A fun ornament!

I needed a quick gift for my Crafternoon craft club. I had painted some blocks with the hopes of spelling out 'jingle' on them. Haven't gotten that far, so I swiped a red block; used my cricut to cut out the ho ho ho and the small snowflakes; a little Mod Podge; added a hook; then added the 'Wired Pine'* looped around (sorta like a wreath!) as the hangar. Outside of dry time....maybe a 5 minute project! And I absolutely loved it. Cost (this is the best part!) $0 as I had everything already on hand!



*I picked up these 'Wired Pine' at the Dollar Tree. They were next to the colored pipe cleaners. I think there are 12 in a package...all for $1! I wasn't sure what I'd ever use them for, but I couldn't pass them up. Glad I added them to my stash. I'm thinking maybe as box top decor for Christmas gifts.


~ Just Jen

Linking up at

Jumping on the Foam Christmas Tree Bandwagon

As my previous post read, I participated in a blog gift exchange. Here is what my giftee recieved...

Here is close up of the topper. Just a wooden finial that I painted Heirloom White and then rubbed it with brown acrylic paint. I have NEVER tried doing the whole glazing or glazing look before, but now I'm in love with it!

I wrapped the tree with almost 3 yards of this red trim, hot gluing it in spots as I went along. I orinigally tried hot gluing the top and the base, but switched over to Gorilla Glue when it didn't work. I even spray painted the jingle bells a taupe color and tied them on some jute.

I'll post the adorable gifts as soon as I can get my daughter looking halfway decent while wearing the crocheted scarf and head band. When she saw me open them, she said, "I call those!"

Another fun gift exchange (see previous post)!!!! Love those exchanges!!

Merry Christmas!!!

~ Just Jen

Joining the party at

Another gift exchange....

Craftaholics Anonymous is hosting another gift exchange. (I like these...can ya tell???) Now, I must confess I'm a little late getting mine in the mail to my exchangee. But...what can I say?

Here are pictures of it all wrapped up! I'll share pictures of the actual gift once she receives it.

And check out this tape I got at Michael's on Thanksgiving evening in the $1 bin! Cute, cute, cute!!!

I SO LOVE THIS TAPE!!!







Until next time.........take time to enjoy this Season. Merry Christmas all!

Merry Christmas....TO ME!!!

I joined a Christmas In July Gift Exchange at Craftaholics Anonymous! The lady gifting me was Teresa from Its A Good Day. She makes beautiful hand made cards. I recieved several cards, some tags, and a ribbon / button bookmark (ribbons and buttons....my favorites!!!).

Thank you, Teresa! I love them!!

Unfortunately....the lady I sent my gift to, Ashley, recieved hers a little late...like today...or tomorrow...soon I hope!! :)

A Summer Fun Exchange!!!

Just emailed Texas Darlings my flip flop info! Hope you check her blog out and do the same!
























~Just Jen

I was featured!!

For the very first time ever....WOO HOO!
This gives me inspiration to blog more....and to craft more!!

Thanks, Veronica!



~Just Jen

Teacher Appreciation Gift

This week at Kiley's school (and Rich, too...but God forbid a Middle Schooler be caught dead carrying his teacher an appreciation gift...) is Teacher Appreciation Week. Kiley is an absolute MESS, so this 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Hamilton is deserving of tons more than any parent could ever give her. She has so much patience with Kiley, it is unbelievable! So after searching the blog world this week for a unique, homemade gift, I combined several ideas and came up with a little something. Mrs. Hamilton and her family of 2 adorable, cute, funny girls (this all according to Kiley) and husband enjoy vacationing at Disney World. (Duh! Who doesn't, right???) With that in mind, here is what Kiley delivered to her sweet teacher this morning:


I purchased a plain, black, 8x10 frame at Wal-Mart with a 5x7 mat. I printed the 'H' from my computer (can't remember the font, but it was a simple one on there and came with the polka dots already!) at size 450. Used 2 inch black with white polka dots grosgrain ribbon and hot glued to the mat. Used 1/4 inch red with white polka dots to frame the corners. Easy enough!

Now for the bow........now, I'm no bow maker. Never made a cute bow a day in my life! UNTIL LAST NIGHT!!!! I am a (self proclaimed) Google Queen! My family makes fun of me when we don't know something, they'll say, "Mom will Google it!". So I "Googled" and found a website www.girlythingsbows.com!!! What a great site! With their simple directions and great pictures (I'm a visual kinda gal!) I made a bow I'm still in awe of. They even show you how to layer them and create different types!! I'm a little impressed, can ya tell?

OK...I'm not looking for compliments, but comments on how I can do better next time! Also, any suggestions on what type of glue I should use to glue the bow to the frame?

~Just Jen

I'm linking up to my first party ever!!! I LOVE Shanty2Chic !!!



And also linked up to a new favorite blog...Under The Table And Dreaming..

I love blogs!!!

OK.....I have to confess......I am addicted to the blog world! I have a ton I follow in my google reader. I have a personal one for my family updates. I belong to a Crafternooners Club so I created a blog for that! Now I want to create yet another blog for things I create.

I love looking at other people's ideas and mixing them with my own.

And with THAT being said, I love the link up and show off parties and sometimes want to participate, but wasn't sure what blog to use. So when all else fails, CREATE A NEW BLOG.

But you must be warned: I have a crappy point and shoot digital camera. I craft in my dark kitchen (poor lighting). And I am no good with instructions and taking pictures as I go for a sort of tutorial.

As we go along, I'd love for you to follow my blog and give me lots of feedback! ;)

~Just Jen!