BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve, all, and Happy Fall Y'all!! 

And happy birthday to my two oldest (as in how long I've known them!) friends who share the same birthday tomorrow, and to another dear friend, whose birthday is today! I share a birthday month with some amazing women. 

Hope you've all had a creative week. Started haunting my halls, which to normal people is early, but to "us types" is LATE. HA HA. Already seeing Christmas popping up. 

This week I shared:

Blinged Out Pumpkin Pail 

I've also been working on some new ornaments to add to my Halloween tree, and Mr. Chocolate is pretending he didn't hear me say I need a bigger one. 

Lots of wonderful Fall inspiration was shared at last week's party, so let's take a look at some ideas! 

Building Our Hive shared a beautiful Day of the Dead Wreath. Living in the Southwest, this tradition is huge here, and I really love what it represents, plus all of the art around it. 

Ann's Entitled Life shared this equally beautiful Fall Lantern Swag, which can last now through November! 

If you love Mackenzie-Childs' style but not the prices, Master Pieces of My Life shows you how to achieve the look for less. And while signature black and white is well known, I was in Dillards last week, and they have a collection in various colors, inspiring us to branch out if this isn't your palette. 

Finally, how perfect are these No Bake Acorn Cookies from Cindy's Online Recipe Box? 

Thanks as always to all who linked up! Let's see what's in store this week. 

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BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve, all! I hope you've all had a peaceful week and are surviving whatever crazy weather your part of the world is dealing with. We continue in our monsoon season with mostly late afternoon storms that come on fast! Fortunately, they blow through pretty quickly. Short and wild...just like me! HA!

Sharing is caring, right? So here are a couple of upcoming FREE workshops I was excited to sign up for and am really looking forward to since they feature my two favorite crafting seasons: Halloween and Christmas!

Paper Glitter Glue is hosting 

The Great Halloween Spectacular 

20 days of frightfully fun papercrafts.

Let's celebrate Halloween together, one project at a time.

and 

Hosted by Brandi Mahon 

Get inspired with festive crafts, elf ideas, organization tips, recipes, and Christmas magic - all from the comfort of home.

There will be tons of ideas and fun!

Now, while it's still very much Summer, let's take a look at some fun summer-themed ideas; there's still plenty of time to enjoy! 

Petticoat Junktion shared how to take mis-matched thrift store finds and unify Thrift Store Figurines into a coordinated set using spray paint. The look changes completely!

Building Our Hive shared a fun way to stay protected when out in the sun with these Fun In the Sun Gift Bags. 

Summertime is pool party time! Whether at home or at a community pool, treats are always a good idea, and these Pool Cookies from Buttercream Dreams are the perfect treat!

Finally, Summertime is also gardening time, and 3 Winks Design has a great tutorial on Making Sundried Tomatoes From Your Garden. 

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

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BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve again already, Peeps! I hope you're all doing well, and avoiding this parasite madness! It's pretty scary. So far, it's been minimal in my state, but give it time. Ironically, my gut health is such that I'm to avoid raw veggies as a general rule. And of course, chocolate is safe! 

Likewise, if you're being hit by weather, stay safe. Between floods and heat and here in the desert, haboobs and monsoons...I feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, saying, "Lions, and tigers and bears, oh my!"

Michaels continues stocking up on Halloween goodies! And I popped into a Dollar Tree or two since last week and have seen some goodies starting there, too. I'm VERY excited that we finally have a replacement for the JoAnn that closed by me, which will now be a very dangerous Five Below. 

Lastly, very grateful that yesterday marked one-year since my husband's surgery last year, and he's doing so well!!

I've continued my Zen Doodling Summer, so here's a little Summerween for you! 

OK, let's see some fun ideas from last week's party! 

Steph Creates shared a beautiful way to style Candle Jars for Cozy Porch Decor. Would also work indoors or on the patio. 

Master Pieces of My Life shared how to get a jump start on holiday crafting with 30 Craft Projects to Start Right Now. 

Building Our Hive is also in on the pre-Christmas prep with a great Christmas-in-July post!

 Finally, check out this incredible Cupcake Horse idea from Press Print Party! Perfect for any Western-themed gathering, or since "The Odyssey" opens this weekend, perhaps a Trojan Horse? 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend! 

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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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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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BFF Open House Happy New Year!

 

I hope everyone who celebrated had a joyous Christmas and is starting off 2026 with a peaceful heart. I'm not a big resolution maker. For me, continuing on paths started, growing, learning, and taking life in stride is what I focus on. Our Christmas celebration continues, and we will get our best possible gift on Monday when our son comes to visit. 

As much as I understand seasonality and how we, as Makers, love to get a jump start on the next holiday, it feels like Valentine's decor sprang up overnight and I confess, I'm not ready. I've been focused on doing a real clean out of my craft room...reorganizing and getting things together to donate to a local art based thrift store before I bring in anything else! I'm also excited to play with some new tools Mr. Chocolate got me for Christmas!

But let's wrap up the last party of 2025 with some features you can Pin for...um...THIS year! Eek. 364 days til Christmas! 

Steph Creates shared this awesome idea that would make a great gift and can be adapted to year round or seasonal use with these DIY Stacked Wood Books! Endless possibilities. 

January is prime thrifting month and a great opportunity to look for supplies to make a gorgeous Stacked Glass Bowl Christmas Tree like this one from The Apple Street Cottage. I meant to try to make one and got distracted. 

Is it ever too early to get started on gifts? I always plan to do them throughout the year and...This is a fabulous idea from Building Our Hive with this Vintage Image Tall Candle Gift. 

If you're out thrifting, look for things to make this gorgeous Vintage Ornament Upcycle shared by Artsy Va Va. 

Thank you all for the wonderful shares and inspiration in 2025, and I hope you'll continue to join each week in 2026. 

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