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

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

I guess the best way to describe my style is a gypsy rockstar!   A bit of an edge with a free spirited gypsy vibe.  I love the freedom of expression and sharing in spreading positive energy and happiness to one another.  

We are all energy and the positivity of enjoying each moment is contagious. If I can help my customers focus on today and enjoy the little moments, then my job is done and my journey as a designer has purpose.  

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

I feel my work is unique because of how the accessories make you feel!   Many times we buy accessories because we like them, which we all want of course.   But my accessories bring out something different in everyone. 

Countless times I get feedback from my customers that my cuff or bracelet makes them feel so “cool," even if they are very conservative and do not wear statement pieces or much jewelry at all.   Their vibe changes while wearing the jewelry and there is not a better gift than that as a designer.   

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

I have to say I am truly inspired by color and textures. My process always begins with something raw that I see; a material, a stone, a piece of art or sculpture.  I then create incorporating how I feel and the message that I want to convey or inspire someone else to feel.  I went on a very personal journey about a year ago and through that very positive and enlightening path I designed my new lines Energie and Henergie. I definitely learned that when you are authentic and true to yourself as a designer, the designs and inspiration are one in the same.   

When do you feel the most creative?

I am actually most creative when I am sad or on crunch time…it is such an extreme difference I know.  But both actually do not allow too much time to think and I am forced to make decisions instead of the possibilities of change or direction.  When I am saddened or stressed, my mind shuts off and my feelings go into my designs, but I will not put the time into it as I would if I was happy thus not a need for change. When I am on crunch time I have to make the decisions and my mind chooses things and processes differently.   The need to not have the “Maybe” is extremely important in my creative process.  

What is your creative process like?

My creative process really begins with an idea and the medium I choose comes second. The design process determines the medium. I always say that there is something about an artist’s mind that allows us to see and create without barriers. There are challenges and we always find the solutions.

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

The best tip I received was from a very successful man a long time ago.  He said "NEVER listen to someone else’s ideas or opinions!!   Stay true to yourself and your designs.”   We all have a message to share in all aspects of design including painting, sculpting, music or designing.   We create from our soul and it is an expression of who we are.    Others like to project opinions and unsolicited advice that can steer you in the wrong direction.   

If you stay uninfluenced by others and believe in your path, no matter how many No’s or negative feedback you receive, you will get where you are supposed to be.   Stay Positive and Stay True to yourself and the possibilities are endless.  

Where can we learn more about you?  

You can find out more about me on my website at www.melis.com

How would you describe your style?  
I'd say my style is a mixture of a few elements...a little bit modern, a little bit bohemian, and a little bit vintage.  

Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?
There are so many to choose from!  I'm a big fan of Justina Blakeney, author of The Modern Bohemian and creator of The Jungalow.  I admire her sense of style and her love of mixing prints.  I feel like we'd be friends if we met :)

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own? 
I've always been the friend who gives handmade gifts for birthdays, weddings, special life events, etc.  And fortunately for me, my friends and family seem to love receiving these handmade gifts!  I just feel like there's more life and love attached to the gift, and it makes a person feel special when they receive it.  I think this is why I love doing custom apron orders.  I love finding prints that match a person's aesthetic and then creating a product that I know they'll love.

What sort of things inspire you? 
First and foremost my friends and family inspire me.  The support I get from them to continue creating my product is most inspiring.  Also, I've come to the realization that I am a fabric addict.  I am obsessed with textiles!  Finding prints and mixing and matching them makes my heart flutter!  That feeling inspires me.

Where do you look for inspiration?
I love shopping at the local vintage shops and finding quirky items that are rich with history.  I'm inspired every time I go to farmer's markets and flea markets.  It's so great to see all the talented vendors selling products that their hearts (and time) go into. There's just so much creativity out there!  

When do you feel the most creative?
It's strange to say, but I'm most creative when I've had the least amount of sleep!

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?
"Believe in your product and others will too." and "Your love for your product will be contagious."

Where can we learn more about you?
You can also find me on www.hotchickaprons.etsy.com
Instagram @hotchickaprons
Twitter @hotchickaprons
Facebook @hotchickaprons

Shop Hot Chick Aprons at Jackalope Art & Craft Fair on December 12th & 13th at Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix AZ!

How would you describe your style?  
My particular style has always had a bohemian feel,  I love bright feel good colors and a variety of texture!  
 

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?  
I feel what makes my work unique is a combination of my designs and marketing.  I created the Giving Bracelets for a sole purpose, I wanted to create a sustainable business the continues to give back.  After launching a successful handbag company,  I spent some time volunteering for an organization that helps mentor children in the foster care system.  This experience had such an impact, I decided to create the Giving Bracelets and donate the proceeds to them.  

What sort of things inspire you?  
Traveling, culture, nature.   

When do you feel the most creative?
I feel most creative when my work space has no clutter and after having a cup of earl grey tea!

What is your creative process like?  
I design new styles twice a year, in the fall I’m thinking about Spring colors, styles and hardware and in the Spring I’m thinking about Fall colors, styles, and hardware.  

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?  
Design and create the things you love!

Where can we learn more about you?  
www.givingbracelets.com

Shop Giving Bracelets at the Phoenix Jackalope Art & Craft Fair on December 12th & 13th at Steele Indian School Park!

How would you describe your style?  Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?
Clean and contemporary. Even though I run a confection company, the flavors are more interesting and adult so I like to have the packaging reflect that. 

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own? 
think my unique flavors make me stand out. The texture too! I tested a lot of recipes to find one that yields a soft caramel that melts in your mouth, rather than pulling out your fillings! People are always surprised at how soft they are, which makes me happy to have spent all that time worrying about it. I also seek out the best, most flavorful ingredients using local purveyors whenever possible. Colorado dairy, fresh spices and tea and hand-zested citrus all give me the brightest flavors possible.

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?
find the inspiration for my flavors from what I enjoy eating as well as what is available seasonally here in southern Colorado. The green chile caramel idea was planted when we received roasted chiles from Hatch, New Mexico in our CSA box last summer. I wondered what they’d taste like as a candy and started tinkering. The skins impart a lovely smoky flavor instead of just heat, which many people find surprising. I’m always on the search for the best horchata, so I thought, “Why don’t I just make it into a caramel?” It was tough to get the rice flavor to come through, but I think I finally succeeded. You’ll have to try them and let me know what you think!

What is your creative process like?
As a pastry chef, it’s all about precision and recipe testing. Once I have a new idea for a candy, I need to try it out in — tiny — batches to see if the flavor I’m trying to get across comes through. (This is definitely my husband’s favorite part!) I take copious notes about the weights of ingredients and any adjustments I make because I never remember what I did although I’m sure that I will at the time. After the recipe is dialed in, I pack the caramels in bags and let them sit at room temperature for 3-6 months to be sure the flavor and texture remain the same. I need to ensure that my customers will have the same experience regardless of when they purchase my confections. After all that, I’m finally ready to launch a new item!

Where can we learn more about you?  
Please visit my website at www.peakcandy.com. In addition to learning more about me, you can see our current list of flavor offerings and find outlets where you can buy them.

Keep an eye on my site in November; I’ll be rolling out a cashew curry and classic peanut brittle just in time for the holidays. I’ll also offer the caramels in a smaller, 3-count bag, so you don’t have to choose between a few of the flavors you’re pondering!

Shop Peak Candy Company at the Denver Jackalope Art & Craft Fair on November 14th & 15th!

Meet Bill and Travis, the owners of Bowwood Pinball: creators of all wood pinball games.  

Travis and I have always felt Boxwood Pinball is unique because of its beginning as an artist collaboration. We each have our own style when it comes to our individual art, and the combination of our talents becomes very unique. We both are into abstract and conceptual art, but bring it down to Earth when it comes to Boxwood. Our wooden games are meant to be a throw back to simpler times with a twist of modern design and art.

We can work independently because we are in tune with what we want Boxwood to be.

Bill's creative process happens in the wood shop where he draws and saws the physical aspect of the games. Travis works in his drawing studio surrounded by pets and music. Our creative process is triggered by the excitement of seeing what the other person has done, and being able to react to that work with our own.

We are inspired by the love of doing our work. The daily routine of getting into the studio with a fresh cup of coffee and letting our hands take us somewhere is a thrilling experience.

Learn more about Boxwood Pinball:

https://www.facebook.com/boxwoodpinball

http://boxwoodpinball.weebly.com/

Shop Boxwood Pinball at the Denver Jackalope Art & Craft Fair on November 14th & 15th!

• What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own? 
  There are so many talented makers in the natural soap, bath and body category that we count on our unique packaging to catch the consumer's eye. We just introduced our newly designed packaging this spring. We made a dramatic shift to high gloss black PET bottles, jars and pumps. The new packaging, all recyclable, is rich looking, gender neutral, and complements most bathroom décor. In addition, Spinster Sisters has opted to offer its 8.5 oz. body butter in a vintage style letterpress printed compostable and recyclable box. While we traditionally operate under a "less is more" philosophy when it comes to packaging, the addition of the box enhances the body butter's selling position as a gift item and offers unique color coded labels which easily identify the product's unique essence. For example, pink for rose, purple for lavender, red for peppermint tea tree.

• What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?
  My fellow creative makers inspire me. I have met so many amazing and talented crafters, makers, artists and all around great people through my years selling at indoor and outdoor markets, festivals, and fairs. Their enthusiasm and support for this way of life keeps me motivated and creating new products for my business. My husband, Craig, is not only the love of my life, but my true source of inspiration and support for the path I have chosen. I would be remiss not to mention the example my parents set for me as a child. They have worked their entire lives to give all six of us the strength and fortitude to take on this sometimes daunting task of running our own businesses. Last, nature, the rugged Colorado mountains, beautiful vistas, hiking and biking all provide a source of inspiration and serve to reenergize me.
   
• When do you feel the most creative?
  About 2am, when I am trying to sleep!  I can come up with all kinds of amazing, and far-fetched ideas in the middle of the night. Which, of course, does not at all help me to fall back asleep.  I want to get up and create.  My husband has come down and find me elbows deep in a new product formulation at 3am before.  He just rolls his eyes and goes back to bed.
   
• What is your creative process like?
  A lot of research, a lot of making, testing, and remaking formulas, a lot of using my friends and family as “Guinea Pigs” to help test and refine the formulas, and a lot of playing with packaging and labels.

• Where can we learn more about you?  

www.spinstersistersco.com

http://www.spinstersistersco.com/About-Us_ep_7.html

Photo by: Stella Kelinina

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

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

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

Photo by: Stella Kelinina

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

How would you describe your style? 

Our style can simply be described as "Vintage"!!

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

We commission small independent artists to draw vintage style hand-sketched artwork for our product packaging. This really helps set us apart in the industry by giving our products more of a personal touch. We also take pride in providing our customers with quality all-natural products backed by stellar customer service and feel that this really sets us apart from other beard care companies in the industry!

What sort of things inspire you? 

Pretty much anything that smells nice! We are constantly searching for new scent ideas for future product development and tend to find ourselve in local soap shops searching for new inspirations.

Where can we learn more about you?  

• www.VintageBeards.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/vintagebeards
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/vintagebeardco
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/vintagebeardco

Anything you'd like to add that I didn't ask....?

Trends Come and Go... Vintage Lives Forever!

How would you describe your style?  
I would say my style is Simple, clean- cut and unique with a touch of wow! I like my designs to be different. A piece of me goes into each of my designs; whether it'd be Swarovski Elements, lace, interlaced straps, studs, hand stitching, flowers or bow appliqués, they have my personal touch and detail. I like clean and detailed decor. I don't like too much of one thing or something flashy. I like fancy and delicate.

Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to? 
es! Louis Vuitton! He is amazing! His style and cuts are unique, clean and just perfect. If I'm explaining myself right. 

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?
Prayer- I pray for guidance and creativity; God responds with visual pictures in my head of my next creation. He knows me best, therefore, He gives me ideas that depict exactly what I like and who I am. Even though, sometimes I don't even know myself. 

What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration? 
Colors and Nature inspire me. The Creator is the Designer of designers and there's so much inspiration all around us; in this Universe. Just pay attention to the intricate details and precise design on the flowers, sea life, and the birds.  The inspiration in His creations are just limitless!! 

When do you feel the most creative?
Definitely at night, when my body is really tired but my mind just keep on going and going. 

What is your creative process like?
I don't think I have a process of creativity. When a picture of a design pops in my head, I just draw it on paper then make the leather cut out for that specific pattern. And begin sewing it. I know, it sounds boring but that's basically it. I don't sit on the drawing board, cutting or sewing patterns for hours and finally come up with the product desired. 

What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?
Oh my! I haven't been doing this for long. Up until last August, I didn't even know how turn a sewing machine on, let alone design or sew anything for that matter. I haven't had a chance to really speak to designers, but I'm looking forward to meeting some great ones here. 

Where can we learn more about you?
Instagram and my website: shop.mylomoccs.com

Shop MyLO by Toni Fanco at Jackalope Art & Craft Fair on November 7th and 8th at Central Park in Old Pasadena.