Where does your inspiration come from?

    I'm inspired both by nature and myths, I love travel and adventures.  When working on paintings and art I try to integrate that experience of adventure or the unknown with touches of home and nature.  When sewing I create or choose textiles that reflect my experiences or ideas.  I create wearable art, I find things I enjoy and talk about them or integrate them into my pieces.  I guess I'm inspired most by everyday life, any my work is a reflection of the 'things' I find valuable.

When do you feel the most creative?

    I feel most creative when I'm creating. I usually need to be alone, sometimes with music, and then remind myself what inspires me, if there are recent images from a trip we took or thoughts I had while traveling, I look at my journals, research images and get to it.  I find that when I'm creating, I completely lose track of time and can stay up all night just drawing or sewing.  I think painting is my favorite which is why I paint each silk screen by hand instead of using photo emulsion techniques, it's what separates my tee shirt fonts apart from other designers.  Each and every shirt is screened with my bare hands and handwriting.  There is something magical about creating with our physical bodies, don't get me wrong digital has it's place too, but you can feel the love of something handmade. 

Where can we learn more about you?  

    I have my blog hawksandhoney.com  where you can find out more about my everyday life and projects, adventures and thoughts.  I'm all over the place, I like to keep busy and the blog is a space for me to document all things worth sharing. You can also find me overgramming on Instagram @jenniferlindschutsky.com where I post too many photos of my favorite people, places and things.

How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as refined rustic.  Meaningful, authentic and raw jewelry that embodies the handmade feel without being “rough." 

Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?          I can’t say that I look up to any one particular artist.  I’m moved by so many creative mediums.  Photography, ceramics, drawing, painting.  When the artist is good at eliciting raw emotion, I’m drawn in.  There is something incredibly inspiring about someone with that ability.

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?             There are definitely lots of handmade jewelers out there. What makes my work unique and my own, is that it comes from some unnamed place within.  I’m compelled to create from my own emotion with the intent to resonate with someone else who has that “me too” feeling when they see/read about one of my pieces.  Many of my pieces are connected to a sentiment or a story, and I do my best to share that when I present the piece.

What sort of things inspire you?                                                                 Is it too contrite to say that I’m inspired by life?  By living this messy, beautiful life?  I’m inspired by the rawness of it all.  The beauty of joy, love, happiness, sadness, visceral pain. 

Where do you look for inspiration?                                                              The landscape of my native home, Arizona.  The desert is the perfect embodiment of beauty with a raw edge.  Like a captivating cactus washed in the the glow of the unrelenting sun and peppered with thorns sharp enough to draw blood should one get too close. The juxtaposition of the desert’s prickly beauty and unforgiving way.  It’s as if she says “Here I am.  Beautiful exactly like this. Take me or leave me.”  That’s about what I strive to show in my creations.  “This is me…real, raw, unforgivingly as I am. Take me or leave me."

When do you feel the most creative?                                                         Creativity is a fickle thing.  It comes on in waves, and when it does, I simply have to hop on and ride.  I’d be a liar if I said there was any one time over another that has me feeling most creative. I suppose the one common factor is emotion.  Any time I’m flooded with emotion, is a time that the work tends to pour out.

What is your creative process like?                                                             My creative process, possibly in true creative form, is not streamlined at all. Sometimes it’s something someone says that sparks an idea, sometimes it’s the glow of the low hanging sun and the way it seems to drip over the mountains, and sometimes it’s just something crying from within, begging to be let loose. From there, I form the idea, make a mental note of the steps I’ll take, and then I just dive in.  I usually don’t sketch my designs first, and when I do, it’s more of a form of making a note than a “how to.”  Just a way to help me remember the idea.

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?                                 Hands down it was “You should always either be attracting or repelling. Be so much yourself, that you are attracting those who are drawn to what you do, and repelling those who aren’t”  It was almost like permission to let those who don’t matter go.  Let them not like me, and still be okay with that. Putting art out there is scary and opens one up to constant rejection.  That advice is the salve I use for those times when rejection stings a little too much.

Where can we learn more about you?                                                       I’d love for you to come check out my website: www.dancingdragonflystudio.com                  

my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dancingdragonflystudio/                                  

and on Instgram: @dancingdragonflystudio

Q. What did you like most about Jackalopes Holiday show and what are you looking forward to in this Springs Event?

A. My favorite part about the holiday show was buying Christmas gifts for all my family and friends! It was really awesome to tell them about the person who handmade the special product they were enjoying so much. This spring, I want to shop for myself! I saw a lot of great home items, jewelry pieces, and yummy treats that I am excited to try. 

Q. What do you gravitate to while shopping at Jackalope and similar events around town?

A. I love things that are different from anything else I've seen before. One of my favorite items is the dinosaur plants from Peabo Pots. How can you not be happy at work if you have one of those cute guys sitting on your desk?! 

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

A. I began Couture in the Suburbs when I was in college as a way to discover the local fashion industry around me. With the recent expansion into art, I hope to make Couture in the Suburbs the single online destination for learning more about the local industry here in Arizona.

It’s a self-appointed position, but I get validation every day through the audience that comes and enjoys the content my team and I feature on the website.

Q. How do you see the handmade community evolving in Phoenix? 

A. I see the handmade community becoming more and more professional. Several artists have been able to transition their craft from a hobby to a full-time career and that is incredibly inspiring.

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

My name is Rachel Malloy and I own Bunky Boutique, a neighborhood shop that has been a Phoenix staple since 2007. Bunky specializes in blending well known lines along with local and indie designers and artisans. I live in downtown Phoenix, love spending time with my husband, enjoy reading, exercising, coffee shops, drinking tea, writing and traveling. The ocean waves on a cold day make me feel alive and the energy of cities makes me feel connected to all of humanity.

 Q: What/who is your biggest inspiration?

My Uncle Tim has been my biggest inspiration since I was a child. He taught me that if I can dream it, I have the capacity to fulfill that dream. He was an incredibly talented dancer and choreographer and he will always inspire me to walk through the fears that come with being vulnerable and taking creative chances.

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

As a shop owner, my job is to curate a collection of products that are innovative and unique. I have had the honor to develop relationships and partnerships with local artisans and see their growth and the growth of the arts and crafts world in Phoenix as a whole. 

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: Weekend activity? Food? Color? Animal?

Favorite weekend activity - drinking tea and reading the NY Times with my husband Jim

Favorite color - burnt sienna

Favorite animal - kitties

Favorite Broadway show - Hamilton the Musical

Favorite people - my team Bunky family: Lauren, RC, and Ashley

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

The people I have met and have had the privilege to work with!  They are hard working and have just the right combination of grit and vulnerability to stick with their passions. I admire anyone that has a vision and knows that one of the most important things to creating a peaceful world is to do the thing that makes you feel joy!  

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

Authenticity. Being a buyer for the past 8 1/2 years has given me a keen eye for knowing when someone's creation is authentic to their vision and self.

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

I'm looking forward to seeing beauty and art from a whole new perspective and to get inspired by the bold creativity of the Phoenix arts and crafts community.

Q: Where can we find out more about you?

http://www.bunkyboutique.com/about/

https://www.instagram.com/bunkyboutique/

https://www.facebook.com/visitphoenix/videos/10153754105704717/

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

My skull series was inspired by the Arizona desert and the popularity of cow skulls in home decor. I was searching for a means to combine the two in a creative way to hang in my own home and I think as it was something for myself initially, I became very invested in the creation of the series. The double exposures are unique because they are made in camera, not in photoshop, and the detail in the layered images is amazing. I'm also really happy with how unique each image looks printed on different materials - metallic paper, metal, wood and even fabric. 

• What sort of things inspire you?  

The desert and the southwest have been huge inspirations for me. I am fascinated by the light, colors, shapes, and textures found here. 

• Where do you look for inspiration?

I love to see others create in any medium: film, paint, metal, music, writing, etc... 

• When do you feel the most creative?

Most of my ideas come to me during a good run. I think most runners would tell you that! 

• What is your creative process like?

An idea usually takes time for me to develop fully and to execute completely. I often sketch what I have in mind, I make tons of lists, gather materials and scout locations, and then I just try out my ideas. There can be many test shoots before I find the right elements to create the image I had in mind originally.

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

One of my photography teachers encouraged us to experiment and explore because you never know where one small idea might lead and how it may evolve. 

• Where can we learn more about you?  

My website: www.reaganalexander.ca also includes my documentary and family photography.

My Etsy shop: www.reaganalexanderphoto.etsy.com

and Instagram: @reaganalexanderphoto 

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?
Aside from my designs being simple but also statement making pieces, I use jewelry to promote a message of loving and accepting yourself. It's important to me that Adam Rabbit isn't just another handmade jewelry company. As AR has grown, I've been able to share more of my personal feelings as well as helping others start handmade businesses. My goal is for my message to translate through the designs and although I don't stamp, "You deserve to feel good today." on my packaging,  that's the general theme and energy I want to put out there in a subtle way. 

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?
I'm really inspired by nature and the feeling you get when you are unplugged from technology. Sometimes I feel like all of the wifi is frying my brain so it is nice to get outside and feel connected to something beautiful. I'm also a proud supporter of the treat yo' self movement! I use self-care as apart of my creative process to design jewelry from a place that is pure. 

When do you feel the most creative?
I definitely feel most creative in the morning. I love waking up between 4AM-5AM to just spend time in my craft room and see what ideas come before the stress of the daily grind begins. I also teach 6th grade special ed full time so my mornings are sacred to me. 

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?
I've received a lot of advice when I first started AR. Most of it was unsolicited and along the lines of jewelry being an over saturated market.  The best tip would have to come from one of my former students who has autism. One of the only sentences he would say is, "Never EVER give up!" (You have to scream the ever) He would say it at least 20 times a day whenever he had to do something he didn't want to which included walking in a line and getting up to sharpen his pencil. When I think about never EVER give up it brings a smile to my face. 

Where can we learn more about you? 
I really love the Instagram community! I post everything from new designs, daily woes of no longer being able to eat gluten, and pretty frequently gush over my boyfriend Joe. @adamrabbitjewelry

Phoenix New Times:  The paper continues its tradition of award-winning long-form journalism while covering daily happenings and pop culture in its Valley Fever (news), Up on the Sun (music), Jackalope Ranch (culture), and Chow Bella (food) blogs. The total package makes Phoenix New Times a must-read and a perfect partner for Jackalope Arts! We will even be doing a giveaway with them featuring some of our vendors once we get closer ;)

Arizona Art Supply: For over 65 years, artists have depended on Arizona Art Supply for high quality art materials and technical information. Between their website and stores they offer over 30,000 artist products with the highest in-store student/instructor discount in Arizona. Arizona Art Supply also makes generous contributions to professional arts organizations to ensure that individual artists have strong foundations in the community.

This Could Be PHX:  This Could Be PHX provides a creative outlet to envision Phoenix the way "we" want and start a community discussion in order to plant the seeds of our future. Their goals are simple: envision, educate, and inspire.  They help to raise awareness about urban living and sustainability in Phoenix through monthly envisioning projects, educational blogs, and inspirational showcases.

We Do Men : The Man Spa: This male focused spa is throwing the taboos and stereotypes of the industry right back at it!  Making it something new to talk about, with a comedic twist, owner Stacey Grondahl wanted to create a new take on ManHandling.  Hence WE DO MEN, and the #BoozeAndTaboos Menu, was born. 

frances: Georganne Bryant opened Frances, affectionately named after her grandmother, in the heart of midtown Phoenix in 2006. She personally curates Frances’ revered blend of unique clothing, jewelry, paper goods and handmade gifts.

Couture in the Suburbs:  Fashion. Beauty. Culture. 
Couture in the Suburbs seeks to expose talented individuals excelling within these industries to an investigative audience. They look for the best of the unknown; whether that be a fashion designer, makeup artist or photographer. Discover the stories of these emerging artists as told by a team of distinguished bloggers, determined to showcase the next generation of talent.

Phoenix Ale Brewery: The home of our artisan mixer!  You can't drink the beer at the Fair but they have graciously hosted our artisan mixer and you can visit Phoenix Ale Brewery yourself for some delicious, local pints!

Yelp: Everyone knows and loves Yelp as the premier site to find the best of what's local!  

Junk N Love:  A collaborative community for creatives. Junk N Love is a cost effective way to promote businesses and a venue for creative collaboration within our community. A juried Merchant Directory and Event Calendar are the cornerstones of the website, along with an ever-growing list of additional features to help you stay informed and connected.

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 ;)

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

I'm a native Phoenician, who has grown up frequenting the many awesome boutiques and craft fairs of our city. Aside from being on the consumer side of things, I’ve grown up in theatre and have loved nerding out on plays for my whole life. I’ve been creating experimental work for the past several years in the Valley, and love being a part of our arts scene.

Q: What/who is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration these days, are the thousands of people all over our country fighting for equality. I got the chance recently to meet Rika Tyler, Co-Founder and Director of Hands Up United, and she absolutely inspired me. To be so young, leading a movement, and to retain the amount of light that she does... I was taken aback. She and her colleagues are not only protesting for equality, but are actively using their resources to empower the youth of St. Louis, through their Books & Breakfast Program, and their courses on coding. And she still makes time to go out with her friends and enjoy life! I’m inspired by the many people in our community and others doing amazing work to make the world a better place tomorrow.

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

Through an insatiable curiosity and coquettishness with Phoenix. I grew up going to school downtown, so a new experience was always just around the corner. Whether we were trying out a new coffee shop, bumming around on First Friday, or checking out a new restaurant, there were always so many people to meet and so many things to learn about what made those places unique. I sought out boutiques like Frances or Bunky, and now it’s my pleasure to get to share a life’s findings with our Localists at Local First Arizona.

Q: Tell us about a few favorites of yours: Weekend activity? Food? Color? Animal?

Weekend Activity: Every Saturday I go to the Downtown Phoenix Public Market to stock up on my veggies for the week. It makes me feel connected to our city, and my neighbors, and the families and lives around me.
Food: Pesto Pasta with tons of fresh garlic and veggies. OR Indian food, I love Curry Corner on Apache in Tempe!
Color: Copper
Animal: Lemur, they're so goofy.
Passion: Experimental Theatre, and Social Justice.
Fruit: Fig

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

The arts & crafts world has a lot to do with the placemaking work I do with Local First Arizona. With the Localist program, it’s all about finding the ways the that people connect to their “place”. I love being able to paint a new story for Phoenix, or at least my story. Growing up, it was always easy to get down on Phoenix. We planned of moving away, chasing our dreams and sharing our successes with far away places. To me, Phoenix is a thriving city with an enviable arts scene, and enough boutiques to fill your closet for a lifetime. I get to show people the best our state has to offer, and so much of that is through getting to know our neighbors, and the many talented artists that our state has to offer.

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

To me, the most important feature in the artist’s application is the artist statement. I want to learn who these people are, and why they create what they create!

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

I’m looking forward to learning even more about what my state has to offer! I’m also looking forward to seeing folks at the fair whose applications I saw waaaay back in summer. Seeing it all come together, that’s going to be great.

Q: Where can we find out more about you?

Check out http://localfirstaz.com/localist to learn more about the Localist Program, and find new ways to see the city! I’m also a part of the Emerging Arts Leaders of Phoenix, which you can find more info about at http://www.ealphx.org/

“Georganne Bryant opened Frances, affectionately named after her grandmother, in the heart of midtown Phoenix in 2006. She personally curates Frances’ revered blend of unique clothing, jewelry, paper goods and handmade gifts.”

Tell us about yourself and your background in the arts & crafts world:
Georganne Bryant opened Frances, affectionately named after her grandmother, in the heart of midtown Phoenix in 2006.  She personally curates Frances' revered blend of unique clothing, jewelry, paper goods and handmade gifts.  Georganne is dedicated to collaborations with other local businesses to enrich the Phoenix community. The award winning annual craft fair, "Frances Crafeteria" has showcased hundreds of independent Arizona crafters and artists.

WIth a loyal following, Frances has been voted "Best Boutique" by Phoenix New Times since 2006. Georganne is also the co-creator of the Phoenix Small Wonders Map, a free guide to local dining and shopping. For her work in the community she was listed by Arizona Foothills Magazine as one the the "Ten Women Who Move The Valley" in 2012. The Frances family shares Georganne's passion for creating a special shopping experience and encouragement of the creative community in Phoenix.

What/Who is your biggest inspiration?
I have to say my parents have been my biggest inspiration. My father was a very successful entrpenuer/dentist while my mom is an artist. Combining their sensibilities and learning from the two of them has helped me build Frances. They were constant and encouraging.

How did you get your position in the arts & craft world?
I started Crafteria, a 45 vendor curated indie craft festival held the first Friday in December, nine years ago after attending the Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago.  We also hosted Faythe Levine and her indie film Handmade Nation approximately 7 years ago, I was very inspired by Faythe.

Tell us about a few favorites of yours:
My husband and I love to hike, we love Mexican food and that is why we have to hike!  
I love to hunt for the perfect items for Frances.
Several of my favorite restaurants are: Cibo, Pane Bianco, Otro, Los Compdres, and Via De Los Santos

What do you love most about the handmade movement?
I love that there is a handmade movement still happening, we all know our ancestors handmade items to survive by making their own foods for day to day life or just to make something special for someone.  My mom tells a story of her mom making her a dress from a flour sack and that is when flour sacks were a lovely floral.  It has come a long way from that time in America but the sense of making something with your hands feeds your soul and then taking it into the community for someone to admire and purchase is a beautiful thing.

What is the most important feature in an artists application for you?
Uniqueness, consistency and quality

What are you most looking forward to in being part of the Jackalope Arts Jury?
I am always happy that an artist has an opportunity to show their talent, glad to help the community add another quality event to the Phoenix calendar. 

Where can we find out more about you?

 www.francesvintage.com   
@francesvintage on twitter & instagram
@georganneb on instagram