Sunday, February 8, 2026

Papercrafting: Layered LOVE Valentine's Cards

 


This week's party continues here through tomorrow. 

Busy as I've been, I found some time to make Valentine's Day Cards for family and friends. I had some great papers left from a stack I bought last year so I used them, along with a few new embellishments I picked up this year. 

Supplies:

  • 110lb Cardstock (Recollections, Michaels)
  • Seasonal Papers (Sweetheart Day Stack, Michaels)
  • Coordinating Glitter Papers
  • Adhesive Foam Dots, Glue Runner
  • Misc. Embellishements
  • Cut File
  • Digital Cutting Machine

I always plan cards by the focal image I want to use and build around that. I went with this LOVE image from Cricut Design Space. 


In Cricut Design Space, I used the offset function to create two additional layers. I cut and assembled all of my focal pieces, then cut and assembled my cards following my go to 5x7 card and 4.75x6.75 panels. This stack had some great acetate papers included which I had fun with!


TIP: If I don't want to cut more papers for my panels, I combine leftover pieces and just measure them the same size as the panel. 

I found these embellishments at DAISO, and they were perfect for my cards!


Just added them to the letters etc.



These conversation hearts are from one of the acetate panels. 


That's about the extent of my Valentine's crafting this year, but I couldn't NOT show the people I love that I love them! 

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Thursday, February 5, 2026

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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Thursday, January 29, 2026

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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Thursday, January 22, 2026

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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Thursday, January 15, 2026

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!


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! 







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Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Organizing: Portable Beading or Art Caddy

 

Thank you to everyone who left a comment about my Mom on my BFF Open House post. She's a trooper, and she's doing really well. FINALLY got her moved to the PT Rehab she was discharged to, and very pleased so far with the facility and care she's getting. They are on top of everything, and she's busy with over 3 hours of rehab per day and already asking, "When can I leave?" Good sign. 


On the way home yesterday, I popped into Dollar Tree for a little therapy of my own. And what to my wondering eyes did appear? These great storage bins with handles provide me with a solution to something I've been thinking about. I do most of my crafting in my craft room. But there are times when I want to be able to do something while watching TV at night or even while traveling. Couple that with wanting to get back into some bead embroidery and being able to keep things neat.



With the start of the year and organizing season, Dollar Tree has these great portable containers that gave me my solution! They're deep enough yet shallow enough if that makes sense. I created a Portable Beading Kit, which includes another Dollar Tree storage container to hold nine sets of beads. The great thing about the smaller container? Each container within the container comes with a lid, so beads won't spill everywhere! I have a couple of these in which I store glitter. The handles on the bigger containers come in three different colors. I chose this grey-taupe. The others are  green and  gold.


Here's my kit, complete with felt, embroidery floss, needles, and beads (I added scissors after taking the picture). Easy to carry between my TV chair and my craft room. Easy to swap out other colors. Easy to store when not using. 


The beads are secure in their containers within the smaller container. Lids secure, so even if it gets dropped or turned at a weird angle...no spills. This would also work for sequins, rhinestones, literally anything small that you want to create a collection for. Paints, papers, pencils and pens too!

Now, I just need to work on making things with my organized supplies!


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