Thursday, May 19, 2016

BFF Open House Link Party

The Answer Is Chocolate

Happy Friday Eve all! Hope the week has been kind to you. Really looking forward to a three day weekend next weekend! 

Let's see some ideas from last week's party:


Doreen from Altered Artworks finds the best flea market finds and then transforms them into even more fabulous pieces. This vintage sewing box is no exception.  "Sew"  pretty!  I heard you groan. 


Speaking of vintage, all those vinyl albums I once owned are now considered vintage. No I don't feel old at all! Love what Lynda from Lynda Creates did with these to make a very cool display stand. 


In keeping with my coincidental theme of found and altered project features, take a look at this piano stool makeover from Artsy VaVa  that started with a piece of fabric she found at an antique mall. 


I dare you to resist these Reeses Brownies. I know I couldn't. I will never get tired of any peanut butter and chocolate combo! Thanks LouLou Girls

Now on to this week's party! 

   
   

Thursday, May 12, 2016

BFF Open House Link Party

The Answer Is Chocolate

Happy Friday Eve all! Hope the week has been kind to you and you to it. Chugging along to the middle of May already and Summer will be here before we know it. We've already had some Summer like days up here in the PNW and I think we may be in for a hot one. We're not used to it! 

Let's see some ideas from last week's party: 


Loving these DIY marbled pots from A Pretty Fix. Super easy to do and the effect is wonderful. 


Linda from Paper Seedlings has been working on hand lettering and shared this piece. I love the quote and the way the letters are done.  Please note: this is her original artwork and not for use as a printable! 


I don't love scented / flavored lip balm (I just hate smelling and tasting it!) so this unscented DIY version from Woods of Bell Trees is perfect! 



Why is it that everything tastes better in a jar? These strawberry desserts from Lou Lou Girls are no exception. With Summer and picnics and outdoor dining season, these are great to store and transport. 

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

   
   

Thursday, May 5, 2016

BFF Open House Link Party

The Answer Is Chocolate

Happy Friday Even and Happy Mother's Day weekend all. Whether you're a mom or a mom figure to someone in your life, wishing you joy and happiness. I won't see my "baby" but my joy comes from knowing that he's working his heart out pursuing his dreams. For me, that's the point of motherhood. OK also knowing that I'll get to see him for a few weeks next month!! 

Here are some features from last week's party a couple you can still whip up to celebrate a mom in your life. 


From Woods of Bell Trees, how about a Jelly Donut Sugar Scrub?! No calories.  


This is not so much of a project as a fantastic idea.  You need to visit Saving and Simplicity to find out what the idea is but I bet you will love it. 


The mystery continues with this wonderful necklace idea from Mich in LA. I challenge you to guess what she used to make this. You won't. Trust me. So you'll have to go visit to find out. 


Nothing says Spring like digging in the dirt. In this case, these fun dirt cups from Sugar Spice and Family Life

   
   




Monday, May 2, 2016

Girlfriend Gifts : Gold Foiled Herb Pots


I don't get together with friends that often, so when I do I like to bring a little something. I think as makers, it's in our nature. 

I had the opportunity to work with some goodies from Oriental Trading Company to make these little Herb Pots. 

OTC Supplies used for these: 
  • Unfinished Square Flowerpots 
  • Patterned Texture Paper Pack
  • Dictionary Tags

Other Supplies: 
  • Mona Lisa Brand Gold Foil Simple Leaf and Adhesive
  • Misc Craft Paints
  • Mod Podge 

I painted the unfinished pots with cream acrylic craft paint. Once dry, I added strips from the patterned paper pack as shown. 


Once the paper strips were dry, I applied the gold foil adhesive to the top and side edges.  The adhesive takes about 20-30 minutes to dry to a tacky state. Once there, I applied the gold leafing randomly. I wanted to match the pattern in the paper so I didn't want complete coverage. I even roughed it up in places. 


I wanted the Dictionary Tags to coordinate with the pots so I applied scraps of the paper I used on the pots along  gold glitter paper and stickers from my stash. 


Since I am not much of a gardener or green thumb ( unless it's green glitter!) I was thrilled to find these all in one herb kits at Target. I included two of these in the pots. 


I wrapped the completed pots with strips of tulle, and finished off with the tags.

Sharing At:








Thursday, April 28, 2016

BFF Open House Link Party

The Answer Is Chocolate

Happy Friday Eve all. How is it already the end of April?! Hope you've all had a good week. Here are some ideas from last week's party! 



My walls may not be filled with exclusive fine art but they are filled with pieces I've enjoyed making. If you like doing your own , A Pretty Fix has a great idea for a whitewashed abstract piece. 


These reverse Batik pillows from The Decor Guru would go well in a room with the artwork above. 


With wedding season upon us here's a great gift idea from Much More Creative. Perfect for an anniversary gift or just because. 

I think my blood sugar went up just looking at this week's chocolate feature ! Willy Wonka has come to life with this Wonka Factory Milkshake Martini from Sweet Meets Bakeshop.




Now onto this week's party! 


   

   







Monday, April 25, 2016

Lavender and Gold Birthday


The  Mumster's birthday was last week and before knowing that we were losing The Purple One, Prince, I'd made some things for the other Purple One, my mom. She truly could have given Prince a run for his money with her love of purple. 

I'd picked up the lavender beads at Michaels without really having a plan. The plan came together when I found the lavender, gold, and silver handmade paper which gave me the inspiration for the necklace and bracelet I made. 


The bracelet and necklace combine the lavender beads with antique gold. For the pendants, I used antique gold bezels (Darice, avail at JoAnn's) , gold glitter paper (Michaels) and glass domes (CraftFantastic.com).  



The necklace is gold chain with sections of lavender and gold beads. 


I used the handmade paper to make some altered candles ( plain candles, Dollar Tree) and finished them with strips cut from rhinestone sheets ( DCWV) ribbon, and charms.  I used a leftover scrap of paper to cover the box for the jewelry. 

What's a birthday without a card? 


The crackled paper is from Oriental Trading company. I'll have a post later in the week featuring more OTC goodies. The flower is suede paper I picked up when I found the handmade papers. I used a Tim Holtz die to cut the flowers. 

I had some beads and charms left over from the candles so I used them to make a few ribbon bookmarks. One for my mom and a couple extra as gifts. 


Sharing At: 



Thursday, April 21, 2016

BFF Open House Link Party

The Answer Is Chocolate

Happy Friday Eve all. It's been "Sprummer" here in the PNW...when it's Spring but feels like Summer. 90+ in APRIL! Fortunately things have cooled down and hopefully we don't see those temps again until Summer. 

Here are some ideas from last week's party that caught my eye. 


Ever since childhood, I've been fascinated with weaving but have never pursued it. Jelica, from A Pretty Fix  has a great tutorial for a mini framed weaving with a lap loom.  I love the colors and the texture and everything about how this turned out. 


Here's another fun piece of DIY art from Artsy Va Va. I love the combination of the yardstick background and the Scrabble tiles. 



I love word games like Scrabble and I also love Crossword puzzles. How cute is this Birthday card from Lynda Creates for a word nerd in your life?  

This week's chocolate feature is almost (ALMOST) too cute to eat. From Sugar Spice and Family Life: 



Now on to this week's party!