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

Stacy Dymalski and I are the best of friends who go WAY back (over 30 years). Once our kids got older we decided to do something creative together that highlighted our artistic gifts. I like to draw and Stacy likes to write comedy, so we decided to pool our talents to produce a card line that really speaks to people the way we communicate in person. We really ARE artistic and funny, just like our cards.

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

Our cards reflect our very own creativity and our voice. They say what most people think, which is what a greeting card should do. We’ve been told by many people that they’ve never seen cards quite like ours before. 

3. What or Who Inspires you?

We’re inspired everyday by our friends, family, dogs, and other women whom we read about, but may have never met. Let’s face it, women juggle many jobs every second of everyday of their lives. We get that, because we’ve been there, too. That’s why we’re able to draw funny images of life and put funny captions to them that (in essence) say, “Here’s a humorous take on what you’re going through. I bet you can relate.” If someone has a moment of levity during their busy day because of our cards, we feel it in our hearts (honest). 

4. What is your creative process like?

Typically we meet for coffee or a meal at my house to work. Sometimes I draw a picture first and then Stacy puts a funny caption to it. And sometimes Stacy has a list of funny captions that she presents to me for drawings. Then we tweak the cards together; both making suggestions to the other in terms of art and captions. In the end we come up with something brilliant. (At least, WE think so!) But more importantly, we have a great time working, creating, and laughing together, and in the end, that’s all that really matters.

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

Just be yourself. Don’t try to be something you’re not, and don’t try to be everything to everybody. Do that unique thing that you do, and do it really well. Yes, you will have a specific, limited audience, but those people will love you and your products. If you try to please everyone, your art will be so generic it will no longer stand out in the crowd.

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

Unique, funny, handmade cards with a vintage flair that you’ve probably never seen before, all of which are made with love. They include funny cards about life, plus dog cards that will crack you up. (And, due to popular demand, we are also bringing in a new line for us - cat cards.) Honestly, we could be doing so many other things in life right now, but we truly enjoy making these cards, because its something creative that we can do together. Plus we know their destiny is to brighten someone’s day. It’s a win-win situation.

7. Where can we learn more about you? 

Our website is sassypantsdesign.com. In addition, we have an Etsy shop that contains a subset of our products, called SassypantsdesignUSA. We are on Instagram and Facebook as @sassypantsdesign. 

You can also find us in independent shops in 5 states. (We are always on the lookout for new, cool shops!)

How would you describe your style?  
I'd describe my style as an attempt to be style-less. I'd really like the illustrations to be as honest a rendering as possible, and in trying to accomplish that, my "style" is born. It's not really intentional, but more a function of pushing my personal limitations.

Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?
I particularly look up to Tom Savini and Jimi Hendrix. 

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?
Right now - cryptozoology. I'm really inspired to illustrate a series of organisms that may only exist in folklore. Science fiction and the unknown have always been a source of inspiration. Wayne Douglas Barlowe's book - Barlowe's Guide to Extraterrestrials, has been great source material to me since my childhood.

When do you feel the most creative?
Surprisingly, the older I get, I feel most creative in the small hours of the morning. When I should be sleeping.

Where can we learn more about you? 
You can learn more about me and my current projects by visiting
https://scientificaillustration.com/
https://www.instagram.com/scientificaillustration/
http://www.jcoreywoessner.com

How would you describe your style?  Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?
My style would be eclectically natural with a touch of modern industrial.  Inspirations and artists / designers I look up to ranges ... from Gorjana Jewelry to Nicole Curtis HGTV. As for Interior designer styles that inspire, I have a few: Kelly Wearstler, Brooke Wagner, Raili Clasen

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own? 
It's a true evolution from creative finds and natural reclaim earth. I create what I feel I'd love to see in my home, space, and common area I frequent. I feel my designs never stop growing. When I creating a new piece or an ordered one, I'm already thinking of the changes, or options I could do it it. That's what make me a true artist 👨‍🎤 As a jewelry designer by trade the designing of 

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?
I find inspiration through all things around me, from the mountains to the beaches

When do you feel the most creative?
I feel most creative when I'm in the moment creating in studio or workshop surrounded by all the rocks, stones and wood.  I also get inspiration when I'm walking vintage markets or thrifting through weekend drive arounds. Honestly I can get creative anywhere. My favorite thing to do is create custom designs for clients, drawing inspiration from their existing style. Oh and I also dream about new designs (-:

What is your creative process like?
I usually create a design board but on a table, spreading everything out by colors, mediums, and styles.  It's all about trial and error because a lot of my work can only work if the functionality is there so visually we have to build it to suite or test but then make sure it's do able for the final installation. 

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?
ot sure 🤔 besides I've been told a lot lately, "keep doing what your doing because your stuff is great!"
I always love to go with "if you don't love it don't create it!"

What is your biggest motivation?
My biggest inspiration and motivation is having my little man say, "wow, mom, you are creative!"  As a single Mom, it gives me great pride to show my son what it truly is to work (hard) and do what you love! He is learning more at his young age about how to think of something, sketch it out, and go through the creative process of seeing is come to life than I could ever dream, just by seeing Mom do it. When he has a choice on doing homework or helping Mommy cut some copper pipe, he will choose the cutting. Obviously it’s all about balance but I am very happy to be able to teach him that we can do anything we set our minds to. 

Where can we learn more about you?  
My website has a bit more about my and my team or Instagram is the best way to keep up to date with what IRD is up to. 
www.indierepublicdesign.com  

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?  
Our work is unique in that everything is pre-portioned and individually wrapped for single use.  It takes a LOT of work!  We work really hard to create products that are serve multiple purposes, especially for the busy women on-the-go.  Struggling with dry skin myself, especially my hands being in healthcare, I've created something that can be therapeutic and pampering all at the same time.  Plus, the healthcare worker in me don't like to reuse things to cause contamination, so that's why our products are single-use.  And, who doesn't like to open new things?

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?
Cute yet simple things catch my eyes first.  Then I think about how I can improve it, whether in looks, packaging, or the product itself.  There's really not much we can "invent" out there, but there is definitely room for innovation and making it my own.  I find a lot of inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest.  I also attend a lot of tradeshows to see what the trends are and how I can incorporate it to my brand.

When do you feel the most creative?
I am the most creative when my "space" is clean and organized, whether that's home or my 2,000 sq ft studio/warehouse space.  When everything is in order, whether physically or mentally, I am filled with ideas and full of motivation, sometimes too much.

What is your creative process like?
It usually starts with saying something like, "We need to make x".  Then my husband will usually say, "No, that's so old and everyone else is already doing it".  Then I say, "But customers keep asking if we have them."  This is when I usually start "googling" and see what's out there. I spend hours/days doing this until I have something to present to him that is different than everyone else's.  It usually ends up that we take ideas from the both of us and come up with the end product. 

What has been your greatest struggle as a business?
Starting and running a business takes a lot of work, energy, and money.  There are many times things are slow moving and you question yourself and the future of your business.  Don't be discouraged if you really believe you have something special.  We started our business about 5-1/2 years ago and I think we were ahead of our time with our idea/concept, but, we've really seen a steady uphill trend in our business last year and I think 2017 is the year we will see some serious spikes!

Where can we learn more about you? 
I was featured in a blog called "Meet the Maker" by Lucky Break Consulting.  You can read it at http://www.luckybreakconsulting.com/blog/meet-the-maker-elissa-choi-of-bonblissity/

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

I was poor! And necessity is the mother of invention. I literally had a pen from my job washing dishes in North Ridge and a pad of newsprint paper. The original concept of handwriting full albums of song lyrics to make a portrait was for a friend's birthday present. She loved it. The rest snowballed out of control from there.

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

I hand write them! People always ask me if I ever make a mistake. Of course I do! If I wanted it to be perfect I'd do it on the computer. It's interesting that my work is extremely relatable but at the same time extremely foreign to people. 

3. What or Who Inspires you?

I don't know anymore! I'm in a middle ground right now and still figuring a lot out. I think I used up my inspiration a long time ago and now I'm running on hard work and determination. What was that quote? "Good work is one percent inspiration, ninety nine percent perspiration" I'm in perspiration mode! But I do enjoy long afternoons chit-chatting with my small group of friends and peers whom I love, troubleshooting ideas, getting new data, and figuring out "What's next?!?" People put too much stock in inspiration and not enough into hard work. 

4. What is your creative process like?

-figure out what the people want

-figure out what I want

-lay it out

-WRITE!

-repeat

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

Too many! I did a magazine spread for a graphic design class years ago that featured a torn paper edge (because I was in college and 'edgy') I took a really long time digitally creating the torn paper effect. My professor told me "Next time just tear a piece of paper in half and scan it." He was right. It's an old engineering adage: K.I.S.S. Keep it simple stupid. 

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

More prints! I was barely able to bring half of my collection last time. This time I'm all in!

7. Where can we learn more about you?

You can follow me on twitter and instagram @mikematola :)

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

I've been making stuff since I was a kid, so it was a natural long-time progression. I worked for a corporate fashion brand for a long time and really missed the hands-on part of design, which is what ultimately motivated me to start Pliers & String.

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

For the most part, I try to create pieces that are complex but not in an obvious way—a lot of my jewelry is structural, like a little puzzle. I also make my own cords and wind each and every tassel.

3. What or Who Inspires you?

Anything and everything. You just never know when inspiration will strike. There are so many deviations and permutations, and design is like music—infinite possibility.

4. What is your creative process like?

Sometimes I have a clear concept in mind, but generally my process is like a creative relay. I get an idea then try to execute it, meanwhile it spawns another idea which goes in a different direction, and basically I just follow along until I end up with something that clicks. I wish I was more methodical, it certainly would make for a neater work space, but sometimes the fun is in the mess. 

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

I'd say the best tip I've received—and this is in line with my own belief—is people will innately gravitate toward that which you're passionate about and the love you put into something will manifest in one way or another.  In essence, love what you do, and others will too.

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

Lots of dainty hand-forged and wire-wrapped pieces, and colorful fiber-mix jewelry.

7. Where can we learn more about you?

You can check out my jewelry at @pliersandstring on Instagram, and www.pliersandstring.com, and my design portfolio at coroflot.com/mivcreative

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

I got started sewing 28 years ago, patternmaking about 18 years ago, and doing this as more than a hobby about 7 years ago.  Sewing has gone from being a hobby to a slight (okay, maybe my husband wouldn't agree with the slight part) obsession for me through the years, and doing it as a full-time endeavor and designing clothing for young people just seemed to be a natural outgrowth of what I loved.  The real start for Eddy & Scout was the challenge of trying to make boy's clothing that was durable, soft, comfortable, and would comfortably clothe my lanky boy.  Now I make boy and girl clothing, but believe it or not, I started with boy stuff.  Girl stuff just tends to be a little more fun to design and sell (sorry boys!).  Eddy & Scout turns 4 this year!  It is hard to believe, but it has been such a fun journey!

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

Let's face it.  It's kind of trendy to make cute little clothes and sell them on the internet.  Why are Eddy & Scout clothes any different?  Honestly, if I didn't feel like they were different, I wouldn't keep doing what I do.  I have a mission to really provide a quality garment that provides an alternative to the currently accepted norm of buying trendy and "disposable" children's clothing.  I believe, as a parent, that sustainability applies not only to the way that a garment is produced, but also that a garment has the ability to stick around and not only clothe one child through two full years, but to still hold up to countless "hand me down" cycles, and various adventures that kids regularly undertake that tend to be rough on their clothes.  For this reason, you'll notice that our sleeves and pantlegs almost always are cuffed, to lengthen or shorten according to the stage of growth.  You'll also notice that our boy pants have reinforced knees, that our girl leggings have a "ruching" function that allows them to adjust 4" longer.  That we use 9.5 oz cotton jersey milled in LA for our garments, instead of the 6 oz that you'd see in almost all leggings and tees, and that all of our dresses and skirts are cut to be appropriate lengths on growing bodies.  More than that, we really care that our clothes are washable, and soft.  It is easy to find polyester in kid clothing, but becoming harder to find the quality cotton that we seek out.  Feel means everything to us.  If our most sensitive testers turn a nose up at our designs, it is back to the drawing board.  If our kids are comfortable, that means less dressing hassles, and more time to focus on the adventure of being a kid!

3. What or Who Inspires you?

Strangely enough, I receive the most design inspiration when traveling and people-watching.  I think about clothing design all hours of the day and night, and I only wish that I had the resources to be able to sell half of the things that I design.  I am held back a lot by the complexity of the garments I want to design, and, in the interest of creating things that people can afford, I end up simplifying a lot, as the amount of time and work that would go into a more complex design would keep me from making enough pieces, and force me to work for much lower than the worst sweatshop wage!

4. What is your creative process like?

My creative process is pretty fluid.  I receive inspiration from a shape I see, or a curve on an existing garment, and then I immediately begin cycling through ways to implement it.  I watch small children, and see how they play, and I consider what will have the most fun as well as functionality too.  I go over and over in my head, ways to sew such a design most efficiently, and only once I have all of this figured out do I begin to sketch.  Sometimes once I get to the fabric sourcing step, I will find several fabrics that play well together, and they may inform a modification to best showcase themselves.  I will draft a preliminary pattern, sew a sample, and then try it on several children and solicit feedback from kids and parents.  At any point during this process, there are usually edits in complexity, sewing order, special details, fit, or seam placement, but I really enjoy the lack of rigidity, as it brings me so much joy to revel in the process of the garment bringing itself to life.  The real crowning glory is watching a child light up at something that I've created, and especially when one of those "details" (like a thumbhole in a hoodie, or a pocket in a skirt) make that piece special for them.  Honestly, that is what keeps me coming back for more--because it feels like more than just "making kids clothes" to me.

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

Someone once told me that "you cannot pour from an empty cup", and I find this to be especially true of creativity, and for me, clothing design.  If I am stressed, and feeling like I need to produce--that which I produce is usually not something I'd be comfortable putting my name on and selling.  I am learning more and more that if I allow my life to be run by deadlines and timelines, that my cup depletes, and I face a diminishing return in the quality of design that I can produce.  "Filling my cup" is sometimes as simple as taking a drive toward the ocean and glimpsing the sun on the water, or sitting quietly and listening to my own thoughts instead of the ever-growing list of all of the things that I "should" be doing.

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

I am really excited about some of the Spring/Summer designs that will be available for purchase at the upcoming Jackalope.  Inspired by my recent move to California, my designs have taken a more flowy, layered look, and there will be swingy and twirly dresses and layering cardigans, as well as some old favorites like our Penelope Pocket Skirts and Hadley dresses.  Spring and Summer fabrics will have fireflies, light and airy florals, and wildflowers, which just remind us of sunny fields, warm summer nights, and beachy breezes.  

7.  Where can we learn more about you?

You can see more about us on our website, www.eddyandscout.com, on our instagram at instagram.com/eddyandscout, and via our facebook page www.facebook.com/eddyandscout.  We also have a VIP group on facebook where we offer our newest products first, as well as sales, and VIP only bargains and giveaways.  You can find that on facebook for searching for "Eddy & Scout's Rockin VIP group".

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

I've been making art since I was 16, some 30 years now. I hold a BFA and an MFA in fine art and I keep a studio in West Hollywood. I don't think there has really ever been a time that I wasn't making something. 

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

I have a love affair with bunnies, cocktails and ephemera. Each piece of art tells a personal story from bits of my life and experience. 

3. What or Who Inspires you?

My husband inspires me. He is the smartest, most lovely human I have ever known. 

4. What is your creative process like?

I make "paper" first, sourcing ephemera that comes from my past. Then I decide what rabbits fit the best. 

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

The best tip I ever received was that it is the artists only job to produce and to leave the criticism to others. 

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

Lots of bunnies and cocktails in cool acrylic frames. Loads of handmade flowers. Color and joy. 

7. Where can we learn more about you? barbie5x5.com

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

I've always tinkered with creating things but it wasn't until my son was born that I really got interested in the handmade/DIY community.  As a stay at home dad (before that was a thing), I had not only the time, but the desire to create for my son objects and items that could not be purchased at stores and also try to instill in him the value of hard work.   

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

Although there are lots of woodworkers (and the more the better, I say), I feel that most craftspeople work in the "functional" aspect of woodworking.  Cutting boards, pencil holders, boxes of all sizes, furniture, etc. are all great things but, to me, they loose some of the simple joy of the medium.  I make designer wooden toys because I want people to experience wood not as just the functional resource it becomes but also as the magical, living material it remains.

3. What or Who Inspires you?

I pull my inspiration from a multitude of artists.  Woodworkers like George Nakashima and Sam Maloof.  Other toy makers like Takeji Nakagawa and Pepe Hiller.   Also cartoonists, John K., sculptors, Richard Serra, and musicians The Dreadnoughts.  

4.  What is your creative process like?

Although my work appears simple in concept and construction, I spent numerous hours planning everything from the shapes of the arms to eye placement on each Winklebean character.  I've been known to sit with a block of wood or a length of board for months until I can figure out exactly what character trait the wood is calling for.  While the cutting, drilling, sanding or other aspects of the craft are nothing special, it is the act of character creating, the "bringing to life" an object that I take most pride in.  

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

An art school instructor once told me that to be an artist, one must always be making.  Even if it's crap, even if it winds up in the trash, it is the act of making that matters most.  We can all imagine the most profound works of art or the most beautiful crafts but until they get made they are nothing.  It's only through making, and constantly making, that any thing is ever achieved.  So even though my trash can is full, I just keep making. 

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

I've been branching away from the original character Winklebeans for awhile now but for Jackalope I'll be coming back to them.  I'll use the same sizing but I'll be incorporating paint into the new ones in a series I'm (tentatively) calling SportyBeans.  While I love the natural look of wood, the effects one can achieve by contrasting the warm tones of nature with the vibrant hues of modern colors in something I'm enjoying exploring.  I hope to have 5-6 fully developed new characters for the Jackalope show in Pasadena. 

7.  Where can we learn more about you?

You can follow along with me on Instagram @winklebeans, or our Facebook page @winklebean or order off our website www.winklebean.com or better yet, come to one of the shows and hang out for a bit.  

Downtown Women’s Center Partners With Jackalope To Eradicate Homelessness For Los Angeles Women

Pasadena’s Central Park will play host for a third year to local handmade design as the Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair makes its return this April 29th & 30th.  New to 2017, Jackalope will be partnering with the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) to promote their programs and services by accepting donations on their behalf.  

“Being a women owned business, we found DWC to be a perfect fit to align with our own mission and values in running Jackalope.”

— Sara Diederich, co-founder of Jackalope Arts

DWC’s mission is to provide permanent housing and a safe and healthy community, and to advocate ending homelessness for women.  

Photo By Erica Hsu: http://www.ericakhsu.com/ 

Jackalope attendees will also be able to visit the MADE by DWC booth during the fair, carrying a line of unique gift items that were created in collaboration between DWC program participants and community artists.  MADE by DWC is a social enterprise created by DWC to break cycles of chronic homelessness and unemployment. By purchasing DWC’s handmade products, Jackalope attendees can directly contribute to these women.

“MADE by DWC allows women the space to really work through some of the barriers they’ve been facing living in poverty or living in homelessness.”

— Dena Younkin, Senior Product and Merchandise Manager for MADE by DWC

Join Jackalope Pasadena and the Downtown Women’s Center in Pasadena’s Central Park to shop handmade and support local women in need.

Learn more about DWC at: 
www.downtownwomenscenter.org
www.MADEbyDWC.org