BFF Open House

 

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! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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BFF Open House

 

Blink. It's Friday Eve already again?! II'm not sure where the week went. It's been another lazy crafting week here. My primary and I have concluded that when I was sick a few weeks ago that it was likely the newsest COVID variant based on the symptoms at the time and the fact that I'm just draggy tired still. Took a test then and it was negative but I'm the QUEEN of inconclusive tests! Even when I took my first pregnancy test...it was supposed to be a + and only half of it appeared. Anyhoo, I'm fine...just low energy. 

So, let's take a look at what some of  YOU have been up to because your creativity is anything but lacking! 

Sonata Home Designs shared how to Decoupage Oyster Shells and Create Flower Wall Art. What a perfect project for Summer of year round beach dwellers. 

Birdz of a Feather shared one of the most genius ideas that serves double duty as A Bib Clip and a piece of Jewelry. As someone who's wished they had a bib a few times while dining, I'm including two pics of this. As jewelry, above and below:

Convert any napkin into a bib! Summer barbecues, clam bakes, lobster rolls, smashing crabs...

From Bay to Beach shared an awesome repurpose with this Summery Bar Cart from a Tea Cart. 

Finally, these Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes from Crystal and Co. are a festive and fun Summer treat! 

Thanks to everyone who linked up and wishing you all a creative weekend! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve and Mother's Day Weekend to all the Moms, Grandmoms, Auntie-Moms etc. 

Thank you for the supportive comments about Mr. Chocolate and his health journey. We met with the doctors on Friday, and have an appointment scheduled with another to finalize "the plan". We are both people who can deal with things but we need a plan! 

I was wondering if I was going to get a chance to make some Mother's Day cards for family and friends this year but I got them done! 

Lots of fun and festive ideas were shared at last week's party including some that could be done if you're hosting a Mother's Day meal or bringing something. I'm going to do a simple brunch for my Mom. 

Got yarn? Maybe stocked up at a JoAnn's closing sale? Sonata Home Design shared a fun DIY Pom Pom Rug that's a perfect accent for any room. I'm always looking for things I can do while watching TV. This one works! 

Our Tiny Nest shared a fabulous idea that would make a great Mother's Day, Birthday, Friend, Teacher, You Name It, gift: Personalized DIY Tea Bags. Pick up some thrifted tea cups to make it even more special! 

Press Print Party shared these adorably punny Herb Gift Tags. Perfect to present a potted herb or collection of them as a gift. 

Finally, whether you make this for a Mom or better yet, show it to someone who can make for YOU, this Nutella French Toast Skillet Casserole from Flour on My Face is...YUM! Did I mention the Banana Cinnamon Syrup? You're welcome. 

Thanks again to all who linked up and wishing you a peaceful and wonderful weekend whatever you're doing including nothing at all! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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BFF Open House

 

Greetings all and Happy Weekend Eve! I hope everyone's had a creative week. I know the Midwest got blanketed with more snow and cold so I hope you're staying warm and dry! Here in the desert, I think allergy season may be starting up. Ugh! 

It's clear that the stores have made their jump to Spring and Easter! I was in Walmart two days after Valentine's Day and BAM, Spring and Easter decor was everywhere and they have some cute stuff! 

This week I shared a couple of altered cigar box projects I had a lot of fun making and I really love repurposing things. 

Tea Storage I

Tea Storage II

Nothing says Spring like flowers and Crazy Little Love Birds has a lovely way to repurpose a jar to hold them with this DIY Flower-Embellished Glass Jar Makeover.

Sometimes, you love a piece but just want to freshen it up. Via A Ray of Sunlight comes How to Paint Furniture with Chalk Paint in a guest post by Breath of Life Design! 

Sonata Home Design shared a wonderful tutorial to make a bold statement piece in the style of artist Piet Mondrian using faux stained glass supplies. Mr. Chocolate is a huge Frank Lloyd Wright fan and this would work with his style too! 

Finally, alchemy happens when you combine chocolate and raspberry and they come together in these mouth-watering Raspberry Truffle Brownies from The Kitchen Is My Playground.

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

BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve all. Once again I'm going to say I can't believe how fast time is flying...how did it get to be the end of the third week of January already?! It's been cold here in the desert but I am kept humble by our son who lives in "real cold" in Chicago where with the wind chill it was minus nineteen degrees with the wind chill so he's paying me back for when he'd claim something was extreme and I'd come back with a "Oh yeah, well..."

I've been having fun with Valentine's Projects and shared three this week! Starting to wonder if I shouldn't incorporate Dollar Tree into my blog title. 

Repurposed Double Heart Canvas

Shabby Glam Heart

Tile Heart Topiaries

Love is in the air and we are getting closer to "Love Month" and Valentine's Day. Let's take a look at some great ideas shared at last week's party! 

Crazy Little Love Birds shared a Valentine Shadow Box that's perfect for Valentine's season or anytime.

Penny's Passions shared her beautiful Valentine's Mantel. What a great way to bridge the seasons from Christmas to Valentine's!

Blue Sky At Home shared these lovely Air Dry Clay Trinket Dishes. What a great idea to make for friends for Galentine's Day! 

Sonata Home Design shared a fantastic method to achieve "Luxe for Less" with this DIY Crackle Glass technique. Give a glow up to plain glass vases with minimal supplies! 

Thanks to everyone who linked up! Stay warm and creative. 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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BFF Open House Party Through Year End

 

Happy Friday Eve all! By this time next week, Santa will have come and the first night of Hanukkah candles will have been lit. I'm taking a page out of a friend's idea and making this a two week party that will stay up through year end. 

This week I shared my 2024 Christmas Cards and here's a short video from our Disney trip. If you've ever thought of going at the holidays I highly recommend it. Everything that stands still is decorated and attractions like The Haunted Mansion and It's a Small World are completely transformed. The Anaheim Haunted Mansion is the only one of all the Disney Parks to re-do itself in a Nightmare Before Christmas Theme, complete with a scented Gingerbread House ballroom. All of the characters are also dressed for the season. And the treats! 

Let's take a  look at some ideas from last week's party!

Sonata Home Design shared a wonderful Tassel Tree Framed Art Piece made from yarn! So creative. 

My Thrift Store Addiction has a great gift idea you still have time to do with Homemade Herb Sea Salt. 

Artsy Va Va shared this wonderful Farmhouse Style Centerpiece that can also double as a wreath! 

Finally, Rose Bakes shared this very festive Grinch Punch. Next to Disney gear, the next character we saw the most of on fellow park goers was The Grinch. Shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, backpacks, you name it. 

Thank you to all who linked up not only last week but in 2024. Can't wait to see what creativity is in store for 2025 and what crafty tools Santa may leave under your trees! Whether you're celebrating Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, something else, or nothing at all, wishing you all a joyous and peaceful end of the year and a great and creative start to 2025! The link party will stay open through New Year's Day! 

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BFF Open House

 

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! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter