BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve, all! I hope you're all "weathering" Summer well. It's crazy everywhere. Chicago Son got caught stuck on a train that had to be stopped because of a tornado and said they've set a record for tornadoes this Summer. EEK! We continue with monsoon unpredictability and people not heeding heat warnings about hikes here in the desert. 

And, as I found out last week, COVID is having a Summer moment. Stay safe, peeps! 

This week I shared a birthday card for a creative friend and more doodle fun. 

Cricut Birthday Card:

Pen and Ink Meet Procreate:

Lots of fun ideas and yummy recipes shared at last week's party, so here are a few ideas! 

Selep Imaging shared this gorgeous Mosaic Flowering Tree Stepping Stone. 

The Apple Street Cottage shared a wonderful way to prep for the holidays now: three different ways! Left to right: Emery Board Sleeves, Tea Holder, Repurposed Paper Gift Tags. 

Steph Creates shared how to transform a plain ceramic tray into a beautiful Trinket Tray. 

Finally, The Kitchen Is My Playground shared this delicious-looking Pear and Walnut Crisp. 

Thanks to everyone who linked up and let's see what you've been up to this week! 

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BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve and Happy June! JUNE! How did it get here already? 

I hope everyone's had a good week. Mine's been better than recent weeks, and even shared a few things I've had a chance to work on. Met with a new doctor on an ongoing issue that's been frustrating, so that's helped mentally.  I always had this idea that my retired life woud be chill. Instead, it's been one medical thing after another between my mom, husband, me! But fingers crossed, we're done for a while! OK enough whining. 

This week I shared: 

Mandalorian Father's Day Cards

What to Watch Journal

 And now let's take a look at some fun features from last week's party! 

The Apple Street Cottage shared how to make a beautiful Stepping Stone from Thrifted Plates. 

Petticoat Junktion shared how to use Ric Rac in Home Decor after being inspired by current trends. 

Master Pieces of My Life shared how to make a Wire Cloche from a Dollar Tree Trash Can. 

After all that creating, treat yourself to a piece of this delicious Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Coffee Cake from Cindy's Online Recipe Box! 

Thanks to all who've linked up, and for all of the well wishes as I've been going thru some stuff. Appreciate you and this space remains a haven for me, and I hope for you, too!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve Creative Peeps! I hope all who celebrated and/or were celebrated had a wonderful Mother's Day! We took my Mom out to dinner the night before, and I had a wonderfully lazy day that started with a call from our son, included a great trip to Michaels, and a delicious chocolate cake to wrap up the day! 

This week and next, I get to do some fun medical stuff, so I didn't get around to making anything this week. Lots of great ideas from all of you at last week's party, though! Let's take a look at a few. 

The Apple Street Cottage shared how to make these beautiful Lavender Soaps. Great for personal use or to give as gifts. 

Another fabulous idea is this Spa in a Jar shared by Hunny I'm Home DIY. How fun would these be for year-end teachers' gifts, bridal showers, or girls' nights? Heck, make several for yourself and pull one out on "one of those days!"

In a world that often feels hurried and noisy, there is something deeply comforting about pausing for a few moments of rest—savoring a flavorful cup of tea in a peaceful setting surrounded by beautiful and meaningful things.--Thrifting Wonderland

Thrifting Wonderland shared a beautiful post about remembering to be present in the moment and incorporating beauty into our everyday lives. Built around a beautiful Thrifted Tray, she created a peaceful vignette, perfect to take a moment and be still. I think we need more of that! 

Finally, if you're familiar with the Potterverse, you're familiar with "The Big Book of Monsters" which was introduced in the third book/movie. And now, as a cake! From Press Print Party. And you need to scroll through the post to see the whole party. WOW!

Thanks to everyone 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 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 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

 

EEK! We're one week out from Halloween! It feels like it was just August when I started working on Halloween projects. And once we hit Nov 1, it will be a race to the finish with US Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and and more. Take your vitamins and get your rest. We're MAKERS. We were made for this!

This week I shared a couple of fall-themed projects. I also started and finished my first Christimas project which I'll share next week. 

Dollar Tree Fall Sign

Painted and Gold Leaf Pumpkins

Let's take a look at some of the wonderful ideas shared at last week's party! 

The Apple Street Cottage shared this Little Bit Spooky Vase makeover. 

There's always time to add one more thing to decor when it's a printable, and Hunny I'm Home DIY has Halloween covered with this Halloween Printable Sign. 

Whether you make your own or want to dress up store-bought cupcakes, these Halloween Skeleton Cupcake Toppers from Ann's Entitled Life will definitely give them a spooky glow-up! 

Finally, as we start to think about Thanksgiving in the US or fall celebrations elsewhere, these DIY Wood Pumpkin Placecards from Steph Creates would be a lovely addition to any table!

Thank you to everyone 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