Thursday, August 30, 2012

BFF Open House Link Party #68: William Shakespeare Edition

Doesn’t it seem like Summer just started? And here we are at the end of August already!


So what’s up with the title you’re thinking. . Thanks to old Will, 21 years ago tomorrow ( Friday ) I married the guy I met in a College Shakespeare class  5 years earlier. I chose the class specifically for its content; he needed an English credit and it fit into his schedule.
The Tempest – Act 3, Scene 1
I would not wish any companion in the world but you
We still debate about who liked who first ( he totally liked me first) and we were just friends for four years before we actually dated. Then “twu wuv” ( Princess Bride). I love you Mr. Chocolate and hopefully you won’t be too mad at me for getting all mushy gushy on my blog.

Now, whatcha been up to this week? Who’s going to be the first to share a Halloween project? Let’s see!

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Monday, August 27, 2012

Green Craft: Turn A Cheese Box Into A Gift Box




I recently shared this project over at the Expressions Vinyl blog but wanted to share it here with all of my readers.

I know I'm not the only one who looks at something for its crafty possibilities before recycling or putting it in the trash. I've seen some other crafty peeps use these cheese boxes and had been saving one to play with. 


Laughing Cow Box

I used my box to trace two circles onto the scrapbook paper you see in the background, cut them out and then applied them to the box using Mod Podge. 

While that was drying, I went to work on what would be the focal point of my box. I alternate between my Silhouette Cameo and my Cricut Expression, both of which I love to use to cut vinyl. I used the Cricut for this.

Damask Decor

I used the Damask Décor cartridge and a taupe vinyl scrap and cut out my image ( #30).

Damask 30 Cricut

Here’s the vinyl all cut out and placed on the top of the box. I liked it well enough at that point but never being one to leave anything alone, I went to my embellishment stash and decided on a paper flower and some chocolate colored self adhesive pearls.

Vinyl Embellished Gift Box

The whole thing took maybe an hour and most of that was drying time for the Mod Podge.  Simple, inexpensive, uses what you might already have on hand. Now I just have to finish the gift that is going inside the gift box!

Damask Vinyl Box

Sharing At:

BFF Open House #67 Wrap Up and Features

Thanks everyone for joining in the fun another week. Here are just a few of the fabulous projects that were shared:

Bev from Flamingo Toes shared thise Faux-Bois painted tumblers. Be sure to check out her tutorial for the glass painting technique she used.

I have yet to make one of these yarn wreaths but the gals over at Six Sisters Stuff have definitely inspired me to try with this cute ruffled wreath!


Sometimes the prettiest things are also the simplest. Like this trash can from the Dollar Tree wrapped in burlap. Go see Rhonda at The Messy Roost for another high impact low cost idea.
And finally, if you want to see the CUTEST party ever ( I could have featured this entire party!) go visit Jennifer at One Thrifty Chick to see this amazing Curious George extravaganza!
IMG_5357
Thanks again to everyone who linked up and hope you have a creative week!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

BFF Open House Link Party #67

Hey there, howdy, and hello and welcome to another party! Nothing too exciting on this end. College Boy is settled in his new dorm and we’re adjusting to the empty nest again. We’re in high back to school time so I’ve been seeing some really fun projects. Let’s get right to it!

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Don’t forget to spread the party love and go visit each other!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Ribbon and Jump Rings Necklace Part Deux: Cream and Amber

Ribbon Rings Amber

I had so much fun with the Ribbon and Jump Rings necklace I shared last week that when I found myself at Michaels again this weekend ( they really need to give me my own parking space) I went looking for another one of the ribbon necklaces I used.

No more black ( eeek! boo! it’s my signature color!) but they had the same one in cream so I decided to branch out! Hello , my name is Carol and I’m a neutral-holic.

Cousin Trinkettes

I also picked up a package of these Trinkettes beads by Cousin (fear not colorful people they come in loads of colors) and while I was scrounging around in the clearance bin again, came across these gorgeous amber-crystal-cabochony thingies. $1.99. SCORE.

Ribbon Rings Closeup

Similar to the black necklace I made, I strung large jump rings onto the ribbon necklace, over all of the layers.

Rings on Ribbon

Total number of jump rings: 11 It made sense to  me to have 5 on each side and one in the middle. No reason other than that's what felt right. You could use more. You could use less.

Then I put some of the Trinkettes beads on some of the large jump rings and the amber cabochony thingies on other jump rings and used smaller jump rings to attach everything together. I’m very technical! Seriously. This is super super easy and there are several different types of ribbon necklaces avail even if you don’t find this exact one by Bead Landing because I bought them all.

Ribbon Rings Closeup

Cabochony thingy, Trinkettes beads, cabochony thingy Trinkettes etc.

Look Mom, I didn’t even use the black beads ( YET!). And yes I did drive to another Michaels looking for another black ribbon necklace. No luck. There’s another Michaels I’m checking out this weekend. Sssssshhhhhh.

Sharing At: 

Monday, August 20, 2012

BFF Open House Link Party #66: Wrap Up and Features

Thanks for another wonderful party! Every week I am excited to see what gets linked up and every week, you don’t disappoint! Here are just a few of the fabulous ideas that were shared.

If you have a Superhero or comic lover in your life, then you NEED to check out this adorable inivte from Michele at The Scrap Shoppe:


Love Ikea? Love washi tape? See how Jess from Cox’s Corner brings the two together:


Bev from Flamingo Toes is also known as the Anthropologie Queen for her amazing ability to knock-off jewelry that costs a fortune at Anthropologie for a fraction of the cost. I also always love her interpretation more. This necklace did not disappoint and make sure and check out her entire series:


Got paint chips? Head over to The Single Nester for the how to on this fab idea how to use them:


And finally, want to feel less guilty about indulging in some brownies? Head over to Mommy’s Sweet Confessions for the recipe for these:


I’m pretty sure the zucchini nullifies the calories!

Hope to see you all again on Friday. Make it a creative week!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

BFF Open House Link Party #66: Hot Flash Edition

At least our weather is making me feel like I’m having one! The PNW is not known for its blistering hot Summer days and the rest of you think we’re wimps. Guilty as charged!

So what’s everyone been up to this week? College boy is on his way back to school and I know lots of you are getting your little and not so little ones off too. Let’s see what wonderful creations everyone’s made since last week!
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