How would you describe your style?

Lacelit first began with delicate, lace-like geometrics and freehand watercolor patterns. And while these elements are still infused in my work, I have since discovered a love of illustration and hand lettering that complements a passion for uplifting sentiments and affirmations. Lacelit is all about sending intentionality through the post and keeping the art of letter writing alive and well.

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

I have long been inspired by the work of Lindsay Eller, Lisa Solomon and Genevieve Santos. Each of these light-makers awakens a truthfulness that deepens and brightens the world around them in meaningful ways. 

My hope is to be part of the same movement by creating gentle starting points for meaningful connection through pen and paper and sentence-strings.

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

I have always loved the imperfect symmetry that comes with working freehand. I love lines that aren’t quite straight and imagery that isn’t perfectly symmetrical. When I want to include a particular element multiple times in a design, I draw and paint it multiple times so that no two elements are the same. Refraining from copy/paste stamping effects creates a truly hand-drawn aesthetic.

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?

Do not depend on trends to guide your creativity. When you keep your head down with your eyes on your own paper, you’ll produce more meaningful work and allow yourself to explore and grow your own unique style. Results may not be as immediate as trends seem to be, but it is with organic growth that skills and vision develop and become strong.

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

My new fall collection of greeting cards will make its Pasadena debut along with the new 2017 calendars--one of Lacelit’s annual best sellers. And in celebration of the coming winter festivities, I’ll be featuring some limited edition hand-painted holiday ornaments.

Where can we learn more about you?   

lacelit.com

Instagram: @lacelit

Twitter: @lacelitwonder

Facebook: facebook.com/lacelit

Pinterest: pinterest.com/lacelit

E-newsletter: bitly.com/lacelit

How would you describe your style?

I’m not sure that I can name my style. So many art movements and cultures inspire me. I’ve always felt that I’m a very intuitive maker. I go wherever the art takes me. Often I complete a design and the final piece looks very different from my original notes and sketches. People that see my work in person sometimes tell me that my work has an art deco or tribal feel and as long as the costumer has a connection to the pieces I’m totally ok with that.

When do you feel the most creative?

In the dark! I feel that my best ideas come to me when I’m laying in bed at night. I toss and turn thinking of all the how’s and why’s of a design. I get so excited to get a sketch out on paper but am too lazy to actually get up and do it. I eventually fall asleep and if the idea still makes sense to me the next morning, then it’s a winner.

What is your creative process like?

I start of new designs with a really loose sketch that consists more of notes than actual drawing. I usually don’t do many detailed drawings by hand; I’m more of a digital designer. When I’m working on a new design I use my sketches/notes and build the design by adding and subtracting elements. I follow my gut and have to keep many things in mind as I design because stitching onto wood isn’t as forgiving as stitching into fabric so a lot of planning goes into the designs. Once I feel good with the design I start building and drilling a prototype. Then once my wood panel prototype is ready that’s when I actually start thinking about threads and colors. The final step is stitching and I finally get to see the design come to life.

When people see my work in person they assume that the embroidery phase is the most time consuming, sometimes a piece does take hours to stitch but what takes the most time is building and drilling each design. It’s a long and detailed process but a true labor of love. Completing each piece brings me joy and pride.

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?

It’s not a tip but a quote by Saul Bass, “I want to make beautiful things, even if nobody cares”. It keeps me motivated to create for me and no one else.

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

I didn’t participate in any spring or summer fairs because I wanted to focus on producing new designs. So there will be many new and limited pieces to see at Jackalope holiday market. Plus, I always do a small price mark down on all my pieces for craft fairs.

Where can we learn more about you?

I’m most active on Instagram @GracyDesignAndCraft but you can also find me on facebook/GracyDesignAndCraft and on twitter @GracyDesign

1.  What made you come up with the concept for Waffling Around?

We were traveling in Europe and our kids loved the waffle on a stick, we toyed around with it for a year or so and realized it wasn't really known on the westcoast and decided to give it a try, while also adding some other uncommon waffle creations, luckily for us it has been a success. 

2. Do you have a favorite flavor/combination?

One of my favorites is coconut baked into the waffle dipped in chocolate!! The sweetness of the coconut in the waffle makes it such a treat and the chocolate on top of that... Like a Mounds bar in pastry form. 

3.  What do you like most about doing art & craft fairs?

Arts and crafts fair usually go hand in hand with foodies who really appreciate the concept of our waffle, we also enjoy all the different people that the fairs attract and the unique vendors we get to meet and sometimes team up with in the future. 

4. What are you looking forward to in doing Jackalope?

 Looking forward to making new relationships and experiencing the culture of Jackalope and its following. 

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

We develop our own unique silhouettes, prints & embroideries right here in the Lovestitch DTLA headquarters. By creating our own prints and embroideries it sets us apart from other brands by giving us a distinct, unique, and very recognizable look.

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

Although we have MANY facets of inspiration, we are in love with all that is nature! We draw inspiration from the tiniest details in nature; Beautiful color schemes inspired by an otherwise unnoticed plant, patterns from a bird or animal, embroideries conceived from a pattern in the clouds…We are always on the lookout for some way to integrate the beauty and intricacies of nature into our designs.

When do you feel the most creative?

Our team of designers, stylists and production artists are a fusion of culture, passion, experience and individuality – Lovestitch is made up of unique, distinct personalities who are able to draw creativity by our love of Travel, Culture, Art, Music, Nature and the unbridled spirit of femininity. Walking into the studio after a weekend at a music festival will make one designer feel the most creative, while the other may feel the most creative after a weekend camping in silence with nature…

What is your creative process like?

Our creative process is very fluid & free flowing. The sky is the limit! We never discourage or restrict our team from bringing new concepts to the table. We truly believe that no idea is a bad idea, especially in art! We value & welcome all input & every new idea or concept. We are founded on the belief that everyone’s ideas are equally valuable and worth a shot! Once an idea/concept/design/Sketch is approved for production, it is sent through to our very organized & thorough production team.

What's the best artistic tip you've ever received?

This goes hand in hand with our creative process. We believe that because every individual human is unique and valuable, no idea is a bad idea. There is no such thing as bad art because art, in its rawest form is simply an expression of an individual’s unique perspective…and Fashion/Style is a wearable form of artistic expression. So when someone from the team comes to the table with an idea for a new print, silhouette, embroidery or color scheme, we give the concept what all art deserves; our full attention, respect & appreciation.

It’s been an amazing experience to see how our customer is reacting to, and interacting with our brand. The positive feedback & support of our loyal customer is what gives us the motivation to continue challenging ourselves to exceed our customer’s expectations with every new season. A Lovestitch favorite:  “Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.” – Rumi

To learn more about our brand & to see what we do, visit www.shoplovestitch.com or follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovestitchclothing/

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

I would say the ideas that I have, the way I create a world in my paintings. This is achieved by stylizing reality, perspective, and also including some unusual elements in each painting; things that won't happen in reality. I like to ask myself the question 'Why not?'

When do you feel the most creative? 

When I work. The more I paint or draw, the more ideas come.

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received? 

I was in my last semester at Art Center College of Design, when one of my teachers told me that the one person who needs to like my work is myself. That was an excellent advice that came at the right time for me. It seems that it is easier for others to like my work, but I hold myself to a high standard and always want to do better with the next painting. I'm the hardest person to please, and that's how it should be - pushing myself to do better. 

What is something most people don't know about you?

Sometimes people wonder about my last name - I'm Bulgarian and it is actually pretty unique name there, only a couple of families on my dad's side have it. My heritage does influence my paintings - the settings in many of them tend to look more European as I miss the look and feel of Europe.

Where can we learn more about you? 

From my website: www.danyparagouteva.com  

In anticipation for our upcoming Holiday Fairs in Pasadena, Denver and Phoenix, we want to provide some helpful tips and tricks for making the most out of your holiday shopping experience AT...

Before the Fair: 

• Make sure you know the vendors that will be there and get an idea of your must haves! All of our vendors can be viewed for each city online: Pasadena, Denver, Phoenix
• Create a Holiday shopping list for all of your family and friends, that way you are not wondering around aimlessly loosing precious time! 
• Planning to bring your kids? Check out our workshops online under each corresponding city. A great chance to become a maker yourself, offered for both kids and adults. 
• Wear comfortable shoes and pack those reusable bags! You can also purchase a Jackalope Tote at the information booth at each cities event.

Getting to the Event:

• Make sure you know the directions and parking situation so you can easily find your way- all of the parking information can be found ONLINE under Attendee Info.
• Or Skip parking in Pasadena and Go Metro by taking the Gold Line to Del Mar Station, steps away from Central Park! For your best route use the Metro Trip Planner - AND once you arrive if you are one of the first 50 people to show us your TAP card, Metro employee ID, or LA County employee ID you will get a free Jackalope tote! 
• In ALL cities you can also opt not to drive and use LYFT! We are excited to announce that we have partnered with LYFT to offer first time riders a $20 credit by using the code: JACKALOPEARTS

At the Fair:

• Do a lap first and make sure you check it all out before making purchases, and then using your previously created shopping lists, get down to business! 
• Getting hungry? Don't let hunger slow you down, we will have a bunch of vendors selling prepackaged treats and Food trucks in both Pasadena and Phoenix, and indoor Food vendors in Denver! 
• Since Pasadena and Phoenix are both outside feel free to bring blankets and picnic on the grass if you need a shopping breather! 
• Over 21? In Denver make your shopping experience more enjoyable and grab a holiday inspired cocktail at the bar!
• From everyone you purchase from make sure to get their business card and sign up for the mailing list if they have one, that way you can be kept in the loop on all of your favorites artists! 
• And if you loved Jackalope, like we hope you did, join our mailing list so you will be the first to know when we come back in town! 

Cheers and thank you for choosing Jackalope for all of your holiday shopping needs ;)

Today's blog is dedicated to introducing and thanking all of the amazing sponsors who have been so supportive of the Jackalope Art & Craft Fair! 

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!

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Wondering how you're gonna get to the Fair?  Skip parking and Go Metro by taking the Gold Line to Del Mar Station, steps away from Central Park! For more details click here.  For your best route use the Metro Trip Planner or call (323) Go Metro or (323.466.3876

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YELP!   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! 

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Thanks to our 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!

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These two sponsors are a special mention since the owners of both stores were on our jury panel! 

Los Angeles County Store:  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!  

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Come join SPACE Arts Center at the Jackalope Art & Craft Fair for the Mask-querade! Create masks of your favorite fantastic creatures and take a walk on the wild side. 

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Our next four 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:

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

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!  

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Last but not least our next sponsor comes to us in support of our artists and mission: For 30 years homeowners in Los Angeles and surrounding areas have come to rely on Renewal by Anderson of Los Angeles for top quality replacement windows and doors.

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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.

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

Photo by: Stella Kelinina

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

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

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

Photo by: Stella Kelinina

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

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?
I crochet and knit with metals which is a very unique/rarely used technique when it comes to jewelry. Though the technique has been around (for probably thousands of years!) my take on it is a bit unusual: I play around with a-symmetry and imperfections in my designs, as a way to embrace the beauty in ‘mistakes’. I will often start with a crochet/knit pattern and then start experimenting outside the structure of the pattern, which makes for an original artistic design. 

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?
pider Webs, Japanese Boro Quilts, Alchemy, Nature, Physics, Geometry, Architecture… I often hike in Griffith Park, and observe the intricacy in nature, which is very inspiring. I also find that when I let the materials and the hands do what they want, inspiration or design follows!

When do you feel the most creative?
At night! When I am relaxed and don’t have to deal with any stress or daily activities.

What is your creative process like?
I turn on music, or an interesting podcast or a documentary, set up my tools and materials, get comfortable and start working. Usually taking some ‘stretching’ breaks every hour or so. Listening to something helps me to enjoy the process without over-thinking it. 

Where can we learn more about you?
On my website: www.janjoonjewelry.com you can view images of my work and there are links to interviews/posts with me. You can also follow me on instagram: @janjoonjewelry & come meet me in person in Jackalope Art Fair this fall!

How would you describe your style?  Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?
I love the work of Dali, Mark Ryden and Faberge. It's fantasy meets reality. Surrealism meets everyday life. I think of my animals and my floral work as my own enchanted forest, where the creatures might talk to me and fit in my hand.

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?
I love nature and animals. It sounds a bit cliche, but it is truly where I get my energy from. On a bad day, there is nothing better than coming home to my dogs: Denzel Washington and Niles. I look at their smiling, loving faces, and everything is ok! Growing up, my family went camping in the woods a lot and my father would tell us stories of magical tree nymphs with flowing hair and hard working dwarves looking for colorful stones. Today, when I see a plant, I can see the nymph that might play on it or the fairy building her home in a nearby flower. When I see a gemstone, I feel like a gnome that discovered a treasure. And when I see a squirrel, I wonder what it is thinking and doing and what it would be like to befriend it.

When do you feel the most creative?
I am a night owl. Morning time means lots of caffeine and traffic and sleepy people that should really be in bed but are running around pointlessly instead. But at night, everyone is calm, nature is a little quieter, phone is not ringing and I can make some tea, turn of some 90s music and work in my studio. Some of the best ideas come around at midnight and next thing I know, the sun is coming up and my husband is getting up to go to the office!

What is your creative process like?
When making new animals, I look at a lot of pictures. If I can get my hands on the actual animal, that's the best thing. Like when I was making the English Bulldog, I had my sister's bully Winston, around and he was a great model, I could poke and prod and figure out where all the wrinkles should go! But it's harder to get my hands on a Unicorn or an Angler Fish... That's where photos, drawings, sculptures and even children's toys come in. Seeing how other artists have interpreted the animal and comparing it to images of the real thing, helps me capture the essence of it, the look and the personality alike.

Where can we learn more about you?  
You can always follow ERS Creative on Instagram where I post my thoughts and inspiration about art but mostly just what I'm doing at the time. You will see a lot of pictures of my dogs and my gardening efforts!