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.
Kiddo #1 watched me sewing, got a bit quiet and said he wished he were a girl. Why? Because girls get to do things like sew. Of course I told him some men sew, and in some cultures men knit rather than women, which cheered him up. And I promised to teach him once he was old enough to run a machine safely (I forget if I was 7, 8 or 9 when I learned? 10 with knitting though I know kids learn much younger.)
Then he asked how a sewing machine works. We found two animations online: here, and here. Timing is everything 🙂 and once it gets out of whack you have to re-time or get serviced (if you’re in Austin, I very highly recommend Maurice at City Service Sewing Machine.)
The machine I usually work on is a walking foot (though my needle moves up and down without the forward-backward motion shown in the video.)
Growing up pre-Internet, we just had a How Everything Works book, nearby library, or Dad to consult. Though most times we figured it out, animation or video (or even good diagrams!) would have been really helpful.
UPCOMING SHOW:
April 30 & May 1, 2011
Saturday 11a – 6p
Sunday 11p – 6p
The Ballroom at SpiderHouse:
2906 Fruth Street
Austin, TX 78705
Handmade Austin Women (HAW) presents our 6th Annual Spring Show and Sale, the first weekend of May. Join us for a family-friendly art event with an eclectic mix of handmade, high end craft, musical marionette matinees featuring handmade puppets and original song, and some energetic DJ funk. indulge yourself with a tasty beverage from the bar at the Ballroom or a coffee from SpiderHouse as you make your way thru the show.
The Handmade Austin Women Spring Show is an annual market that presents unique artisan design and outstanding handcrafted art. We organize our show to promote the profound benefits of sustaining women artists at work here in Texas. We support Austin’s cottage industry and the growing character of our local, independent economy.
Handmade Austin Women is a collective of locally and nationally recognized women artists based in Austin. Dedicated to unique design and the highest quality in handmade work, HAW represents women in the business of art.
Handmade Austin Women are pleased to announce the 2011 lineup:
* Margaret Adie ~ 2D Collage
* Trisha Allen ~ Uniquely Recycled, Art Cards
* Jennifer Chenoweth ~ Contemporary Sculpture & Painting
* Elise Calhoun ~ Modern Mosaics
* Peggy Seeger ~ Handmade Books
* Jean Cannon ~ Vintage Inspired Hats
* Jamie Spinello ~ Cut Paper & Plastic Collages
* Monique Capanelli ~ Botanical Designs
* Lisa Crowder ~ Contemporary Silver Jewelry
* Jaime Jo Fisher ~ Contemporary Art Jewelry
* Alison Young ~ Handmade Belt Buckles
* Lauren Grant ~ Drawings
* Chia ~ Clothing & Accessories
* Catherine Hart ~ Drawings
* Anne Woods~ Metal Sculptures
* Gabel Karsten ~ Paintings
* Christa Mares ~ Sculptural Crochet
* Stephanie Nance ~ Paintings
* Melanie Schopper ~ Functional Ceramics
* Victrola Design ~ Illustrated Apparel
Feel the vibes of DJ Lovecat and the special performances by the Hey Lollies with handmade puppets and original song. Enjoy a beverage from the bar or some tasty treats offered by Cornucopia. Our show grounds are handicapped accessible, but call ahead for special-access arrangements.
This event is supported in part by SpiderHouse Cafe, L Style G Style, Ginko Studios & Women and Their Work. Please contact us for more information.
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).
My bags and wallets are now available at Lovely, a new boutique on So 1st Street! *Updated address: They have moved just a few blocks south to a larger and lovelier location! Now at 1506 S. 1st Street and all settled in as of July 20th.* Continue reading Lovely Austin Boutique!
Saw a preview of the show this morning while adding items to my booth, looks really great this year! My friends and family will love the handmade local gifts they get this year, just like every year 🙂 Continue reading Blue Genie show opened tonight!
Just cut bars of milk soap I made w/@fetosoap last week, they’re great, super-rich and luxurious! Thanks Lisa! Check out her soaps + lotion sticks 🙂 fetosoap.com
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
