BFF Open House

 

Woo Hoo! Happy Friday Eve. Mr. Chocolate continues to walk unassisted and has learned his lesson about overdoing it (I think) and my Primary has at least been able to give me a diagnosis on my back (compressed discs and an uncommon calcium deposit condition which will need monitoring). Physical Therapy will be part of my Summer, but at least it's a plan! Thanks for putting up with all my health updates. 

I even made something this week! Just a birthday card, but it felt great to create! Cardmaking Without a Machine.

Thinking about everyone who's dealing with the smoke etc. from the wildfires in Canada. Having lived under threats of them in both the Pacific Northwest and now Southwest, with daily air quality alerts, it's daunting. Be safe, stay hydrated, mask up!

Lovely ideas shared at last week's party so here are a few inspiring ideas.

Absolutely stunning makeover of Thrifted Finds from The House on Silverado! You really have to see the "before" to appreciate the "after". 

For another fabulous thrifted makeover, check out this Repurposed Mail Holder from The Apple Street Cottage. 

Steph Creates is back with another adorable Dollar Tree find and transformation! Thinking these would be cute around the holidays with Christmas trees too! 

Finally, with Father's Day approaching, if you're planning a menu you want to check out the selection that Bluesky At Home shared. If you can't find one from these choices, not sure it exists! 

Thanks to all who linked up and let's take a look at what everyone's been up to this week!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Papercrafting: Cardmaking Without a Machine

 

As much as I love my cutting machines and all of the files that can be used for cardmaking, I also love that in all of the paper stacks I have, some include sheets of panels that can be cut down to use as focals for cards. This is a perfect way for anyone without a machine to be able to make their own cards. 

Supplies: 

• Birthday and Coordinated Papers (I used a "Happy Cake Day" stack and Ombre stack I had from Michaels. 
• White 110lb cardstock
• Adhesive (I use my 3G ATG Tape Runner)
• Self Adhesive Rhinestones

These were the paper stacks I had in my stash. I chose one sheet of panels from the Cake Day stack, a sheet of cupcake papers, and one sheet from the Ombre stack. 

I picked the "Make a Wish" panel from the panel sheet, cut out, and saved the rest to make more cards. I make almost all of my cards 5x7 so cut the white cardstock to 10x7, then scored down the middle. 

I've donated to charities before and stacks with these kinds of panel sheets make it easy to do multiples and maximize cost-effectiveness. 

I cut an orange ombre sheet to 4.75x6.75 and another piece to frame the Make a Wish panel and layered as shown. 

To finish I added light green self adhesive rhinestones in different sizes on the cake base, cake, and candles. 

Next up,working on some Father's Day cards! 

BFF Open Hous

 

Happy June all! I'm not sad to see May go but the saga continues. Mr. Chocolate was finally able to stand and walk on his injured foot and of course, overdid it because some days "Why are MEN?!" And I've had back issues for years including a previously herniated disc so guess who's going for imaging tomorrow. I refuse to let June go the way of May! REFUSE! So, another week of not doing much which has to change. 

In the meantime, let's see what you healthy creative people have been up to!

This $5 Target Mini-Wheelbarrow with Succulents from Steph Creates is a perfect Spring to Summer transition piece. 

I love seeing Painted Rocks in gift shops and galleries and does anyone remember a few years ago when people were leaving these to be found by random others? Simple Joys has some wonderful ways to do these. 

With July Fourth next month, get a jump on a piece of Patriotic Decor using Vintage Rulers! From the always Creatively Beth.

Finally, and as the saying goes "timing is everything" because we just saw these on a show and couldn't remember the name, check out these Brigadeiros, a Brazilian Truffle, from Kiku Corner. YUM!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

BFF Open House

 

Woo hoo! An uneventful week on the homefront and Happy Friday Eve. Should I mention it's seven months until Christmas? I know, right? Mr. Chocolate's foot is healing but he still can't fully bear weight on it even though he can bear some, and now the challenge is him not trying to do too much and letting it heal fully. 

No big Memorial Day plans beyond being thankful to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of the country. 

Let's take a look at some of the great ideas shared at last week's party!

Paper Seedlings shared this elegant and gorgeous Mother's Day card that would work equally as well for weddings or showers! I love the simplicity of the color combination which to me, makes it stand out. 

If you don't live near a beach or especially if you do, Master Pieces of My Life has a great way to bring the beach inside with this By the Sea Tray!

This Live Edge Wood Table from Saved From Salvage is perfect for DIYers! 

May the Fourth may have already come and gone but I imagine there will be lots of Summer viewings of Star Wars Movies and series. These Star Wars Cookies (complete with Blue Milk!) are a must serve. From A Homemaker's Heart. 

NOTE: Blogger Bloggers, if I didn't leave you a comment about your feature, it's because Blogger is being a bit of a pain for me and telling me I'm not signed in when I can see that I am. 

Alright, thank you to everyone who linked up and let's see what you've been up to this week! Have a safe Memorial Day.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

BFF Open House

 

Dear May 2023,

I'm not sure what I did to you, but it was clearly something because for the third week now, "things haven't gone as planned". 

"Now what?" you might ask. Lemme tell you. I made my mom a very special Mother's Day dinner last Saturday night. Herbed filet-mignon, Dauphinoise potatoes, broccoli gratin and cheated and picked up two different cakes for dessert. I came home from dropping her back at her place only to find that Mr. Chocolate decided to climb up on a ladder while I was gone, and of course, he fell off. 

Landed HARD on his heel which we thought he fractured but "men" so did we go to the ER that night? No. The next day? "But it's Mother's Day"! He'd shopped for brunch, which I made because did I mention he couldn't stand? Monday: "Lets see how it goes". Finally, Tuesday we went. Whew. Wasn't fractured because we learned that if it had been, he'd have had to have spinal imaging since that would mean the force was strong enough to potentially damage the spine. Oh, and surgery for the heel. So again, "whew" that it wasn't but he's been using his desk chair to scoot around the house and it's a good thing we have tile floors and no carpet. He can't sneak up on me though because clackity clack, I hear you coming Oswald Cobblefoot! 

Needless to say, another week of not doing anything creative! I'm afraid to think what the last week in May might have in store. I hope everyone had a less eventful and fun Mother's Day weekend and let's see what you've been up to this week! 

Can you ever have too many reusable bags? Love this Repurposed Jeans Bag from Me and My Inklings! Perfect for Summer.

One of the best things I ever bought was a HUGE roll of Kraft Paper. Seriously, it's got to be 20 years old and I still have about 1/4 of it left and like Steph Creates, have used it for pretty wrapping projects. i love the combination here of rustic and floral. 

Like Bananas Foster? Then you will want to check out this Bananas Foster Cocktail from Cook Eat Go !

Finally, I too love Gooey Brownies. These from A Day of Small Things look PERFECT! 

Thanks to everyone who linked up and if this was your first time, Welcome! Now let's see what everyone's been up to this week.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

BFF Open House

 

Happy Friday Eve and Mother's Day Weekend to everyone celebrating. I qualify that because one of the things I appreciate about getting older is learning that what is joyous for some, isn't always for all. And maybe I'm just in a contemplative mood. Didn't really create anything this past week and I try to keep things focused on the creative here but I also try to keep it real. I lost my favorite cousin who was more like an Aunt. We started losing her to dementia about 6 years ago but she entered hospice a week ago last Friday and then made her transition. 

I mention her here especially because she was a Creative! A lifelong seamstress who immigrated to the US from Trinidad and Tobago worked in the New York garment district, then for a Seattle-based company that for years made a lot of Nordstrom house brand clothing. She was one of those talents who could look at a piece of clothing and whip out a replica. She kept my mom, me, and other relatives in style!  She was also a great cook but like others of her generation, kept my favorite recipes of hers in her head, always promising to share them in a someday that was stolen by dementia. I will continue trying to crack the code to replicate them! 

She honored me by keeping every handmade card or piece of jewelry and encouraged my own creativity.

May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest, Carmen. 

OK let's see some of the creativity shared at last week's party. Do you have a special relative who inspired your creativity? 

I don't know why things look better elevated but they just do. This DIY Painted Wood Riser from Crazy Little Love Birds is just perfect for holding a candle, small plant, or vase. It's also just pretty! 

It's prime party season with graduations, weddings, Memorial Day and Fourth of July gatherings, birthdays, showers...you name it. And garlands just make everything seem more festive right? You'll want to check out these DIY Crepe Paper Garlands from Simple Joys. Color possibilities? Endless!

Got buttons? Fabric and craft stores or thrift stores often have bags of assorted colors and sizes and this idea from Artsy Karma to use them to create a fun Button Canvas Art project. 

Finally, doesn't this look delicious? Don't try to cut it though because it's...CAKE PANS! I shouldn't have spoiled it but I didn't want anyone looking for a Strawberry Cake recipe at Studio 27 by Jennifer Adams. It's a fabulous centerpiece for a party or kitchen decor. 

Thanks to everyone 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!

Click here to enter

BFF Open House

 

Happy May and Friday Eve! Whew, it's been a week. Came down with a sudden onset fever of 101-102 last weekend. I thought I was for sure headed to urgent care or the ER on Monday when thankfully, I woke up and it had broken. COVID tests were negative and didn't have other symptoms but it left me zapped of ANY energy for two days more. I'm not used to sitting around doing basically nothing but that's exactly the level of energy I've had. Back to about 30% yesterday and a bit more today but blech!

I hope you've all had a MUCH better week. May has definitely brought flowers to lots of the cacti in the desert. The blooms are amazing. And lots going on to start the month.Teacher Appreciation, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Mother's Day next weekend.

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

This is one to save for next year's "May the Fourth Be With You" fun but was too perfect not to share. Light Saber Cookies from Rose Bakes. What Jedi wouldn't love these?

Speaking of Cactus blooms, this Kissed Cactus card from Paper Seedlings couldn't be more timely or perfect. 

I'm not sure how many generations away we may be from these well work handwritten family recipes going the way of the dodo but while we still have some, this Vintage Recipe Art from Sum of Their Stories is a fabulous way to preserve them! 

Finally, perfect for this weekend since it's Kentucky Derby time, are these Mint Julep Mocktails (easily turned into an adult version with a splash of  Kentucky Borbon) from Me and My Inklings! 

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

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter