Crafting 'till Midnight

A B-I-G HELLO!

2011-01-19T11:08:00.000-06:00

Has it really been 5 months - FIVE since my last post over here? The last five months have been a little busy with family, kids, friends, my photography business and the holidays. My crafts have gotten pushed to the back burner but for some reason the craft/playroom still is a disaster. How could that be possible?! I guess there has been lots of playing and not so much crafting. But I feel the desire to start fresh again - maybe it's just that new year pushing me to try a little harder to be a little better. I have been de-junking my house, tearing out half of the clothes in my closet that I don't wear anymore - some since College, a few even from High School. That.is.just.sad.sad.sad. I'm totally getting ready for a garage sale cause I am ready to get this junk outta here!

I have been doing a lot of browsing lately at a bunch of cute, cute crafts - especially in time for Valentines. Check out all of this cuteness!!!

Becky Higgins has two adorable printables on her site

Eighteen 25 has another Subway Art - Oh yes I love these girls. Such amazing stuff.

Kara's Party Ideas just posted a recent Vintage Valentines Party that she did for a local TV show. So cute.

This is seriously so cute! Scrapper Girl created her own heart photo ornament. her tutorial is included in the post. I just might be making one of these.

More cuteness from The Idea Room - Valentine Be Mine Decor

LOVED this cute idea from Noodlehead - Valentine Window Decor

Polka Dot Chair has some adorable tutorials on her site. I just love her too. I love this Be Mine Banner.

Enjoy the LOVE season!

I'm BAAAACCCKKKK!

2010-08-11T18:50:00.001-05:00

It's been about a month and I'm slowly coming back to blogging and crafting. This summer has been fun and busy but I think I am ready for school to start. Although I am not looking forward to the early mornings...my friends know what I mean. I like to sleep!

I was browsing my favorite blogs this morning and came across this darling little freebie from Vol. 25. Love love love this site and her amazing talent. Go check it out...you won't be dissappointed.

It's a fun little craft for your kiddos and to keep them busy when momma needs some peace and quiet. I like crafts like those. :)

Silhouette cutting tool Giveaway!

2010-07-08T09:59:00.000-05:00

I'm BACK from another little blogging break. Being a momma is busy and my kids are my first priority so I haven't been doing a lot of crafting lately - just fun summer stuff! I was browsing some blogs this morning and came across one of my favorites - Little Birdie Secrets. They are having an awesome GIVEAWAY!! Go check out their blog for details. I want one REALLY bad. Can you imagine the craftiness you could make with this thing? AWESOME!!

Father's Day Gift Ideas

2010-06-14T09:41:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year my friends - Father's Day, and boy to I have a ton of fun ideas I have found around the web. There is some amazing talent out there and it's so fun to see what people have come up with. So check it out!

Easy Crafts for Kids - Family Fun had a bunch of cute ideas that your kids can do. Take a look at their printables page for things that your kids can color and give to their dads.

Best Ever BBQ Apron - I thought this one was cute - especially if your Daddo is a BBQ Master. What a fun way to have a personalized reminder of the little ones that he is cooking for!

How about these Retro Father's Day Clip-Art Labels from Martha. You can download the clipart from her site.

Etsy always has the perfect gift for any occasion. Check out these custom silhouettes from Blue Clara that you can have made of your children. I would order these for my husband but they secretly would be for me.

Homemade cards are always the way to go. Kristina Werner of Kwerner Design made some adorable Father's Day cards - and she even has a You Tube tutorial!

Here is another idea - similar to Martha's but even cuter....if you can imagine that! This was my first gift idea that I found and I was hooked. It's a SUPER HERO CARE PACKAGE and I found it on Alphamom. The kids are so excited to make these for their Daddo this week - good thing he doesn't check this blog or his gift would be busted!

Have fun getting crafty for Father's Day! Send me your ideas.

Terra Cotta Coasters

2010-06-08T17:14:00.000-05:00

I just found a new cute craft blog today. Sweet Charli. They have some really fun things. I saw this tutorial how to make your own coasters! I've seen the other ones with the tumbled marble and stamps but these were just adorable. Check them out!

Fun Photo Blocks

2010-05-31T21:15:00.000-05:00

Happy Memorial Day! Hope everyone enjoyed their day celebrating and remembering those who have given their lives for our freedom. We are truly blessed!

Just wanted to share some fun photo blocks that I made for Mother's Day for my MIL. These are all the grandkids on my husband's side of the family so I thought it was a fun way to display all the kiddos together. I just took a 2x4, measured the size I wanted, cut, sanded, painted, sanded some more and then glued my pictures on them. It's a fun and different way to display photos in your home. You can always cut the blocks a little bigger than your picture and add scrapbook paper behind it, add a ribbon around the block or some cute knobs to go on the top. All fun ways to be creative!

Tweet Tweet

2010-05-19T15:11:00.000-05:00

I've been crafting up a storm over here, sewing, quilting, modpodging and hot glueing. FUN STUFF! Wondering what I've been doing?? Well here's one little sweet project. Miss G and I were at our favorite store today - Hobby Lobby....well ok, my favorite store. I usually hear, "not Hobby Lobby!!" We just happened down the 66% off Home Decor aisle and found this cute little bird cage and thought we would add a nest and a little birdy in it to hang in G's room. It was a fun mommy daughter project. I thought it turned out pretty cute and it looks so fun hanging on the curtain rod in front of her window. Not a bad deal at $3.00 for the cage, $1.59 for the birds and $1.99 for the nests. Total cost = SWEETNESS!

I'm Back.....and a Reminder

2010-05-17T08:54:00.000-05:00

I'm back from my big ol' trip and ready to start blogging again. But I just wanted to send out a reminder to check out Becky Higgins blog today for a spotlight on me and my photography! Leave a comment for you or someone you know that needs family pictures done and you might be the lucky ducky who gets a free session with me! Tell everyone you know. It's so exciting!!!

Hello?....anybody home?

2010-05-03T11:21:00.000-05:00

That's what my Miss G says when we all walk into the house. I don't know who she's expecting but it's sure darn cute. But just to let you know, I am here. Just been MIA lately cause life is just busy ya know? I haven't forgotten about you, I'm just getting ready for a BIG trip! I'm sure I'll be creatively inspired and full of artsy ideas when I return from my trip with the hubs to EUROPE!!!! Can you tell I'm excited?

So I bid you adeu until next week when I return and leave you with some more exciting news.... So anyone who does any kind of scrapbooking - digital or paper or photography knows who the famous Becky Higgins is. I am so excited to be apart of her BIG PHOTOGRAPHY GIVEAWAY! There are over 150 photographers from all across the country giving away photo shoots to a deserving family in the month of May. 5 photographers will be featured on her blog every day for the whole month of May. My day is May 17th! If you are in my area (Dallas/Fort Worth/Denton -Texas) or know of a family that wants a fun photo shoot, leave a comment on Becky's blog on May 17th and you might just be the lucky winner!

No use cryin'.....

2010-04-20T15:24:00.000-05:00

I've been busy around here, not with crafts. With this little guy.

He's into EVERYTHING these days, mostly my kitchen cupboards. He's playing so nicely with pots and pans, giggling and making noise to his hearts content until I hear C-R-A-S-H! Don't know how he did it but somehow pulled down a heavy crystal bowl and an antique platter - both of which didn't break, but this did.

My one-of-a-kind hand painted plate from Mexico from my one year anniversary trip with my hubs. I am bummed, yes, but what do you do when you see this FACE?

My son E saw the broken pieces and went, "oooh, an art project?" And then realized what had happened. Maybe he has an idea there! Don't know if it's worth the effort super glueing back together. It just might be finding it's new home in a garden stone.

Tie Onesie Applique Tutorial using leftover Dryer Sheets

2010-04-13T13:24:00.001-05:00

I know what you're thinking....Dryer Sheets? But why not....you've already used them for one purpose, why not use them for another instead of throwing them away? I found some other sites that used them as a backing or stabilizer on the inside of their applique like over at V & Co.

I'm going to use it as a backing to go on the inside of my onesie. I followed the tie pattern that Char created over at Crap I've Made. I just changed the directions and materials up a bit. Take a look!

Materials

Baby bodysuit or tee

Tie pattern (see link to pdf above)

Fabric scraps for tie

Used Dryer Sheet

Quilt Basting Spray

Thread

Sewing machine

Instructions

Print tie pattern and cut out

Trace onto your fabric or lay the pieces out and pin in place. I used some leftover fabric by Riley Blake. LOVE IT!

Cut out tie pattern on your fabric

Using a cool Iron, iron your dryer sheet to smooth out any wrinkles - it doesn't have to be perfect (place the dryer sheet in between a towel to prevent sticking to your iron.)

Place your neatly ironed dryer sheet inside your onesie covering the area where you will be appliqueing.

Using your basting spray, spray the backing of your tie pieces and lay them in place on your onesie - making sure that you lay the tie piece first, then the 'knot' piece on top, overlapping 1/4".

Eventhough you've basted the tie in place, you are going to pin the fabric to your dryer sheet on the inside to hold it in place.

Start sewing! Make sure that you pull the back of your onesie out of the way so you aren't sewing something you don't want sewed. Can't tell you how many times I've done this. Just have patience and go slow!

When you've sewn all the way around all the edges it should look something like this on the outside

And this on the inside

Take your scissors and carefully trim the excess dryer sheet around the area you have sewn so you have a nice clean edge.

Isn't that the cutest thing? Now go find yourself a handsome little man to model for you and snap away! Although I think this little man needed a diaper change and the onesie is a bit small. But it's just so darn cute.

These are the perfect gift for a baby shower. It's cute, handmade, one of a kind because it's made by you and very thoughtful. Who wouldn't love it!

Now go get crafting!

You asked for it....Boutique Ribbon Hairbow Tutorial!

2010-04-07T13:53:00.004-05:00

I've had many of you email me and ask for a hairbow tutorial so I've been working on one this morning to send on over to you out in cyber world for you to enjoy. Hope it helps and that you make some fantastic bows!

Supplies Needed

Ribbon

Wire

Scissors

Hardware (clips)

Hot glue gun and hot glue

Fray check

Ribbon

I would suggest purchasing ribbon at Walmart, Hobby Lobby, JoAnn’s, Michaels, or any other craft store.

Wire

I recommend using 24-26 gauge wire to hold the bows together. I know a lot of people who sew their bows, which is fine, but I think wire is much easier to use as the ribbon won’t slide when anchoring the pieces together.

Again, I like to purchase my wire at Walmart, Hobby Lobby, JoAnn’s, Michaels, or any other craft store. Make sure you are using the cheapest wire possible and gold wire is not necessary.

Hardware

When I say hardware, I’m referring to alligator clips (pinch clips) and French barrettes. If you are going to be making a lot of bows, I would suggest visiting a Sally Beauty Supply near you. It is an excellent source for alligator clips as they are cheaper there. You can purchase 100 clips for about $4.50. You will also be able to find French barrettes there too.

Scissors

You will need to use a very sharp pair of scissor to ensure a nice, blunt straight line.

Method to sealing ribbon ends

It is necessary to seal the end of the ribbon or else your ribbon will fray. When I make layered bows, I like to seal the ends in between layers for easier access. I use Fray check such as “Aleenes’s” or “Dritz.” When doing so, carefully dab a teeny-tiny bit on the end of the ribbon. If you use too much it could discolor ribbon. Also make sure that you allow each end to dry thoroughly before wearing or stacking the layers as it will stick to whatever it comes in contact with. Also if you are doing a layered bow, make sure you allow the ends to try in between layers.

How much ribbon for one hair bow?

I have found that when I try to measure my ribbon and cut it before I build my bow I end up making it smaller or bigger than I anticipated. So I leave it on the roll and work with it as I go. When I get the size I want, I cut it off.

Instructions

1. Grab your ribbon - still on the spool and and hold it vertically in front of you with your left hand. If you have a pattern, it will be on the other side (the back of the ribbon will be facing you)

2. As you continue to hold the ribbon, take your right hand and grab the top of the ribbon

and cross it over the ribbon as shown. Notice the placement of my hand. Since you were

folding with your right hand, you will want to have the ribbon anchored at this point with

your left hand.

3. Continue to hold the first loop you made with your left hand. Now with your right

hand, grab the tail that is hanging downward and bring it up over itself. This will

form the bottom part of your bow.

4. This is where it can get a bit tricky. Continue to hold and anchor the part you

already folded with your left hand. Your right hand will do all the work. Now take

the tail that was pointing upward and fold it underneath itself and bring it down. Let

the loose tail just drop down.

5. During this step you won’t make any additional loops. Instead you will be

checking your work before you progress to the next step. I advise that you continue

to hold and anchor with your left hand. Smash down the two loops as shown in the

illustration. You are doing this to ensure a symmetrical bow. You don’t want one

side longer or higher than the other. GENTLY pull the loose tail, if necessary, so it

lines up as closely as possibly to form a horizontal line. Once you do that, reanchor

and hold with your left hand. (Picture below is what it looks like from the back.)

6. Now take the tail that was handing downward and bring it UP and align it with

the bottom layer. Just like you did in Step #5 with smashing the two top

loops to check for symmetry, please do the same for the bottom two loops. Adjust

where necessary.

Creasing the Center

This is where you need to be especially careful! If your hand slips, you will need to start the process all over again. Make sure you don’t rush and take your time during this step!

1. Continue to hold the bow in your left hand. Eyeball the center point. At this

center point, fold the bow in half, with the folded part pointing down. Make sure

you do this very carefully because the ribbon has a tendency to slip at this point.

2. Squeeze the center of the ribbon so all the points connect and come together. Take your wire and carefully twist around the center of the bow. Once you are finished twisting the wire, cut excess off and fold the twisted part down so it is flush against the ribbon.

Making the Bow Center Knot

Cut a piece of the same ribbon you used to make your bow or coordinating color. Tie in a double knot so you have a nice little bump in the center of your ribbon.

To hold it in place before tieing, you can always put a dot of hot glue on your bow in the center and then add your center knot to hold it in place.

Tie the center knot ribbon all the way around the bow and secure in the back. I like to leave my "tails" long so that you can see them in the front. Trim the edges. You can always cut them off shorter or glue them to the back if you don't want them to show.

Add your aligator clip or french barette to the back securing with hot glue. If you use a French barrette, you will need to first open the barrette and remove the center bar. Apply some hot glue to the underneath side of the bow (about the size of a marble) and attach your clip. Hold it in place while it dries. If you are using an alligator clip, you will need to do the same, except make sure you have the clip open while doing this step otherwise you will glue the clip together. (sorry I don't have a picture - I'm out of clips!)

And there you have it! Your finished bow. Add fray check to each edge of unfinished ribbon to prevent fraying.

If you want to make a layered bow with coordinating ribbon just simply make your starting bow, and then add another layered bow on top just a little bit smaller than your original one following the same instructions above.

Ta da! You've mastered the art of boutique bow making! Now keep practicing. You'll just get better and faster. Have fun!

Decorating with Canvas

2010-04-01T13:38:00.001-05:00

Using canvas in your home is a great way to make a nice decorating statement. I have always loved the gallery wrapped canvas you see all over the place these days and decided I needed one too! A few months ago we had family pictures taken by my friend Ambyr of Ambyr Porter Photography. She's FABULOUS! So I visited updone.com to see what cool things they could do with my print. I just have to say I am in LOVE!

I would rather spend money on something like this as art for my home than just some painting I picked up at the store. It is more personalized too!

I never have loved my fireplace and I needed something SMASHING to go above my mantle. I think it really brings the room together and creates a nice feel when you walk into the room.

The texture on the canvas is perfect, colors are vibrant and it's something I will treasure for a lifetime. So go check them out and see what amazing pieces you can come up with. Send me an email or comment - I'd love to see them!

Ruffles!

2010-03-16T18:11:00.000-05:00

Ruffles, ruffles, everywhere! I am loving all of the fun new tutorials everyone is doing lately. Here are a few that I have found that I am dying to try.

LOVE this one on Tea Rose Home. I think it is absolutely beautiful and so easy to do! Check out her tutorial and the other cute, cute things on her blog.

I've been wanting to make one of these for a good long time. It would make taking pictures that much more fun. LOVE IT! You can see the tutorial how to make your own over at Crap I've Made.

My bestie made this for my little girl last year for her birthday using a ruffler. I've got to get me one of these!

Over at Make it and Love it, Ashley shows how to repurpose an old shirt and turn it into something spectacular for her little girl. Check out the tutorial here.

Here's a new blog I found today - Kelly + Olive. Super cute stuff. Here's their tutorial on how to spruce up a pillow with ruffles. Serious cuteness.

And another one from V & Co - LOVE HER!!!- the snow ruffle pillow. All I have to say is gorgeous!

Knock off Wood

2010-03-08T23:04:00.000-06:00

Ok so if you haven't seen this blog - YOU HAVE TO! She is absolutely amazing. I found Ana's plans for the Farmhouse bed and I sent the link to my hubby and said he NEEDED to make it for me. We've been looking for the perfect bed and I think this is the one. We're excited to get started on it, once I get my CPA husband back and tax season is over and I am not a single mom anymore - THEN we will get started. Check out her other amazing ideas and plans. She has something for everyone. Seriously, all I have to say is......FABULOUS!

I've also got these on my "To-Build" list for the future. Maybe someday my big screen tv can be on something else other than my old kitchen table.....

LOVE this one too.

Drumroll please...

2010-03-06T09:39:00.000-06:00

Announcing the unveiling of Jenna Marie Studios! I've had so much fun designing and editing and re-designing the look of the blog I think I should just leave it for a while. My sister keeps laughing at me because I am so undecisive. So if you see a different look in a few months, that's why. But for now, ENJOY and take a look at some fun sessions I've had. I'm learning so much and having fun at the same time. Leave a comment, become a follower and spread the word!

I've been slacking....

2010-03-05T10:01:00.000-06:00

I know, I haven't posted all week. Have you missed me? Hope so. It's been busy! I've had two photo sessions last week, one more this week and I've been busy editing and getting my new photog blog all set up. Be sure to check back tomorrow so you can see the grand reveal!

But back to crafts - I LOVE butterflies! When I had my little girl I knew I wanted to do something with them. She's 2.5 now and I STILL haven't finished her room. But I am always browsing for new ideas. Here are a few beauties that I have found and some I have created using some divine inspiration from others.

We all love Pottery Barn - and who wouldn't with beautiful rooms like these?

I just drool over them and wish I could create the same feelings they evoke when I look at the magazines. But I lack the funds so I turn to the internet for the same look for less!

Here's a great DIY project you can do to make your own butterfly chandelier, just like the one seen above which is no longer available at PBK. You can find the tutorial by clicking on the link.

I was inspired by Ali Edwards weekend creative project to create this punch collage.

I used the same idea but put mine on a canvas - which still needs a really funky frame to go in, using Martha Stewart's Classic Butterfly Punch.

I made this piece last year using the 3-in-1 punch but I can't remember where I found the idea. My computer has since crashed and I lost my favorties!! Ugh. So if you know who's idea it is, please leave me a comment so I can credit them for the idea! I actually used the paper that came in the 3-D frame. I showed it to my son when I was finished and he said it kinda looks like the United States. Ya know, it kinda does. Ha!

Check out this massive butterfly tree wall art at DecorDesigns on ETSY. BEAUTIFUL!

Or this one from PopWall

No craft love

2010-02-26T15:14:00.000-06:00

Alright, I'm a little dissappointed in ya'll. I didn't get any emails from my crafty peeps. I'm so sad 'cause I had a really cute 'something spectacular' to send someone. BUT I guess it will just have to wait for another time. I know this blog is new, maybe I just need more traffic....so help me spread the word! We'll do the contest again.

But for now, check out this super cute idea. I found it on 'How does she'. I would totally do it if I had the time....oh I wish I had the time. Simple MDF, scrapbook paper, paint and vinyl....LOVE IT!

I was also inspired by this 'real room' on Project Nursery - one of my very favorite sites to browse. I wanted to badly to do this for my little guy's room but my dream was shot down when I realized I didn't want to try to search for all of those letters! I do have the same bedding though and was inspired by the vintage red truck.

So here's what I came up with for my little guy's room. I found these vintage looking ABC cards at Michaels from Ms. Martha for about $3 and decided to string them on the wall in the nursery with some simple twine and clothespins. These hang above the changing table and when I hung them up, I didn't anticipate my 9 month old pulling on the cards! Mr. J for Jaguar is bent a little in the corner from too many grabs. At least baby J went for the best letter!

The vintage truck was one that my husband used to play with when he was little. I have a whole bucket of these guys out in the garage and I didn't have a clue what to do with them. I'm so glad I thought of putting it on the dresser! It adds some great vintage charm to the room. I still need a great pop of color for the walls but just haven't found the perfect hue.

Have a crafty day!

Get your craft on CONTEST!

2010-02-19T16:47:00.000-06:00

Ok all you fabulously crafty people - I need your ideas! Send me your latest and greatest crafts and you might just be winning something spectacular! I'll pick my favorite craft/idea/quilt/art work, etc....and contact you to let you know you've won! Submit your ideas to jenlawyer at hotmail dot com by next Friday, February 26th by 7:00 p.m. CST to be eligible for the contest. That's ONE WHOLE WEEK to get started. I can't wait to see what you come up with - serious excitement going on over here. So go get CRAFTIN'!!!

Flower Hair Clip Tutorial

2010-02-17T17:57:00.001-06:00

Ok folks, here goes my first tutorial - an easy one but super cute. We made these several years ago for my Church's Relief Society Super Saturday - a fun day where a bunch of giggly, chatty women get together and make crafts all day and eat yummy food! Yep, that pretty much sums it up.

So here we go....

Materials:
Flower - Gerbera daisies work the best
Glue Gun
Glue Sticks
Acrylic Gems - I used 18mm Round Stone Crystals
Alligator Clips

Start out by taking the stem off the flower and then pull off the green back part by popping it off the flower.

Then turn it over and do the same to the yellow part or the fake pollen pod.

You will then have something that looks like this. All the layers are free so make sure you hold on to them or it'll be harder to glue them back together.

Then take your glue gun and starting with the back layer carefully lift each layer and add glue to secure them all in place stopping when you get to the small layers on top.

When you are finished, grab your jewel and glue on the top where the pollen pod used to be - secure in place.

To finish it off, add an alligator clip or headband or whatever you want on the back.

Then put it in your little girl's hair and make her hold still and pose for a picture! :)

Voila - you're done. Add it to hair, a bag, a dress, an apron...the possibilities are endless!

Calling all Quilters!

2010-02-15T14:01:00.000-06:00

My mom told me about this great organization called Quilts for Kids. It is a wonderful nonprofit organization that creates and delivers homemade quilts to help comfort hospitalized children. You can help by requesting a quilt kit - for free! All you have to do is quilt it and send it back. You can also use up some of those fabric scraps that you have been saving forever to create one of your own to send in with your kit. I've already received my kit and I am excited to get started on it. If you want to help or find out more information on requesting a quilt kit, volunteering in your area with a local chapter for Quilts for Kids, or making a financial donation click here. Every little bit helps!

Valentine Craft Ideas

2010-02-12T13:34:00.000-06:00

What a better way to start off a new blog than with something we all love...VALENTINES! I have browsed the most talented of talented blogs to find some pretty darn cute things. I will definitely make some of these lovlies next year.

One thing I love are handmade valentines. Here are some super cute ideas for your kids valentines at school. I found several sites that made these but here are just a few. Check out what Tasha did over at Snippets of Daily Life with her kids this year. She's always crafty with her digital scrapbooking and photography. She found the idea here, or you can go here to see some more.

Jeanne Winters has a link for a free downloadable "Udaman" Valentine Chocolate Wrapper for your hunky honey. These were so cute!

Michelle over at Someday Crafts found this idea over at Poppies at Play how to make some yummy heart shaped cinnamon rolls. Wouldn't these be perfect for Sunday morning breakfast in bed ?

I also loved this idea over at Unexpected Grace. I'm always looking for new home decor ideas and something that I can make out of the unexpected.

How about these yummy valentine treats over at The Idea Room

And there is always the ever popular Ms. Martha. These were just adorable!

Summer over at The Crooked Curve made some yummy Cupid Corn for teacher gifts. What a fun idea!

Head on over to No Fuss Fabulous. I just found this blog the other day. She's a girl that I went to China with over 10 years ago with ILP at BYU. So fun! She has a fun idea to make rice crispy hearts dipped in chocolate. The kids and I actually made these for Evan's Valentine Class party but unfortunately with the snow - no school = no class party. He was pretty bummed. But have no fear, they have not gone to waste. Our tummies have enjoyed them!

And last but not least I have been admiring these {I Love U} boards over at Creative Crate. I am making some similar ones with my daughters name on them for her room. Can't wait to show you how they turn out!