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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New flap bags!

Productive weekend in studio, made some flap bags with adjustable straps, and magnet snaps! Finished these in time to avoid the rain 🙂 Preparing for Blue Genie Art Bazaar, November 24-December 24.

I had a bag of similar size in olive canvas I used for years, which finally wore out after 15+ years, and I realized since I found this size/bag so useful, it might work well for others. There is a back shelf pocket, a pen pocket in the side gusset, a patch pocket inside on the lining, and the strap is adjustable (from 50″ to 30″) so you could wear it on a shoulder or cross-body, and so it would fit people of different sizes. There is a snap tab at the top of main compartment, and two magnet snaps to close the flap. I’ve worked out the pattern after making a few, so I’ll be making more asap. Road-testing one now to make sure I’m happy with design.

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Blue Genie Art Bazaar giveaways and calendar of events

There is an online calendar with a list of events during the art bazaar:
 https://bluegenieartbazaar.com/events/2015-12/
New this year is a free art sweepstakes – they will be giving away 2 paintings by Rory Skagan and a sculpture by Blue Genie. They will also be giving away free reusable tote bags on Tuesdays to any customer with their purchase! 

The Blue Genie Art Bazaar will again be hosting Make-A-Wish Mondays, artists socials, and live music, so check out the calendar to find out what is going on each day!

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Blue Genie Art Bazaar 2015: Nov 27-Dec 24

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I am thrilled to be participating in the 2015 Blue Genie Art Bazaar! It’s the 15th year for this special event, and it’s been amazing to see such growth (now over 200 local & regional artists!) and improvement every year. So very proud to be involved!

Here’s the skinny…

Event info: Featuring all handmade artwork & gifts, with over 200 local & regional artists represented! – a portion of proceeds goes to Make-A-Wish® Foundation. Full bar with snacks! Free admission and parking. Cash & cards accepted.

Location: The Marchesa Hall & Theatre, located just off Interstate I-35 and E Koeing Ln (RM 2222) in the Lincoln Village shopping center.

The Marchesa Hall & Theatre (map)
6226 Middle Fiskville Rd
Austin, TX 78752

Open Daily: Nov. 27th-Dec. 24th, 2015 at the Marchesa Hall & Theatre

Hours: 10am-10pm daily (closes 6pm Dec. 24th)

Cost: FREE admission & parking

Parking & Public Transit: There is ample free parking spaces available with immediate proximity to the show. There is also a bike rack near the entrance for cyclists and the closest CapMetro bus stop is: SW – Highland Mall/Middle Fiskville.

Refreshments: Drinks and snacks are available at the bar, cash and credit accepted.

Kids & ADA: The bazaar is a fun and family-friendly event, everyone is welcome! Strollers and wheelchairs are accessible, but the aisles may be crowded during high traffic times. Bathrooms have ADA stalls and a changing table available. Young children should be supervised by an adult at all times.

Shopping Bags: Due to the bag ban in Austin, we recommend bringing your own reusable shopping bags. If you forget, we will have other bags available for a small fee.

Time to make the donuts. If I am not at my studio, I am on my way there!
xo jna