Sunday, December 14, 2008

Save Handmade Toys

From Cool Mom Picks:
"We're all for strengthening the safety standards of mass-produced toys, clothes, and accessories made in China, and banning toxins like phthalates and lead. But this year, congress passed the ill-conceived Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act, a law which goes into effect in two months and will absolutely decimate the small toy manufacturers, independent artisans, and crafters who have already earned the public trust. The very same ones that we often feature here and in our yearly special edition gift guides.

With this act going into effect February 10 2009 so many people we love will be affected: Moms who sew beautiful handmade waldorf dolls out of home, artists who have spent decades hand-carving trucks and cars out of natural woods, that guy at the craft show who sold you the cute handmade puzzle--even larger US companies who employ local workers and have not once had any sort of safety issue will no longer be able to sell their goods. Not without investing tens of thousands of dollars into third-party testing and labeling, just to prove that toys that never had a single toxic chemical in them still don't have a single toxic chemical in them."

Link to resources and info, including a sample letter to send to your congress person and senators

Friday, December 12, 2008

FREE Santa (or Tx Jackalope!) Photo Op at Blue Genie Bazaar Sat Dec 13th and Sun Dec 14th

Santa will be at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar Sat Dec 13th & Sun Dec 14th from 10am to noon! Also, Blue Genie's very cool Texas Jackalope (from First Night) will be there. Bring your camera, the photo op is FREE (they are accepting optional donations for a Travis County Children's Advocacy organization, but it's not mandatory to pay) as is the event, featuring handmade fine art and crafts from 100+ local artists and artisans, running for 22 consecutive days.

The 8th Annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar is at the Monarch Event Center in Lincoln Village, in the same strip center as Radijazz (R.I.P.) For more info. see here: www.bluegenieart.com
(Phone at Monarch: (512) 371-1711)

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Vickie's B-Day Bash Craft Book Giveaway!

My friend (and fellow Austin Craft Mafia member) Vickie is doing a HUGE giveaway contest for her birthday (today) including all kinds of different craft books including, jewelry, embroidery, sewing, home decor, etc. Here's the link:
http://vickiehowell.blogspot.com/2008/11/birthday-bash-book-giveaway-35-for-my.html

She has a copy of 35 of Lark Books' best-selling craft titles to give away!

Go to her blog for details and deadline info.

Happy birthday Vickie!
xoxo jna

Thursday, November 13, 2008

AustinHandmade.com

I am now selling a few items on the Austin Handmade site as well, they just launched in October and represent a "collection of Austin's finest creative minds from couture to visual art. We offer affordable, well-crafted, unique items all handmade by Austin area artists.

Our products range from limited edition designer toys to one-of-a-kind assemblage art. We also offer custom jewelry, handbags, stationery & clothing."

Very cute site and nice folks, and I really enjoyed meeting the other artists and seeing their wares in person (the Thingamagoops are really cool).

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

East Austin Studio Tour Nov 22 & 23rd

The EAST tour is Saturday Nov 22 and Sunday Nov 23 from 10-5. I will be showing my work at location #6b, with Dana Younger.

If you've never been on the EAST tour, you really should check it out, it's always been one of my favorite events (this is the first year I have participated).

This year is the 7th year and there are over 200 artists participating this year at 150 studios and galleries, all within a few square miles east of I-35.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Wallets in etsy shop!

Have added some billfolds to my etsy shop.

Interview in dabbled.org blog

I just did a fun interview for the dabbled.org blog, talking about my work, things I love about austin, etc. Love her illustration work, especially the robots. Thanks, Dot!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The Fourth Annual AustinMamas Garage Sale-a-palooza

Hi Folks, I will be a part of this. So c'mon out and pass this on to friends who may be interested. I will be selling some maternity and baby/boy clothes, some baby stuff and toys, books, dishes, vintage lamps, etc. Whatever I can fit in the truck.

The Fourth Annual AustinMamas Garage Sale-a-palooza
Sunday November 2, 2008
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: 909 W. Mary St. 78704 (where W.Mary x S.5th cross)
in front of Cafe Caffeine

Notes:
Join AustinMamas for the HUGE, 21-family garage sale-a-palooza. Vintage, toys, kid/baby gear, household... crap or treasure - you decide! Plus great coffee from Cafe Caffeine and wicked Thai food from Thai Fresh! Plus... AUSTINMAMAS. what's not to love?

Friday, October 10, 2008

Round three: Maker Faire ticket giveaway

As Yolanda has not responded and I have no way to reach her, a new winner was drawn 10/10/08: winner #6: elizabeth - 1 student ticket (she has confirmed).

Also, since Paul left no contact info and hasn't responded the 1 youth ticket has gone to another Elizabeth.

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Maker's Faire tix going once, going twice...

We haven't heard back from Winner #4: Yolanda - 1 student (don't have yer email! Please contact me asap) OR Winner #5: Paul Hubner - one youth ticket (I don't have your email, please contact me if you want this ticket!)

C'mon guys, if I don't hear confirmation from y'all I will draw new names tomorrow morning. Thanks!

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

UPDATED: Maker Faire tickets winners!

Yoshi drew names from a bowl this morning. Two of the winners he drew (Yolanda, and Paul) didn't leave an email address and have no contact in their blogger profiles... so they have 24 hrs to contact me directly confirming they wants their tickets so I can send them pickup information. If I CAN contact you via email, I will send you a direct message ...

To recap, "I have 5 one day (October 18 or 19th) tickets up for grabs: 2 adult, 2 student (Students age 13-21, or with valid ID), and 1 youth (age 4-12). Kiddos 3 and under get in free and don't need tickets. The tickets are valid for the appropriate ages - meaning, adults can't use the youth tickets, etc."

  • Winner #1: Stacey - 2 adult tickets (she has confirmed)
  • Winner #2: Dr. Ruth - 1 youth ticket - she declined ticket, has already bought what she needed so it goes to the next name drawn...
  • Winner #3: Jen - 1 student (she has confirmed)
  • Winner #4: Yolanda - 1 student (don't have yer email! Please contact me asap)
  • UPDATE: Winner #5: Paul Hubner - one youth ticket (I don't have your email, please contact me if you want this ticket!)

Note: If you are not going to use the tickets, let me know asap and I'll draw another name!

Once you winners email me back to confirm within 24 hours that you want 'em — or contact me, Yolanda and Paul :-) I'll give you the pick up details.
PLEASE CHECK YOUR JUNK / SPAM FOLDERS, if I haven't heard back from you confirming you still want your ticket(s) another name will be drawn!!

Thanks for playing, y'all.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

New pins and barrettes in webstore

I have added some felt flower pins and barrettes. Also coming soon: vinyl pins and barrettes as well as kits!

Monday, September 29, 2008

2008 Annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar

8th Annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar is December 3rd thru the 24th!

The 2008 Eighth Annual Blue Genie Art Bazaar will again be held at the Monarch Events Center (in Lincoln Village) and will feature over 80 artists and artisans over 22 consecutive days.

Maker Faire ticket giveaway!

Went to a Babes in Biz meeting last week at Trudy's and got some Maker Faire tickets to giveaway courtesy of Average Jane Crafter!

I have 5 one day (October 18 or 19th) tickets up for grabs: 2 adult, 2 student (Students age 13-21, or with valid ID), and 1 youth (age 4-12). Kiddos 3 and under get in free and don't need tickets. The tickets are valid for the appropriate ages - meaning, adults can't use the youth tickets, etc.

Leave a comment saying which ticket(s) you want before next Monday, and a week from today I'll have Yoshi draw a name at random from a hat. Be sure and comment with a way that I can contact you via e-mail should you win :)

The tickets will be available for pickup next week at Moxie and the Compound 2110 S Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78704. (If you haven't been, you should check them out!)

For more information on the event (maps, faqs etc...), visit their website. There are also posts on the Craftzine blog.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

East Austin Studio Tour Nov 22 & 23

I will be participating in the East Austin Studio Tour this year, Saturday Nov. 22nd & Sunday Nov 23rd. More info soon....

xox, jna

ACL this weekend!

Moxie and the Compound will be selling some of my sewn goods at their booth this weekend at Austin City Limits! Friday Sept 26th-Sunday 28th.

xoxo jna

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Yum! Green Beans in Sesame Dressing (Ingen no goma-ae)

My fave! My mom used to make this for us growing up, we grew a lot of green beans in our veggie garden. (I used konbu dashi packets, so my version is veggie.)

From Bento.com:
Green Beans in Sesame Dressing (Ingen no goma-ae)

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

New wallets in webstore

Just uploaded some billfold wallets to webstore, more to come!

Monday, July 07, 2008

New stock at Moxie and Sparks

Dropped off some billfold wallets, checkbooks, and card cases (including 3D lenticulars!); zips, etc at Moxie and Sparks this afternoon. Will add some new items to web store once I can photograph them...

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Recent wallet...


wallet_closed_front
Originally uploaded by jna designs.

A wallet I made for Karen!

I have been carrying a black one with skull and crossed bones myself, and like the more rectangular/horizontal-ness of these. Still making a bunch of square ones as well, in pocket city, sewing sewing sewing in the heat. My own one-person sweat shop!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Fortune cookie ID zips on sale!

added some 'seconds' fortune cookie ID zips to store! http://tinyurl.com/5xactw or here while supplies last. The heat in my studio made the ink ghost (some are subtle, some have a cool blue 3D effect)

Monday, April 21, 2008

Handmade Austin Women: Art in the Garden



Handmade Austin Women present:
Art in the Garden Spring Show 2008
May 3rd-4th Saturday 10am-6pm Sunday 11am-4pm

We present outstanding innovation produced by local studios.

Handmade Austin Women presents the third annual "Art in the Garden" on May 3rd and 4th, the weekend before Mother's Day.

Handmade Austin Women are dedicated to unique design, and the highest quality in handcrafted work. Art in the Garden 2008 offers a beautiful array of fine art that includes painting, sculpture, ceramics, stunning jewelry and fashion. This year we've grown to ten studio artists with four musical acts. We're local, and we're looking forward to meeting you!

Handmade Austin Women Spring Show 2008 will be held in the gracious East-Austin gardens of Ginko Studios. Our lineup features ten Austin originals and four musical matinees:
  • Jenifer Nakatsu Arntson cuts and sews vinyl, vintage fabrics, and repurposed leather into the looks of a modern lifestyle. Her wallet, handbags, traveling baby station, and other accessories seem at once both necessary and fashion forward.
  • Jo Bridges paints nature's portrait. She celebrates details of our Texas landscape within her exploration of vibrant color and rich texture.
  • Sunyong Chung produces porcelain art at Ginko Studios. She builds images in colored clay by layering and mixing traditional techniques. Her intricate work includes tableware, tiles for kitchen or bath, and sculptural presentation pieces.
  • Jamie Jo Fisher combines silversmithing and impeccable skill in her one-of –a kind jewelry. She forms glass, metals, and stone with a unique collection of found materials guaranteed to give the wearer a stunning conversation piece.
  • Chia Guillory's clothing designs shout spring fashion! Vintage fabrics preserve the whimsy in her practical and bright sunhats and dresses. Her reversible bags are practically an Austin secret society. Her specialty is quality. Inspect the craftsmanship and be assured…this is not a passing fancy.
  • Stephanie Lindsey collects antique linen postcards for her silvery, scenic jewelry. Necklaces, belt buckles, and rings depict favorite attractions and destinations across America. Her Baby Jane jewelry, named in honor of her mother's childhood nickname, is nostalgic, classic, and refined.
  • Bonnie Lynch has been hand building large ceramic vessels for 25 years. With surfaces of smoked, organic finishes, her pieces range from large and quiet to deeper and smaller. Bonnie's spheres, ovoids, orbs, cocoons, and pod shapes reflect the simple, elegant forms of nature.
  • Beverly Mangham searches for objects with a storyteller's sensibility. Her voice is poetic and lyrical, and can connect all types of material. She salvages parts that speak of history or material issues, and tells their tale in the conversation of assemblage.
  • Melanie Schopper makes dynamic, colorful and functional ceramics for everyday use. Her ceramic shapes are slip cast to present the viewer and user a modern, clean line.
  • Cherie Weaver paints sweet and cranky creatures. Her palette of pink, gold, brown and cream draws the eye to a tiny storyline populated by saucy, simpering deer, greedy monkeys, and a host of fiercely charming characters! Luxury and delicacy balanced by the occasional bear.
Saturday and Sunday mornings start with a complimentary tea and coffee bar.
  • Saturday afternoon from 2 to 6, DJ Mahealani plays soothing sets of old-time jazz mixed with smooth R&B.
  • Twice on Sunday at 1 and 2, Lisa Shawley plays accordion and accompanies Heather Jarry in a marionette matinee.
  • Laura Freeman (aka Luna Tart) sings and performs original songs with her ukulele on Saturday at 11 and again on Sunday at 12. The Austin Chronicle says, "With every brilliant song she plucked on her tiny ukulele, she invoked entire worlds. Luna Tart drags a vast and curious history behind herself, like the train of a stained, sequined dress. Laura Freeman's work was gorgeous." The songs, music, and marionettes are family friendly.

Handmade Austin Women believes in the profound benefits of keeping women sustained at work at home here in Austin. We support cottage industry and the growing character of local economy. You can preview our show and find directions to Ginko Studios online at www.handmadeaustinwomen.com.

Please step out and join us on the weekend before Mother's Day for our annual Handmade Austin Women Spring Show. This event is supported in part by Women and Their Work. View the HAW site

Monday, January 21, 2008

JoAnne's scones

K's mom used to serve these with traditional new year's meal. We tried them, maybe recipe (from memory) needs a bit of adjusting, or we mixed them a little too much, they were close to what he remembered but not spot-on.. we'll try these again.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • /4 c butter at room temperature
  • 1 c buttermilk
  • 1 tsp milk to brush on top

Directions

Mix dry ingredients. Cut in butter, add 1 c buttermilk. Knead it ten times on board, flour slightly if sticky. put in pan ( we used 9" circular cake pan) and brush top with milk. Cut into eighths.
400ยบ 15-20 minutes
makes 8 pieces