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  

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

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

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

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

3. What or Who Inspires you?

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

4. What is your creative process like?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. What or Who Inspires you? 

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

4. What is your creative process like?

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

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

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

6. Where can we learn more about you?

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

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

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

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

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

3. What or Who Inspires you?

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

4. What is your creative process like?

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. How would you describe your style? 

I strive for a balance in my work. My style is loose and somewhat raw without being too messy. Thematically my work expresses feelings of isolation, loss, and grief balanced with innocence, hope, and strength.  If art can make people feel less alone, and more united in our existence, I believe it is successful. 

2. What or who inspires you?

I'm inspired by dreams, animals, nature, dance, music, dolls, colors, patterns, and beauty in general. People inspire me who stay strong and positive despite the debilitating challenges that life can deliver. I'm also inspired by people who live boldly, often going against societal norms in order to express their personal truth, and give voice to those who have been marginalized.   

3. When do you feel the most creative?

I'm the most creative when I can let go of fear about the outcome of a painting, or the fear of messing it up. When I can work in a state of freedom, my creativity flows.

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

You will see many original paintings ranging from very small to large, as well as a large selection of prints. 

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

I coolest artistic tip I have received was in my early months as a painter, I had a short conversation with an established artist friend about the background of a painting on which I was working. He described the background as being responsible for creating the world in which my character would live. This incredibly simple, and yet obvious, idea revolutionized my understanding of the backgrounds in my work.

Find out more about Jen Herling at: http://www.jenherlingart.com/

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

My floriculture art and décor has two avenues. One is living plants and flowers, the other is preserved and dried plants and flowers. My living plant and flower décor is unique because it draws on floral art from other countries and cultures. For instance, my hanging gardens are inspired by a Japanese floral art. I often add a twist to make them my own though; like building hanging gardens out of grapevine balls. My preserved décor is even more unique. I haven't found anyone who makes anything like my décor in vases, lanterns, and birdcages or mini-scenes in magnets. The use of preserved and dried materials can be really trippy as it looks living, but it's not. 

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

My art is inspired by my love of flowers and obsession with bright and beautiful colors. I don't know how I would perceive the world if I didn't fill my life with color, vibrance, and the natural world. The goal of my art is to give these things to others. Almost everyone who comes into my art booth instantly starts smiling. I love that. It makes me smile in return. Those reactions and interactions are what drives me to continue my work and fuels my inspiration to seek out new materials, colors, and compositions.

3. When do you feel the most creative?

I feel creative when I'm determined. I don't wait for creativity to come to me. I set my day's goals, sit down, eye up my materials, and I find creativity. It usually comes easily because I love the materials I work with and I know my final products will light up someone's day and hopefully their home.

4. Any special item you'll be releasing or sale you'll be doing at the fair that we should tell people about?

I will be debuting Green Lady Gardens Marketplace!  Products include pillows, towels, clutch purses, bags, and other home decor items printed with my pressed flower art.

5. Where can we learn more about you?

www.GreenLadyGardens.com!

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

I was not allowed to go to art school. Instead, I did business at CU, which was boring and uninspiring. I hated it. Over a decade later, after doing a Fulbright, working in law firms in DC, and going to grad school for conservation in Montana, my husband and I moved back to Colorado for me to get a job. I couldn't find one and I can't sit still. My husband told me to go for it: play with plants and be an artist for a year. If it works, great. Do it a second year! If not, at least I tried and I'd have some good stories to tell after a year of art fairs. So far, year one has been a hit and it's on to year two!

How did you start in the Handmade community?

Urban Baby Co. started out as a simple craft idea. At the age of 9, I saw Anne Geddes "Children's Collection" and fell in love with the colors, the cute costumes, textures, and her out-of-the ordinary compositions. My mom must have seen my interest because every January I would get her calendar and frame the old ones!

I took what she did visually and composed unique and cheeky sayings that usually brings a smile to someone’s face. Couple that with fabric, stencils, and quality organic baby onesies, and you’ve got Urban Baby Co. It was something I did for fun that ended up turning into a full-time business. 

I think my mom still has a number of Anne Geddes dolls in her basement...

What or who inspires you?

As an adult my inspirations come from clever conversations, art, nature, big cities, and sarcasm. My designs cover a broad range which opens doors for all kinds of people whose lives are touched by a baby. 

What makes your work unique and truly your own?

I'm constantly asking myself, "what would be something fun?" and "what would I want my baby to wear?" If I'm excited and can’t stop thinking about it - I go for it. I'll play with colors and designs until it's perfect. Something so little as to changing the font to reflect the mood or the tone of a phrase turns it into an artful piece.

People that shop in the handmade community appreciate the thought process behind my designs.  You won't see them at big chain stores and if you do, please note that they were probably copied by another manufacturer (ha!).

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

Big holiday surprises with unique designs, colors, and hip vibes! I'll be bringing: organic baby onesies, baby headbands, organic adult tees, and family sets. I'm excited to participate with Jackalope as this will be my first year!

How did you get your start in the Handmade community? 

I grew up in a creative household.  My aunt was always tinkering with quilting and ceramics, and my mother tole painted.  She taught classes and had booths at craft fairs, there was scarcely a home in the small town I grew up in that did not have a piece she had painted.  I loved sketching, painting, and took sewing classes throughout my childhood, but it wasn't until I was in my late twenties that I really started to explore my own creativity.  While in college I found myself a starving student, unable to afford a birthday present for my niece.  She wanted nothing but a Justin Bieber doll.  I had a few supplies lying around the house, $3 later at my local fabric store, and The Phina Project was born.

What or who inspires you?

My Grandma Sweet Anne has always been my source of inspiration.  She was a strong, caring, and sometimes inappropriate woman that was quick to smile and loved to garden.  She taught me the power to do what I love and not worry what others think.  While she is my inspiration, my husband is my driving force.  He believes in me when I don't believe myself.  He is the one who has encouraged me to really insert myself in to the handmade community.  I had been making dolls for friends and family for 5 years and had an Etsy shop that I didn't ever do anything with, until he talked me in to doing my first show.  I have been pushing myself and my business ever since.

When do you feel the most creative?

Without fail, I have the most brilliant strokes of creativity when I am driving and can't write down my genius thoughts.  The calm of the road is a sort of meditation for me (when, of course, I'm not cursing traffic).  It is the time of day when I am alone in my thoughts without a million other things I should be doing.  I turn the radio down and let my mind wander.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

I have been making cloth dolls for about 7 years now.  It hasn't been until this year that I have pushed myself to better my design and expand my capabilities.  You can expect to see unique, somewhat quirky dolls that range from 10" to 21".  Each doll is handmade and unique.  I have a pattern that I loosely base each doll upon so they all have slightly different personalities and looks.  With simplistic faces they have something of a Waldorf appeal that inspires imagination.

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

"Someone else is always going to do it first, faster, and better than you. Don't let that stop you from being that person to someone else."

How would you describe your style? 
I would call my style magical realism because it brings you in and out of this reality. A little magic mixed with some science makes an extraordinary universe. I am inspired by the abstract expressionist painters such as, Wasily Kandinsky and Cy Twombly, along with ceramics Martha Russo and Christina Bothwell. 

When do you feel most creative?
Early, early in the morning!

What is your creative process like? 
I start in the potter's wheel, almost always, with a hunk of porcelain. Once I throw a perfect cup, bowl, vase, plate, etc., I "ruin" it, or rather I alter it, so that each one is completely unique. After throwing, I add a pocket for resin castings (if it will be a resin piece). Once the bisque firing is done, I freely paint on my crystalline glazes (and other glazes) however I feel will look best for that particular piece. Then, after the crystalline firing is done I go back with gold and mother of pearly lusters and fire for the last time. Finally, if the piece will be a resin encased piece, I will spread my insects the night before and then pour resin the following. 

What sort of things inspire you? 
I am inspired by astrophysics mainly, specifically the origins of life via the death of stars and atomic theory. I combine this love of the universe with the harmony of all matter-- the stars, the beetles, the plants, the rocks, the humans, the clay are all made of the same initial matter present at the birth of the universe. My work explores the interconnectedness of all these things and more, so that users can feel a connection to the cosmos and feel they have a piece of the universe in their hands. 

Where can we learn more about you?
I am kind of new to the web, so I have a start up website and Instagram that I try to update regularly. Instagram is the best bet for updates on me and my cosmic creations! 
@kelseysstarstuff

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?
Customers can expect to see many more exciting insect encased cups, bowls, and brooches; crystal encased ceramic pieces; and lots of crystalline glazes, gold, and mother of pearl lusters! Check on my Instagram leading up to Jackalope to get an idea of what to expect at my booth in December. 

How did you get your start in the handmade community?

I started in December of 2015 and basically taught myself how to make candles.  With only a couple instructional books and no one showing my the ropes, there was a lot of trial and error and definitely costs that came along with those mistakes.  But with repetition, I got better and better until I created a quality product, which was eventually turned into a concept for the business that I have today!

What or who inspires you?

Generally speaking, other entrepreneurs and small business owners who are successful definitely inspire me to achieve great things. I always look for inspiration from other creative individuals who are not afraid to take risks and think outside the box.  When I decided to start a business, i knew that I had to be unique and different in order to be successful.  I enjoy meeting people who love to go against the grain.  More specifically speaking, the inspiration for the collection of candles is mostly what I personally perceive as a cool looking and good smelling product.  I try to put myself in the customer's shoes, while also trusting my gut instinct on what makes a product work.  70% of my customer base is female, so I have definitely learned how to look at things from a woman's perspective and subsequently market my brand appropriately. 

When do you feel the most creative? 

I feel the most creative when I am either sitting in a coffee shop with my earbuds in, or when I am sitting on a plane traveling somewhere.  I rarely purchase the WIFI on the plane and solely use that time to just focus on writing down ideas in Microsoft Word.  Good coffee, good music, and traveling are keys to creativity for me!

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

My product is unique, different and will make a great gift!  The scents in the collection are perfectly accurate to their description and definitely surprise some people! I can't wait to be a part of the Holiday season.

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

Break the rules!  Don't break the law, but break the rules.  It's impossible to be a maverick or true original if your always following the "rules".