Tell us who you are and how you got your start?

I'm an illustrator in LA working in animation- I've probably designed that animated show you love! My favorite professional projects are Bobs Burgers and Over the Garden Wall. I wanted to branch out and start making my own brand of illustrated items and I'm loving the creative satisfaction.

I had been working designing characters and products for major companies (Disney, Cartoon Network, toy brands, Paul Frank) and I thought: I want to make my own merch! It was really empowering and creatively satisfying to make items inspired by all my favorite things. The best part is connecting with other people who want to geek out about the same stuff!

Very cool. What is your favorite part of your maker process?

I love taking a sketchbook doodle of something I think would make a fun pin design and turning it into production art and then having the physical item in hand within weeks. It's so fun to make wearable items: I think pins and patches are the funny T-shirts of today: a way to show your personality on your sleeve (or jacket, or hat, or backpack!)

What inspires you to create?

I make items that are inspired by all the things I love and think are fun: pop culture, music, scary movies, silly movies, animals, California and junk food! My art is bright, colorful and happy: I hope it makes you smile!

What’s a typical day like for you in the studio?

My full time job is art directing for a primetime animated TV series, so I make my personal art after work and on the weekends. It keeps me staying creative by constantly making stuff. The holiday season is definitely my busiest time of year as my pins and patches make great gifts!

Great stocking stuffers! What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?

I have two new tote bag designs debuting at Jackalope this year- I worked with a new production partner to make these and they are so much fun! I have one with a California Love theme and one with spooky Over the Garden Wall art. You can always use a nice tote bag at a craft fair to carry all your other purchases.

Very True! What do you love most about Burbank?

I worked at Cartoon Network for many years and I dig the vibe in downtown Burbank! There's always something fun going on and a big creative community to support it. Can't wait to see you!

What all will you be bringing to Jackalope?

I have a large collection of pins and patches as well as art prints, stationary, tote bags and greeting cards. Its fun! It's bright! It's happy! It's a whole vibe!

Anything special you’d like to share?

I love being a part of the Jackalope Fair! I've done other craft fairs and I think Jackalope really shines with the assortment of vendors and the organization of the show. I'm excited to see everyone out on San Fernando Road this December.

Find Miranda Dressler Illustration at Jackalope Burbank at the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival this December 7th & 8th:

Website: www.mirandadressler.com

Instagram: @mirandaright

Do you have a story behind your company name?

TheLittleLabs was conceived as a space where big ideas could flourish in a playful and imaginative environment. The name reflects our belief that even in a small studio—or “little lab”—we can experiment, innovate, and create impactful work that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Love that! How did you get started?

Founded in 2016 by a husband-and-wife artist duo with years of experience at Disney, TheLittleLabs began as a passion project. Leveraging our backgrounds in animation and design, we started offering services in illustration, animation, and user experience design. As our client base grew, so did our team and the range of projects we took on.

What is your favorite part of your maker process?

Our favorite part is the creation and conceptual phase. This stage is an endless exploration of ideas, enhanced by collaboration with incredibly talented people. It’s where imagination knows no bounds, and we can truly innovate and experiment with different styles and mediums.

What inspires you to create?

From an early age, both Aradhana and Camilo, our founders, felt compelled to express themselves through art. They’re inspired by the challenge of distilling life experiences into simple, engaging stories for younger audiences. This passion drives our team to create work that’s not only visually appealing but also meaningful.

Tell us what a typical day is like in the studio?

Our day typically begins around 9 AM, following a good breakfast and a cup of coffee or tea. Aradhana, our lead, starts by meeting with the team to plan and prioritize upcoming tasks. The rest of the day is a blend of client meetings, collaborative sessions, and hands-on work with our illustration, animation, and design teams. The atmosphere is dynamic and collaborative.

Is there something that you love most about Burbank, especially with it being the media capital of the world?

Burbank is special to us—it’s where Aradhana and Camilo met and where TheLittleLabs had its first office on Olive Ave. The city has been the backdrop to many of our personal and professional milestones, making it an integral part of our story.

What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

We’ve always admired the Jackalope initiative and are excited to participate this year. We’ll be bringing some exclusive previews of our new side project, 'Cloudy and Friends' - a line of products aimed at kids 2-6 years old. We’re eager to connect with fellow creatives and attendees who share our passion for art and innovation.

Anything special you’d like to share?

We’re continuously evolving Cloudy and Friends, a project close to our hearts aimed at kids. Whenever we have time at the studio, we delve into developing this initiative further. We’re also proud to share that TheLittleLabs is a minority and woman-owned business, something that adds to the diverse perspectives and creativity we bring to our work.

Find The Little Labs at Jackalope Burbank at the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival this December 7th & 8th:

Website: Thelittlelabs.com

Instagram: @thelittlelabs

Clara of Funky Gavroche

Do you have a story behind your company name?

The story behind the Funky Gavroche name is the story of a little, adventurous boy from the book “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo. I loved the character in the book, for his spirit of freedom and breaking the conventional rules, so when I started my small brand, I thought it could be a good representation for the artistic statement I was going for which was: artistic, free of rules and constraints, whimsical and creative.

Very fun. How did you get your start? I started Funky Gavroche back in 2010 when I became a mother for the first time. I have always loved to knit, I had learned to knit by my wonderful mom back in my home country, Romania, when I was just 12 years old. I’ve kept it as a hobby over the years and when I became a mother and decided to stay home with my boys, I wanted to keep my creative juices flowing, thus I’ve began designing and knitting children knitwear. As the years went by and my boys grew, I decided to continue my knitting endeavors by designing and knitting adult garments as well.

What inspires you to create?

In one word, ART! I love looking at paintings and other creative outlets that open new portals into my own imagination. I am a huge admirer of the DADA movements and surrealism as well as a Frida Khalo aficionada.

What is your favorite part of the maker process?

This question is hard to answer because I have more than one favorite part in my maker process. I LOVE the imaginative part of the process where I can visualize the garment I would like to knit, but I also LOVE the design process when I figure out textures, yarn weights and color combinations.

I bet there are so many options it is hard to narrow it down. Do you have a favorite item you have created?

I find hard to choose just one favorite item that I’ve created because I have so many designs I truly cherish and that have so many beautiful stories behind them. But there is ONE that I love a lot that blends in my love for drawing with the knitting process. It is a vest I designed and handknitted, and then I used the free form crochet technique for the appliqué on the back of the vest. The garment is called “Mirrored face” and it is truly a piece of wearable art.

So Fun! What is a typical day like in the studio for you?

I can’t say I have a typical day in the studio, but I try to have an artistic, creative day every day. I try to design and handknit two collections per year as well as custom orders and other fun inspirations that come to my head. I set aside a few hours every day to knit either custom orders that I need to fulfill, or just the designs I had already planned. On top of that, I try to stay active and engaged with my social media followers, creating content and prepping photoshoots.

What do you love most about Burbank?

Her favorite piece!

I love the vibrant artistic community in Burbank, where creativity thrives at every corner. It's a hub for filmmakers, animators, and artists, with studios and galleries that celebrate both established and emerging talents. The city's rich entertainment history, combined with its welcoming atmosphere, makes it a perfect place for artistic expression and collaboration. Whether strolling through the downtown area or attending local events, there's always a sense of inspiration and community that makes Burbank truly special.

Well said. What will you be bringing to the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival?

I will bring a variety of handknitted items: from scarves to hats, and crocheted bucket hats, to cozy and fluffy sweaters, as well as cardigans, and knitwear for children.

Anything special you would like to add?

I would really like to say to all the people who will come to the Jackalope fair that supporting small businesses and artists is vital for building strong, vibrant communities. These local entrepreneurs and creatives bring unique products, services, and perspectives that enrich our everyday lives. By choosing to shop small or buy from independent artists, we help foster innovation, preserve culture, and keep local economies thriving. Our support allows them to continue pursuing their passions, while also ensuring that communities remain diverse and dynamic places to live and work.

Find Funky Gavroche at Jackalope Burbank at the Downtown Burbank Winter Arts Festival this December 7th & 8th:

Website: https://www.funkygavroche.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/funkygavroche

Instagram: @funkygavroche

Do you have a story behind your company name?

This was my second time starting a business. With my first, I spent a lot of time brainstorming and perfecting the name, but the business wasn’t successful. The second time around, I did the opposite—I didn’t want to procrastinate. I chose a name without overthinking it, and that decision helped streamline the entire process of starting and running the business. Now, 10 years later, I see how moving forward quickly and decisively was a key to my success.

How did you get started? 
I initially tested selling a variety of products on Etsy. Back in college I sold pet jewelry, so I restarted that business using materials I still had on hand. From there, I continued experimenting with different products to see what would resonate.

What is your favorite part of the maker process?
Over the past decade, my favorite part of the maker process has evolved. I used to love working on custom products, many of which became part of my collection. Now, I really enjoy sourcing materials. We’ve built design spaces filled with so many different materials that inspire me and my team.

What inspires you to create?
It’s simple—what inspires me to create is the demand from my customers. Their interest and requests drive me to keep offering new and unique creations.

What’s a typical day like for you in the studio?
Before my kids were born, I spent long hours in my room from morning until late at night, working on custom orders that often became part of my collection. Having children made me realize I needed help with orders, which in turn helped me grow my business. It allowed me to shift focus to sourcing materials, designing, and building the right team to collaborate on everything from design to e-commerce.

What’s your favorite item you’ve created and why?
My favorite thing to do is painting and adding filigree designs and rhinestones to masks. I absolutely love it. Even when things get hectic around me, the process feels meditative and calming. 

What is the hardest part for you as an artist?

For me, designing is the hardest part because I want to design something authentic, unique, and innovative. 

What will you be bringing to Jackalope? 

I hope to bring a bit of whimsy and fun to Jackalope. My wish is that through the serendipity of discovering my products, customers find joy in those unexpected moments when they come across something that speaks to them and creates lasting memories for them, and their loved ones.

Anything special you’d like to share? 

I’ve found that collaboration has been the key to even the smallest successes. From working with photographers who bring my products to life visually, to hiring the right people to help with orders, every person involved plays a part in shaping and reshaping not only my creations but the direction of my business. These collaborations have allowed me to grow and evolve over the years, reminding me that no business is built in isolation—every success is truly a shared one.

Find Serendip Box Inc at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th, 2024

www.higginscreek.com

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I grew up in the Bay Area, and I was living in the Lake Merritt area of Oakland as a young adult. This is where I was introduced to ceramics.  I started at Laney Community College, learning how to throw on the wheel, and then I continued on to receive a degree in The Practice of Art at UC Berkeley.  Richard Shaw was my professor at the time, and he was highly influential for me.  He showed me how wonderful handbuilding was, and he helped me to find my own creative voice. So yes, I think my experiences in the Bay Area, especially throughout college, have definitely shaped my interests and direction into what they have become today.

Very cool. How do you define success as an artist?

For me, success as an artist is simply feeling content with what I am creating, as well as providing joy for others.

What would you say is the hardest part of the creation process?

Hm, that is hard because it can change depending on what I am doing and what is going on in my personal life. If I had to think of one consistent difficulty, it would probably be the physical strain on my body.  I want to build at least 5 hrs a day, 5 days a week, but I have to be careful and take time off in order to avoid injury.  This can be incredibly difficult, especially during times of feeling inspired.

How has your style changed over time?

After learning how to throw on the wheel, then being introduced to handbuilding, I began making more sculptural pieces, not necessarily functional anymore. This work was more detailed, thematic, and had a darker tone. Then, after moving to Los Angeles in my early 30’s, having children, and taking a break from ceramics, I eventually began working for someone doing production pottery.  In this job I was making planters for plants. I have always loved owning lots of houseplants, so having the opportunity to work in a space where I could make ceramic pieces for plants, while being surrounded by plants, was a dream for me. I was highly influenced by this experience, so after a few years I decided to continue to work with planters and plants, but create my own designs and eventually create my own business.

Her favorite piece!

Love that! What is your favorite item that you have created and why?

My favorite piece might be from my early years, at UC Berkeley.  It’s not a style or form that I have wanted to continue making, but I think it was a piece that represented my ability to create and execute something visually interesting, as well as technically difficult. I think this piece represents a starting point for gaining a level of confidence and excitement needed in order to commit my life to being a ceramicist.

What do you love most about Pasadena?

Honestly, it’s mainly a nostalgic place for me because it reminds me of my grandfather. He lived in Pasadena my whole life, so my dad would take my siblings and I to visit a few times a year. Though I have lived in LA for 13 years now, I live on the west side, so I don’t get to explore Pasadena a lot.  However, every time I go, it brings back a lot of memories. It also just has a nice feeling to it all around. It’s a very peaceful city, and I always enjoy visiting, especially when I can be a part of Jackalope.  It’s a great way to meet new people and learn more about the small businesses in the area.

Find Stone Garden Ceramics at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th, 2024

Instagram: @stonegarden_ceramics

Araceli Concordia
Founder & Creative Director

What inspires you to create?
I love the mid-century and the Art Deco eras, but all the materials I work with can influence and inspire me and my designs. 

We can see that in your designs, very cool! How has your style changed over time?
Career change, parenthood, and prioritizing what makes me feel good and comfortable have been a big change for me. 

What would you say is the hardest part of the creation process?

For me, designing is the hardest part because I want to design something authentic, unique, and innovative. 

That is a lot of pressure. How do you define success as an artist?

My definition of success as an artist is to be able to give joy to the wearer through my art.

What do you like most about Pasadena?

I love the architecture around the city, whether it be a residential home or a commercial building.

Find Araceli Studios at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th, 2024

www.arachelistudio.com

www.facebook.com/arachelistudio

Instagram: arachelistudio

Gloria

Do you have a sorry behind your company name?
I chose the name Olivo Amigo – Your Friend the Olive Tree – because we want to be more than just a brand; we want to be your trusted friend. Friends are there to support and guide you, helping you become the best version of yourself. That's exactly what we strive to do. With our ingredients, we want to inspire you to infuse your meals with love, making every dish not only delicious but also fun and healthy. Together, let’s make every meal the best meal!

Love it! Tell us, how did you get start?
I was born and raised in Spain, where happiness is built around the table. In our culture, food is an experience that is celebrated and savored with loved ones. A drizzle of olive oil is a must, adding rich flavor and infusing emotion into every dish.

When I moved to the United States to study, I fell in love with this country and the man that is now my husband. However, I soon discovered that the U.S was lacking one very important thing - high quality olive oil from the Mediterranean. Spain produces more than 50% of the best olive oil in the world, and as an Olive Oil Sommelier, I made it my mission to bring that to you with our Organic EVOO from Spain.

And now, I’ve completed the Mediterranean experience with our selection of vinegars, spices, and housewares to promote wellness, flavor, gratitude and celebration. Olivo Amigo is my labor of love, and my dream is to share the health and happiness of Spain with you and your family. Let’s celebrate life together!

Very cool! What inspires you to create?
The fact that people think that eating tasty and healthy food is boring, and it is not! With just a few high-quality, simple ingredients, you can transform any meal. All it takes is some Olivo Amigo EVOO, Balsamic Vinegar, and Mediterranean spices to work their magic. The result? A delicious dish unlike anything you’ve tasted before!

What is a typical day in the kitchen like for you?
I’ll start my day by preparing breakfast and lunch with our golden ingredients, giving me the chance to create and explore new, fun recipes to share with everyone! Afterward, I’ll focus on creating content that highlights these delicious dishes and shares the benefits of EVOO. Finally, I’ll wrap up by packing and shipping all the goodies to our wonderful friends!

Do you have a favorite product that you have created and why?

I believe that Vitality and Joy early harvested extra virgin olive oil—nothing is healthier or tastier on earth! Being able to offer this exceptional product to my customers, beautifully packaged to bring a touch of Spain into their kitchens, makes me feel like I’ve created something truly special.

The same goes for our Aperitivo Gift Set, which features miniatures of our Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar, along with a regular-sized jar of our Elevate Mediterranean Spices. They’re absolutely adorable and come in stunning packaging, making them the perfect gift for holidays, birthdays, or housewarming parties.

We can’t wait to try them! What do you like most about Pasadena? How charming and beautiful every street and corner is, it reminds me of Spain.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

At Jackalope, we will be celebrating the beauty of real, high-quality ingredients with our fresh, early-harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil, bold Balsamic Vinegar, and vibrant Mediterranean Spice blend. Sourced from small, sustainable family farms and produced in small batches, Olivo Amigo makes food fun! Our fresh, clean, and healthy ingredients elevate each bite effortlessly, turning every meal into a delightful celebration for your taste buds. We’ll be offering samples of our products paired with bread, so don’t miss this opportunity—come say hi!

Find Olivo Amigo at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th, 2024

www.olivoamigo.com

Facebook: yourolivoamigo

Instagram: @yourolivoamigo

Joseph Hotter

Do you have a sorry behind your company name?
My last name is Hotter! I like to joke that I could have been a plastic surgeon with a last name like that. "Dr. Hotter makes you hotter", but hot sauce is a lot more fun.

Too funny! Tell us, how did you get start?
I was once 330lbs in my early 20's and I was a terrible cook at the time, I was also a really picky eater. I ended up losing 150~ lbs with diet and exercise. The one saving grace to my healthy meals was a healthy dose of hot sauce on damn near everything I ate. One month of Tabasco and I'd be bored of it, one month of Sriracha and I'd be bored of it. Eventually I got into more craft hot sauce and that really helped me appreciate different flavors. Fast forward to 2020 and I just started working for a company where there were frequent company bbq's. I had just made the first batch of my hot sauce, "Thai-napple", and I brought it to the next bbq for people to try, they really seemed to enjoy it. At first, I thought it was just co-workers being polite until they started to ask me if they could buy a bottle.

Honey Habanero

Love that. What inspires you to create?
I'm inspired by my favorite restaurants that helped me appreciate different cuisines and flavors. Indian food in particular really gave me that "wow" moment of how vital a well-made sauce can be to a dish. If Hotter Sauce could give a picky eater that same epiphany of how impactful a good sauce can be, I'd be elated. 

What is a typical day in the kitchen like for you?
When I'm not cutting a ton of peppers, burping ferments, or bottling sauce I'm tinkering with different pepper varieties to try to land on something fresh and interesting. Hot sauce is a very competitive market and you have to do your best to craft something unique that fits with your brand. We focus on flavor first and heat second, so processing ingredients differently from batch to batch and seeing how it affects overall flavor is a big part of how we RND a new sauce. 

Thai-napple

Do you have a favorite product that you have created and why?

"Thai-napple" was my first sauce and it's my favorite because I made it at a point where making hot sauce was brand new territory for me. After you ferment a distinct blend of peppers, add a little this and that, blend it all up, and find that it tastes fantastic, it's a good feeling. It was a validating experience: I can make a good sauce, now let's make another one!

What do you like most about Pasadena? This has been my home for the last couple years. It's incredibly accessible to people who prefer to walk most places rather than hop in a car. We got some great coffee shops here like Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters, and my favorite restaurant, Howlin' Ray's. 

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

Slammin’ Serrano

Some great hot sauce! I can't wait for people to try it out. We also have some gift packs for people to take back home to the heatseeker in their life. Can't wait to set up the tent and introduce Hotter Sauce to my Pasadena neighbors.  

Find Hotter Sauces at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th, 2024 AND at the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on December 7th & 8th

www.hottersauces.com

Instagram: @hottersauces

Matty Miller

How did you get start?

Creativity has always been a part of my life. Growing up in a creative household, I was surrounded by artists, makers, and opportunities to express myself. My artistic business has evolved over the years, but the core themes of beauty, making, and teaching have remained constant. I believe that art is essential for enriching our lives and connecting on a deeper level.

That is so true. What inspires you to create?

 I'm inspired by the natural world and ecology... I love being in quiet, remote spaces in nature where I can look and listen with presence, and daydream. I also love to research! I love learning about native plants, regional mythology, folklore, culture, you name it...

What is a typical studio day like for you?

It's hard to say what a typical day in the studio is. I wear a lot of hats for my job so it could be anything from painting new work, sending off commission sketches, teaching private lessons, or packing orders. An ideal day in the studio starts slow with some journaling and a cup of coffee, and ends with standing back and taking in the view on a painting's progress.

What is your favorite part of being an artist?

I love finding a flow state as I paint, the feeling of being completely absorbed in the moment. I can access an ethereal and meditative state of mind, and there's a magical quality to the process of transforming ideas into tangible works of art.
I also love the personal connections I make with my clients when creating custom pieces. It's incredibly rewarding to bring their vision to life and create art that resonates with them and their values.

Do you have a favorite product that you have created and why?

My favorite works are my original paintings. Original art has a special essence to it that's transferred through the love and hours spent creating it by the artist. 
At the moment my favorite piece is called Meadow Sentinel. It captures the serene beauty of a meadow, with a graceful deer adorned with flowers and quilting patterns. It's a reminder of the importance of connecting with nature and finding moments of peace in our busy livesI

Meadow Sentinel

What do you like most about Arvada?

Arvada is such a great blend of small-town charm and urban convenience. The community is super friendly and supportive of the arts. Also, Yak and Yeti is one of my favorite restaurants!

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

At Jackalope, you'll find a selection of my original works, art prints, and a brand-new line of silk scarves. They make amazing gifts and I can't wait to share them.

Find Matty Miller Studio at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024

www.mattymiller.com

Facebook

Instagram: @mattymillerstudio

Nicole of Mountain Essentials

Do you have a story behind your business name?

I’m not sure the best way to phrase this but Mountain Essentials is M.E. It’s from my heart but it’s also essential to have good skin care in the mountains.

Very true. How did you get started?

My daughter had some extreme skin allergies. I couldn’t find a diaper cream that worked for her, so I created my own. I was excited to see what else I could make. When we got a couple little goats I had too much milk. Read about all the benefits it has to offer our skin. Started adding it and haven’t looked back.

Very cool. What is a typical studio day like for you?

My typical day in the studio includes the farm and daily chores. From milking the goats, feeding the babies, mucking pens, helping does give birth, shearing the fiber animals. Farm chores typically take 2 hours a.m and pm. Then I head to the shop with my fresh milk in tow. After processing the milk so it is ready for soap and lotion making, I tend to the shops needs. Opening and helping customers. I’ll make products as the day goes if time allows. Then back home for evening chores.

What is your favorite part of being a maker?

My favorite part about the marker process is being creative and experimenting with new recipes. Filling a skincare need. Helping people with their skincare needs.

And what about a favorite product that you have created?

My favorite product is the Healing Balm. It’s what changed my course.

What do you like most about Arvada?

I love Arvada! I love the people and the atmosphere. This event brings me joy!

That makes us smile! What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I’ll be bringing all my favorites and staples.

Soaps, lotions, lip balms, healing balm, plus we are launching the holiday line! So excited to launch it. 

Find Mountain Essentials at Jackalope Arvada this October 5th & 6th, 2024
Website: www.mountainessentialsllc.com

Instagram: @mountainessentialsllc

Facebook: @mountainessentialsllc