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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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.

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Austin Handmade Market with Etsy Austin is Saturday Feb. 21st

Austin Handmade is hosting the upcoming Austin Handmade Market with Etsy Austin this Saturday (Feb. 21) from noon to 6pm at their location 507 W. Mary (South 1st and Mary) This will be an outdoor market offering goods created exclusively by Austin area artists and makers of things!

Austin Handmade Parking Lot
507 West Mary St. (corner of South 1st & Mary Street)
Austin 78704
512-383-9333

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My Book, and Love Notes From The Universe

Some fave things I’d like to share with you:
My friends Bernadette and Carrie at Slow Family Living have created My Book, one year’s worth of pages that begin when you begin – on any day of the year:
“A day book, a journal, a list of gratitudes, to-dos and intentions, a place for you to put your insights, feelings, and your wishes, wants and dreams, and a tool for transforming your life, all in a completely succinct and welcoming format. The prompts are given and the space is there for you to fill in, make My Book a habit you will love and look forward to and get started on living life the way you want to live it… once you begin, it will quickly and simply become a part of your daily practice, thereby changing the way you begin, or even end, each day.”
I really enjoyed Carrie’s Your Best Year Yet workshop (based on this book) and am using My Book as one of my tools to keep on track…

Also, sweet Kiera is offering lovely handcrafted Love Notes From The Universe and books made specifically for that person you want to send a little extra love to!

Happy Valentine’s Day to You! xox Jen

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Vickie's B-Day Bash Craft Book Giveaway!

My friend (and fellow Austin Craft Mafia member) Vickie is doing a HUGE giveaway contest for her birthday (today) including all kinds of different craft books including, jewelry, embroidery, sewing, home decor, etc. Here’s the link:
http://vickiehowell.blogspot.com/2008/11/birthday-bash-book-giveaway-35-for-my.html

She has a copy of 35 of Lark Books’ best-selling craft titles to give away!

Go to her blog for details and deadline info.

Happy birthday Vickie!
xoxo jna