BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve, all! I hope everyone's had a good week, and those under heat watch are surviving and staying cool. Chicago Son is giving us updates like "Brought an extra shirt to work because I'm soaked just walking to the train!" which is a 5 min walk for him. There's a reason we live in the dry heat...can't take the humidity. Hats off to those of you who can tolerate it. 

Continuing my impromptu Summer crafting hiatus, but this week, I did do some work on my craft room so I can be ready for Fall/Holiday making. 

Great shares at last week's party so let's take a look at a few!

I love repurposing jars, bottles, etc. Steph Creates shared how to repurpose Oui Yogurt Jars into a pretty Window Display. I have some I've been using to hold pens, and this is also a great way to pretty them up! 

My Thrift Store Addiction shared how to transform Thrifted Vintage English Transferware into a stunning Gallery Wall Display, along with some other great thrifting finds. 

Looking for something to do with littles over the long holiday weekend? Simple Everyday Mom has you covered with this fun Statue of Liberty Paper Bag Craft. 

Finally, we've all heard of popsicles and cake pops, but have you heard of Cakesicles? Tessie's Table has got you covered with these Festive Fourth Cakesicles. 

Thank you to everyone who linked up and can't wait to see what you've been up to this week! Have a SAFE Fourth! We leave the fireworks to the professionals, especially here in the fire danger desert. 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve, all! I can't believe we're almost at the end of June already and you know what today marks? SIX MONTHS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!! This is not a drill. Time seems to speed up even more from here on out. 

Speaking of which, I was in my happy place this week when I stopped in Michaels (a happy place given!) and (I know this will make some eyes ROLL) they have HALLOWEEN! EEK! 

I even did a post about it! 

Michaels Halloween Premiere

But yes, I know it's still Summer, and there were some very fun projects shared at last week's party so let's take a look at a few!

Let's start with this GORGEOUS Lane Cedar Chest Update from Petticoat Junktion. You really have to see the transformation. We're watching the show "Castle Impossible" on HGTV, and it looks like a piece that would fit in one of the rooms! 

Fresh Vintage by Lisa S shared how to transform vintage linens into a Vintage Linen Purse. 

Handmade by Amalia shared how to use fresh flowers to make these BEAUTIFUL Floral Cookies. I wholeheartedly agree with her post title: "Life is Short. Eat the Cookie". 

Finally, I keep seeing the "dot cake" trend everywhere. Walking on Sunshine has miniaturized it with these Mason Jar Chocolate Chip Dot Cakes. Why is everything more fun in miniature? 

Thanks to all who linked up and can't wait to see what you've been up to this week!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Michaels Halloween is Underway!

 

EEEEK! I legit had to pop into Michaels yesterday for something. No, Mr. Chocolate, I really did not have what I went there for! 

What to my Halloween-loving wondering eyes did appear? HALLOWEEN GOODIES! Natch, I had to share. 

The first things I saw were the Lemax Haunted Houses and miniatures. 

Next, ornaments! I love all the non-traditional colors that have become part of Halloween. Lots of deep purples, and pinks and turquoise. 

They have a Fortune Teller collection of deep blues with Suns and Moons. 

Gothic Spooky Skeleton Couple

Last year I saw lots of mirrored Halloween goodies. Still strong this year, but multi-colored ones like these striped cuties! 

Coordinating ornament wreaths, coffin shelves, and more! 

Here's a larger picture of this awesome Skeleton Couple! 

And this is just the beginning! Can't wait to see what else follows, and I was too excited not to share. 

I know it's WAAAYYY too early for some people. But I also know there are others of us for whom it's never too soon! 

BFF Open House

 

Not sure where the week went, but it did, and it was a lazy-ish one! Our monsoon season is here, and it's going to be a wild ride this year. PSA: If you're ever in the desert Southwest and see flash flood warnings: HEED THEM! You may think you know rain (and I come from Seattle!), but desert flash floods are a whole different animal. 

This weekend, we celebrate Juneteenth, which marks the news of Emancipation finally reaching enslaved people in Texas two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. We also celebrate Father's Day. For some, it's a hard day, whether through death or estrangement. I lost my dad young, but his memory stays a blessing, and the grandson he never got to meet bears part of his name. Almost from birth, I'd catch an expression, then gesture, and see my dad right there! 

I will celebrate the number one dad in my life, Mr. Chocolate, who has been the best parenting partner I could have hoped for.  

OK! Let's take a look at some of the fun ideas shared at last week's party! 

Steph Creates shared a pretty and creative way to Repurpose Metal Lids using Florals and other embellishments. She comments in her post: "serves as a lovely reminder that even the smallest materials can become beautiful with a touch of creativity." I agree! 

Bag Charms are everywhere, from designer brands to fast fashion, so of course, intrepid Creatives aren't going to be left out.  Birdz of a Feather shared how to DIY Pistachio Bag Charms out of polymer clay. 

Summertime screams lemons and Sonata Home Design has a great post (including a free printable!) featuring ways to incorporate Lemon Kitchen Decor. 

Summertime is also ice cream time, and Rose Bakes has us covered with this No-Churn Coffee Ice Cream! YUM! 

Thanks to everyone who linked up. Wishing you a happy weekend, whatever you're doing, including NOTHING! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve all, although I'm really not sure where the week even went! It was Sunday and blink....

Hope everyone's had a good week. I know weather is hitting the MidWest. Son slept through losing power in Chicago last night 🤣. Like father, like son. When those two are out...

I just have to accept that I'm not much of a Summer crafter. I think I just need to embrace it and get on with my favorite seasons. I can't pretend I don't have enough Halloween and Christmas supplies to play with. 

I have fallen back in love with Zen Doodling, or just doodling. It's meditative for me, which, as someone who's had lifelong anxiety, is calming. I just need to figure out what to do with all of them!

Doodling My Life Away

Love seeing your creations each week so here are a few features from last week's party! 

Selep Imaging shared this stunning Mosaic Stepping Stone! What a work of art. 

If you host Girls Nights, or have wanted to, check out 3 Winks Design for how to throw one featuring mini-foods and Shrinky Dink and Charm Crafts!

This hits home! I've run hard my whole life. School, work, family...and I lost some of myself along the way. I started really learning how to let go of the guilt about what I'm not doing, which is going to be something I have to work on for the rest of my life. This post, How to Let Go of Productivity Guilt,  is a FABULOUS resource to remind ourselves that sometimes, just BEING, really IS enough! From Serenity You! 

Likewise, always trying to eat better and these Chocolate Greek Yogurt Overnight Oats from Esme Salon look both healthy and yummy! 

Thank you to everyone who linked up and I can't wait to see what you have to share this week!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Doodling My Life Away

 

While I haven't been as busy in my craft room lately, I have been busy with my sketchbook and pens. I fell into doodling several years ago, and it kinda fills the space when I don't have time or ideas of things to make. 

What I've found on my doodling journey is that I prefer what I call freeform doodling. Zentangle, which is a more formal program you can follow or become a certified instructor of, is more structured with pattern repetition. I just kinda prefer to look at the space and do what I feel like doing. There's still repetition of patterns, but I just go where my pens take me. 

What you do need for this is minimal. I use:

• A Mixed Media Sketchbook (Canson, Michaels or where sketchbooks are sold)
• Smear-Proof Pens (I use a set from Art Minds at Michaels)

For me, there's no right or wrong. This one started with the big flower. 

Similarly, did an abstract flower and went from there. Mr. Chocolate treats these like Rorschach tests, telling me what he sees. 

It's a very relaxing process for me. I've found it to be calming and helps me manage anxiety. I have books filled with doodles I need to figure out what to do with!

Until I figure that out, I'll just keep doodling my life away! 

Pinterest and YouTube have TONS of ideas to inspire you! I recommend starting with a couple of patterns, practicing repetition, and then going where your creativity leads you! 

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