BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday and Fourth of July Eve! We live in "EXTREME" fire danger tinderbox country so I'm not a big fan of fireworks, I don't understand why they even sell them in these parts but...Our town is what's known as "dark sky" so we have minimal streetlights and other up-facing lights and the fireworks are contained to professional displays. 

THANK YOU for the kind and supportive words about Mr. Chocolate's upcoming surgery. We did the final pre-op tests and met with Anesthesiology this week to get the final sign-offs. Can't argue they're not being thorough! 

Since it's Fourth of July weekend, that's the theme of this week's features! 

Fresh Vintage by Lisa S is back with this Vintage Campfire Themed Vignette featuring faux marshmallows she shows how to make. PIN for next year! 

The way I loved sparklers as a kid! Our Tiny Nest has you covered with these festive Keep Calm and Sparkle sparkler holders. Download. Print. Use. 

Simple Everyday Mom shared this fun Statue of Liberty Connect the Dots Printable. This would be great to use as a pattern for string art too! 

Finally, these Fourth of July Fruit Skewers from Organized Island are an easy addition to your Fourth dessert table. 

Wishing everyone a SAFE Fourth and long weekend. 

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Happy Friday Eve all! Can you believe six months of the year have almost ended? And six months from yesterday...CHRISTMAS will be upon us. 

As I've said, I'm not much of a Summer crafter so I feel like I'm in a bit of a "CLUMP" aka a Crafting Slump. Emphasis on the LUMP part since that best describes me lately. But, I'm also learning to give myself grace. That doesn't come naturally to me. My dad's regular saying was "Give 110%, minimum" so I've had high expectations since childhood. Plus, I hit ALL the Virgo highlights of being hardest on myself. 

And it's been a hectic year. Mr. Chocolate, as I've shared, has had some health stuff which isn't something he's used to dealing with plus, "MAN". 🫢

There's light at the end of the tunnel when he'll have a surgical procedure next month we're hoping is the end of things. 

Anyhoo, thanks for reading if you've gotten this far! Now, let's take a look at some of the fun features from last week's party! 

Fresh Vintage by Lisa S shared how to Water Marble Buttons! I'm pretty sure as Creatives, we ALL have a button collection for various things. What a fun way to play with them with something many of us have on hand: Nail Polish! 

Sonata Home Design is back with an incredible thrifted upcycle. Decoupage medium and napkins combine to make this gorgeous Thrifted Box. 

If you lived through the 80s, you cannot have missed the Cabbage Patch Kid pop culture phenomenon. I was both too old (to want one) and too young (to have to go FIND one as a parent) but you couldn't miss it. Jennifer from Studio 27 immortalizes that period with this Pot Your Own Cabbage Patch Baby project! 

Finally, here's a take on Cookies and Cream I haven't seen before: Cookies and Cream MUFFINS! Visit Lou Lou Girls for the recipe! 

Thanks to everyone who linked up and can't wait to see what's in store this week! 

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Happy Friday Eve all. Hope everyone's had a good week. We had a big scare when our son and his dog were charged at on their evening walk by another dog that lives in his building and has been aggressive in the past. They were very lucky despite ending up at the ER and Emergency Vet and now the passing of the buck between Animal Control, the police, and the property manager. This is when it's hardest to have your adult child in another city. 

This is a PSA to not get a dog that's too big or strong for you (the case here) and get some training how to handle strong breeds.

Spring is coming although our pre-Spring weather cooled slightly this week. It was perfect last weekend and we got to go to a wonderful Artisan Market that's an annual fundraiser for the Tucson Art Museum. Here's what I shared this week including a gift for Mr. Chocolate inspired by something he found there. 

From Drawer to Serving Tray

Life Inspires Art Inspires More Art: Layered Octopus Shadowbox

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

Fresh Vintage by Lisa S shared how she used a Dollar Tree Placemat as Stencil tomae this beautiful Spring Gift Bag. 

Master Pieces of My Life shared these gorgeous Floral Easter Eggs! So pretty displayed on candlesticks. 

Press Print Party shared these adorable NO SEW Spring Gnomes. Aren't they fun?

Finally, what's more perfect for St. Patrick's Day than Guinness Cupcakes with Bailey's Frosting? From Cincy Shopper!

Thank you to everyone who linked up and I really need to see pretty things this week so can't wait to see what you've been working on! 

Don't forget to change your clocks this weekend. We don't change but I still get confused. 

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Happy Friday Eve again all and someone needs to explain how US Thanksgiving is a week away because I didn't agree to that! And what does Black Friday even mean anymore since I've seen sales since October!

That means full steam ahead to Christmas and Hanukkah, the start of which falls on Christmas this year. It's felt great to be back in my craft room and here's what I shared this week and had so much fun making!

Dollar Tree Disney Snowglobe Ornaments and Snowglobes

Dollar Tree Dollhouse to Gingerbread House 

So many busy elves! Let's take a look at some of the ideas shared at last week's party and with time enough to still complete!

Fresh Vintage by Lisa S lives up to her blog name with this new Vintage Christmas Tree Sign!

Sonata Home Design shared a great addition or alternative to a standing tree with this DIY Wall Tree.

The House on Silverado shared this magnificent Vintage Oil Lamp Upcycle! 

Much to my chagrin, Thanksgiving is not a big chocolate holiday but it is a big apple holiday so celebrate with these Apple Cider Mimosas from Organized Island!

Thanks to all who linked up and can't wait to see what's in store this week! 

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Happy October and Happy Friday Eve Creative Peeps! Like everyone else, I'm thinking of all of the people affected by Hurricane Helene and if you were impacted, I hope that you are safe and dry. Growing up in earthquake country, I've never been through one except getting out ahead of Andrew on a business trip years ago and that was scary enough. 

Once again, time's done its thing and we're at the end of the year again already. Lots to do. I shared some more printables I had fun making in Procreate and combining files from Creative Fabrica. These have a literary twist! You can see them here along with the download link. 

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

Fresh Vintage by Lisa S shared a wonderful way to use old wood spools and turn them into festive Pumpkin Placecards. 

Handmade Weekly shared her transformation of a store bought candle into a Spooky Halloween Candle. I really need a laser tool! 

Hunny I'm Home DIY shared a fabulous take on tomato cage projects with these DIY Witches!

Finally, Recipes Simple shared these wonderfully festive Spider Donuts that are perfect for Spooky Season! 

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

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Happy Friday Eve Creative Peeps! I hope everyone's had a joyful and creative week, whether you've made something (not me) or have been inspired by others (definitely me). I have been in and out of stores and wow is Halloween going to be FUN! Lots of new takes I'm seeing. Bright pinks and oranges along with the traditional colors. Michaels, JoAnn, and Dollar Tree (my "haunts") have fabulous new collections including a paper stack I picked up for this years Halloween cards. 

Upcoming Crafting Event that you don't want to miss! 

Nancy, at A Better Life Blog, is hosting Crafty Con Sept 4-6 which will feature workshops from excellent designers and makers. If you want to up your crafting game, check it out and yes, it's FREE! (There is a paid version all-access pass too). I always learn something new in a workshop!

Now let's take a look at some of the creativity shared at last week's party! 

Hot Glue is often overlooked as a creative tool. Yes we all use it to glue things but it can be used decoratively too as Fresh Vintage by Lisa S shows here with her Altered Art Journal Covers. 

Living in the Sonoran desert, I love cacti! Each one is unique and has its own personality. Creatively Beth shared how to make these fun Craft Stick Cacti! 

Thrifting Wonderland shared great ways to bring Fall into Home Decor. 

Finally, all things apple scream Fall and these Applesauce Donuts from The Wooden Spoon Effect are no exception! 

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 Fourth and Friday Eve, all. Putting this party up early today. I wish everyone a safe and happy celebration and thinking of pets and vets who are affected by fireworks. 

I actually sat down and made something this week! Birthday Card in Two Colors

Our Grand Lives shared a fun and just as mesmerizing alternative to fireworks made with things you very likely already have on hand! Fireworks In a Jar! 

Definitely PIN this for next year! Fresh Vintage by Lisa S shared this idea using Vintage Sparkler Boxes and Wood Firecrackers! 

Steph Creates shared this brilliant Faux Succulent Rock Garden.

How cute are these Campfire Cupcakes from 24 Hour Family Perfect all Summer long! 

Thanks to all who linked up and again, stay safe and have fun! 

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