Thursday, April 30, 2020

BFF Open House


Happy Friday Eve all! I know the days run together especially as we've been staying home but how did it get to be the end of April already?! Hope everyone had a good week and is staying safe and healthy. 

Let's take a look at some ideas from last week's party! 


This DIY wood flower basket is made from....PAINT STICKS. I think the hardware stores figured out that crafters love paint sticks because I know I've seen them at both Home Depot and Lowes in packages for sale. From The DIY Dreamer and perfect for Mother's Day. 



Another great wood project is this very cool black and white Wall Hanging from Unique Creations By Anita. So many color combination possibilities! 


Stencils aren't just for walls or furniture! Check out how Lisa from Fresh Vintage by Lisa S used on on a Flannel Shirt! 


I have been seeing more recipes combining sweet and savory and/or using herbs in things you wouldn't normally associate with them. These Chocolate and Basil Muffins from Claire Justine look AMAZING! 

Now let's see what you've all been up to this week!


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Why Yes I Do Still Make Things! RAK Thank You Cards Essential Workers



Followers of this blog must wonder "does she actually ever make anything anymore?" and the answer is "she does!"

Things have been crazy busy for a while between a lot of work things, real life things, and some things had to give. I make stuff all the time. What I haven't had or made as much time for is taking photos and editing them to put up here on the blog, or writing blog posts besides my weekly party.  I finally made sure I did. 

Regardless of what our Governor decides next week (which is when he's supposed to make his decision) about relaxing our shelter at home order, we will continue to practice social distancing based on the modeling that shows we haven't yet hit our peak. I'm in a high risk group and don't want to take any chances and I'm also an only child to my little Mommy. So that's that. 

We go out strategically. Grocery shopping and essentials and do some takeout dining to help support local businesses. I've been making it a point to thank the people working who are keeping us going and don't always have a choice whether to be there. I wanted to do something more and one glance at my scrap paper stash gave me the idea to make "Thank You" cards that I could give to them. Maybe it's silly but I'm appreciative of them doing the work to keep us all going and unfortunately I've witnessed some people whose manners are let's just say, absent. 



I bought this great Park Lane Paperie in a curbside order from JOANN's. I like heaving (110 lb) card stock for my cards and this is perfect plus tons of colors to work with. Then I grabbed my baggies of scrap paper leftover from other projects and played. 


I cut each sheet in half so they measure 4.25 x 5.5.  The focal sentiment I did in PrintShop and printed out in three different colors. Measured and cut panels 4 x 5.25 from the scraps and then just mixed and matched. 




Some I did with more than one paper. Others just one sheet. Some embellished w/ glitter tape. Others just simple with the sentiment matted on coordinating scraps. 



I'm trying to be mindful of all that people are going through and I think the world can always use a bit more kindness don't you? 




Thursday, April 23, 2020

BFF Open House Happy Birthday Mumster!


Happy Friday Eve all and hope you've had a good week. This week's party is dedicated to my Mom, affectionately known on this blog as "The Mumster", because today is her BIRTHDAY and a milestone one at that (which I won't blab). 

Any creative genes I have I got from her, a creative and artist in her own right. She's a wonderful friend to her friends and to me now as an adult. She's been there for me always. I cannot wait until it's safe for us to do things together again when we can have a proper celebration! In the meantime,  this is one little way of making sure she knows how important she is to me! She loves seeing all of the creativity you all share each week. 


I think this is perfect for our current shared national situation. Our peak here in AZ has yet to come and I suspect we'll be sheltering in place for a while longer. This Quarantine Bingo from Condo Blues is perfect! 


Anxiety is real and one of the biggest parts of it is feeling like you aren't in control. I thought this was timely and appropriate. From Effortlessly Sophisticated

If you're doing more cooking right now, it might be the perfect time to do an indoor herb garden. These beautiful chalk painted planters tie everything together! From  DIY Vibes.

Finally, I think we all deserve to be treating ourselves during these trying times. There's just something extra special about crepes. These from Marilyn's Treats are no exception! 


Nutella, Strawberries, Bananas...Perfection! 

Be well friends and party on!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Thursday, April 16, 2020

BFF Open House

Hi all. Hope you've made it through the week as well as can be expected these days. Our big excitement was finding TP and paper towel during our weekly foraging this week. 

Once again, I have to apologize. The week's been busy workwise w/ a lot of changes so it's going to be another featureless party. I probably need to think about doing this on a different day. 

Pull up a chair, sit down w/ your favorite quarantine drink and snack and party on! Be well friends!


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Thursday, April 9, 2020

BFF Open House


Friday Eve once again. I think. I'm no longer sure what day it is. Even though I didn't go out all that  much pre-lockdown, I had a routine that at least helped me remember which day of the week it was lol.  Hope everyone's well which has taken on a whole new meaning hasn't it?

Let's take a look at some ideas from last week's party.


Love this hanging planter that's made from...a springform baking pan! Shared by Fresh Vintage by Lisa S. Even more wonderful are the metal words she found that can be interchanged because they are held in place by magnets. 


Since we're largely stuck at home, it's a great time to use up things in our craft stash right? That's what Cecelia from My Thrift Store Addiction did w/ this cute "Hoppy Easter" sign for her garden.


COVID-19 has resulted in a lot of canceled or altered plans including things like baby and bridal showers. Satsuma Designs has a fabulous way to salvage those plans by throwing a Virtual Shower!

You can still coordinate things like games, have everyone prepared with a common snack, have a special treat delivered to the honoree and use applications like Google Hangout or Zoom to bring everyone "together" while maintaining social distancing. 

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


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!


Thursday, April 2, 2020

BFF Open House


It's April already. The world is a hot mess. Thank goodness for crafting! So grateful that my bug from last week turned out not to be "it". Thank you for all the well wishes!

It's so overwhelming reading / watching the news. I hope you are all well and safely social distancing. 



Loving these earrings from My Bijou Life ( and there's a pretty necklace to go with!). Perfect for Spring. 

Many people have been making their own disinfectant for reasons other than the virus that is trying to take over the world. Now , more than ever ( especially if stores are completely wiped out) here's one way to use natural ingredients. From The Organized Dream


This could be a fun project to do alone or if you have kiddos home from school. I saw a similar one of these wood bunnies on my last physical trip to Michaels a few weeks ago (BTW I did their Curbside Pickup last week and it was easy and great and my order was perfect ) or pin for next year. From Artsy VaVa


Finally, if you're missing your favorite donut shop or just need a new snack w/ everyone at home, check out these Cinnamon Sugar Donuts from Lou Lou Girls. YUM! 

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

Keep calm and wash your hands





You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Thursday, March 26, 2020

BFF Open House ... Party, No Features


Hi all, got a bug. So far, don't think it's "that bug" but a bug of some kind. Monitoring symptoms. And yes, I have been washing my hands like I'm prepping for surgery all day every day to make fun of my own teasing. 

All party, no features this week. Hope you're all doing well and 

WASH YOUR HANDS! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!