Thursday, February 22, 2018

BFF Open House Link Party


Hi all and welcome to another party here at The Answer Is Chocolate. I don't know about you all but having a creative space is a welcome distraction from the world. 

Let's see some of the ideas shared at last week's party. These just all worked together!


I love using book pages in projects including printing images on them. Lindasy from Simply September shared not only a great tutorial on how to print on book pages, but she also includes how to turn photos into sketches. 


I love the vintagey goodness of this simple but impactful idea from Dara at Not In Jersey combining burlap and old keys into a piece of wall art. Love those keys!!


Speaking of keys , Artsy Va Va is back with another wonderful paint technique for this Key or Necklace holder.  I love the layered look with the smaller wood panel in the center. 


Finally, I had to look twice ( or three times) at these Buffalo Plaid Jars because at first I thought they were fabric covered but it's paint! From Fresh Vintage By LisaS.

OK let's see what everyone's been up to this week! 

   
   



Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Black Panther Movie Inspired Jewelry


Image result for black panther movie

So like millions around the world based on the Box Office reports, we went to see Marvel's latest Superhero Movie "Black Panther" this past weekend. It was awesome for many many reasons.  I don't really do Cosplay but for this movie, I did want to have some fun and made some jewelry inspired by the lead characters costume. 

Without giving anything away, the Black Panther's costume relies on the necklace designed by his brilliant teenage sister Shuri. I took my inspiration from that and made some earrings and a necklace. 

Image result for black panther movie

I went through my jewelry supplies ( to quote Mr. Chocolate "You just had all that stuff?" ....I plead the fifth) and chose components that reminded me of the necklace. Silver and black, spiky and bold. 


The hammered metal collar piece and spike beads are things I'd picked up on one of my trips to the amazing Shipwreck Beads located in Lacey WA. They have a great online store! It's like Disneyland for jewelry makers. Not affiliated with them, just a loyal customer. I attached those to the collar piece with jump rings and strung the square and tube beads ( Michaels) onto head pins as shown. 


I wanted to make this more bold so I then took waxed cotton cord and tied some silver beads randomly and added those to the collar piece. Finally, I added strips of leather from a bag of leather scraps in my stash. 

For the necklace itself, I attached three strands of leather cord to chunky cord ends which I attached to the focal piece with jump rings. 

Not content with the necklace alone, I made a pair of earrings to go with! 


I'm known for wearing big bold earrings but these are the biggest and boldest I think I've made! I went to my Shipwreck stash again and chose hoops that have holes in them so you can attach findings. I spaced more of the spiky beads, and mixed in some chain and tube beads ( Michaels). 


Both the necklace and the earrings look heavier than they are. The elements themselves are quite light. 

Alas, they give me no superpowers or superhero suit, but I loved wearing them and will enjoy wearing them just as part of my wardrobe! 

#WakandaForever!


Thursday, February 15, 2018

BFF Open House Link Party

Happy Friday Eve all and hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's and Galentine's Day.  Some great ideas from last week's party to share. 


Springtime is prime time for things like showers and luncheons and I just love this idea from Penny's Vintage Home: A Wood Slice Cake! No calories and love the mossy layers. So many possibilities. You could even use the top layer as a tray for cupcakes. 



Lindsey from Repurpose and Upcycle shared her technique for aging Terra Cotta pots which makes them look so chic and like ones you see in places like Pottery Barn . Love!


I love the look of embossed metal to use in cards and mixed media projects, but the actual metal can get pricey. Linda from Paper Seedlings has a great technique using heavy duty aluminum foil and embossing folders. I think I even have this exact embossing folder. So elegant! 


Finally, Craftbeering takes one of my favorite desserts, chocolate fondue, up a notch with Hazelnut Brown Ale Chocolate Fondue. 

Now let's see what everyone's been up to this week! 

   
   

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Valentine's Lettering and Doodles

Happy Valentine's Day ! Hope your day is filled with love and of course chocolate! I didn't do much in the way of crafting but sharing some lettering / doodling I did in the spirit of the day! 

All of these were hand drawn originals by me, then digitally colored. 




Monday, February 12, 2018

Flu and Virus Season Printables

Image result for free graphics sick

Having had a trip to the ER last week due to a virus, I'm here to tell you that cold / flu / virus / bug season is no joke. As with most things though, if  I can't snark my way through it, I can't get through it. 

Fortunately things are on the upswing but have not had the interest or energy in making much, but did come up with some printables to share! 


I'm not paranoid but considering taking a small can of Lysol with me when I leave the house! 


It's not personal but if you so much as cough or sneeze in my general direction, I'm going the other way! 


The  most basic preventative thing all of us can do and probably don't do enough, even at home. 

Click on each image to bring to full size, and right click to Save As. 

Hope you are all holding up and staying healthy!! 

Thursday, February 8, 2018

BFF Open House Spent the Day in the ER Edition


Tis ti season to be siiiick, no fa, no la, and no la la la. Picked up what turns out to be a stomach virus...will spare you the gory details...spent 4 hours in the ER hooked up to fluids to re-hydrate myself. So, no features this week. Straight party. 

Hope everyone is holding up well during this awful flu and bug season. Wash those hands! 

   
   

Thursday, February 1, 2018

BFF Open House Link Party

Happy February all ! Valentine's Day is two weeks from yesterday so here are some ideas from last week's party to get you in the mood! 


Let's start with this fun sign from Lolly Jane. I love (no pun intended) everything about it from the weathered variegated wood, to the single stenciled board, to the "Home" lettering. Wouldn't this also make a great housewarming gift? 


Here's another Love inspired piece of decor. This fun wreath is from Sprinkles and Streamers. Clean and fresh!


If you're looking for Valentine gift ideas, Master Pieces of My Life has got you covered. 


Finally, what special someone would love to be treated to a breakfast of Very Berry Pancakes from Marylins Treats? These would be perfect for  Valentine's day breakfast or breakfast for dinner! 

Now let's see what everyone's been up to this week!