Jennspiration

Are you a "Recessionista"?

2009-11-26T00:29:00.001-08:00

I just found a great blog that has fabulous fashion deals! I am so excited to have found this and now I can't wait to go shopping! I might have to wait until Black Friday, when they are going to put a 30% off coupon up to use in their online shop!

Go check out Recessionista, and while you are there, enter their giveaway for a fab Coach Bag...(which I'm going to win by the way!)

And a great big HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone!

Hand Made Tu-Tu's

2009-11-10T02:27:00.000-08:00

I have been on a "tu-tu" kick lately and ordered a bunch of tulle from the internet. I've been making these for all of the sweet little girls in my life. I love seeing them pretend to be little ballerina's!

Of course, I had to do a Blue and Orange...go BSU!

I can even do matching onesies!

My First Ever Tutorial - Glass Etching

2009-09-17T01:32:00.001-07:00

***Edited to say that I am placing this tutorial on Chris' (Just a Girl)"I Can Make That" blog party! I found her last year around this time and saw so many fun handmade gift ideas. I'm for sure doing handmade gifts again, since money is tight. Go visit the many links that are posted for "I Can Make That"

I am proud to bring you my very first Tutorial on this blog! I love to read tutorials, I have learned so many things from creative people out there in blogland.

We received some glasses that were etched with our first initial and last name on them for a wedding gift almost 10 years ago and they are still some of my favorite glasses!

My friend April, that just got married on September 12th in one of the most beautiful weddings I've been to...asked me to help her make some gifts for the groomsmen. She wanted to get them mugs with their names on them. You tell me what you want...and I can make it happen!! I'm full of jennspiration baby!

So first of all, you need to get some glasses that have a smooth surface. They cannot have any ridges on the part that you are going to do the etching.

Next, you need to clean them with Windex so they are nice and sparkling clean! Next, you need to print off the names or images that you want to etch. We did the first names of the groomsmen. Make sure to chose a font that doesn't have too much intricate lines.

(The next two images, should have been swapped in order, but I couldn't figure out how to change it without deleting everything!) :)

Then you need to put the name on a piece of contact paper, make sure to do it with the sticky side down...otherwise the name will be in reverse (Trust me, I know from experience!) You need to tape the paper with the name to the contact paper so it won't shift.

With an exacto knife, cut carefully around the edges of the letters. Go slow, there's not a whole lot of room for errors. Also, be very careful with these knives, they are so sharp.

After you've got the name cut out, remove the piece of paper and very carefull place the contact paper on the glass. Try to get it as even as possible, it is tricky. *I do realize I used different names for these pictures...I wasn't thinking straight that day!

Next you need to brush "Armor Etch" cream on the letters, take extra caution not to get it anywhere else on the glass besides on the letters. You can buy Armor Etch at your local craft store, or online here

Follow the directions on the bottle, you only need to leave the cream on for about 10 minutes.

After the 10 minutes is up, wash the cream off under running water in the sink. I usually rub the cream off with my hands, but you may want to use gloves if you have sensitive skin.

Then once the cream is washed off, peel the contact paper off and...tada! You're done!

This is a fun project to do! Super easy to personalize gifts and people love them!

Hope you learned something from my tutorial...I've got more stuff to come!!

Another Gift for Ethan

2009-07-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

I don't know how some of you have time to do crafts! You should see my "Favorites" list on the web. It is crazy. This is like Project #3 of #427.

My friend had her baby over a month ago and I'm just getting around to doing this cute little wooden stacker for Ethan's nursery.

I had a little help with the vinyl lettering from a client I met through work. She is very talented and has the cutest things on her site. Check out Amy over at Thru the Screen Door! Thanks again Amy for hookin a girl up! *hint* click on where it says "Thru the Screen Door" to go to her site...I'm still trying to figure out how to get that in a different color.

A Girl Can Dream

2009-06-19T02:03:00.000-07:00

I'd rather be here:

Let's just say, I need some R & R time...

What Have I Been Up to Lately?

2009-05-21T23:18:00.000-07:00

Well, let me tell you...it's nothing crafty. Sorry to disappoint-but stay tuned, I have a few things up my sleeve over the next couple of weeks.

First of all, my dryer was making the most horrific screeching sound-with a little help from the internet...I fixed it myself and saved a service call charge!

I replaced the rear bearing, the front bearing and the belt....not to mention the GOBS of lint I pulled out of that thing. I swear, we were a couple of loads away from a fire.

I must say when I was done...I felt like I could do anything!

So, I fixed my dryer. What else have I been doing? Well, I have recently been following a whole bunch of coupon blogs. I have been inspired by so many ladies who buy loads of groceries and household items for very little money.

I am still starting out, but let me show you how I've been doing.

For instance, tonight I went to Wal-Mart. Not my favorite place to shop, but its what I'm most familiar with at the moment.

I had a coupon for almost everything in this picture! My total before coupons would have been a whopping $207-YIKES!

After coupons, I paid $124...still a little high, but I saved $83.00 I purchased 104 items. I will also be getting a rebate back for the Raisin Bran Extra...because you see...you can try them free.

See all of those Pop-Tarts? Well, you can get a free movie ticket for every 5 boxes you buy. I bought 10 boxes for .98 cents each which totals $9.80 for two movie tickets. It says the tickets can either be for the new Star Trek movie or any other movie.

Here is another deal I came across this last week. At Fred Meyer they had their Electrosal dishwasher tabs on sale for $2.99 and I had coupons for $2.50 off. SCORE .50 cents per box.

From Dishwashing to Laundry...here is a deal I found at Target the other day. I had Buy One Get One Free coupons for Purex laundry detergent. I had been waiting for the best deal before I used these and I thought I did pretty good. These bottles of Purex were on sale for $2.75 but after the B1G1 free, they end up being $1.38 a bottle...stock up baby!

So I've got myself the beginnings of a "Stockpile" closet. It is nothing compared to what I've seen elsewhere, but I'm pretty proud of it. I want to get to the point where if I know of someone in need, I can help people out when times are tough. I will just go shopping in my pantry.

Do you want to see my coupons? I feel like such a nerd carrying around my big 'ol binder, but who really cares when I can save a bunch of money.

Check out some of the blogs I've been visiting on the list to the left! Beware...it can be addicting!

Diaper Cake

2009-04-04T04:02:00.000-07:00

Pink and Green diaper cake, just in time for Spring! I wrapped the diapers with tulle (I just HAD to go to the new JoAnn's Superstore for SOMETHING!) Oh, and don't forget the Johnsons Baby lotions, powders and oils tucked inside. How do you like the little tutu on the bear? The baby-to-be has a room decorated in a "ballerina" theme.

April....look I tied the bows myself!! Aren't you proud of me? (OK the top one is a little wonky...so sue me)

Two Posts in One Day? You Better Believe It!

2009-03-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

I guess the reason life has been hectic, is because I have in fact been working on a lot of crafty stuff lately. One of my passions is to do graphic design for invitations, etc. My friend, April...who I swear is the only one who reads this blog...is getting married this summer and she kindly asked me to make her "Save the Date" announcement AND her wedding invitations! I was thrilled that she would trust me to do the work. So, April-as my sole blog reader-THANK YOU!

The design is not my idea, we copied it from something she saw elsewhere...but that's why my blog is called "Jennspiration" because I am inspired by other people's work. I am no way original in my ideas!

So, here is the end result of the "Save the Date" cards, I will be working on the wedding invites next and will of course put them up on my blog after she has sent them out.

Have a fabulous weekend!

My Poor Neglected Blog

2009-03-07T08:56:00.001-08:00

I'm sorry for not posting for nearly a month! Life has been very hectic these days, and as much as I would like to work on crafts, I just haven't had the time.

I am motivated by those that actually do read this blog, and enjoy seeing my handmade things, and in turn want to order some of my personalized creations.

I made this ultra-cool canvas for a little boy named Dean McKinley. I wanted to make something that could grow with him and that wasn't too "nursery-ish". I think I did a pretty good job...what do you think?

Also, I made this board for a friend that is having her second boy this summer, and they are naming him Ethan. In fact, we are going to a surprise baby shower today for her!

I am hoping to finish my first crochet top that I have been working on since Christmas and I can't wait for the big reveal! Stay tuned!

Also, if you like my blog, you should really start following me! I need some more fans!

Valentine Sweets

2009-02-10T06:27:00.000-08:00

Daddy had a meeting last night, so the kids and I decided to make some Valentines Day goodies.

I got the idea from Little Birdie Secrets, but in an effort to save time (and sanity) I went sans sticks. And...for some reason, I'm always trying to make short cuts, I melted Hershey kisses instead of candy melts. Let me tell you, there IS a rhyme and reason for following directions...those melted kisses just don't set up like the candy melts. Plus the chocolate gets sticky! My thought was to put them in little cellophane bags and tie them up with cute ribbon, but the chocolate kept sticking to the sides of the bag...even after a little while in the freezer.

So, I put the cellophone baggies away and thought, "hmmm what else could I use?..." aaha! I put the chocolate dipped marshmallows in muffin papers and set them inside a plain 'ol zip sandwhich bag, I tied them up with ribbon and cut off the zipper part with pinking shears.

Voila~Oh, and by the way I tasted them and YUM-O. They would be even better dipped in crushed graham crackers-Valentine 'Smores anyone?

Here's Peyton writing her own Valentine's Day cards this year!

"Audrina"

2009-01-15T16:53:00.001-08:00

My first attempt at cutting out my own letters (well actually, my hubby did most of it) for a friend of a friend's baby-who is beautifully named: Audrina.

Nursery colors are none other but (one of my favorites) Pink and Brown.

I mod-podged and decorated and bling-ed these letters out. (Papers and Embellishments provided by my friend that I made these for.)

They turned out so pretty...I wish I had a child named Audrina and then I would steal them for myself.

I was paid in Scentsy...for those of you who don't know what it is...I highly recommend it!

Post-Christmas Post

2009-01-11T18:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I cannot believe it has been so long since I have posted last. I got a little burnt out over Christmas while making just about every gift...and you would not believe it...I didn't take ONE SINGLE PICTURE! Some of gifts I made included: Scrabble tile pendants (6 of them to be exact), herbal steam facial in a jar, personalized etched drinking glasses, crocheted dish cloths, and cookie mixes in a jar...I think I'm leaving some things out, but I can't think of them off the top of my head.

Here is a picture, though, of the ornaments that I made that were inspired by a blog that I can't find at the moment.

They turned out so pretty!

I am working on a crochet wrap sweater that I will post pictures of when I'm done...its been kind of time consuming. I'm sorry I haven't posted any projects lately. I'm hoping to do some more sewing this year. I want to learn more and I have so many things saved on my favorites, that I want to try. So, keep your eyes out for these new projects.

Family - Christmas Gift

2008-12-16T16:14:00.000-08:00

I've been making all - and I mean all - of my Christmas presents this year. This is one I can show you as my mother-in-law never reads my blog (or as far as I know she doesn't). If she does...Patty...avert your eyes!!!

This is a big photo frame that was plain MDF...found at Michaels craft store...I love that place! Anywho...I prettied it up with some scrapbook paper and some ribbon...added a photo of my kids and their cousins on Daddy's side and wa-lah!

Crochet Necklace

2008-12-14T09:40:00.001-08:00

I've been making these necklaces, and they turn out so nice...I seem to think so anyway. You know I love me some free Patterns, here is the one I used.

Sew Thankful

2008-11-24T04:27:00.000-08:00

With the Thanksgiving season upon us, I have so much to be thankful for. This weekend I realized how thankful I am for my grandmother "Nonny" who taught me how to crochet. She taught me the basic stitches on Friday, and by Saturday, I had made this hat! I love free patterns, and this is the one I used. I am making everyone's presents this year for Christmas, so you might just be getting one of these!

How Flippin' Cute is That?!

2008-11-21T06:10:00.000-08:00

Look at this darling little Hermes handbag I found on the net. You can have your very own bag - and it's free! Click here, then click on the orange bar to the left, click on "surprises" and find the picture of the handbag to download and print. There are different prints, but I am fresh out of color ink so I just did the blank template and printed on scrapbook paper. Of course I had to add a little "bling".

A Cute Headband

2008-11-16T19:05:00.000-08:00

So, we were having family pictures taken and I made this cute little headband for Peyton. Isn't it cute. I found a quick and easy tutorial here. It is a cute idea to put some of your old scraps to use. I love that Peyton's hair is out of her eyes for once. I will definately be making more of these!

I also am in love with Picnik! How easy it is to edit photos.

Nursery Decor-I Can Make That

2008-11-10T06:42:00.000-08:00

I've been following Chris' blog over at Just a Girl, and found out she was having a "I Can Make That" Party. I was so excited to see that we could add our own link to show off some of our projects. I hope maybe this will get more readers to my blog.

First of all, my blog has been consisting of my best friend's baby...I just can't stop! I love the pink and brown theme, and I love my friend, so I was thrilled when she asked me to help her with the Nursery.

This is an idea I got from Chris, when I first started reading her blog. It is a Wordle

collage, so to speak. I started with the baby's name: Nizhoni - which means "Beautiful" in Shoshone - I then added all words that pertained to "baby" and surrounded her name. Of course I had to add a few embellishments to the frame and wa-la!

Here is the bedding and the letters I did. I had a friend cut the letters out...but I am going to attempt to cut them myself next time. And, did you see the pennant flag hanging at the top of the wall? Those were decorations I made for the shower and told Erica she could use them to decorate the nursery.

I just love the font! Isn't is soooo cute?

Erica gave me some old beat up picture frames that she had, and asked if I would "Pretty them up". She is going to put maternity pictures and baby pictures in them.

Erica had taken off the double closet doors from the nursery and wanted to put up some curtains, and she asked me to make a hidden valance to hide the shelf in the closet. This was the first time I've sewed a valance so don't look too close.

And the tie backs, aren't they adorable?!

Enjoy, and don't forget to stop by Just a Girl to get more ideas for fun things to make!

My Best Friend's Baby Shower

2008-10-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

This weekend was Erica's shower, and we had a great turn-out. She received some darling stuff...It kind of made me want to have a little girl again! (Not REALLY!)

I am kicking myself, though, because I didn't take nearly as many pictures as I should have. I don't know what I was doing...being a hostess or something.

On to the photos...

The banner outside my house says "Baby Shower" which I printed and cut out. I had originally planned to hang these by a string with clothes pins...but when I actually started making them-I spaced that idea and used ribbon tied through each one.

Here is the table lay out with some delicious food...thanks to Erica's mom and Grandmother and Mother-In-Law. I made the tiny cupcakes on the top tier of the platter, but for some reason, I forgot to take a close-up. They are inspired by Bakerella. Mine didn't turn out NEAR as cute and I didn't put them on the sticks, but they were DE-LISH!

Also, on the ledge of the table you'll see a cute pennant banner or a "bunting" (I used this tutorial on this link.) I sewed these together for decoration all around the house, but of course I forgot to take more pictures. Erica is going to use them in the Nursery too as they coordinate with her colors-Pink and Brown.

And last but not least, the diaper cakes. This was my first time making one of these and thought it turned out super cute...don't look too close though! Oh, and the roses on top...inspired by Mommy Makes Roses

Sorry to disappoint you with the lack of eye candy, if I can, I'll have some other people who were here to send me their pictures.

Friends

2008-10-16T01:03:00.000-07:00

Custom made picture frame...oh boy, I can't wait for Christmas...I've got to get started making more of these.

Digital Scrapbooking Convention

2008-10-13T00:12:00.000-07:00

I just got home from a Digital Scrapbooking convention in Salt Lake City, UT. I had a lot of fun and learned a TON! Here are some of the layouts that I did while I was there. I need to work on improving my technique, but practice makes perfect!

For Courtney (Coco)

2008-10-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

My dear Sister-in-Law, Courtney:

I am at a digital scrapbooking convention and I made this Digital Scrapbook page for you!

Tada!

Love ya!

Jenn

Baby Belly Pictures

2008-09-20T15:05:00.001-07:00

I took a bunch of pictures of Erica for her baby shower invitation, and I played with them in photoshop...here they are.

Baby Shower Invitation

2008-09-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

Here is the invitation that I am sending out for my friend, Erica! I took lots of pictures of the beautiful Mommy and made the invitation in Photoshop. I love to do this kind of thing!

Fun Stuff To Come...

2008-09-17T01:26:00.000-07:00

but you are just going to have to wait to see it!

I am planning a baby shower for my best friend, Erica...it is the second week in October...and I've started to make some really neat things for it...I can't tell too much in case Erica happens to pop in and read my blog.

Some teasers:
Lots and Lots of Pink and Brown, diapers galore, darling cupcakes on a stick, fun, fun, fun!

I cannot wait!

My Hubby's Work

2008-09-17T01:10:00.000-07:00

My husband, Mike is a finish carpenter which comes in super handy when I need things done around our house. We've been wanting a new entertainment center for quite sometime, and I've been collecting pictures from Pottery Barn for inspiration. I showed him the pictures and he says "I can build that!" So, here is the progress... It is not finished yet, it is just primed, we have been contemplating which color we should paint it...black or white...I choose white...so I'm sure that will win! We are also going to put doors on the bottom middle shelves to hide the electronics. I am also in the process of adding decor to the shelves...but I didn't want to do too much until after the paint.

Note to self: Next time pick up the floors before taking pictures!

Here was our inspiration; of course with our own twists:

Here is another inspired piece of furniture that Mike built:

Entryway Bench Seat

Inspiration: Pottery Barn...again

Next project:

New desk for the office!

I apologize

2008-07-17T05:56:00.000-07:00

I have been procrastinating a bit about putting up some projects that I have done in the past months. Some of these are from Christmas time and I never posted them. So here goes nothin'.

This was a gift exchange project I did, it's a little storage box and a matching notebook.

I decorated this picture frame for my sister, who is impossible to shop for. That's us in the picture!

A notebook for my nephew, Thor, who is into skateboarding!

A little name display for a friend's little boy, Drew.

That's it for now, hopefully, I won't be too far in between posts next time.

Faith and Grace

2008-01-31T06:04:00.000-08:00

I am so thrilled to share my latest project with you. An old acquaintance from High School contacted me on myspace to make some name plaques for her two little girls...their names are Faith and Grace...aren't they lovely names? I happily went to work...and here is the end result...
Enjoy!

(Thanks Manda!)

Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies

2007-12-07T20:19:00.000-08:00

I've been busy, busy, busy...I can't believe I haven't made any posts since the last one...as for the craft bazaar...it went pretty well...I sold 6 dozen out of 12. I now know that people are not willing to pay me for my labor. But hey, I used it as a learning experience. Time to think of other ideas for next year's Christams bazaar!

Now onto the topic at hand...Chocolate covered cherry cookies...have you ever heard of such a thing? I needed to find a unique cookie recipe to take to a cookie exchange tomarrow and I found this one online. Let me just tell you they are sinful!!! If you like chocolate covered cherries, you will love this cookie...but just one is enough to push you over the edge. You may need a glass of ice cold milk to wash it down.

This was a pretty simple recipe...I'm very pleased how well they turned out.

*Ingredients for Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies
1/2 cup Butter

1 cup Sugar

1 Egg

1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla

1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda

1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder

1/4 teaspoon Salt

1 1/2 cups Flour

10 ounces Maraschino Cherries (save juice)

*Frosting Ingredients

1 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips

1/2 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk

4 teaspoons Cherry Juice

Mix butter and sugar. Then add in vanilla & egg. Then mix in cocoa powder, salt, baking powder,baking soda, then flour. Roll into 1" balls and place on ungreased baking sheet. Poke a hole in the middle and place a maraschino cherry. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. When cool frost with frosting~ put chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk and cheery juice in a pan and slowly heat until chocolate is melted

Makes 24 Cookies

TGIF

2007-10-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy all week, no time to relax! I finally took the kids to grandma's house so I could finish this latest project as I am giving to a sweet little girl at her birthday tomarrow.

So, this is it-last craft of the week! It is a darling little trinket box that I made for my friend's daughter, Olivia. I hope she will love it...what little girl wouldn't?

Now, I am taking a break all weekend from crafting. Time to spend some quality time with the family!

I hope all of you have a fantastic weekend!

Collage Board

2007-10-12T05:42:00.000-07:00

I did this collage board for a girlfriend that I used to work for. She wanted something unique to give to her mother-in-law for her birthday. I was given photos of the two sons and worked my way up in chronological order, ending in their wedding pictures. The gift recipient is an avid quilter, so I used a pieced background and used the quote : "Life is a Patchwork of Memories". Turned out very nicely.

The Best Afternoon Pick Me Up

2007-10-11T11:35:00.000-07:00

When you need a pick me up in the afternoon...just to get you through until dinner-I just have to pull out my microwave popcorn and diet coke and ahhhhh, refreshing!

The face behind Jennspiration

2007-10-07T17:12:00.000-07:00

So, I thought it was time to put a picture of myself on my blog so you can put a face with a name. I took a decent picture shortly after I had my hair cut and colored...I'm posting some pictures of my kiddos too...God has blessed us with a girl and a boy and we couldn't ask for anything more! My daughter, Peyton, is three and a half and she is in preschool and really wants to be "Spidergirl" for Halloween, although mommy wants her to be Dorothy from Wizard of Oz. :) And then there's Ashton, my cutie pie son, he will be two in just under a month and I cannot believe it! I love them so much and they bring so much joy to my life. I am trying harder than ever not to make them grow up too fast-because I know it happens. So enjoy our pictures! I'll throw one in of my darling husband, too! We love him very, very, much! He takes care of us so that I am able to stay home with the kids and raise them they way I want them to be raised.

My Very First Craft Bazaar!

2007-09-28T02:31:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! I am going to be working at a craft Bazaar in November to sell my roses! This will be my first one ever! On my way to making dozens and dozens to put on display and hopefully sell!!!

More Roses

2007-09-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

I had a request for red roses so I was happy to oblige. I threw some peach roses in to make it look like a fal bouquet. I think they turned out beautiful!

Ode to Othea

2007-09-24T03:10:00.000-07:00

My husband's cousin had a baby a couple of weeks ago, so I made a lovely welcome baby gift...a personalized room decor plaque just for baby Othea. Purple and black were the requested colors and I think this turned out to be my favorite one yet.

Coffee Filter Roses

2007-09-22T02:30:00.000-07:00

I love my coffee, but who would'a thunk it...Roses made from coffee filters? I saw this idea from The Martha Stewart Show and immediately fell in love. Pink is my favorite, so of course, I had to do a big bouquet of pink roses.

I will be selling these too. Full Dozen roses $40, Half a Dozen $30 This price does not include vase.

Custom order accepted! Wouldn't this be fun for Valentine's Day?!

Inspiration: The Martha Stewart Show; www.mommymakesroses.com

Personalized Candles

2007-09-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

I have began making customized candles to sell. They are $10 for unscented, $15 for scented. The pictures below are some examples. The possiblilities are endless. Feel free to email me with questions or orders.

Quote: If you want to know how much I love you, count the waves.

Quote: Breathe, Relax, Smile

Inspiration: Scrapgirls.com

I'm Feeling Inspired!

2007-09-17T23:04:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to begin the journey of Blogging! I have so much to share and I have been browsing blogs at the oddest hours of the night and find it very entertaining-believe it or not! I hope someone happens upon my blog and finds inspiration in it!

"Jennspiration" is my title of my new little place, and I named it this because everthing I create is inspired by something or someone. Typically my work is all done by "borrowing" other people's ideas. I am Inspired and people call me Jenn...thus the name "Jennspiration" came about! I hope you enjoy my creativity

Personalized Decor Letters

Name Plaques, great for weddings, babies, college students, etc!