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

“Couture in the Suburbs seeks to expose talented individuals excelling within these industries to an investigative audience. We look for the best of the unknown; whether that be a fashion designer, makeup artist or photographer. ”

— Couture in the Suburbs

Q: Tell us a little about yourself & your background in the arts & crafts world:
I’ve been blogging for years now about fashion in Arizona, and have recently expanded into the local art and culture scenes as well. I’m constantly inspired by all the artisans that emerge from Arizona, and have a true passion for sharing their craft with the world through Couture in the Suburbs.

Q: What/who is your biggest inspiration?
Creators are my source of inspiration. I love people who can create something out of nothing which is why I have equal appreciation for artist’s and entrepreneurs.

Q: How did you get into your position in the arts & crafts world?
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: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: 
Favorite food: Oregano’s pizza
Favorite color: black
Favorite drink: sugar-free vanilla latte
Favorite local destination: Phoenix Art Museum

Q: What do you love most about the handmade movement?
The passion from the artisan that can be felt in every product they create.

Q: What is most important feature in an artist’s application for you?
The process they use to create the piece. I like to know what is going into the product that makes it so special. I think the story is a great selling point for customers as well!

Q: What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury?
Finding more local artisans to inspire me, and hopefully feature on Couture in the Suburbs!

Q: Where can we find out more about you?

CoutureintheSuburbs.com 

It is becoming increasingly frequent for art fairs to be juried. Especially with the handmade community on an uprise and more and more artisans and DIY enthusiasts entering into the fair realm. With Jackalope, we believe in our Jury to help guarantee a high quality shopping experience. 

What does it mean to be Juried?

Jackalope has a selection committee review each and every application. The appointed Jury will be seeking artisans who display a high skill set in their respective fields to help keep the content of the fair vibrant and interesting for attendees. Our Jackalope Jury is comprised of local community leaders and not just the fair organizers.  This makes it important to thoroughly fill out your application and include the best possible product and display photos.  Your application is your first and only impression on the Jury, unless they have seen your work in person. 

What exactly does the Jackalope Jury look for in applicants?

The Jury will be using three key factors in reviewing each application.

1. Quality and Aesthetic:
Jurors look at the quality and appearance of the work presented. This is where having good product photography comes into play.  Did you select your BEST work to include with your application? Did you show enough variety?

2. Uniqueness and Originality:
Is the work presented innovative and original? What sets you apart from the rest? Your artist statement can also help relay why you do what you do. Do not be afraid to really sell yourself!

Make sure to detail your handmade process.  Giving our jurors a view into your process can make the difference between them selecting you or a similar artisan in your place.

3. Branding and Sellability:
How well is the work represented? Do you have a logo or innovative packaging?

If you have done a fair before, make sure to include booth images or possibly do a mock setup.

Make sure your website and social media are up to date, as that is also a good example of how you represent your work.  

It is always important to put your best foot forward and we hope this inside scoop helps shed some light on the Jury process!

Submit your best application!
For additional tips on submitting the best application to Jackalope, see our APPLICATIONS blog!

Meet our Jurors:

Pasadena Jurors

Denver Jurors

 

We want take a moment and go more in depth to what exactly we are looking for at Jackalope Arts and how you can increase your chances on jury acceptance.  

Your application is your resume for us to view, so it's best to really put some thought into it. Please note our jury often changes so go into this with the expectation that they have not seen your work before. 

While the specific types of art and craft work that we are accepting is quite broad, there are definite quality features that our jury will keep in mind during review.  

Some of the key factors to keep in mind:

•  We're looking for trendsetting, indie goods - not just your run of the mill craft fair feature.  We want to see new and innovative ideas brought to the table that will captivate our patrons and provide a dynamic experience at the fair.  Use the space provided in your application and really describe what makes your work unique.

• Photos that show off your booth display (if you have participated in fairs before).   If our jurors can see an idea of your booth set up - it really helps give a concept of the professionalism that you put into your display.

• If you haven't participated in a fair before, it can be a good idea to create a mock set up.  This can not only help us, but help give you an idea of how you might be able to display your work in an attractive way to fair-goers.

• Photos detailing your strongest work.  Professional photos of your work and photos that are obviously well-crafted, show the jury that you put thought and time into your branding -- and will in turn be a great vendor for our fair.  We want to see close-up images of your best signatures item(s).  Our applications allow for 6 total images included - it's best to include as many as possible to really show the jury what you're all about.

• Web presence.  In addition to your application and images submitted, we will likely be poking around on your provided weblinks.  Make sure that the links you provide work, and that your website is current.  We love to see if you have work for sale online - and how you have that set up.  If you have a blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter - make sure they are updated so we can see current information and work when reviewing your application.  We love to see artisans who are active on their social media channels. 
   

• Really emphasize your brand.  Some artisans create items that aren't necessarily unique by trade - but everyone has a certain something that makes their work unique.  Highlight that for the jury.  We want to know what little sparkle you've added to really make your jewelry line -- your bath and body products -- stand out from the rest.  Some categories are very competitive - so it's really important that you show the jury why to choose YOU.  Think about your packaging, logo, product ingredients, presentation etc. these all reflect your brand. 

• We can't stress this enough: double check your application before you send it in.  
  • Make sure your email address is correct! 
  • Double check your website links.  
  • A link to generic sites like Etsy.com won't help us find YOU.  We need your unique URLs

---

What we are NOT looking for:  

• Vintage resale items… or any resale items for that matter.  We are a handmade only fair and want the maker behind the one of a kind goods there.
   
• This event is all about the community getting a chance to meet local creators, so it's important that you're not selling someone else's work in your booth. 
   
• Artisans with no images of their work to be found.  Our jury can't make a decision on your work if they can't see it.  Please take the time to curate images that you want our jury to pay special attention to.  While they will likely spend time viewing your website, they can't go hunting for your best work - you need to make it obvious.  
   
• Commercial resellers and product consultants.  

---

We are really looking forward to reviewing your application and giving our local community of artisans an opportunity to sell their wares at Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair.

We look forward to seeing your application soon!

Haven't gotten to it yet?  

Have specific questions about your application?  Email us: vendors@jackalopeartfair.com 

Not quite ready to apply yet but want to stay in the loop?!  Sign up for our Newsletter!