Michelle Rafter and Jen Murdock Jacoway, of Creations by Jen and Michelle, show a handful of greeting card designs during their annual holiday open house on November 10.

Article and photo by Elean Gersack

Castle Pines North friends Jen Murdock Jacoway and Michelle Rafter, met as teachers at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) 10 years ago. While Jacoway continues to teach first-grade at BRE, Rafter uses her teaching skills as a tutor. On the side, the two have turned a mutual passion for card stock into a fun-loving and successful venture.

It all began when Rafter gave birth to her first child about eight years ago. Jacoway made custom note cards, touting adorable lady-bugs, for Rafter and brought them to her at the hospital. On the spot, Rafter noted that she, too, had a huge love for cards and often made custom ones for her friends. From there, a new business was formed, aptly called, Creations by Jen and Michelle (Creations).

Creations started off with mostly greeting cards. However, it quickly blossomed into a true custom card business boasting personalized holiday cards, baby announcements, wedding invitations, shower and birthday invitations, stationery and more. Ribbons, beads, appliques and other creative decorations bring texture and life to their designs.

With word-of-mouth marketing, a simple website and one holiday open house each year, the duo have built a large and loyal client following.

“It’s so fun to work with a great friend and make original creations that bring joy to others during special times,” notes Jacoway.

Rafter offers up that she does not know much about business so it works out well to divvy things up. Jacoway takes care of taxes, bills and putting cards together while Rafter uses her highly crafty side to dream-up and mock-up endless designs.

“Our website is really just a sneak peek. We are totally custom and have so much to offer,” beams Rafter. Fonts, colors, papers, and layouts are all approved by customers during e-mail design reviews. Creations continues to offer plenty of simple and sweet greeting cards for occasions like birthdays, sympathy wishes and new baby congratulations – all sold individually or as a bundle.

This time of year tends to be a little hectic as custom photo cards for the holidays are big business. They love it, though. “One year, our husbands had to be our go-betweens because we had a big fight,” recalls Rafter as she laughs. Jacoway adds that they are truly like sisters.

The two are quite content intertwining Creations with raising kids and teaching for now, but do dream of working with other artisan friends in a boutique someday. “This [business] is a love for us,” shares Jacoway.

Custom holiday cards orders can be made through mid-December. New Year’s card orders can be placed throughout December and into January. Everything else can be ordered anytime.

For more information, visit their website at www.creationsbyjenandmichelle.com or e-mail info@creationsbyjenandmichelle.com.