Thursday, April 26, 2018

BFF Open House Link Party


Wow! It's the end of April already and hard to believe that a month ago we left Seattle on our journey to the desert. Hope everyone's had a good week and Spring is starting its thaw in parts of the country. Let's see some ideas from last week's party. 


With Mother's Day rapidly approaching, one of these gorgeous Jewelry Box makeovers from Fresh Vintage by LisaS would make a lovely upcycled gift for Mom. 


I've always had a thing for these directional signposts. There are so many milestones and life events you can commemorate from birthplaces, to places you've lived or traveled to , or maybe where loved ones may be scattered. This DIY idea from Homeward Found is gorgeous in its simplicity. 


This Chalkboard Sign would be a great addition to a cooking Mama's kitchen. From Vintage Paint and More


Or, if you know a Mama who doesn't cook but likes to eat, how about these Chocolate Filled Soft Pretzel Bites? I would not turn down a plate of these! See Raes Books and Recipes for the details. 

Now, let's see what everyone's been up to this week!
   
   

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Repurposed Wagon Cactus Garden


My first project in the desert! Fitting that it would be a cactus garden don't you think? 

Mr. Chocolate was cleaning up some stuff around The Mumster's house and there was a little red wagon destined for the junk pile. I snatched it up and immediately had an idea for a little cactus and succulent garden. I picked up a can of Rustoleum hammered bronze paint and went to town. 


This was the sad little wagon. All oxydized and rusty. And it could have worked as is but I wanted it to be a more desert color. 


I wanted to preserve the wheels so I cut a plastic bag in half and wrapped around the wheels to prevent them from getting painted. 


One good coat of paint made all the difference! The paint had primer and color all in one and is designed to prevent future rust. 


I was so happy with the outcome that I almost just left the painted wagon alone and unfilled. But no!


I picked out small cacti and succulents that I liked, and found some cool green stones on sale at JoAnn's. 


I spread a layer of the stones on the bottom to help with drainage, and then planted my cacti and succulents randomly. I finished with a layer of the rocks and voila. 


I don't exactly have a green thumb so desert plants may be just the things for me . They are pretty hearty, self sufficient, and little fuss!


Sunday, April 22, 2018

Happy Earth Day! Recycled Project Roundup


Happy Earth Day! For us it's also the birthday of our best friend Kristine who we lost far too young. She was a teacher, loved kids, and LOVED Earth Day. So in her honor, here are some projects from my Repurposed Ideas Pinterest board that are perfect for Earth Day and use things we all likely have laying around the house. 

Paper Crafts:

We all have magazines laying around so these projects from DIY Sweet Home is a way to use them to make some pretty things: 

More magazine ideas here from Picky Stitch

Got jeans? Who among us doesn't have some too big / too small / too holey jeans? 


How about this jean pocket phone charger holder from DIY & Home


Who can't use an extra totebag? This one comes from a roundup of "21 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do With Old Jeans" at Tip Hero.

Boxes and Tubes: 

Keep your pencils and your thoughts together while re-using cereal boxes. Turn them inside out , leave them plain, paint, add paper, doodle, or use the fronts with these ideas from One Good Thing By Jillee


Use toilet paper tubes and Washi tape to make a pretty phone holder. Details at Easy Peasy Creative


One too many Amazon boxes ? Make a pretty storage basket. Elizabeth Joan Designs will show you how. 

Got Milk (jugs)? 


LOVE these Votives from Bliss Bloom Blog !


Now that I'm living in the desert, I'm going to have to get creative about snow this Winter so making some from repurposed milk jugs is on my list! From Eve of Reduction

Water and Soda Bottles: 

101 Days of Organization has a great roundup on what to do with these that seem to multiply like Tribbles. 


Think of all those little things ( paper clips, binder clips, rubber bands, pushpins) you could store in a pretty little bowl made from a water bottle? From Dishfunctional Designs

Jars: 

Here's a two-fer idea. Repurpose empty jars ( or you can buy a matched set of mason jars) and embellishe with pine cone flowers, perhaps from a nature walk. From Uncommon Designs


I recognize these jars because they are from my husband's favorite jam. So will definitely have some of these to play with ! From Make Calm Lovely

I hope I've given you some inspiration! 


Thursday, April 19, 2018

BFF Open House Link Party


Happy Friday Eve once again. I know that Spring has gotten lost on its way to several parts of the country so hopefully some of these Spring inspired features will tide you over until it gets there. 


Freshvintagebylisas has a fun way to combine kitchenware and gardening by re-purposing kitchen pieces as planters. Fun indoors or out! 


Similarly, Simple Nature Decor shared what she did with some fabulous old dairy containers by using them as planters. I love their vintage chippy rustiness! 



With Mother's Day fast approaching, From Playdates to Parties has a wonderful garden themed brunch idea that is perfect for indoor or outdoor entertaining. 

Finally, being a desert dweller now, I couldn't resist this adorable Crocheted Cactus Garden from Sew Crafty Crochet


Now, let's see what everyone's been up to this week! 

   
   

Thursday, April 12, 2018

BFF Open House Link Party


Happy Friday Eve all! Settling into desert life and still trying to process the reality that it hit 100 degrees in APRIL while other places in the country are still getting snow. 

Here are some features from last week's party! 


Let's start with these DIY Moss Pots from Sew Historically. I love how these add pops of nature and color to any decor. 


With outdoor entertaining season coming ( sooner for some of us) using the power of the Sun to light your outdoor decor is easy with this idea from Chas's Crazy Creations.  She has a step by step tutorial and you just need a few items. 


As much as I love tech, and I do, there is still something about a written note. This free and downloadable stationery from The Handmade Home makes it fast and easy to do! You can print out a set for yourself or add to a girlfriend gift etc. 

Finally, you know this caught my eye! Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake from Marilyn's Treats. Oh my! 

Now, let's see what you've all been up to this week! 

   
   





Thursday, April 5, 2018

BFF Open House Link Party 1st One From the Desert


Happy Friday eve and welcome to my weekly party from it's new location. Well the virtual location remains the same but you understand :) 

Let's start with some features from last week's party. 


Once we find a place, I think I will have to make this Heat Transfer Vinyl Pillow from Hazel and Gold Designs


Spring is the perfect time for a new wreath. This first one is from Domestic Deadline is perfect in its simplicity of using the same silk flower throughout. 


Vintage Paint and More has not only another pretty Spring wreath, but a whole mantle idea that's so pretty in blue and yellow. 


While I'm not a Vegan, I have enjoyed some wonderful Vegan treats and this gorgeous Mounds Cake from Vegan Dollhouse looks AMAZING and combines two of my absolute favorites, chocolate and coconut. 

So now let's see what everyone's been up to this week! 

   
   






Monday, April 2, 2018

Yes, I Remember I Have A Blog...Why I've Been MIA


After a lifetime spent in the Pacific Northwest, I am now a desert dweller in the Phoenix AZ area! Needless to say, with getting ready to do a massive interstate move, I have not had a lot of creative time and not sure when that is going to resume. 

Like a lot of people, we're part of the generation seeing our parents get older . My mom aka "The Mumster" moved here several years ago and we've loved visiting her each year and for several of those years she came up for holidays etc.  And while she's in good health overall, we will all reach an age where some health concerns come up and she's had a couple of ER trips that I would really rather have been here for. Mr. Chocolate has had itchy feet for a while so it took no convincing on his part to move, and work, while crazy, is portable so that's good. While we figure out where we want to ultimately settle, and while we get some things settled for The Mumster, we're going to stay with her. I brought my InstaPot and she's excited to see why I love it so much. 

Space is limited right now so I don't have a dedicated craft room but did bring some core supplies with me. I know I'll be focusing on lettering and jewelry since those don't require lots of space! 

Looking forward to finding some new creative places. I already have some favorite bead stores from our visits here and can't wait to visit them. And I haven't set foot in Michaels or JoAnns in more than a month so even if I don't buy anything I can't wait to explore some new stores. 

I'm excited as well because I know a lot of shows and conferences come this way...moreso I think than the Seattle area, so I have lots of ways to keep the creative inspiration flowing. I know Tim Holtz lives in AZ so he may find me stalking him lol. Just kidding. Mostly. 

If you're a Phoenix area creative, let me know! 

Onward, 
Carol