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! 

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BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve Creative Peeps. Speaking of Peeps, has there been a PEEPS revival/explosion or what? For non-us folks, they're these little marshmallow bird candies.  I don't know how widely they're known outside the US and maybe Canada. 

Everywhere I go I see PEEP themed things. From giant stuffies, to all kinds of toys, clothes, phone cases etc., not to mention the explosion in the variety of actual PEEPS. I've seen Dr. Pepper, Cotton Candy, Birthday Cake, Churro? Maybe I'm just more aware of them because I lost one of my favorite cousins last year and she would spend Easters with us when she was in college and loved PEEPS. I on the other hand...sorry PEEPS eaters. 

It's been anothe week of running around, Mom stuff, etc. so I made NOTHING. Finishing up my Easter cards and have been attending a Laser Craft Fest. 

Let's take a look at some of the fun ideas shared at last week's party! Wishing you all a very peaceful and creative weekend and Happy Passover to those celebrating. 

With gardening season upon us, check out this brilliant Fairy Garden idea from Studio 27 by Jennifer Adams.  Can't we all use more whimsy these days? 

LOVE this display and idea from Our Tiny Nest: Bunny Bait! Bring the Easter Bunny out with this fun tempting snack. 

Sew Crafty Crochet shared another FANTASTIC creative scarf, perfect for the season, with this Easter Gnome Crochet Scarf. Sew Crafty. Sew cute!

Finally, check out these Sees Candies worthy festive Chocolate Dip Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates from Cindy's Online Recipe Box. 

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

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BFF Open House

 

EEK! Happy Halloween and Diwali All! You know what this means? Full on to the holiday season with Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas coming fast. 

Hopefully this is my last knee update. Got the stitches out last week and while my knee still looks like a Halloween prop, the care team says it looks good so we'll go with that. Most importantly, it didn't wreck a planned trip to visit our son next week. After that I can't wait to get working on Christmas projects. Found this year's card papers at Michaels so I'm ready to get started. THANK YOU for all of your healing comments and thoughts. 

Let's take a look at some of the fun things to maybe pin for next year's Halloween festivities (with everything deeply discounted, buy some things ahead for next year) and some for Thanksgiving. 

Studio 27 by Jennifer Adams shared these fun Framed Skeletons. Perfect to pick some up on sale to play with next year. 

Creatively Beth shared this fab Dollar Tree Canvas Jack O'Lantern. Could just skip the face and perfect for the rest of the Fall season. 

Bluesky At Home shared this Stenciled Fall / Thanksgiving Sign. Make another one for Winter!

Finally, how cute are these Pumpkin Spice Oreo Truffles from Flour On My Face? Put one at each place setting for your Thanksgiving table or box them up as a host/hostess gift! 

Thank you to everyone who linked up. To everyone celebrating, have a safe and happy Halloween! 

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BFF Open House

Happy Friday Eve, all. Hope everyone's had a good week. Finally had a couple of days where I got to switch to my Fall attire of Halloween leggings because it cooled off enough. It's the little things, right? It's also holiday full steam ahead time. I was able to get my house "haunted" so now I can work on Halloween cards for friends and family. 

Lots of great Halloween inspiration at last week's party so let's take a look at some!

My Halloween tastes continue to get creepier so these DIY Halloween Oddities Jars from Studio 27 are right up my creepy alley! 

Those jars would fit right in with this Bone Apetit Tablescape from Master Pieces of  My Life! 

I'm always in on a good Dollar Store Makeover and this Mirror Upgrade from Crazy Little Lovebirds. Perfect for a gothic Halloween, everyday decor, or both, is perfect!

Finally, it's both Pumpkin Spice and Hot Chocolate season so why not combine them into one? That's what Our Tiny Nest did as well as shared ideas for a Hocus Pocus party! 

Thank you to all who linked up and can't wait to see what creative mischief you've gotten up to this week! 

 

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BFF Open House

Fall is in the air! Granted, here that means days finally under 100 degrees, but I'll take it. ALMOST out of shorts and sundress weather. Had a fabulous birthday weekend this past weekend and continuing to celebrate with more September baby friends and their upcoming special days. 

I love Fall with all of its changing colors and cooler days. Let's take a look at some of the beautiful Fall inspiration shared at last week's party! 

My favorite type of project is transforming something ordinary into something pretty and extraordinary. Steph Creates did exactly that with this inviting Upcycled Fall Floral Decoration! 

This inspired Fall Tablescape from My Thrift Store Addiction is a perfect way to transition. Love all the greens! 

 

These look good enough to eat, don't they? Studio 27 shared her "Faux" Fall Decor that is convincingly real! Great way to get the feel of a bakery without the calories. 

Finally, Fall (for me) is soup weather and hearty ones that can be a whole meal are my fave. This Cream Cheese Potato Soup from Rose Bakes fills the bill! 

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 and Mother's Day Weekend to everyone celebrating. I qualify that because one of the things I appreciate about getting older is learning that what is joyous for some, isn't always for all. And maybe I'm just in a contemplative mood. Didn't really create anything this past week and I try to keep things focused on the creative here but I also try to keep it real. I lost my favorite cousin who was more like an Aunt. We started losing her to dementia about 6 years ago but she entered hospice a week ago last Friday and then made her transition. 

I mention her here especially because she was a Creative! A lifelong seamstress who immigrated to the US from Trinidad and Tobago worked in the New York garment district, then for a Seattle-based company that for years made a lot of Nordstrom house brand clothing. She was one of those talents who could look at a piece of clothing and whip out a replica. She kept my mom, me, and other relatives in style!  She was also a great cook but like others of her generation, kept my favorite recipes of hers in her head, always promising to share them in a someday that was stolen by dementia. I will continue trying to crack the code to replicate them! 

She honored me by keeping every handmade card or piece of jewelry and encouraged my own creativity.

May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest, Carmen. 

OK let's see some of the creativity shared at last week's party. Do you have a special relative who inspired your creativity? 

I don't know why things look better elevated but they just do. This DIY Painted Wood Riser from Crazy Little Love Birds is just perfect for holding a candle, small plant, or vase. It's also just pretty! 

It's prime party season with graduations, weddings, Memorial Day and Fourth of July gatherings, birthdays, showers...you name it. And garlands just make everything seem more festive right? You'll want to check out these DIY Crepe Paper Garlands from Simple Joys. Color possibilities? Endless!

Got buttons? Fabric and craft stores or thrift stores often have bags of assorted colors and sizes and this idea from Artsy Karma to use them to create a fun Button Canvas Art project. 

Finally, doesn't this look delicious? Don't try to cut it though because it's...CAKE PANS! I shouldn't have spoiled it but I didn't want anyone looking for a Strawberry Cake recipe at Studio 27 by Jennifer Adams. It's a fabulous centerpiece for a party or kitchen decor. 

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

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BFF Open House

 

Yikes. Another week flew by like that. Happy Halloweekend Creative Peeps! Can you believe Halloween is already here and Thanksgiving isn't far behind. 

Remember last week when I mentioned Summits? Well there's another one I just signed up for and whether you're already a cardmaker or have wanted to become one, this is perfect. Check out the Card Maker Success Summit that will be hosted by Brandi McMahon and sponsored by Stamp Me Some Love on November 12: 

It will be a full day of livestreams with different brands and makers complete with some giveaways. Can't beat the price which is FREE! 

I was also very honored to have my Spooky Season jewelry featured at this week's Vintage Charm Party (held every Wednesday) hosted by Our Hopeful Home!

As always there were so many wonderful ideas shared at last week's party so here are a few. 

Jennifer Adams from Studio 27 shared her thrifted and repurposed Easter to Halloween Tree! Make a note to start scouting the thrift stores now through Spring for one of these! 

Meet Leonard, the Debonair Vampire who graces this tablescape shared by The Yellow Corner Store. Dashing, isn't he? 

I've seen a lot of mushrooms throughout the past couple of years' holiday decor. Check out the ingenious way Cecelia from My Thrift Store Addiction has taken them up a notch with these fragrant and pretty Cinnamon Stick Mushrooms. Love these! 

Finally, need a quick but fun snack for Halloween? You can't go wrong with these Edible Spiderwebs from Simple Joys!

Thank you to everyone who linked up. I love seeing all of your creations. 

Let's take a look at what everyone's been up to this week. I hope you have a wonderful Halloweekend and a 

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