I’ve rebranded as Nakatsu and can be found now at the url nakatsudesign.com. All of the jnadesigns.com stuff still works as I’m switching over, but I think the new name suits the range of what I do much better, and is a welcome fresh start. Thanks for sticking with me!
Happy holidays, and hope your 2013 rocks even harder than 2012 did.
xo
jna
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
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
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
New holiday stockings! And Blue Genie opens!
Blue Genie Art Bazaar opened today at the Marchesa Event Center near Highland Mall after a well-attended preview night Tuesday. The show will be open every day until Christmas Eve from 10am to 10pm!
Come see my Nakatsu by JNA display in the big room near the counters. I also have some new Christmas stockings and embellished crowns in the group display in the back left corner. Check ’em out, I had fun making these!
New Craft Works podcast
Brian David Johnson has just started a new podcast, Craft Works, and interviews Kevin of Blue Genie Art in episode #2.
In Brian’s intro/episode #1 he interviews designer Eric Billig, who made our fabulous concrete kitchen counters. Enjoy!
My Pinterest Addiction…
I have been enjoying Pinterest quite a bit and it’s very addictive, the links are double-curated so there are a lot of good pins! I mostly peruse the DIY/Crafty boards, and have a bunch of projects pinned to do with my kiddos. Currently we’re making jet packs from empty soda bottles. The 3 liter bottles are very nicely rounded and make excellent tanks!
Source: pinnedit.blogspot.com via Jenifer Nakatsu on Pinterest
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See you there, and don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’m gradually copying over stuff from my delicious links too.
Blue Genie Holiday Art Bazaar 2012: November 27 through December 24
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is an Austin tradition during the holiday shopping season (disclosure: I’ve been involved since it started 13 years ago, and hubby is a Genie.) The Blue Genie Art Bazaar features the handmade work of over 130 local area artists and craftspeople. It’s a great place to buy exceptional imaginative, quirky, and beautiful art and gifts (paintings, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, accessories, glassworks, ceramics, prints, photography, and plenty of items you can’t find anywhere else). I do most of our holiday shopping there and gift recipients have been thrilled. Open 7 days a week at 10:00am, the event runs from November 27th through the 24th and admission is always FREE!
And Blue Genie now has a retail space in the Oasis complex, open year-round and featuring a hand-picked selection of artists and craftspeople who have participated in the holiday bazaar. Last year the Oasis had a temporary ice skating rink, and visiting Santa and elves near the gallery.
Thanks for supporting local artists and craftspeople!
25 Vintage Magazine Covers from Japan – 50 Watts
25 Vintage Magazine Covers from Japan – 50 Watts. Came across this page via Facebook, great images. Enjoy!
Blue Genie Oasis Gallery 1 YR Anniversary Party!!
The Blue Genie Oasis Gallery is turning 1!!!!
Now in its 13th year, the Blue Genie Art Bazaar features the work of over 130 artists and craftspeople. This year the Bazaar runs November 30 through December 24.
Blue Genie Oasis offers a space for up and coming local artists to sell their art year round in an organized professional workplace. Each artist with merchandise in the Blue Genie Oasis Gallery store is hand selected by the artists at Blue Genie. All live and work locally in central Texas.
“The gallery store helps artists create a name for their selves and gain popularity, and liberates them to be in their studios creating more work to meet the demands of commissioners. Blue Genie has helped many local artists get their feet off the ground and become successful.
Our vendors offer all sorts of imaginative, quirky, and beautiful products: paintings, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, accessories, glassworks, ceramics, prints, photography, and plenty of miscellany and surprises that you can’t find anywhere else.
Our hopes with Blue Genie Oasis Texas is to encompass the joy of the Art Bazaar and to support our vendors year round in creating specialty made goods for you and your family.”We could not have done it with YOU! Please come help us celebrate.”
Friday, August 24, 2012
6:00pm until 10:00pmSnacks • Sips • Raffles • Family Fun for ALL!
See you there!
6550 Comanche Trail Ste 203, Austin, Texas 78732 map | 512-582-0176
Facebook | bluegenieoasistexas.com
Now open to adults! Kids Masks and Capes class at Stitch Lab
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I am so very excited to announce I’ll be teaching a new class at Stitch Lab, Capes & Masks! It’s been great fun putting this project together, and I’ve wanted to work with Leslie and the other wonderful folks there for a long while.
The Kid Masks and Capes class at Stitch Lab (flyer PDF) has been opened up to adults as well, attending with or without kiddos. The next class is scheduled for this Thursday 8/9/2012 8:30 am – 12:00 pm.
“Students will make a super hero or princess cape and mask for hours of creative play time crusading and make believing! (4 or 5 students per class , One (1) 3.5-hour class. All materials provided in class!!)
Prerequisite: Kids Intro to Machine Sewing, Kids Sew Fun Camp, or equivalent experience. Adults and kids ages 7 through 10 welcome!”
I’m also teaching Kids Tote Bags on Friday 8/10/2012 8:30 am – 12:00 pm.
“Students will make a lined, reversible tote bag with a pocket! You’ll feel like a rock star carrying your very own bag, made by YOU in the fabrics of your choosing! (4 or 5 students per class , One (1) 3.5-hour class. All materials provided in class!!)”
Adults and kids ages 7 through 10 welcome!