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 

Ladies and gents, (drum roll please) allow us to introduce to you, your one stop fun shop for shop local and meet the maker experiences, the first ever Jackalope Art & Craft Fair!!!  

And the crowd went wild as the Jackalope Art & Craft Fair took the stage for the first time last weekend at Central Park in Old Pasadena!  Like bright confetti, beautiful handmade treasures scattered across the grass in tents where curious crowds ducked in and out exploring, tasting, touching, trying and taking home their perfect finds!

With Love + Ink in action!

Over 200 artisans and thousands of shoppers made the first ever Jackalope Art & Craft Fair a huge success.  However, day 1 suffered the nightmare of any outdoor event, rain.  Topped with our scheduled food truck not showing up, we were wet and hangry but pushed through as umbrella covered shoppers persisted on. We came out relatively unscathed and dried out disappointment in the warm sun on Sunday morning!

Fair patrons prepared for the rain!

Sunday proved to be a gorgeous day and the Fair came to life simply breathing with excitement! The rows of artisan tents thronged with crowds of all ages!  

The artisan workshops scheduled for the day were a huge hit and groups of creative guests mixed their own essential oils, crafted their own terrariums, made their own jewelry and more under the shade of the giant pine trees!  

Thankfully the two food trucks arrived and had consistent lines throughout the day (perhaps we need 3 next time!)  As the day rolled on, the grass provided a delightful place for attendees to rest, eat and plan their shopping strategy, and hundreds seemed to be picnicked out on the lawn!  The Pasadena Humane Society dogs enjoyed the grass too and we are happy to report that both a dog and a kitten were adopted that day!  

And speaking of animals, no Jackalope Fair recap would be complete without a photo of our special guest, Paprika the Bun!

Cassidy Bliss Vintage's special guest, Paprika the Bun!

The Jackalope Team is high on the first success and excited to grow and build the Fair within the Pasadena community.  Our next stop is Denver with our Fair on July 25th & 26th but we will be back in Pasadena in the beginning of November to kick off Holiday shopping!  You can see the photo album from this first event on our Facebook page here.  Be sure to follow us and start your shopping list for next time! 

Jackalope Pillow by Mod's Best Friend, Felted Jackalope by Squshes, Yetilope by Yetis & Friends

Not only will you find Jackalope Art and Craft Fair to be your premier shopping destination this spring, but we will also be providing a way for the fair goer to transition from shopper to makers. At our Spring Pasadena Fair on April 25th and 26th, we will be offering fair goers the opportunity to participate in free collaborative workshops (some are even kid friendly)! 

Presented by both sponsors and Fair vendors, this will allow patrons to take a dip into the DIY crafting world and get a better idea of the craftsmanship that goes into these one of a kind handmade goods and products. 

These workshops will include:

• Kids Art Workshop: Presented by fellow Jackalope Sponsor SPACE Arts Center. SPACE is a nonprofit arts center hosting exhibitions and workshops for people of all ages and levels. Join them for an engaging project on the signs you see and the messages you wish to communicate. It's time to cut and paste! 
• Kids Sewing Lesson: Jin Kim from Common Thread Studio in South Pasadena will teach the kiddos how to work the needle! 
• Leanna Lin's Wonderland DIY Beaded Bracelets: Be creative and make your own colorful beaded stretchy bracelet with fair sponsor Leanna Lin's Wonderland! There will be a fun selection of candy-like beads from her shop in Eagle Rock. Perfect for the kiddos!
• Wire Wrapping 101: Create your own unique pair of earrings and learn the process of wire wrapping with The Glass Studio. 
• Natural Dye Demonstration:  Presented by Kristin Amber Morrison. Kristen, a natural dyer, designer and fiber artist, will be hosting an informative workshop on the natural dyeing process! 
• DIY Skin Care Workshop: Owner of Handcrafted Honey Bee, Stacia Guzzo, will demonstrate just how quick, easy, and fun it is to make several different high-quality, personalized DIY skin care products. Take back your skin care by knowing exactly what is going on your body! 
• Essential Oil Blending Workshop: Learn about the properties of essential oils, experiment with them and leave with your own sample blend created by you. Hosted by Frisky Fish. 
• Terrarium Building: Presented by Makers Kit, will allow patrons to create their own terrarium! Makers Kit embodies the DIY idea and will be selling all sorts of fun kits for the DIY enthusiast at the fair. 
• Kids Crafting Corner:  SoCal Etsy Guild will also be hosting a Kids Crafting Corner each day all day-there is no excuse to miss out on this! 

Some workshops have limited space so make sure to stop by the workshop zone, or the nearest information tent, the day(s) of the fair to sign up! You can see the schedule of activities online now!

Today's blog is dedicated to introducing and thanking all of the amazing sponsors who have been so supportive of the innagural Jackalope Arts & Craft Fair, our mission, and in helping us connect the community to our event.  

Our sponsors are a diverse group of local and national businesses including both those directly involved in the handmade community and those who aren't but are excited to find ways to connect to it.  So let's take a minute to celebrate the warm support of the handmade community and these Jackalope Sponsors!

YELP! Our first sponsor is one you most likely all know and use!  Yelp is that app or website you use to find just about any kind of local business in just about any neighborhood!  Yelp allows you to talk about and rate your experience with these local businesses and to share that with everyone.  Yelp is connecting neighborhoods, businesses, and people in a unique way and we are thrilled to have them promote and attend the Jackalope Art & Craft Fair.  You can find our Pasadena Fair in the Yelp event listings here: http://www.yelp.com/events/pasadena-jackalope-art-and-craft-fair

Unanimous Craft: "Like Yelp for the crafty community" Unanimous Craft is your one stop shop on finding out where you can sell your handmade goods. It will provide the where and how to go about selling your goods online, through brick and mortar stores, and craft shows! Look for their new and improved website coming next month. For now follow them on Facebook

Speaking of where to sell your handmade goods, the next two sponsors are brick and mortar boutiques in the Los Angeles area who carry unique, trendsetting, handmade goods all the time!  

Los Angeles County Store: We have mentioned the LA County Store before since Owner, MaryAnne LoVerme is one of our jurors!  Los Angeles County Store is the only shop dedicated exclusively to fine goods made in Los Angeles.  From artisanal food to small housewares, apothecary to prints and stationary, it is a thoughtfully curated collection of beautifully crafted wares from across the county.  

Leanna Lin's Wonderland: A playful jewelry studio/shop/art gallery inspired by modern + retro designs, where you can use your imagination to create your own beaded jewelry or shop the amazing work of carefully selected makers.  People of all ages enjoy visiting this little gem in Eagle Rock, especially for the carefully curated art + pop-up events!  Leanna also designs her own jewelry collection which you'll find at the Jackalope Art & Craft Fair!  

While we are talking local, let's introduce our next sponsor, Christine Haynes!  Also a member of our jury, Christine Haynes is helping to support and promote our Fair and our vendors.  Christine Haynes is a Los Angeles-based sewing author, teacher, and pattern designer with her own line of sewing patterns, Christine Haynes Patterns, which are perfect for the vintage-loving modern seamstress.  

Our next two sponsors are dedicated to making sure their readership knows about the Jackalope Art & Craft Fair!  Let's give a shout out to our media sponsors!! Click on the links below to check them each out:
 

LA WEEKLY   

​
NELAart News

Pasadena Charm is also going to help promote our fair! They feature the Creme de la Creme of Pasadena.  Want to experience the best Pasadena has to offer?  Check them out and see what's noteworthy all over Pasadena!

Now let's talk about the sponsors who make sure our printed materials look fabulous for distribution!  

Print Renegades: Responsible for our really rad Jackalope Arts Canvas tote bags, which will be available for sale at the Fair and online, is Print Renegades!  They incite and embolden free thinking by crushing the walls of traditional print shops.  They are environmentally aware and come from the artist background delivering the highest possible quality.  Shop Jackalope for your own canvas tote!

The Printing Train: Our second print sponsor will be creating our flyers, post cards, banners etc.  The Printing Train is a family owned and operated company who loves what they do and takes pride in delivering the highest quality product!  

Wondering how you're gonna get to the Fair?  Take the Metro!  Thanks to this sponsor, you can take the train directly to the park and the first 50 people to present a Metro pass or Metro employee card to our info booth will receive a FREE Jackalope Arts canvas tote!  

Thanks to our next sponsor, The Pasadena Humane Society, you may be taking home a brand new, four legged member of your family!  We will have plenty of great vendors in the Fair selling pet supplies like collars, leashes & even doggy outfits so you can stock up for your new friend!

Last but not least, we love a good celebration and great, locally crafted beer makes for the perfect celebration… sponsoring our accepted vendor mixer is Angel City Brewery!  Located in the Downtown LA Arts District, ACB supports local arts of all kinds.

Have a great idea for a sponsorship or want to be a sponsor yourself? Learn more and fill out our sponsorship form!

Christine Haynes: sewing author, teacher, and pattern designer and Owner, Christine Haynes Patterns 

Q. Tell us a little about yourself & your background in the arts & crafts world:
A. I started making art really young, as I grew up in a small arts community filled with galleries and artists.  It was perfectly normal to pursue the arts as a way of like.  I learned to sew when I was 10 and did loads of other arts activities, like ballet, oil painting, and ceramics as I grew up.  I received a BFA in studio art from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a focus in Film, Video, and New Media.  I made art, sewed my own wardrobe, and worked in arts administration until one day when I participated in the second Renegade Craft Fair.  I sold clothing I made and it was a hit.  From there it all just snowballed- I started writing for magazines, wrote my first book for Random House, started teaching sewing, and then launched my line of sewing patterns.  I'm still writing, teaching, and designing today!

Q. What/who is your biggest inspiration?
A. My patterns are inspired by a host of things, but mostly from observing people, films, and vintage materials like yearbooks and sewing patterns.  I want the women who sew my patterns to feel beautiful and unfussy. I prefer a quiet life and never want the need to be clothed to be a burden; rather it should be a joy. 

Q. How did you get into your position in the arts & crafts world?
A. I got here after years and years of stubborn hard work!  There is no way to work for yourself with our working really hard at it.

Q. Tell us about a few favorites of your: Weekend activity? Food? Color? Animal?
A. Since I almost always teach on Saturdays, my weekends are usually Sunday and Monday.  A favorite Sunday activity is the simple pleasure of having a long leisurely breakfast and reading the Sunday papers with my boyfriend.  A favorite food is hummus!  It's a weakness for sure.  My favorite "colors" are green and blue, but my real favorite is gray, if that can be considered a color.  And my favorite animals are my kitties, Sally and Pinta.

Q. What do you love most about the handmade movement?
A. I love it when my students come into class- innocently learning to sew so they can make clothes for their kids or something for their home- then slowly become aware of what a revolutionary act this truly is.  They don't come to class with the intention of rethinking how things are made and how they consume mass-produced products, but most eventually start to think about the cost of materials and labor really quickly into learning things for themselves.  It's empowering in a way that they didn't expect, and to witness that transformation is incredible.

Q. What is the most important feature in an artist's application for you?
A. Honesty.  The work must read true and like it's coming from their own voice. 

Q. What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury?
A. I'm excited to seeing all the work come in and then to see the finished show!

Q. Where can we find our more about you?
A. My website is simply my name, www.ChrstineHaynes.com, and you can find me on all those social media outlets that you know and love:

Instagram - @christinehaynes
Twitter - @christinehaynes
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/christinehaynesstudio 
Blog - http://www.christinehaynes.blogspot.com
Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/christinehaynes/
Flickr - https://www.flickr.com/photos/venicegirl/

Learn about all of the Pasadena, Jackalope jurors here!

Brent Turner: The Campbells PR / Beer and Tall Buildings
 

Q: Tell us a little about yourself & your background in the arts & crafts world: 
A: I remember the moment distinctly: I had just returned home from a month-long tour with my band. I quit my day job at a PR agency to head out on the road and now here I was, back home, scared shitless about bills, staring blankly at my computer. PR was the only profession I really new. So I decided to open my own consultancy and promised myself I'd only work on things I loved. These things were (and still are) art, design and architecture.

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: 
A: That's easy. Wilderness, dense cities and beer. British ESBs (and their California pale ale analogues) to be exact.

Q: What do you love most about the handmade movement?
A: I love the intentionality of the handmade movement. Time in quiet contemplation almost always leads to brilliant ideas. And I think the protracted handmade process facilitates that type of introspection. 

Q: What is the most important feature in an artist's application for you? 
A: I look for 3 things in any creative work: concept, craft and heart. First, is there an original idea or an original progression of an existing idea? Second, has the artist developed his or her craft to the point that it induces a sense of wonder or respect for the work in front of you? Third, does the work speak to some level of universal truth? This is the heart of a work. It should be self-aware but not self-conscious. It will certainly be flawed too, but somehow perfect in that state of imperfection. Everyone has heart. But putting our hearts into our work is the hardest thing to do.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury?  
A: I'm looking forward to that rush of seeing new work. I liken it to watching the Lakers (well, the Lakers of old) in the playoffs. With every shot, there's a rush of the unexpected. Not every shot goes in the basket, but you're always hoping. I feel that way about art and artists too. Not every work is a slam dunk…yet. But you always see the seedling of something greater to come. That's really exciting to me.

Q: Where can we find out more about you? 
A: My career has shifted into copywriting now, which means my craft is writing propaganda for organizations and individuals. And I'm resuscitating a podcast I started years ago with Coagula Art Journal called Beer & Tall Buildings. It's loosely described as "drinks and conversation with thinkers and creators." Now that I've admitted I'm bringing it back publicly, I can't back out now. So check it out (and links to recent copywriting work) at www.BeerandTallBuildings.com.

Overhead image of the Palm Springs Fine Art Fair

MaryAnne LoVerme : Owner, Los Angeles County Store

Q: Tell us a little about yourself & your background in the arts & crafts world:
A. I moved to LA from Brooklyn in 2013 to open Los Angeles County Store. I was inspired by the makers I met in NYC while hawking my baubles under the Wabisabi Brooklyn brand. 

Q: What/who is your biggest inspiration?
A. I continue to be inspired by the creativity, hard work, and determination of the local artists and artisans whose work I represent in the shop.

Q: How did you get into your position in the arts & crafts world?
A. I performed a magic trick: I turned my Brooklyn house into a Los Angeles Shop. Also, equal parts hustle, chutzpah, and the encouragement and support of others.

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: 
Weekend activity:  Napping. Food:  Bread. Color:  Periwinkle. Animal:  French Bulldog puppies make any day better. But any dog or kitty pretty much. 

Q: What do you love most about the handmade movement?
A. It restores my faith in humanity and connects me to some of the best people I’ve ever met.

Q: What is most important feature in an artist’s application for you?A. Nothing matters more than the work itself. Is it original? Is it well-made? Do I want it or know someone who wants it?

Q: What are you most looking forward to in being a part of the Jackalope Arts jury?
A. Seeing all the amazing stuff people make! 

Q: Where can we find out more about you? 
L.A. County Store on Instagram!
http://instagram.com/lacountystore/

Check out all of our Pasadena jurors here!

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.  

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

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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.  

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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!

During our first few months of planning, we checked out many parks and facilities around the Los Angeles area.  Some awesome gems in the mix, others… not so much.  So many parks are residential --- or in downtown areas where they are characterized with the smell of pee.  With that being said, it took a lot of research to finally find the perfect fit. 

We landed at Central Park in Old Town Pasadena and knew right away that this was the place for us.  

After hitting so many fairs and markets around town with booths set up on hot hot pavement, we welcomed the grass and tree-lined environment providing shade and a sense of cool.

Going back to our mission of integrating the local community into our events, we especially love how centrally located in the heart of Old Town this park is. There is definitely a community vibe!  

After eating at the Luggage Room, with a view of the park right from their patio - we're pretty happy to be a neighbor of theirs.  That avocado, sun-dried tomato, lemon zest pizza was pretty unbeatable! 

The other thing that makes this location awesome?  Parking.  There are TONS of nearby lots for shoppers.  Even free 90 minute structures.  Check out this cool compilation of parking choices we found in google maps.  And for non-drivers: it's right across the street from the Del Mar stop on the gold line.  

We're super excited to make Central Park in Pasadena our home and can't wait to share all of the festivities with you this coming April!