Louie's New Slipper Bed!

My husband was teasing me about my ratty slippers, so for Christmas he bought me new slippers.  While making the video for episode 2 of my Late Night Lattes & Crafts series, my feet got too warm, so I took off my slippers.  Well, Louie, one of my kitties (and my shadow while crafting), decided he needed to make a bed of them, and here he is on HIS new slipper bed!


HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Late Night Lattes & Crafts #2

First, thank you to all my viewers for the holiday wishes in your comments.  I so enjoy reading all your comments!

I hope you like the card in this episode.  I am sure all of you have stamps you've purchased to make masculine cards, so try one of them on this card.  The card can be used for any number of occasions.  I'm using it for my uncle's birthday card. 

I would love to hear from you, so please, feel free to leave me a comment! The supply list is below the video.



Supplies

Pink Birthday

I received the punches I used for this card for Christmas from my sweet husband.  You've really got to try the Martha Stewart "Punch Around the Page" punch sets - they are so much fun!  I simply sponged a paper flower for the card.  The inside of the card says "wishing you a fun filled day."

Supplies

Merry Christmas!

Just finished opening presents - stamps and paper and punches oh my! 

One of the gifts under the tree was a note from Gary that he had ordered a horizontal extension arm for my video tripod (to film my videos directly above instead at an angle)!!!   As soon as it arrives, I'll get back to filming videos.

Thank you all for all your kind comments in the last few months.  They've made me want to create more than ever.

 Gary and I wish each of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and blessings to all!

Christmas Card 2010

This is our Christmas card for 2010 - easy & simple with my Cricut, Design Studio and a couple of cartridges!

Supplies

New Year's Kiss

It has been a few weeks since I've posted anything, and I can only say that between my job, and my husband's two jobs, and keeping up with all three, and on top of that the holiday season, I'm ready for a lazy Christmas day!

Recently my dear husband commented that since I returned to the work force, he hasn't gotten many "just because" cards from me, so I decided to make him a New Year's card just because.  This is the first New Year's card I've ever made and it was lots of fun and easy! 

I've also gotten hooked on mini albums and I've made a few of those in the last few weeks.  None of them are my original design, so I probably won't be posting them here on my blog.  I am working on a brag book for a Bind-it-All basics class so watch for that in January!

The design is right out of the Wishes book by CTMH (pages 35 & 85). 

I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Supplies

A Few of My Favorite Tools Part 2 - Video #9

Here's part 2 of my favorite tools.  Enjoy!

Soapstone Pencil Link

Here is a link for the soapstone (white) pencil I mention in My Favorite Tools video #1:

http://www.amazon.com/Dritz-Quilting-Soapstone-Marking-Pencil/dp/B001UAKKZO

It looks like this one doesn't have the aluminum casing I got with mine, but the pencil part is identical!

A Few of My Favorite Tools Part 1 - Video #8

Some of you have asked about some of the tools I use in my videos, so this is a short video (part 1) with a few of my favorite tools in my craft studio.  Enjoy!

Late Night Lattes & Crafts Episode #1

Welcome to my new series - Late Night Lattes & Crafts!  I want to thank my husband, Gary, for naming my new series! 

(If you're a latte lover, click here for the recipe for my vanilla latte flavoring.)
I hope you enjoy my first episode.  I'd love to know what you think, so please, feel free to leave me a comment!  The supply list is below the video.



Supplies

Clean Craft Studio?

Happy Sunday to all of you!  I hope it was peaceful and enjoyable. 

I was asked if my craft room always looks so clean (see video below) - and the answer is NO!  When I am not working on a video or in the middle of a project, yes it looks like it does in the video.  I have a hard time finding things when I'm in the middle of a project, so I make sure tools get put back where they belong and that helps de-clutter my craft table!

I also had a request for a video tutorial for my wire "paper rack."  I don't have enough parts to make a video and I really don't want to take apart the units I have, so I thought I'd try explain them a bit better.

I simple had these wire shelving units laying around, not even assembled, so I put them together like they're supposed to be.  I had three sets.  I think they were originally purchased on clearance for under $5 from Target. The first two are the outer frames, stacked three units high.  The shelves are just the shelves or individual squares from the third set.  Cable ties are those little plastic ties that you slide through and pull tight.  You can purchase them at the hardware store, Wal-mart, just about any place.  I used the small size, they're about 6" long.  I attached the pieces, or shelves with these cable ties and used 4 cable ties on each side, then cut the excess off the ties.  These are very strong and work well for lots of paper or cardstock!

After I got all the shelves in place, because they sit in front of my window, I chose to cut foamboard I purchased at Michael's into pieces and also attached that to the sides and backs of the units with cable ties (I punched holes for the cable ties with my Crop-a-dile) to protect my paper and cardstock from the light.

I hope that helps!

Craft Studio Tour Video #7

I thought I would share a peek at my craft studio where I do all my creating.  I hope you enjoy it and I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Mary's Thank You Card

This is a special thank you card for a very special lady - Mary at Cardztv.  I sent her a surprise gift for inviting me to participate in her So Many Mini Albums Blog Hop.  I had way too much fun working on the project for the blog hop and reading all the comments on my blog!  I can't wait until she opens the box because I know she'll be surprised - I can't tell you what it is because she's a follower!  This is a Christmas card because her surprise package is Christmas related!

Supply List

Thanksgiving Cards - 2010

Here are the Thanksgiving cards we sent for 2010.  The two versions just gave me a choice if relatives live in the same town - I can still send the same card, but different colors!



Version 1 in Rich Razzleberry (purple):

Version 2 in Cajun Craze (rust):

 

Supply List

Recipe Mini Album Video #6

Here is a simple recipe mini album that holds removable recipe cards.  For the supplies needed, click on "Supply List" link below video.


Supply List

Simple Photo Album Video

Here's a short video of the photo album I made for the cancer fundraiser silent auction.  I hope you enjoy it!



Supply List

BLOG HOP WINNER!

Thank you each and every one of you for your kind comments and good wishes on my "Checking it Twice" Mini Album!  I was overwhelmed by your kindness and enjoyed reading every one of your comments.

I've used random.org to draw a winner,
and the winner is:

SHANNON

Watch your email Shannon and get back to me soon!

So Many Mini AlbumsBlog Hop!

Welcome to the So Many Mini Albums Blog Hop!  I was thrilled and excited when Mary at CardzTV asked me to join her in this blog hop - it's my very first one!  Mary is such a special lady to organize a blog hop for mini albums.  I'm also taking this opportunity to post my first ever detailed instructional videos!

You should be arriving here from Nicole's Blog, if not, you may want to start at the beginning at Mary's Blog!  When you're done with my project, hop on over to Ruthie's Blog. I've included a list of all the blogs (below) in this fun hop, so if you're just joining us, be sure you don't miss the blogs above mine on the list!

Here is the blog list when you're ready to hop on over to the next blog on the So Many Mini Albums Blog Hop:

MARY - http://www.cardztv.blogspot.com/
DREW - http://www.scrappyhappiness.com/
CORRI - http://www.buglvr.blogspot.com/
JANIS - http://www.pausedreamenjoy.blogspot.com/
RAVEN - http://www.love4stamps.blogspot.com/
NICOLE - http://www.primpedinpaper.com/
JENNI - http://www.jenccreationstation.blogspot.com/
                        (YOU ARE HERE!)
RUTHI - http://www.septemberninth.blogspot.com/
MICHELLE - http://www.mumoftwoblog.blogspot.com/
GALE - http://www.thehappystamper.com/
SUE - http://www.suescraftymess.blogspot.com/
ROXY - http://roxpaperscissors.blogspot.com/

So, let's get started!  My project for this blog hop is the "Checking it Twice" Mini Album.  It's so named because it's got lots of places for "making a list and checking it twice."  Gift lists, guest lists, to do lists, etc.  It also has pockets for photos, receipts, and recipes.  We're all busy during the holidays and I thought this would be a good way to keep on track and not forget anything (I'm a list maker!).  This was so much fun to make and I hope you enjoy it!

Pocket Page - Front

Pocket Page - Back

In the posts below are: Two (detailed) Instructional Videos; a Supply List; Cutting Guides; and a Punching Diagram for book rings.

Now I know you all love free goodies, so today, I'm giving away a complete kit to make this "Checking it Twice" Mini Album!  Included in the kit is all the chipboard, cardstock, decorative paper, gold cord, book rings, cutting diagrams, and the template you'll need to make this project!  (If you choose to use a Bind-it-All, you will need to furnish your own o-wire.)

Here's how to enter:

1.  Become a follower or subscribe to my blog (or both!);
2.  Leave a comment below this post. 

One comment and entry per person, please!  Be sure to include a way for me to reach you in your comment!  (I prefer an email address -  please do not post your blog address as your contact information).  I will contact the winner by email for a shipping address.  I would hate to have to draw a new winner because I have no way to reach you!

Unfortunately, shipping is limited to the United States and Canada.  (If you have trouble posting a comment, please scroll down and try again, sometimes blogger is stubborn!)

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED - GOOD LUCK!  I will use random.org to choose a winner and contact the winner before noon (eastern time) on Monday, November 15, 2010.  I will also post the winner on my blog.

Thanks for joining me, and now, on to my videos! (see posts below!)

Supplies

"Checking it Twice" Mini Album Video Part 1

"Checking it Twice" Mini Album Video Part 2

Supplies - "Checking it Twice" Mini Album

I designed the pages for this mini album so you can use 8-1/2" x 11" cardstock.

COVER:

Chipboard (Cut 2): 6-1/4" x 5-3/4"

Decorative Paper:

Cover Outside: 7-3/4" x 8-1/4" (2 pieces)
Cover Inside Lining: 5-1/2" x 6" (2 pieces)

POCKET PAGES:
(My mini album is made with 6 pocket pages.)

Cardstock:

Back (cut 6): 6-1/2" x 6" (red)
Front (cut 6): 6" x 5" (red)
Back Pocket (cut 6): 4"x6" (red)
Binding Piece (cut 6): 2" x 4" (red)
Large Tag (cut 6): 4-5/8" x 5-3/4" (dark green)
Small Tag (cut 3): 3-1/2" x 4-1/2" (dark green)
Booklet Covers (cut 3): 4-1/2" x 6" (dark green)
Scraps of cardstock for tag pulls (snowmen in my mini album)

(If you following the Cutting Diagram below, you will be able to get the pocket page front, back, and 2 binding pieces out of one piece of cardstock.)

Decorative Paper:

Front (cut 6):4-11/16" x 5-11/16" (this allows 1/8" edge to show)
Back (cut 6): 3-1/2" x 4-11/16" (this allows 1/8" to show)
     (this piece actually tucks inside the small pocket)

Plain Paper for Booklets:
6 Pieces of 8-1/2" x 11" Paper (I just used copy paper): cut 4" x 51/2"

Narrow Ribbon or Gold Braid for Booklets:
3 pieces approximately 6" to 8" long

(By using pretty braid or narrow ribbon to tie the pages to the cover of the Booklets, you can replace the pages year to year to re-use your mini album.)

Miscellaneous Supplies:

Glue runner, ATG gun, or good strong liquid glue to adhere your pockets pieces and decorative paper

1/8" Paper Punch (for booklets)
1/4" Paper Punch or Crop-a-dile (for binding - if you are using book rings)
3 Book Rings or Bind-it-all & a 1" o-wire (11 holes)
Scraps of ribbon, each approximately 3-1/2" long for attaching to book rings or Bind-it-All binding for decorating

Cover Cutting Guide - "Checking it Twice" Mini Album

Note: This is not a template!

Book Ring Hole Guide - "Checking it Twice" Mini Album

Note: This is not a template!

Pocket Page & Binding Pieces Cutting Guide - "Checking it Twice" Mini Album

Note: This is not a template!

Back Pocket Cutting Guide - "Checking it Twice" Mini Album

Note:  This is not a template:

Thank You!

Thank you every one of you for your kind and caring thoughts.  It's been a rough week for all of us.  I miss Bill so much!

In Memory of Bill

We had very sad news earlier this evening. Our brother-in-law, Bill passed away. We were stunned. Bill's been ill ever since I met him 4 years ago, but that doesn't seem to matter, we are still in shock.

When Gary and I decided to marry, and since my dad had passed away in 1996, I asked Bill to be my "stand-in Dad" and give me away at our wedding. When I asked him, he told Gary to behave, because he might not give me to Gary!

I loved Bill dearly. He was the best brother-in-law, always quick with a smile and loved to tease. I will miss him greatly. Love and prayers to Bill's family and to my husband, Gary, who has known Bill 42 years. 

So, I decided to post this picture from our wedding in 2007. It's always been one of my favorites, but now it's even more special to me.

New YouTube Channel

I decided to get a new YouTube channel that has a
name closer to the name of my blog, so here it is!

JensCreationStation

My first video on this new channel will not go up until November 13, 2010, but please be sure to check out my first 3 videos at:

JenCinMT

Thanks!

Thrilled!

I have to tell you my news!  Mary over at http://www.cardztv.blogspot.com/ has asked me to participate in an upcoming event she's planning and I was so thrilled yesterday when I got her email that I woke up my husband!  He told me last night that I was so excited I actually squealed, and could barely get the words out to tell him my news!  So, watch for this upcoming event in November right here on my blog!

Shades of Blue

This is a simple manly birthday card (yes, you can use ribbon on a man's card!).

Supply List

Videos!

It's obvious, after two short videos, that I need a tripod!  Sorry for the jittery videos, but until I get to the city where there is a selection, I am sure, my videos will be a bit unstable.  Sorry!

Winter Envelope Mini Album

Here is another mini album I made recently.  The original concept is from Karlee at http://www.karleekrafts.com/.  I made this album as a sample for my Cricut class in October and decided to use it for our current winter season since it actually started with our first snow on September 17th!  Yes, winter does sometimes come early to northern Montana!


Supply List

Gatefold Paper Bag Mini Album #2

This is actually the first Gatefold Paper Bag Mini Album I made.  I made a few mistakes in placing the paper bag "pages" and learned from the mistakes, so my sister's pink album went together without a hitch.

This album is covered in fabric and I intend to make this an "all about me" album.  My sister and I decided that since there is only one grandchild (hers) in the next generation in our family, we want my great-nephew to have some heritage when he's older and has children of his own.  So, she's getting a pink album (one of her favorite colors) and this album is in my favorite colors.



Supply List

Gatefold Paper Bag Mini Album

I've been busy making mini albums because sometimes I get sort of bored making just cards!  At first, I made very small ones (see previous posts) and those ideas came from Mary at http://www.cardztv.blogspot.com/, and then I found Laura Denison's blog and her mini albums are amazing.   Her blog is:  (http://www.followingthepapertrail.blogspot.com/)

This video is my very first ever, and it's not that great, but I wasn't sure how to take pictures of the entire mini album, so I made a video instead!


SUPPLY LIST

Prayers for Melanie & Family

Please pray for Melanie (Everyday Cricut) and her family and let her know by visiting her blog at http://www.cricutholiday.com/ that you are thinking of her.  Melanie lost a dear cousin to brain cancer.

I keep hearing of others losing dear family members and loved ones to brain cancer.  It's been 5 years since we lost Larry to this horrible disease.

Please, some way, some how, support brain cancer research!  Also, please help all of us who walk, run, and participate in the Relay for Life to raise money for cancer research through the American Cancer Society - we really do want everybody to celebrate more birthdays!

Wouldn't it be great if school-aged children didn't have to ever worry about cancer when they become adults?

Supply Lists

I've added another feature to all my posts back to October 25, 2009! You can know click on the "SUPPLY LIST" link at the end of each posted project and you will be able to view the supply list for each project.

Blog Button

I've now got a blog button! If anybody copied the code for my blog button before 11:45 pm on October 7th, please replace it with the current code! Apparently there is another Jen's Creation Station and the button was mine but it didn't take you to my blog but to her's! I've got the issue corrected now, so thank you if you have grabbed my button!

New Followers!

In the last month or so, my followers have increased by 25% - wow! Many of you have awesome blogs that I view every morning during my "latte & blog hop" ritual. As you tell me your blog names, I have to check them out and I discover yet another blog to add to my blog hop! My blog hop is almost up to 3 lattes (okay, so I admit, I'm lying, it already is 3 lattes long!).

Although I don't have many followers or subscribers, I just want to thank each of you for thinking enough of my creations to be a follower or subscriber.

I am hoping that one of these days, I will reach 100 followers, and when that happens, I plan to do a give-away, but for now I'm happy just blogging along. It wasn't until recently that I added a comment section to my blog. That was a wonderful move - I've really enjoyed your comments.

As you can tell by viewing my blog, I have no sponsors and I don't advertise for anything and that's because it just clogs up my blog! I'm not sure, but I don't even think I've ever entered a challenge (not that I haven't considered it). This "cleanliness" also allows me to use any products I want in my projects.

A big change I recently made to my blog is to list the particular Cricut cartridges I use in my projects and to try to list the type of card or project (e.g, birthday, kids cards, mini albums, etc.). That was a huge undertaking, but it is now done.

Again, thank you for following and/or subscribing to my blog!

Belated Anniversary

This may look like the front of a birthday card, but it's actually an anniversary card.



SUPPLY LIST

Merry Monsters

This is my newest stamp set - Merry Monsters from CTMH. Love the little guys! Thank you to Dawn Griffith of dawnsstampingthoughts.net for her instructional video (she made it look soooo easy!); TyAnn for her original card inspiration; and the card front was inspired by CTMH (Fall catalog, pg. 34). Here's my version of the "plastic bag double slider card:



SUPPLY LIST

Merry Monsters - Double Sliders

No matter what I do, I can't get this picture to post horizontally, but I think you get the idea! Sorry!



SUPPLY LIST

"Sisters" Squash Mini Album

I made this mini album for my only sister, my best bud! She loves lime green, hot pink, and black (the colors of her craft room - mine is all about purple!). I just thought it was time I told my sister how special she is to me. Thank you to Mary at CardzTV for the instructional video that made this project so easy to make!

I've always wondered: how does a person get through life without a sister?




SUPPLY LIST

Splish Splash

I bought this cute stamp set last year and this is the first time I've used it. This is a simple 3"x3" card. The inside says, "Let's makes some waves!" I enjoy making little 3" square cards to use up my small CS scraps.



SUPPLY LIST

"Car" Anniversary Card

This card was made for a special request from a friend. I just received the Wedding Solutions cartridge, and this is the first time I've used it.



SUPPLY LIST

Love Meander Mini Album Post 1 of 5

The next four posts are the inside pages to the mini album. This is the second meander mini album I made. Thanks again to Mary at CardzTV for the instructional video (see Christmas Meander Mini Album post for link to video!).

This is the cover:



SUPPLY LIST

Love Meander Mini Album Post 2 of 5

SUPPLY LIST

Love Meander Mini Album Post 3 of 5

SUPPLY LIST

Love Meander Mini Album Post 4 of 5

SUPPLY LIST

Love Meander Mini Album Post 5 of 5

SUPPLY LIST

Christmas Meander Mini Album

First thank you Mary at CardzTV for the instructional video for this mini album. The inside of the mini album is made from a single sheet of 12x12 DP. Then it's just tags, ribbon, two covers, and the DP for the covers. I have not finished the inside of this album yet! (see the video at http://cardztv.blogspot.com/)




SUPPLY LIST

Cricut - Decorated!

I finally did it! I decorated the front of my Cricut Expression!



SUPPLY LIST

Anniversary Card - Masculine

My second card using the new Early Espresso CS from SU, and my first card using my new Wedding Solutions cartridge. Thanks to Lianne Carper for the original idea.



SUPPLY LIST

Sympathy Card

A simple Sympathy card using the new "Early Espresso" cardstock from SU.



SUPPLY LIST

Thank You with a Flourish

A fancy thank you card using my favorite ink color - Elegant Eggplant from SU!



SUPPLY LIST

CRICUT CLASS!

If any of you would like to learn some fun things to make on your Cricut and are within a short drive of Cut Bank, Montana, I'll be teaching an Adult Education Cricut class starting Wednesday, October 13, 2010, from 6-9 pm, once a month through April. For further information, email me at 6chadwicks@gmail.com and I will send details. (The class itself is free, but there is a $25 supply fee due the first night of class. You will need to bring your Cricut and other equipment - like Cricut cutting mats, scissors, etc.) Hope to see you there!

Western Note Card & Tote

Here is another auction item for the Saddle Club cancer research fundraiser in September. I love the paper I used - it looks like tooled leather. Thank you TyAnn for the donation of the paper!



SUPPLY LIST

Flower Note Card & Tote

Here is a 3"x3" card set and "handbag" tote I made for the Saddle Club cancer research fundraising auction in September.



SUPPLY LIST

Saddle Club Cancer Research Fundraiser

Last week, in the midst of Relay for Life, a dear friend asked me to make some cards to auction at the State competition for the Montana Saddle Clubs. This young lady is in charge of the queen candidates (herself being a Queen a few years ago!), and their raising money for, I believe, breast cancer research. All the saddle clubs and rodeos across the state have a fundraiser called "Tough Enough To Wear Pink" for the guys (we even had a print for raffle at Relay for Life with the same title). In other words, are the guys tough enough to wear a pink shirt while competing? So, below are 7 cards I'm giving her for auction. I felt honored that she asked me to make these cards! Card #7 is actually one of a set of six, all identical. The other 6 are a set as well, but all different. Good luck to all the participants, including the queen candidates, at the Saddle Club state competition in September! (We were privileged this year to have the national competition for the Saddle Club Association in Montana as well!)

What's Brewin' Card

Card #1 for the Montana State Saddle Club cancer research fundraiser



SUPPLY LIST

Daisy Thanks So Much Card

Card #2 for the Montana State Saddle Club cancer research fundraiser



SUPPLY LIST

Daisy Best Wishes Card

Card #3 for the Montana State Saddle Club cancer research fundraiser



SUPPLY LIST

Polka Dot Thank You Card

Card #4 for the Montana State Saddle Club cancer research fundraiser



SUPPLY LIST

Daisy Thinking of You Card

Card #5 for the Montana State Saddle Club cancer research fundraiser



SUPPLY LIST

Birthday Card

Card #6 for the Montana State Saddle Club cancer research fundraiser



SUPPLY LIST

Three Little Words Card

Card #7 for the Montana State Saddle Club cancer research fundraiser



SUPPLY LIST

Thank You Card

I made this card for a dear lady who has spent months and many hours getting the Hiline Relay for Life organized. Thank you Linda!



SUPPLY LIST

BC Walkers Team Banner

Below is the team banner I designed using core board, my Cricut, the Pooh Font and Stand & Salute cartridges. Although I designed and made 8 luminary bags, I only included family members on our banner. Next year, there will be many more family members listed on our team banner. I only signed our team up 3 weeks prior to the Relay for Life event, and I discovered after the banner was completed that I had many more relatives who lost their battles with cancer. So, here is a special tribute to the rest of our family members: IN LOVING MEMORY: Great-Grandpa John Nicholas Schiavone Great-Aunt Marie Iaricci Uncle George Wagner Uncle Harry Wagner Aunt Betty Downs Cousin Don Smith We love you and miss you! IN CELEBRATION OF OUR FAMILY MEMBERS WHO ARE CANCER SURVIVORS: Great-grandma Ermalinda Schiavone Uncle Louis DePaolo cousin Regina Caron

BC Walkers Team T-shirts - Relay for Life

Below are the team t-shirts I made for our team, the BC Walkers. I chose "BC" Walkers because my late husband died of brain cancer and he loved the comic strip "BC." Unfortunately, everybody thought it stood for breast cancer. I used my Cricut and the Pooh Font cartridge for the lettering. I also used the ribbon from the Stand & Salute cartridge. I combined everything into one cut with Design Studio software and cut the stencil out of waxed freezer paper. I then ironed the stencil onto the t-shirts, and using white and silver metallic Tulip brand fabric paint, painted the designs with foam brushes, then removed the freezer paper.