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.
Posted on by

Blue Genie Art Bazaar! November 29-December 24

BLUGENIELOGO
The annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar opens this Friday November 29 at the Marchesa at 10 am, with a kickoff party from 7-9pm with DJ Bigface and raffle prizes. Free event!

Shopping at the bazaar is a great way to buy hassle-free holiday gifts and support local artists. The bazaar features the work of more than 130 local and regional artists, offering a wide variety of imaginative and beautiful handmade gifts such as paintings, photography, prints, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, accessories, glassworks, ceramics, and more you can’t find anywhere else.

Note: Due to the bag ban in Austin, remember to bring your own reusable shopping bags. If you forget, they will have other bags available for a small fee.

Hours: 10am-10pm (closes 6pm Dec. 24th) more bazaar events< Where: Marchesa Hall & Theatre in Lincoln Village at 6226 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin TX 78732 (across from Highland Mall on Middle Fiskville Rd) Directions
Cost: FREE parking and admission! Ample parking space available with immediate proximity to the show, and a bike rack near the entrance for cyclists. The closest CapMetro bus stop is: SW – Highland Mall/Middle Fiskville.

2013 BGAB Poster

Posted on by

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!

Posted on by

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)
————-
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

Posted on by

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)

20121223-112803.jpg