crafted by jen

I initially started this blog in 2010 to chronicle  my baking adventures. In 2013 I became a mother and this space shifted to sharing my DIYs and inspiration for creative living. Since then, I've been fortunate to work with multiple companies producing creative editorial content. As I look back at this blog, I'm reminded of how your passions can actually unfold into a career. And if you're really patient and willing to put in the all the work, dream jobs do come true. So it is here where I say au revoir to my beloved blog, aka my creative journal. You can still find me on @craftedbyjen .  xoxo, Jen

I'm always looking for creative ways to organize Emma's toys. She likes to collect those tiny Tsum Tsum figurines and half the time I find them scattered all over the living room floor. I found these plain wooden boxes at Michael's. They're inexpensive ($2/box), small and they have a star cut-out in the wood. I immediately thought of painting them like the Pixar Luxo ball . Not only are they super cute, they're functional as well. They fit perfectly on Emma's "Toy Story" shelf. She also loves putting her toys in the boxes. Supplies: - wooden boxes (Michael's) - acrylic paint in yellow, red and blue - paint brushes Simply paint the boxes so it resembles the Luxo ball. This may take a couple coats. Allow paint to dry completely before using.

These  diy,  no-sew rainbow clutches are the perfect  accessories for you and your mini me. They can hold your phone, keys, money, driver's license, credit card, lipstick & more! The mini version can hold coins and tiny toys. My daughter loves to hold her mini Tsum Tsums in hers.                                                                                                                  Supplies:                                                                                ...

This year our Christmas tree theme is Mickey gingerbread!  Are your teeth hurting yet from all the sweetness? I was inspired to recreate the Mickey gingerbread felt ornaments from an adorable plush I stumbled upon Instagram. When I found out that it was from Tokyo Disneyland (many Christmases ago) I thought this was the perfect opportunity for a DIY project! I also made Mickey cinnamon scented ornaments and snowflake salt dough "sugar cookie" ornaments with my daughter. It's an easy and fun holiday activity to do with your little. Happy Holiday decorating! Tree Details: Handmade Mickey Gingerbread Ornaments Supplies Used: -felt in brown, green, light & dark pink and black -white fabric paint -string -glue gun -scissors -pen Mickey Cinnamon Ornaments Supplies Used: -2 (2.37 oz) bottles ground cinnamon -1 cup unsweetened apple sauce -Mickey cookie cutter -skewer -twine or ribbon Directions: 1. Mix apple sauce and ci...

I am super excited about the release of  Disney Pixar's Coco,  in theaters November 22. It is absolutely breathtaking and visually stunning. Seriously, the trailer gives me chills! I made these fun sugar skull earrings to wear when I see the movie. You won't believe how easy it is to make! Stuff You'll Need: - air dry clay - skull template - pairing knife - skewer - earring hoops - pliers - markers (not pictured) Simply flatten your air dry clay. Place skull template on the clay and carefully cut around it with your paring knife. Poke a hole at the top on each skull with a skewer. Allow skulls to air dry completely for at least 24 hours. Once your skulls are dry, draw on features with your markers. Attach skulls to earring hoops. Use your pliers to adjust as needed.

T his rice-filled yeti hand warmer will keep your hands warm on a chilly day. He's perfect for dog walkers or when spending time at the park with the kids. To activate the hand warmer, simply pop it into the microwave for 10 second intervals to warm the rice and place it in your pocket until you're ready to use it. He also makes the perfect stocking stuffer! Stuff You'll Need: - felt in white, light blue, black  - scissors - needle - white & black thread - rice - funnel Directions: 1. Cut out 2 pocket-sized, Yeti-shaped bodies out of the white felt. Cut out the Yeti's face out of  light blue felt and his eyes out of the black felt. Stitch them onto one of the Yeti white body pieces. For his mouth, I used black tread & a simple straight stitch. 2. Hand stitch along the Yeti keeping the stitch small so the rice doesn't fall out. Leave a little opening to fill the hand warmer with rice. 3. Use a funnel to fill the hand warmer wi...

Add a little touch of vintage to your holiday decor with this diy red truck pillow. Stuff You'll Need: - (2) 9x9 dark grey felt sheets  - red, white, black felt (truck) - dark green, brown felt (tree) - fabric glue  - batting material - pen -pins - scissors Directions: 1. Cut out a truck and tree out of the felt colors listed above. You can either free hand them like I did or search for vintage truck & tree templates online. 2. Glue truck and tree onto one of the dark grey felt sheets with fabric glue. 3.  Pin the reverse side of your felt piece with the truck on the other dark grey felt piece. Glue along the edge with fabric glue leaving about a 1/4" seam. Make sure to leave an opening to fill with batting material. 4. Once glued, care fully reverse your pillow. In the opening left, stuff the pillow with batting. 5. Glue opening with fabric glue. Allow to set completely before using.

Who doesn't love pie? I was inspired to create this ultra fun kid's tables by one of my favorite foods- pie ! You can easily re-create this set-up with just a few crafty steps: One.  A Whimsical Centerpiece I created these pies with large pieces of foam and felt. They bring a fun element to the table and kiddos (and big kids) will love it! You can find the basic tutorial here . Two.  It's all in the details! Pie Coasters Supplies Used: -tan felt -light brown felt -round coaster (used as a template) -pen -scissors -hot glue gun Directions:  On the light brown felt, trace circles using your round coaster as a template. Cut out "pie crust"/ circles out of the tan felt. Cut out scalloped edges on the circles then several thin strips for the lattice look. Arrange strips and attach all tan pieces felt to light brown circles with hot glue.  Salt Dough Wishbone Place Card Holders Supplies Used: -1 cup flour ...

These cheerful, diy  jack-o'-lantern shirts are perfect for all kinds of spooky fun! Make one for you and one for your mini to  stay cozy through the chilliness nights. Stuff You'll Need: -plain black long-sleeved tees (one for mama & one for your mini) - high quality white felt sheets - fabric glue - jack-o-lantern template (I found several online) - pen - scissors Directions: Simply trace your jack-o-lantern templates onto your white felt. Cut out your felt and arrange the pieces on your shirts. Attach with fabric glue and allow to set completely before wearing. BOO!

Keep the little ones busy while they learn about their 5 senses. This Mr. Potato Head busy board is simply made with felt. Remember, felt naturally sticks to itself so the fun and possibilities are endless! Stuff You'll Need: - felt in various colors - scissors - hot glue gun  Directions: 1. Cut a large potato-shaped body out of light brown felt. 2. Make your eyes, ears, nose, mouth and arms. You can make additional fun accessories like a hat, shoes, bag, etc. Get creative! Here's Mrs. Potato Head! Emma and her masterpiece!

Get ready for back to school with this DIY Smart Cookie Pencil case.  It holds all your essential school supplies and more! Stuff You Need: - (2) light brown felt sheets - 6" zipper - fabric glue - pen - scissors - small plate - black puff paint - additional felt in black, dark brown and pink Directions: 1. Trace out 2 circles on the light brown felt sheets using a small plate. 2. Cut out circles. 3. In the center of one of the circles, measure 2 lines that are a 1/2 inch a part. This will be the opening for your zipper. 4. Cut out the 1/2 inch piece of felt between your lines. 5. Place zipper in the center of the opening. Apply fabric glue to the side of the zipper and glue down the 1st side. Repeat process on the other side. 6. Once the glue is set, cut off any excess zipper material. 7. Take the other circle and apply fabric glue along the outer edges and glue together. 8. Cut chocolate chips out of...

Snow cones are the quintessential summer treat. These easy "jello" snow cones are the perfect treats to celebrate the first day of summer.   Easy "Jello" Snow Cones Ingredients:  1 cup boiling water 2 cups of lemon lime soda 1 four serving size Jello mix (I used red, yellow & blue) Directions:  In a  square pan, whisk the Jello mix & boiling water until dissolved.Stir in soda. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight. Use an ice cream scooper to scoop up snow cones. Serve immediately. Happy Summer!

Make this adorable, no-sew frozen treats pillow this summer for your littles (or yourselves)! The perfect nap time companion and a cool addition to your child's (or your) room! Stuff You'll Need: - (2) 9x9 white felt sheets  - pink, tan felt (ice cream)  -red, white, light blue, tan felt (rocket popsicle) - brown, tan felt (fudge popsicle) - fabric glue  - batting material - pen -pins - scissors Directions: 1. Cut out an ice cream cone, rocket popsicle, and fudgepopsicle out of the felt colors listed above. You can either free hand them like I did or search for templates online. 2. Glue all 3 treats onto one of the white felt sheets with fabric glue. 3.  Pin the reverse side of your felt piece with the treats on the other white felt piece. Glue along the edge with fabric glue leaving about a 1/4" seam. Make sure to leave an opening to fill with batting material. 4. Once glued, car efully reverse your pillow. In the opening left...

Add a little Mickey glam to your wardrobe with these easy diy shoe clips! Stuff You'll Need: - black glitter foam sheet (Michael's) -  shoe clips (Michael's) - scissors - hot glue gun Directions: 1. Cut 2 medium-size circles out of the glitter foam sheet- these will be for Mickey's head. Next, cut 4 small circles out of the glitter foam- these are for the ears.  2. Using your hot glue gun, simply glue the ears onto the head. 3. Apply shoe clip on the non-glittery side with hot glue. Allow glue to set before wearing.

This  diy,  no-sew taco clutch is the ultimate  Cinco De Mayo  or Taco Tuesday  accessory. It can hold your keys, money, driver's license, credit card, lipstick & more!  O lé! Stuff You'll Need: - scissors - glue gun - 16' zipper - yellow, red, brown, orange & green felt Directions: 1. Cut out all your "taco fixings" out of your felt: Taco Shell- 6'' in diameter circle Lettuce- 7' in diameter scalloped circle Tomatoes- 4 half small half circles Meat- 4 small half circles Cheese- 6 tiny strips Taco Clutch Assembly: Place yellow felt (taco shell) on top of the green felt (lettuce). Fold back half of the yellow felt and arrange the toppings like shown above. Repeat "topping "arrangement on the other half of the taco and  secure all pieces using your hot glue gun. Now that you have a taco, attach your zipper (this is the tricky part). Glue zipper (right side facing...