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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Die cutting and stitching for hire!

Sewed up 18 yards (three 18 foot by 54″ pieces?) pieces of super deep shag fake fur. Rockin’ out cuts on my die-cutting press (message me if you need things cut or dies made.) Constructing rainbow dragon wings for parade club (HonkTX is March 22!) Fun projects this time of year. Continue reading Die cutting and stitching for hire!

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Japanese eggplant recipes

Was just talking about eggplant recipes with a friend and thought I’d post them here as well.
If sodium is a consideration they do sell lower sodium lite soy sauce and miso paste.

Easy eggplant and cucumber pickles my aunt taught me
(good as a side veggie with a rice dish)
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Slice eggplant into 4-5mm disks. Salt eggplant. Mix marinade in a baggie or container: 3 TBSP soy sauce, 3 TBSP vinegar (preferably rice wine vinegar), a little sugar. Marinate eggplant in refrigerator for 2-3 hours, shaking occasionally.
If desired, serve slices with a little hot chinese mustard.

Cucumber pickles: Long thin japanese cukes work best but I’ve used regular or english cucumbers as well
Mostly peel cucumber, cut into 3″ lengths, then lengthwise into quarters. Mix marinade as above, but add a couple of shakes of sesame oil.
Marinate in refrigerator 2-3 hours, shaking occasionally.
Continue reading Japanese eggplant recipes

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Blue Genie Art Bazaar!

The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is open today until 10pm and tomorrow Christmas Eve from 10am until 6pm for last-minute Santa-shopping in all price range. Give the gift of handmade (or to yourself!) and support local artists and craftspeople.

Admission is always free, plenty of free parking, bar and snacks on-site.
Marchesa Hall at Lincoln Village (6226 Middle Fiskville Rd)

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Advent calendar tutorial links…

In my search for a just-right advent calendar, I have been bookmarking advent calendar links, and thought I’d share some that I liked with you:

On Twig and Thistle, a magnetic calendar using watch cases and magnets, very cute!

A last minute version using paper bags from Prudent Baby

A very inspiring, more longterm project house from Gingerbread Snowflakes

10 how-to ideas from Skip To My Lou (I like this one with collected hanging presents

Using a 24-pack of soda or beer, from the reluctant hippie

From Readymade, this countdown of fabric ornaments with pockets in back!

A cute bingo advent from under the red roof

Some good ones for kids here, and more links here

An advent with 25 wrapped holiday-themed books to read from Make and Takes

The paper chain tree we made last year from the parsimonious princess

Some origami advent calendars

From Easie Peasie, a DIY Advent Calendar

A matchbox DIY Nativity scene advent calendar from Digitprop

City In A Jar’s blog on advent calendars

Bold and Herbaceous’ tumblr blog post

DIY Advent Calendar from Randomosity Blog

Free Printable DIY Advent Calendars from style-y Apartment Therapy

A collection of 50 Cool DIY Advent Calendars compiled by Shelterness

A Christmas Book & Activity Advent from Bella Dia

TeachingMOM’s Advent Calendar post and recs for an advent of seasonal books and movies

Dana MADE It’s Advent Calendar and list for getting started

Kiddley’s Activities Advent

A post about Unique, Unusual & Special Advent Calendar Toys for Children on Suite101.com

Christene’s squidoo lens for a Countdown to Christmas with some great tips on getting ready for Christmas and great suggestions for your own Advent Calender.

Advent Calendars from Martha Stewart

Craft stick Christmas tree advent calendar with “origami” boxes by the Crafty Nest

Centsational Girl’s Manzanita Advent Tree

Crafty Crow post 2011 Advent Calendar Ideas!

A Give Thanks- Fall Advent Calendar from Whateverdeedeewants

For those who want a special advent calendar with gifts to use all year there are further options:

A variety of Playmobile advent calendars available at around $18 USD for children from four-years-old with adult assemble required

…And I have more pinned to my Holiday craft ideas pinterest board, which I keep adding to…

Please enjoy, and happy holidays!
xo
Jen A

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Kiyoshi Kono Yoru (Silent Night)

Sung to the tune of Silent Night, the translation is a bit different than the usual English version, but this is the one we sang growing up:

“Kiyoshi kono yoru hoshi wa hikari
Sukui no miko wa mihaha no mune ni
Nemuritamaou yume yasuku

Kiyoshi kono yoru mitsuge ukeshi
Mikibitostachi wa mika no minae ni
Nukazukinu kashiko mite

Kiyoshi kono yoru miko no emi ni
Megumi no miyo no ashita no hikari
Kagayakeri hogaraka ni”

— Translation —

On this holy night

On this pure night the stars are shining
Child who will save us, sleep at your mother’s breast
Dreaming peacefully

On this pure night they receive a message
The shepherds bow respectfully
Before the Child

On this pure night the Child’s smile
Shines brightly with the light of tomorrow
In an age of grace