BFF Open House Two Week Party

 

Happy Friday Eve, all! 2026 is speeding by. I'm a Winter Olympics fan, given that I spent years in an ice rink back in the day, so of course, that's the highlight for me. So proud of the US Team. Much respect for how Ilia Malanin is handling things after being under the microscope of so much pressure. He'll be back in 2030. What's your favorite Winter Olympics event? 

This party will be up for two weeks. The big kids are escaping next week to Mickey's House to celebrate Mr. Chocolate's birthday and getting through a crazy year last year. It will also be a nice break for me after dealing with Mom's health. As tired as I am, I know I'll hit those 25k steps each day, regardless! It's how we stay young. 

Had a chance to sit and play with some of my Bead and Gem Show finds this week!

And Spring is starting to make its way. Lots of fun inspiration shared at last week's party so let's take a look at some inspiring ideas!

Crazy Little Lovebirds shared a genius way to Transform a Plastic Organizer into an Artificial Succulent Hanging Garden! 

Sonata Home Design shared a great DIY Grid Mirror Hack that would elevate any space. 

Who among us has never found themself needing a Gift Bag without one on hand? My French Twist show how to DIY them!

Finally, Cindy's Online Recipe Box shared this yummy looking Chocolate Marble Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache and Strawberry Glaze. 

Thank you all for continuing to share your creations here each week. With the world as heavy as it is, creativity, art, beauty...more important than ever. 

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Jewelrymaking: Fun With My Bead Show Haul

 

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend, and if you celebrated, a wonderful Valentine's Day. We had a very low-key one, but of course, there was chocolate!

I didn't take any in-process pictures, but had some fun over the weekend with some of the goodies I got at this year's bead shows. 

Since I don't have pierced ears, I make almost all of my own earrings. Clips aren't easy to find, and when I do, they're generally more dainty than what I wear, but thankfully, I can easily get clip earring backs at Michaels or online. However, it's sometimes hard to find "fronts", meaning something to which I can glue the backs. So when I find components that work, I stock up and was very pleased to find the silver ones shown here at one of the bead shows. The ones in the middle I found at Michaels, intended to be the hanging part of earrings themselves, but being flat on both sides made it easy to adapt them to my needs. 

As you can tell, I like bolder pieces. 

What are earrings without bracelets?! All of these are on stretch cord. I used black onyx beads for the black-and-silver bracelet, along with some bean-shaped silver beads, agate and glass beads for the one behind it, hammered and textured silver beads, and I don't remember what the small white beads are. I got a massive bag at a show last year for a steal. I also proceeded to spill a bunch of them and had fun finding them all on my floor! 

Since I wear a lot of black and white and neutrals, these work together, and with pieces I already have.

The great thing about making your own jewelry is that you can also remake your own jewelry! I usually go through mine once or twice a year, decide "I don't like this anymore", take it apart, make something new. But of course, that doesn't stop me from adding to my stash! 

Have you ever made or want to make your own jewelry? 

Sharing At:

BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve and Valentine's Weekend! We are taking this year off, but when you're long married like us, it's no big deal! Between getting my Mom situated and getting ready for Mr. Chocolate's upcoming birthday trip, had to let something go this year. 

I did get some Valentine's Cards done for family and friends, which I shared this week. 

In the meantime, let's take a look at some things there is still time to do or, as always, PIN for future inspiration!

Ann's Entitled Life shared a bright and beautiful Valentine's Tablescape. As a bonus, she included recipes at the end of the post!

Got denim? Check out this Upcycled Denim Heart from The Apple Street Cottage! 

Definitely still time to make these adorable Valentine's/Galentine's Straw Toppers from Drug Store Divas. 

Likewise, these Printable Valentine's Tags from Building Our Hive are a quick and easy way to have some 🩷Day fun. 

Fially, these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes from Rose Bakes, would make any heart swoon! 

Thank you to all who linked up, and I hope you have a wonderful Galentines, Valentines, Valloween, Anti-Valentine's, weekend! 

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Papercrafting: Layered LOVE Valentine's Cards

 

This week's party continues here through tomorrow. 

Busy as I've been, I found some time to make Valentine's Day Cards for family and friends. I had some great papers left from a stack I bought last year so I used them, along with a few new embellishments I picked up this year. 

Supplies:

• 110lb Cardstock (Recollections, Michaels)
• Seasonal Papers (Sweetheart Day Stack, Michaels)
• Coordinating Glitter Papers
• Adhesive Foam Dots, Glue Runner
• Misc. Embellishements
• Cut File
• Digital Cutting Machine

I always plan cards by the focal image I want to use and build around that. I went with this LOVE image from Cricut Design Space. 

In Cricut Design Space, I used the offset function to create two additional layers. I cut and assembled all of my focal pieces, then cut and assembled my cards following my go to 5x7 card and 4.75x6.75 panels. This stack had some great acetate papers included which I had fun with!

TIP: If I don't want to cut more papers for my panels, I combine leftover pieces and just measure them the same size as the panel. 

I found these embellishments at DAISO, and they were perfect for my cards!

Just added them to the letters etc.

These conversation hearts are from one of the acetate panels. 

That's about the extent of my Valentine's crafting this year, but I couldn't NOT show the people I love that I love them! 

Sharing At:

BFF Open House

 

Happy February! 🩷 How it's February already, I'm not sure, but it is. Mom continues her recovery journey and is doing well. I'm still tired and haven't had the energy to make much of anything, but I did get out to a couple of my favorite venues now that Bead and Gem Show season is here. Not that I actually NEEDED any more beads etc., but what's that got to do with anything? It's so much fun to get to see and meet people from all over the world because lemme tell you, it feels like every continent (maybe not Antarctica) is represented at these shows. 

Here's what I picked up this year. 

Some bold beads, bead caps, and findings that I can't wait to play with. Also, those large black and silver beads.

Pink Opal, Dendritic Agate, and Tourmaline. 

Amethyst, Lapis, and Kunzite. I can't wait to play with all of these. 

I've also been enjoying the sessions at the Cricut Craft Fest this week. I love these because I always pick up tips on ways to use my cutting machines. 

You've all been busy as usual, so let's take a look at some fun ideas shared at last week's party.

Steph Creates Things shared this perfect for love season Altered Cutting Board. 

I think all of us Makers do this. See something at a boutique or store like Pottery Barn or West Elm and immediately start thinking "I can knock that off!". Such is the case with these Aluminum Can Vases by Petticoat Junktion inspired by West Elm! Nailed it!

An Artful Mom shared a brilliant idea: Make TWO Journals from One Composition Book! 

And finally, with the big game this weekend, can you have enough treats? These Chocolate Covered Nutter Butter Footballs from Hunny I'm Home DIY are just the thing!

Whether you're resting, crafting, watching the game, or whatever's in store this weekend, I wish you peace. Thanks to everyone who linked up! 

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BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve, and how the heck is it the end of January already?! I know the month has flown by for me, given Mom's health, which continues to improve. Very thankful. Not gonna lie, I'm tired! Haven't had the energy for making anything, but priorities!

Bead and Gem Show season has officially begun in Tucson. In addition to shows in permanent venues, dozens of white tents dot the city, filled with goodies. I get to go to one of my favorite venues tomorrow which will be a nice break and a treat!

For those of you dealing with Winter on steroids, I hope you are safe and warm! 

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, here are some inspiring ideas! 

Petticoat Junktion shared this awesome DIY LOVE Letters Sign made with repurposed hardware. Pun intended, I love it! 

Sonata Home Design share this gorgeous variegated Paper Cone Heart! A perfect project to pass the time indoors. 

Building Our Hive shared a fun Valentine's/Galentine's treat idea. Pucker Up Buttercup lip balm and tags!

Finally, how stinkin' cute are these Valentine's Truffles from 3 Boys and a Dog?! Made with Golden Oreos, but any flavor would work. 

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

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