1. How did you get your start in the handmade community?

 I started ceramics when I was 8 years old in Chicago.  Then after many years away from the craft... about 10 years ago I started teaching and creating functional art and have been in love with handmade since!

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

I make my work with my own two hands, so nothing is slip cast... my hands form every single piece, I infuse my energy, heart and soul into every piece and I believe the love and care is felt from this intimate process.

3. What or Who Inspires you?

Being present... clay calms my mind. So do subtleties and peace promoting colors and forms in nature.  

4. What is your creative process like?

It's very organic.  I'll get inspiration at times, but often I just create and it evolves.  I don't sketch much.

5. What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?

Every day, no matter how busy you are with client deadlines... make something just for you.  my commercial photography teacher said that, and it translates to every artistic medium I've done.

6. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

Everything, it's my first time and I'm thrilled to join... 

I'm excited to share many pieces from my new line I've just started to show that is hand built and extra organic, which is a sweet compliment to my cleaner wheelthrown designs.

7. Where can we learn more about you?  My Etsy page has some lovely details ... 

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

Have you heard? New this Spring, we are partnering with Verlocal for Jackalope Pasadena to provide hands-on workshops and unique activities at the Verlocal Experience Booth within the fair! 

Verlocal is a perfect fit for us because we both believe in better exposing the local community to handmade makers and artisans. Verlocal takes experiences beyond just individual events by building businesses and connecting them to people looking to discover local classes, events, products and services! 

So, What is Verlocal?  

Verlocal.com is a platform for artists, artisans, craftsmen and domain experts to offer unique classes, events, services and sell handmade products to a community of passion seekers.

Through Verlocal, Verlocal Business users can set up an online Verlocal Storefront and sell their experiences and products to hundreds of thousands of local customers.

Businesses will also gain access to online tools like an online booking system, customer messaging tool and more to help them launch and manage their passion-based business efficiently.  

How to Get Involved? 

Whether you want to host a workshop at the upcoming Jackalope Pasadena event, or simply want to sell your products through Verlocal, the first step is creating a Verlocal Business Account. 

Here’s TOP 6 reasons you should set up your Verlocal Business Account:

REASON 1 - Get a free digital online shop to sell anything, even workshops!  
A Verlocal Business Account provides you with a free digital online shop that allows you to sell classes, workshops, events, services and products. Your offerings will also be listed in their localized marketplace for unique experiences and products.

REASON 2 - Join hundreds of other users, you will gain access to a suite of online software tools to maximize your craft business processes. Check them out at www.verlocal.com/pro.

REASON 3 - You can supercharge your craft fair experience through the social features of your Verlocal Account.

People can find your offerings easily through the Verlocal iOS App or Mobile Website. And through your account, people can easily follow your store in one scan/click and store you in their wish-list so they can revisit your store after the craft fair.

Any Verlocal business who is at Jackalope Pasadena will have a QR Code for shoppers to scan!

REASON 4 - If you are a Jackalope Pasadena vendor, you will benefit from their direct marketing promotions to get more sales from Jackalope Craft Fair Visitors.

1. $5 Free Verlocal Credits will be given to new sign-ups and iOS app download users at Jackalope Pasadena. If you have a Verlocal Business Account, these users can spend those credits in your store or for a workshop that you may be hosting at the fair!  
2. Be Featured Prominently in their marketing campaign leading up to Jackalope Pasadena. They will work with you on a branded content article that will be shared across their social media channels and on their Landing Page website.

REASON 5 - Also for Jackalope Pasadena Vendors, be part of a Fair-Wide Giveaway Scavenger Hunt!

Get customers to visit your store like Pokemon GO! When they scan a unique QR code at your store, they win a raffle ticket which they can use to enter in their online raffle exclusive where they can win free gifts and discounts.

REASON 6 - Get dedicated marketing support for Verlocal Businesses. For any Jackalope Pasadena Vendor, that will include: 

1. Verlocal X Jackalope Pasadena Landing Page will feature all Verlocal Stores participating in the fair.

2. Visitors can easily go to this landing page to find stores and follow those they like and they can make purchases directly on this page.

3. Verlocal will also write a content article about you that will be shared across all their social media channels.

4. At the event itself, they will also promote your brands in their Experience Booth and also display you at their Verlocal Booth.

Want More? Meet some Verlocal Users: 

From Craft Store to Passion Sharer, Meet Brandi, the Succulent Master  

DIY Succulent Terrarium Experience with Brandi Tickets: https://goo.gl/prFf0Z --ABOUT BRANDI-- My love of succulents stems from my long-time residence in San Francisco's Outer Sunset neighborhood, which is full of wondrous succulents both large and small that thrive with minimal care and survive the harsh ocean winds, sandy soil, and fog.

From Wood Craftsmen to Passion Sharer, Meet Chris from Wood Thumb

Join us as we take a closer look at Chris's local experience "Triangle Shelves Woodworking" Tickets: https://goo.gl/pN5lwr Video Shot and Edited by: Bryce Charles Botorowicz Music Courtesy of www.bensound.com "" Like us on Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/verlocal/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Verlocal Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialverlocal/

As you can see there are many reasons why Verlocal is such a powerful tool! We are very excited to partner with them and we hope many of you see the value in what they have to offer, whether you are a Jackalope Pasadena vendor or not. 

If you are interested in setting up a Verlocal Business Account, simply click here 

OR....

Interested in hosting a workshop at Jackalope Pasadena this Spring? Click Below!
 

For any queries, feel free to contact us at edmund@verlocal.com

1. How did you get your start in the handmade community?

As a child I grew up in the environment of makers, enjoying the company of my dad while he crafted wooden toys for us and seeing grandpa make household items; learning alongside grandma while she patiently knitted yet another pair of socks; or being by her side in the outdoor kitchen watching 3 gallons of sour cherry jam bubble on the stove. Nothing seemed impossible and I also wanted to make everything.

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

I formulate my skincare from scratch by researching hundreds of ingredients and being inspired by nature's bounty and the physical properties of botanicals. I love creating very complex formulas with dozens of natural and exotic ingredients that harmonize to make a final product. 

3. What or Who Inspires you? 

I've always wanted to be a botanist and be surrounded by plants, to care for them and to watch them grow from seeds. I still think it's magical and my garden is full of saplings. I love knowing about the plants I use, where they originate, how they are harvested, where they are grown. I don't chase the latest trends; all formulations are the result of true inspiration and passion for botanicals. 

4. What is your creative process like?

The inspiration for a product typically arises from necessity. I imagine what would be nice to use, then do research to see what ingredients have qualities to suit that need. I love creating my formulas, which are quite intricate and involved. After working with biotech companies as a interior designer for 8 years, I've observed so many manufacturing processes that prove very handy right now. Calculating a formula and ingredient proportions is probably my favorite thing to do. I start by making few test batches, refine the formula and proceed to preparing the products for final pictures, write ups and presentations. There's a lot of technical know-how involved, and I love every aspect of the process. Later comes picture taking which as a designer by training I enjoy very much. All aspects of the process truly fulfill my passion for making things and being in sync with nature and health.

5. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

All the classics and all the new products which I'm very excited about.  Perhaps some free samples. I may play a little giveaway game prior to the event. We shall see. 

6. Where can we learn more about you?

The best place to learn about me is on Instagram where I post my daily maker's life through a lens. Occasionally you'll see my kids and healthy cooking,  in addition to the skincare making craft. There's a quick write up about me on the LENUS website, as well as my Etsy page. 

1. How did you get your start in the handmade community?

I've been a creative person since childhood but started working as a creative professional in 2007 when I started working in a photography lab. I learned so much about color, composition, style and developed an intense eye for details during my 5 years with them. After that I started my Etsy shop while in between jobs and it slowly grew while I worked in the textile industry. During this time I started sewing without fear and tried pattern making, fabric dying and doing whatever I could with fabric. It was during this time I started sewing bags and other accessories. Designing handbags was a natural transition for me because I am a little bit of a bag hoarder.

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

All of the fabrics I use are hand crafted by myself in my home studio. I hand dye, hand print and digitally design all of my patterns before sewing them into handbags, pouches, wallets and other accessories.

3. What or Who Inspires you?

The ocean and the night sky. There's nothing like a vast expanse of nothingness to get my creative mind churning. Watching the soothing waves along the Pacific Ocean or the twinkling stars in the Milky Way inspire a calming feeling of being a spec in a huge magnificent universe filled with wonder and endless possibilities.

4. What is your creative process like?

I start with a small idea and try lots of variations. My goal is to always end with a product that is unique and aesthetically works from the smallest detail to the overall piece. I'm not afraid to scrap plans and start fresh. Some details remain as a framework to build on with new ideas and details. Trial and error is my friend, I learn whenever I can. I refine my designs and patterns until I have a beautiful, professional and meticulously sewn item.

5. What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?

“Through the mere act of creating something—anything—you might inadvertently produce work that is magnificent, eternal, or important.” - Elizabeth Gilbert
Just get started. So many times I overthink and get all anxious about the idea of something I have in my head, that I don't even start.

6. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

Indigo dyed shibori fabrics, bright colorful patterns, canvas bags, tote bags, women's wallets, makeup bags, accessory cases, cross body purses.

7. Where can we learn more about you?
www.starlightbags.com or say hello on Instagram @mariashacreaw

Joining our 2017 Jackalope Pasadena Jury panel is Kay Yee.  We're excited to have Kay help us continue our goals with promoting the highest quality handmade artisans.

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

Education: BFA from California College of Art, Oakland CA (majored in Crafts & Metalsmithing) MFA from CSULB in Long Beach (majored in Metalsmithing, jewelry, and Crafts)

Q: What / who is your biggest inspiration?

Mentors: Roger Baird was my inspiration when I began my studies in the Bay Area in the early 70’s.

But Alvin Pine an early educator of metalwork who many of the current teachers in the area have studied metalwork with in the 60-70’s have worked with him.

Q; How did you get into your position in the arts & crafts world?

I would say that my position in the jewelry/crafts area has been that of an educator. I had taught for over 30 years at Pasadena College, and am now a Professor Emeritus. At PCC, I developed the Jewelry and Crafts certificate and program. 

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: 

My two great interests are traveling to see archeological sites and studying crafts (historical & contemporary)

June Schwarcz was a enamelist and metalworker for the the Bay Area that created beautiful timeless electroformed enamel vessels that continue to inspire me.

Harlan W. Butt another metalsmith/enamelist teaches in Texas. He makes hollow ware that  incorporates cloisonné enamel and silver accents.

Carol Webb, an artist who incorporated bi-metal (of copper & silver) with photo etching to make graphic jewelry.

Q: What do you love most about the handmade movement?

There is nothing like being a maker or a craftsperson. The gratification of problem solving through creativity is a creative zone of accomplishment.

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

The quality of the creativity and craftsman.

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

I am honored to join a group of jurors who wish to help promote unique quality handmade products to the community.

Q: Share some of your own work with us:

1. Copper enamel & silver vessel
2. Copper & silver enameled bowls
3. Sterling and enameled brooch

How did you start in the Handmade community?

After I had my son a few years back I was looking for something to inspire me creatively. I was also looking for something that I could do on my own, for me. I have always had a deep love for stained glass. Being an Art History minor I would be drawn to stained glass and the stories they tell. I found a great class at Stained Glass Supplies, which is now in Pasadena, and I took classes there. I found that my drawings translated really well into glass. It all kind of grew from then on. My friends started wanting me to make them pieces and I saw that I had finally found my medium.

What or who inspires you?

Books! I am a reader so all of my pieces are named after a character, a setting, or a feeling within my favorite novels. I am also very inspired by the world around me. I have been known to find patterns in nature, clothing, and architecture.

What makes your work unique and truly your own?

All of my pieces are original. I first hand draw them then my husband who is a graphic designer vectors them onto the computer. He will tweak my designs and make them a little more “balanced”.  It is very special to be able to work with him artistically. I am lucky to have him look over and help me with my designs.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

You can expect to see many of my handmade original sun catchers, a few panels, and mobiles.  Each piece is made in the copper foil method. Within my pieces I use both translucent and opaque glass.

How did you start in the Handmade community?

I have been making things my entire life. I have always been drawn towards anything I could try and put together myself. With Crassholes I am at the point now where I don't have to make every single thing myself, which frees up a lot of time to explore making new things. Handmade is so special to me because it is just all people like me trying their hardest and believing in what they do. How could you NOT love that? The community is supportive and kind to each other, and I have met great people and had awesome experiences thus far. 

What or who inspires you?

I get a lot of inspiration from my boyfriend. He is extremely creative in ways totally different from me, and its fun to be creative together. Whenever I doubt myself, he is there to provide the push I need. I also get a lot of inspiration from social media platforms. Taking what I see people talk about and turning them into products that are fun is what I like to do. My family, especially my cousins and their kids are freaking hilarious, and listening to them talk provides a lot of material. 

What makes your work unique and truly your own?

When I started Crassholes I started with just the balloons. I had never seen one person do that before. There were the traditional happy birthday balloons, sure, but there was nothing to help anyone with a sense of humor decorate for their parties. Now we have 50 styles of balloons, cards, journals, water bottles, and so much more to come. Everything I think of I search around and make sure I haven't seen something like it before. Companies now have started to try and copy the balloon idea, which while frustrating, also shows me that it was a niche in the market that people didn't even know they wanted filled until it existed. 

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I can't wait for Jackalope! I will have all sorts of products there this year- the full line of balloons, all sorts of cards and stationery, accessories, journals, plus of course my awesome dog Tank. (see adorable pic attached)

How did you start in the Handmade community?

We (Brown Bag Books), have been doing pop up events with-in the handmade community for over twelve years now (gasp!), and it still feels like we’re just getting started. I also think that if you’re a ‘handmade kind of person’, it’s always been in you.  So in that way I started as a kid making DIY, custom stickers and selling them out of the garage. But the real deal started when I became interested in doing something with books and their often times overlooked, amazingly vintage covers. That’s when I created Brown Bag Books, a kind of mobile book show, as I like to refer to it as. Like a librarian in reverse, I started deconstructing books, as well as collecting them for our constantly growing book collection. I then stated making cool books into a kind ‘ideal journal’ for someone who is both a writer and an avid reader. Early on I started to save the ‘innards’ as I like to call them, pages and pages of amazing illustrations found in older books, cookbooks, kids books, whatever I found to be eye catching, and began making unique, one of a kind cards from them. It’s understood that we are all moving towards a digitized world, but there some of us, many of us actually, who still need these kinds of unique, handmade items to help us … feel right in the world. It takes a lot of work to make the dis-CARDS (as we like to call them), and now my niece helps. She’s got a great graphic design eye.

What or who inspires you?

Entrepreneurs inspire me. And really, anyone working in the arts, musicians, chefs, painters, film-makers, writers, they’re all entrepreneurs really. I have a background in teaching as well (hence the book love?), and I found myself teaching students not to follow others, not to go for the ‘safe bet’ in their lives, which often times isn’t. I would always say, “Do what you love,” to young people, so I think the people who I admire are those you can tell are doing what they love. Sometimes when I’m having it tough, something didn’t work out, etc., I’ll listen to Radiohead and think man, thank goodness these guys are doing what they love. Music, a great movie, an amazing book – the idea of doing what you love inspires me. And when you’re doing what you love, it feels like everything is in its right place.

What makes your work unique and truly your own?

Our customers, friends, family, people who happen to find us at an event, or even those who follow us on Instagram can tell that my passion is for books, in any way, shape, or form. My two passions are for reading, and writing and everything that we (the business), creates goes into promoting those two fundamental pursuits.  I am a book nerd through and through and people notice that upon their first visit. I love to hear someone in our booth say, “Boy, somebody around here sure loves books …” Heck yes! Because that is exactly what I want to promote, book love. As people who are creating something unique for the world to see, can we ever explain why or how we got there? Sometimes, but I do think you should be able to see the special quality of a presentation, and know that it came from someone’s passion.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

You can expect to see one of the best, highly curated, small collections of books concentrated in one place. We choose books specific for each event, so in the case of Jackalope, art, design, textiles, hard to find cookbooks, vintage, classics, anything that we think pertains to the discerning crowds at Jackalope Pasadena. We like discerning people, that means someone cares about what they purchase, that its meaningful. And that’s a great thing.

We’ll also be highlighting our handmade creations; Rescued book journals made especially for Jackalope, and our dis-CARDS, which we’ve been saving up as well. Oh, and anything with Pasadena on it. We love local history. Book nerds love history, I don’t know why. 

1. How would you describe your style?  Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?

Our style is bold and happy. I love using bright colors and stark black lines to create simple, iconic images. I've always looked up to the advertising artists of the 50s-70s, who created such great characters for commercials and print media. Unsung heroes!

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

Jenni and I are constantly asking ourselves this question, because it's important for us to create art that's as uniquely Sparky Firepants as possible. I'm constantly asking myself this question, because it's important for me to create art that's as uniquely Sparky Firepants as possible. I look at my work all the time and wonder about it. Then I see a small brush stroke, a squiggly line or an expression on a character, and I see how those little things are what tie everything together and create a style that's truly Sparky.  Jenni's new line of sleeves and bags are created from our own recycled t-shirt misprints and rags from our screen printing. We don't waste anything around here!

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

Comedy and music are great catalysts for creative work. If I'm laughing or really getting into music, it means I'm loose, more myself, less protected than usual – and that's when inspiration strikes.

4. What is your creative process like?

I spend most of my time doing other non-artistic things while thinking and conceptualizing in my head. That's where all the work is, really. Afterwards it's sort of like taking dictation to get it down on canvas, wood or pixels. When I try to put it down and it's difficult and feels like a chore, I know that I'm probably forcing things. Time to start over at the thinking stage. Sometimes people are surprised at how fast I can execute a concept, but it's only because I spent so many hours working it out in my head first. Nobody can see that part!

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

Don't put too much stock in either criticism or compliments. I take it to mean that you have to please yourself first. If you're totally crazy in love with your own work, then what others think doesn't matter.

6. Where can we learn more about you?

Probably the best place to learn more about us at a bar where they serve classic, finely crafted cocktails. Barring that, I would say Twitter and Instagram: @sparkyfirepants

1. How did you start in the Handmade community? 

I started in the handmade community when my love for bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside inspired me to make my first vertical garden. The care and maintenance for a vertical garden is quite extensive which inspired me to design a preserved moss wall art, which needs no care at all!

2. What or who inspires you?

I am inspired by the outdoors. I love to hike and explore the forest. I love the vibrant colors and lush textures and I bring this into my artwork.

3. What makes your work unique and truly your own?

My work is truly unique because I incorporate all different kinds of natural elements to create a lush, life like work of art.

4. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I will have a wide variety of moss artworks at Jackalope Art Fair ranging from tiny to large, with a vast arrangement in moss, wood, and other natural elements.