, or to document new college life in!  

www.mountainbounddesign.com

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Don't miss your chance to shop all of our Jackalope Denver artisans in person this May!  Click below to add us to your iCal calendar!

If you don't like the mountains, you're not a true Coloradoan! Explore the Rocky Mountains in style and practicality with our top picks for the mountain enthusiast.  

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Great Outdoors Water Bottle

Atomic Child
Price: $22

You will no longer forget your water bottle with this awesome mountain inspired bottle. This 24oz Liberty water bottle is perfect for your long hikes.

http://www.atomicchild.com

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Campfire Beanie

Nowhere Land
Price: $14.99
Summer camping is the best and there is nothing better then relaxing by the campfire, but it does get chilly.  Stay cozy with this beanie and represent your Colorado pride! 
 

http://nowherelandsupply.com

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Blue Flatirons Watercolor Portrait

Arsenal Wares
Price: $15                                                     
Take your love of the mountains from the outside in, with this blue flatirons watercolor portrait! Remain inspired by our beautiful state and remember the best view comes after the hardest climb.  

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlakeHunterArt

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Wonder Spray

Ave Apothecary
Price: $19
If there is one item you shouldn't forget, let that be the wonder spray! This spray cleanses hands, keeps bugs at bay, soothes skin irritations, and more all found in one bottle. This is any outdoor enthusiasts must have. Heck it even cleans a yoga mat if you want to practice warrior one while overlooking the Rocky Mountains! 

https://aveapothecary.com

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Yosemite Bear Unisex Hoodie

Wildbird Threads
Price: $38
Bundle up with this Yosemite bear hoodie so you can continue to roast marshmallows and star gaze without feeling the mountain chill. 

https://wildbirdthreads.com

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BYO Smore's Kit

M2 Confections
Price: $9
What camping experience isn't complete without smore's?! Bring this smore's kit and be the hit of the party. This kit includes everything you need, minus the skills to roast the perfect marshmallow. 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/M2Confections

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Colorado Flag Dog Collar

Kadys Kollars
Price: $17
What is an adventure in the mountains without man's best friend?! Now your furry friend can be representing the Mile High City with style and join you on your many quests.

http://www.kadyskollars.com/

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Midsummer Rain Necklace

Lichenology
Price: $65
Bring your love of the outdoors into your wardrobe with this beautiful necklace. Using aspen pieces, lichen and silk stitching, this pendant resembles the summer showers that are typical to Colorado! 

http://www.thelichenist.com/

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Don't miss your chance to shop all of our Jackalope Denver artisans in person this May!  Click below to add us to your iCal calendar!

With Summer comes summer vacations and weekend getaways! Find our picks for the ultimate jet setter. 

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Clutch: Nazca

Martine
Price: $150
Pockets for phone, cash, cards and more to fit your essentials- but all in one compact clutch. Take from day to night no matter what adventure awaits.

https://martineusa.com

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Wrapped Arrow Necklace

Mile High Beads
Price: $17
Festivals are also a large part of Summer, and this wrapped arrow necklace creates the perfect boho vibe. Simply pair it with a white tee, or layer it with your other pieces to make a statement! 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MileHighBeads

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Daily Log

InkbyJeng
Price: $15                                     
No matter how long or short the trip, there are memories that are created! Track your travels and list your favorite spots with this daily log. 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/INKBYJENG

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Detox Gift Box

M+A Naturals
Price: $34
We all know travel can wreak havoc on our skin so this set is perfect for someone on the go needing a quick reboot and recharge. The charcoal dry mask and lava salt scrub draws out toxins and every day pollutants. 

https://www.manaturalsco.com

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Boyfriend Skirt

Create Good
Price: $35
Easy to pack, and easy to wear this adorable up-cycled skirt was made out of men's old dress shirts! Make a statement and remain comfortable while doing so ;) 

https://creategoodllc.com

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Colorado Ascend Hat

Sqoria
Price: $30                                           
Sun protection is no joke, especially while on vacation. Protect your skin from sunburn and look good while doing it with this elevation hat! 

https://www.sqoria.com

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Maya Dress

Sweet Basil Avenue                              Price: $25                                           
This way your mini me is also vacationing in style. This adorable dress was made from a men's button up shirt and has an attached belted bow. Between you rocking your Create Good Boyfriend Skirt and this Maya dress, you both will be taking up-cycled fashion to the next level! 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetBasilAvenue

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Cord Snaps

Ro'ark
Price: $7.50                                          Keep track of your headphone and charging cables while traveling with these cord snaps! Save time and frustration by not having to detangle your cords every time you need to plug in. 

 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/roarkleather

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Don't miss your chance to shop all of our Jackalope Denver artisans in person this May!  Click below to add us to your iCal calendar!

We have some wonderful choices for the Foodie in your life, all coming to Jackalope Denver this May 19th & 20th. 

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Mod Ebonized Cutting Board with Navy Blue Handle

DeadTree Workshop
Price: $65
Not only is this cutting board great to look at, but you will have a piece of trivia when someone asks about it- which they will because it is too pretty not too! Made from solid red oak the black finish is created from the "ebonizing" treatment. Aka when you apply an iron infused vinegar solution to the oak and the natural tannins that reside within the oak fibers reacts with the iron and creates a deep black finish. WOW!

www.deadtreeworkshop.com

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Grooved Serving Dish

Lia Pileggi
Price: $70
Your guests will walk away not only being impressed of your cooking skills, but of your gorgeous serve wear too! This porcelain piece is handpainted and will add a piece of elegance to any table setting. 

https://www.liapileggi.com

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Grandma's Cherry Pie

Sweet Reality Bakery
Price: $19                                                        The perfect host or hostess gift is here. Who doesn't love a good homemade pie?!   This cherry pie has a crisp and flaky crust  capturing the perfect balance of tart and sweet. 

http://sweetrealitybakery.com

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Black Truffle Oil Sea Salt

Bespoke Provisions
Price: $14
Give the gift that keeps on giving meal after meal! This Black Truffle Sea Salt can be used with grilled meats, roasted potatoes, steamed eggs, vegetables or even on your buttered popcorn at your night movie night. 

http://www.bespokesalt.com

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Big Foot Engraved Pint Glass

Glass Blasted
Price: $13
Every dish has a beer that pairs well with it. Bring a pair of matching big foot pint glasses and a 6-pack to the next party and you will automatically get an invite for life. 

https://www.glassblasted.com

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Frederick Habensack Poppy Sterling Spoon Ring

Aaron Paul Designs
Price: $82
Made out of an old spoon, this ring holds a piece of history along with it. This spoon ring has two poppy flowers designed by Frederick Habensack, who produced this pattern "Majestic"in 1900. 

https://www.aaronpauldesigns.com

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Bread & Butter Pickles

The Good Jar
Price: $8
As Spring progresses the promise of Summer quickly approaches which means summer parties and picnics are right around the corner. These sweet pickles are all small batch and hand-packed making them the perfect gift!

https://www.thegoodjar.com

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Seasonal Olive Oil Set

Sogno Toscano Olive Oil Boutique
Price: $89
This seasonal set includes White Truffle, White Butter, Pancetta and Rosemary Infused Olive Oils. Perfect for meats, fish, potatoes, or simply just for dipping. Olive Oil is a must have in your pantry and these make for great gifts! 

https://sognotoscano.com

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Don't miss your chance to shop all of our Jackalope Denver artisans in person this May!  Click below to add us to your iCal calendar!

At each Jackalope Denver event we select a nonprofit as our event beneficiary who betters the community and inspires us to do more.  Zane Beadles Parade Foundation does just that, and this Spring we are very excited to work with ZBPF, learn more about them below and come show your support on May 19th & 20th! 

1. When was Zane Beadles Parade Foundation founded and why? In 2013, Zane Beadles – former Denver Bronco currently playing for the San Francisco 49ers – established the Zane Beadles Parade Foundation (ZBPF).  ZBPF is a non-profit organization focused on providing experiences to distract our pint-sized warriors from their daily treatments. Studies indicate the experiences patients receive outside of the hospital is just as important as the treatment they receive in the hospital and positive experiences can improve a patient’s quality of life, stress level and recovery.  In 2017 through our Greatest Gift program ZBPF has sent over 50 families in SF and Denver to cheer on the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers, helped deliver 30 Bags of Fun with the Gabby Krause Foundation, hosted 4 pancake breakfasts and built a new Sports Court at Brent's Place, sponsored a Holiday Extravaganza at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children for 50 families, and the Winterfest at Cherry Creek North! 

Zane Beadles with the Denver Broncos

2. How did the name come about? While Zane was playing for the Denver Broncos the offensive line chose spirit animals.  The elephant was selected for Zane because of his size, he offers protection, strength, power, stability and wisdom.  Elephants offer good luck on a long hard journey and strength to make it through.  The elephant was selected to represent the foundation as the Zane Beadles Parade Foundation.  Zane believes life is about the journey not the destination and is dedicated to making the journey better for others.

3. What makes ZBPF so unique and special? The foundation is a start up and Denver is the home of our Foundation.  ZBPF is special and unique because even though we were started in Denver, we continue to make an impact in Salt Lake City, UT where Zane played for the University of Utah, in Jacksonville Florida where Zane played for the Jaguars, and currently in the bay area as he plays for the SF 49ers. We are committed to collaboration, and partner with organizations to ensure a level of dignity and financial respite so that our partner’s can continue to offer all of their services to our families at no cost.  Frequently totaling more than $1 million per child, the expenses associated with oncology care are devastating to a families financial wellbeing.  Many families have been impoverished by their child’s disease; often a parent must stop working to care for their child.  The average income of our families is $50k – that is if both parents are able to keep their jobs.  The families we serve require a minimum stay in the hospital of 120 days and incur more than $10k in expenses.  ZBPF’s goal is to raise funds to assist the families with their expenses as well as provide programming opportunities and experiences they would not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy!

4. Why are you excited to partner with Jackalope this Spring? Because the festival is also a start up started by 2 hip, fun girls with a strong desire to give back to the community! Our values strongly align and we admire the fact Jackalope gives artists a chance to make a difference.  Also, our families love art and it is used as a form of therapy for them.  This will give ZBPF a chance to increase our exposure in the community as well as collect much needed art supplies to put in the newly established Zane's Zone-these Zones will be no procedure zones and allow the kids to just be kids!  The Zone will also have an adult area in order to provide a place for them to work and spend more time at the hospital with their children.

5. Where can we learn more about ZBPF and how can we help? On our new website at www.zanesparade.org.  You can help us spread the word about all the wonderful work we are doing in Denver, Salt Lake City and San Francisco!

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!

How would you describe your style?  
I would say my style is classic,  timeless,  and rocker chic. 

Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to? 
There are too many amazingly talented and inspiring Professionals to mention all that have had influence on me.  But,  here is a list of the ones who consistently hit a chord in chorus with my messaging and design aesthetic in no particular order: Vivienne Westwood,  Betsey Johnson,  Lee Alexander McQueen,  Ralph Lauren

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own? 
I have always had a great sense of style,  pattern,  and color story in regards to design.  My intention to be zero waste in design and production whenever/ wherever I can puts a unique fingerprint on Equillibrium designs and products...  from its story of inspiration to pattern design,  materials selection,  and production.  My background in Environmental Health,  Hazardous Waste Management,  and Green Building lends a lot to my design process and Executive decisions regarding my Company as a sustainable street brand.  Equillibrium is a brand to believe in,  trust,  and wear proudly for what is represents.

What sort of things inspire you?  
I'd say as a designer,  inspiration always comes from a feeling I am trying to express.  I commonly use messaging as print inspirations,  provoked by issues to grow awareness towards,  esp. with regards to sustainability. 

Where do you look for inspiration? 
Sources where I find inspiration vary,  but most commonly are:  All of nature,  music I love, the lifestyle I live and love,  my Heritage,  cultures I love,  animals I love,  science,  fashion I love...  things I love inspire me.

What is your creative process like?  
Starts with notes, as reference for concept...  then it is playing the vision to envoke the feeling and refine the concept to silhouette and color story,  to a soundtrack on the runway.  As my line is developed,  it is split into looks that are couture for retail/  custom orders and looks that are ready to wear for wholesale.  
 

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?  I will have to quote Jane Hamill of Fashion Brain Academy,  "done is better than perfect".  As a cursed perfectionist creative Virgo,  this saying has helped me move forward in moments of paralysis.  It can apply to anything.  Whenever I feel stuck,  I literally hear that and get on with it.

Where can we learn more about you? 
 www.equillibrium.com

Shop handmade for the holidays at Jackalope Denver's Indie Artisan Fair next weekend, December 9th & 10th! Here is a simple A to Z guide that offers something for everyone on your holiday shopping list!

Acid Hair Glitter specializes in all things related to having the most glitter-filled hair in the galaxy!

Beard Oil by Two Ravens Soaps is the perfect luxury any dull beard is in search of!

Copper Mug by Lunazul Gallery is a necessity for the holiday edition moscow mule being shaken up in your kitchen this season.

Diffuser Necklace by Tin Lizzie adds a modern touch to traditional aromatherapy, with this oil infused necklace to support you on the road to your best self.

Embroidery by Olander Co draws inspiration from beautiful Colorado in these delightful embroidery hoops.

Fanny Pack by Fortnight Company is a stunning gift for any adventurer who can’t be bothered with anything getting in their way!

Genius Handcarved Wooden Dice by Boxwood Pinball for the modern board-gamer looking to go beyond traditions.

Honey by Bjorns adds a bit of sweetness to anyone's day, one teaspoon at a time!

Icelandic Reindeer Fleece by Vela Apparel to bring back some of the magical Christmas spirit we can always use more of!

Jewel Tone Boho Sway Earrings by Mile High Beads are for the “day to night” woman who needs accessories to keep up with her lifestyle.

Kimono by Twirl is perfect for the casual errand run, lavish night out, or anything in between!

Lollipops by Sweet Caroline Confections are the sweet addict’s dream… although, they’re almost too pretty to eat!

Macrame Wall Hanging by Rustic Sage Designs for those vintage - obsessed, looking to fill that boring white wall.

“Nuts about Donuts” Art Print by Kelsey M Designs for the donut lovers… aka anyone and everyone!

Ornament by The Furnace Glassworks will steal the spotlight from any ordinary set of decor!

Pickles by The Good Jar has so many varieties to choose from, with Bread and Butter being one of the most popular; no sweet pickles can compare!

Quilted Baby Blanket by Fiber Relics will have your little one so comfy & cozy, they will be howling at the moon!

Rosemary Cedar Candle by Light Provisions is great for those attempting to bring the outdoors into their home, with the scent of freshly cut lumber and aromatic herbs.

Sangria Wine Slushy Mix by Nectar of the Vine puts a twist on the traditional beverage, for those looking to switch it up!

Toffee by Vivian’s Gourmet is classically delicious with an instant mouthwatering effect at a mere glance!

Ultimate Skin Care Package by Moon Mother Medicinals consists of face serum, face wash, and cleansing grains for magically beautiful skin.

Vintage Blings by Booze Bling is for the host in your life, bringing a bit of fun & recognition to glasses everywhere!

Wrapping Paper by Revel & Co. adds a flawless last touch to any present!

Xmas Cards by Rum Bird Studio takes a unique twist on the typical cards, with these quirky illustrations.

Yarn Hand-dyed by Knit Stitch gives you the ideal materials to create something truly magical for your loved ones (or simply a gift for yourself!)

Zipper Pouch by CZ In Stitches has endless fabric options to choose from, for your ultimate essentials bag.

All of these items and more can be found at Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair's curated event with over 150 handmade artisans in the McNichols Building on December 9th and 10th in Downtown Denver.  The fair will be open from 10am to 5pm daily, so get your shopping lists ready!