Author: JNA

Coming from a background in design, graphics, metal arts, and leather work, Jenifer Nakatsu Arntson makes quality hand-built vinyl goods such as hand bags, wallets, checkbooks, and accessories. Her materials are animal-friendly and her finished products are stylish and modern. After working in leather for many years, Jen has switched to working entirely in vinyl but approaches design and construction with the same attention to detail, quality and function she learned when apprenticing to master-level leather craftsmen and metalsmiths. She is now an Austin-based artisan but has lived in Kyoto, St. Paul/Minneapolis, and Tokyo. Jen's work is also available in Austin, San Francisco and New York boutiques. Her website is www.nakatsudesign.com. Jen is also an active member of the Austin Craft Mafia, and Babes in Business Bonanza. When she is not at the studio, she is on her way there.
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Super Moon (Full Worm Moon)

Thanks Leslie B for the reminder: tonight is a “Super Moon”, look East around 8 pm. The moon is at apogee (closest to the Earth) AND a full moon as well. Looks 30% brighter and 14% larger than usual! One forecast I checked said we’d have mostly cloudy weather, another predicted clearing this afternoon. If the kiddos can see the moon tonight they’ll dig it. Our neighborhood character(s) will likely be howling at the moon as well (as they do every full moon).

Continue reading Super Moon (Full Worm Moon)

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Swap and Sew + Sweets: Saturday, September 5th noon-6pm

WHAT: Swap and Sew + Sweets: A Clothing and Craft Supply Swap + Yummy Bake Sale
WHEN: Saturday, September 5th, 2009: 12pm-6pm
WHERE: Space 12 – 3121 e. 12th St. 78702 (space12.org)
WHY: Have fun, get crafty and support the Space 12 Community Center and the
Austin Public Library Youth Services “Sew What?” program.
HOW MUCH: $5 suggested donation
Continue reading Swap and Sew + Sweets: Saturday, September 5th noon-6pm

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12 Interesting ways to color/paint/dye Easter eggs!

Since Easter is soon upon us, I’ve been seeing lots of articles and postings recently about natural egg dyeing (using vegetables or spices). Don’t think I’ll get to trying that this year with my little guy, but I wanted to share this blog post @DotatDabbled (dabbled dot org blog) that I came across:
Easter Eggs: 12 Interesting ways to color/paint/dye them!
“Another Flickr Roundup for you, this time it’s Ways to Dye Your Easter Eggs… come on, you weren’t going to just go use a kit, were you? From cabbage to duct tape, we have lots of cool ideas for making your eggs memorable. Some complicated, some easy and kid-friendly!”

Check out the newspaper transfers! (#10 in the grid/list), plus she has a ton of links to how-to’s and info.