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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BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve and welcome to another party to share what you've been working on. Can you even believe that next week is US Thanksgiving already?! I'm amused that Black Friday seems to be a month-long event these days, compared to the one-day craziness. I see the pros and the cons. Having spent the first years of my working years in retail, I've never been a big in-person Black Friday shopper, but online shopping? Oh my! 

I realized how many Gingerbread-themed things I've been working on so I did an Impromptu Gingerbread Week of projects! You can see them at the links below. It's such a HUGE trend right now and I had fun doing what we do and DIY-ing some things. 

Gingerbread Week: Sweet Shoppe Galvanized Metal Houses

Gingerbread Week: Gingerbread Nutcrackers

Gingerbread Week: Gingerbread House Village

Gingerbread Week: Repurposed Cardboard Gingerbread Wreath

Gingerbread Week: Gingerbread House Storage Jar

Have you been doing any Gingerbread Projects? 

There's still time for some last minute Thanksgiving ideas so let's take a look at a few from last week's party!

Two Chicks and a Mom shared this fun and festive DIY Straw Wreath. If not for this year, definitely Pin for next! 

If your hosting (or these would make a lovely hostess gift!) check out these elegant Velvet Pumpkin Place Cards from Building Our Hive!

Slight detour from Thanksgiving, but many will be doing a lot of decorating Thanksgiving weekend, and this is something I struggle with too! I love seeing all of the themed trees people do. At the same time, every year when I unpack ornament collections (in which I have a LOT invested), they bring back special memories. No judgment on which anyone prefers!! Thanks, Masterpieces of My Life, for tackling the discussion. 

Finally, and I know I say this every year, there's not enough chocolate in Thanksgiving! So these Nutter Butter Turkeys from Drugstore Divas are perfect! 

Thanks to all who linked up! Next week, I'll have the party up and open earlier than usual since it's Thanksgiving Thursday. In advance, wishing all who celebrate a very peaceful and happy one. 

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BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve, Creative Peeps! Our track record of managing to avoid COVID unfortunately came to an end this week. Mr. Chocolate first, then me following by a couple of days. So far, not too bad and thankful we are up to date on our vaccines. We've been cautious because I'm high risk. 

Jumping right to features. 

Cardmaking remains my first love so seeing this Valentine's Card Making Station from Building Our Hive stole my heart! 

Steph Creates shared this simple and fun Tissue Paper on Wood Valentine's Heart with supplies from Dollar Tree, her specialty. 

Creatively Beth shared a pretty and sugar free idea with these Valentine's Themed Felt Fortune Cookies. 

Finally, Rose Bakes shared these glorious and Perfect Valentine's Brownies! 

Thanks to all who linked up and stay healthy! 

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