BFF Open House Two Week Party

 

Happy Friday Eve, all! 2026 is speeding by. I'm a Winter Olympics fan, given that I spent years in an ice rink back in the day, so of course, that's the highlight for me. So proud of the US Team. Much respect for how Ilia Malanin is handling things after being under the microscope of so much pressure. He'll be back in 2030. What's your favorite Winter Olympics event? 

This party will be up for two weeks. The big kids are escaping next week to Mickey's House to celebrate Mr. Chocolate's birthday and getting through a crazy year last year. It will also be a nice break for me after dealing with Mom's health. As tired as I am, I know I'll hit those 25k steps each day, regardless! It's how we stay young. 

Had a chance to sit and play with some of my Bead and Gem Show finds this week!

And Spring is starting to make its way. Lots of fun inspiration shared at last week's party so let's take a look at some inspiring ideas!

Crazy Little Lovebirds shared a genius way to Transform a Plastic Organizer into an Artificial Succulent Hanging Garden! 

Sonata Home Design shared a great DIY Grid Mirror Hack that would elevate any space. 

Who among us has never found themself needing a Gift Bag without one on hand? My French Twist show how to DIY them!

Finally, Cindy's Online Recipe Box shared this yummy looking Chocolate Marble Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache and Strawberry Glaze. 

Thank you all for continuing to share your creations here each week. With the world as heavy as it is, creativity, art, beauty...more important than ever. 

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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 February! 🩷 How it's February already, I'm not sure, but it is. Mom continues her recovery journey and is doing well. I'm still tired and haven't had the energy to make much of anything, but I did get out to a couple of my favorite venues now that Bead and Gem Show season is here. Not that I actually NEEDED any more beads etc., but what's that got to do with anything? It's so much fun to get to see and meet people from all over the world because lemme tell you, it feels like every continent (maybe not Antarctica) is represented at these shows. 

Here's what I picked up this year. 

Some bold beads, bead caps, and findings that I can't wait to play with. Also, those large black and silver beads.

Pink Opal, Dendritic Agate, and Tourmaline. 

Amethyst, Lapis, and Kunzite. I can't wait to play with all of these. 

I've also been enjoying the sessions at the Cricut Craft Fest this week. I love these because I always pick up tips on ways to use my cutting machines. 

You've all been busy as usual, so let's take a look at some fun ideas shared at last week's party.

Steph Creates Things shared this perfect for love season Altered Cutting Board. 

I think all of us Makers do this. See something at a boutique or store like Pottery Barn or West Elm and immediately start thinking "I can knock that off!". Such is the case with these Aluminum Can Vases by Petticoat Junktion inspired by West Elm! Nailed it!

An Artful Mom shared a brilliant idea: Make TWO Journals from One Composition Book! 

And finally, with the big game this weekend, can you have enough treats? These Chocolate Covered Nutter Butter Footballs from Hunny I'm Home DIY are just the thing!

Whether you're resting, crafting, watching the game, or whatever's in store this weekend, I wish you peace. Thanks to everyone who linked up! 

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BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve, and how the heck is it the end of January already?! I know the month has flown by for me, given Mom's health, which continues to improve. Very thankful. Not gonna lie, I'm tired! Haven't had the energy for making anything, but priorities!

Bead and Gem Show season has officially begun in Tucson. In addition to shows in permanent venues, dozens of white tents dot the city, filled with goodies. I get to go to one of my favorite venues tomorrow which will be a nice break and a treat!

For those of you dealing with Winter on steroids, I hope you are safe and warm! 

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, here are some inspiring ideas! 

Petticoat Junktion shared this awesome DIY LOVE Letters Sign made with repurposed hardware. Pun intended, I love it! 

Sonata Home Design share this gorgeous variegated Paper Cone Heart! A perfect project to pass the time indoors. 

Building Our Hive shared a fun Valentine's/Galentine's treat idea. Pucker Up Buttercup lip balm and tags!

Finally, how stinkin' cute are these Valentine's Truffles from 3 Boys and a Dog?! Made with Golden Oreos, but any flavor would work. 

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 Friday Eve all, and how is it the end of the third week in January?! XYZ years ago today, we got the best gift ever when our son was born! He's grown into a wonderful man of whom we're extremely proud. 

Thanks for your ongoing well-wishes for my mom. She's home as of Tuesday and doing great! So happy to be back in her own bed and now I'm trying to get her not to do too much. 

With getting mom sprung and setttled, I haven't had time this week to really do much but I did manage to finish my Valentine's cards early which I'll share soon. 

In the meantime, let's take a look at some of the brilliant ideas shared last week and for those of you in the path of the extreme cold that's coming, stock up and stay warm! 

Steph Creates shared this beautiful Valentine's Wreath that could easily stay up into Spring!

Master Pieces of My Life shared these gorgeous Floral Heart Ornaments. 

I don't know about you, but when I travel I need multiple bags for things. Jewelry, Cosmetics, CORDS! My French Twist has got you covered with this bright and bold Emergency Kit (See? One more bag for me!) made from Marimekko fabric. They do such wonderful prints! 

Finally, wouldn't this Caramel Toffee Mini Bundt Cake be just the thing with a warm drink on a cold day? From Cindy's Online Recipe Box. 

Thank you to everyone who linked up! Stay warm and let's see what you've been up to this week. 

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BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve, Creative Peeps!

I hope you've all had a good week. Thank you for your sweet comments about Mom, who's doing GREAT! Insisted I bring her lipstick to the PT rehab place (and as friends and Mr. Chocolate will tell you, I'm no different). I continue to be very pleased with them. I'm a person who, if you tell me what you're going to do, I expect it to be done. When I come unglued is when I have to push, and they've been on top of everything, and I've had to follow up on NOTHING! We're hoping she can be discharged by the end of next week. 

My first "creation" of 2026 is a portable little kit I made using supplies from Dollar Tree. They've got some containers that are great for craft supplies!

Portable Beading/Art Caddy

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

Crazy Little Lovebirds shared this beautiful Heart Decor Piece, refreshed for Winter. I love repurposing things I already have on hand. 

My French Twist shared these lovely Macrame Heart Coasters. Perfect for Valentine's Day!

Sonata Home Design shared this BRILLIANT Wireless Wall Sconce that can go so many places and is perfect for homeowners or renters! No wiring or electrician required. 

Finally, with Valentine's Day and Lunar New Year approaching (or just because!) Press Print Party shared how to make your own Fortune Cookies with Customized Messages!

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

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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