Laura Kelly's Inklings

Where Messy Meets Adorable Through Simple DIY Projects

  • SHOP LAURA KELLY
  • Laura Kelly Designs Printables Library
  • Creative Crafts
  • Word Search Puzzle Printables Free
  • Educational Resource Printables
  • As Seen on the NEWS
  • All Blog Posts
  • Lots About Laura
  • Me and My Peeps – The Story and The Brand
  • Subscribe for Free Printables
  • Privacy Policy and Disclosure

April 16, 2021 by: admin

Team Creative Crafts Craft-A-Thon

Team Creative Crafts Craft-A-Thon

GIFT-A-THON Giveaways!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Team Creative Crafts Craft-A-Thon is a virtual event streaming on Facebook with 5 hours of crafty happiness.  There will be over 10 projects to make using a variety of mediums, supplies, tools and techniques. The Creative Crafts girls (Me, Beth Watson from Creatively Beth and Ann Butler from Bella Crafts Publishing)  are ready to teach you all kinds of new fun ways to get creative.

Giveaways

The first giveaway you can enter to win is this awesome PRIZE BOX from Therm-O-Web!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There will be LOADS of giveaways, like more than 50! Be sure to say YES that you are attending in the Facebook Event because our first 5 winners will be announced at the beginning of the Craft-A-Thon and will all be randomly selected from the pool of those who let us know ahead of time that they are joining us.

Who is Team Creative Crafts?

There are three of us who work together to bring this crafty fun to you! — me, Ann and Beth.  We are crafty besties and work together is lots of ways. Ann blogs over at Bella Crafts Publishing and shares so many fantastic ideas and techniques.  I love Ann because she is always smiling, almost always in the middle of creating something and is truly the kind of friend and friend would want to have. Beth blogs over at Creatively Beth.  She is over-the-top creative and my bestest travel buddy. We would LOVE it if you would join all of us on our creative adventures! 

  • Ann at Bella Crafts Publishing | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest
  • Laura at Laura Kelly Designs | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest
  • Beth at Creatively Beth | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Sponsors

We have the best sponsors. I LOVE all of these products so much and can’t wait to share ways to use them in crafting and DIYs with you during the Team Creative Crafts Craft-A-Thon. Let’s take a quick look at each of these wonderful companies.

DecoArt

I have been working with DecoArt paints and products for pretty much forever. We will be sharing their new paint sets for Michaels to create finishes on different surfaces. Until then, here is a link to one of my favorite DecoArt projects because painting kindness rocks is always a great idea.

How to Paint Rocks Guide

Beth loves DecoArt as much as me. She made something pretty amazing. Can you guess what it is from this photo? Go find out.

Therm-O-Web

There is some super exciting news about Therm-O-Web.  I have a WHOLE NEW CRAFT LINE launching with them and can barely contain my excitement. There will be foils, stamps, papers, cards/envelopes, tags and more. Until then, here is a favorite project using some of their products for to check out.

DIY Mixed Media Bird Decor

Beth made these darling tags at a workshop with Therm-O-Web in Chicago!

Ann is pretty much an expert when it comes to using Therm-O-Web foils.  She has a great post sharing more on the Bella Crafts blog.

Hemptique

The best hemp cord comes from Hemptique. We have the funnest project planned for you during the Team Creative Crafts Craft-A-Thon — string art! Here is a link to a string art project that is super cute already on the blog.

Kunin Felt

If you have been around long (or even for a short time) then you know that I am pretty crazy about felt.  We will be sharing this adorable felt/fabric garland during the Craft-A-Thon.  If you want to buy the felt/fabric/twine ahead of time — you can grab the kit in my online shop.

Beth created this darling banner with Kunin Felt and I want it.

Fairfield World

So many of the wonderful things that I make and share have a product from Fairfield World included. They are the makers of Poly-Fil stuffing, Poly-Pellets, oly*fun and tons of other fillings and battings.  We will be showing you several ways to use their products including filling a bean bag chair and making monsters.  Grab the monster pattern here on the blog.

Ann made the most amazing puff rag quilt using Fairfield World’s Poly-Fil.  Check out her post with all of the details and get inspired to start sewing one of your own.

Beth made a storage stool from a wine crate with Fairfield World foam.  Check it out!

Sculpey 

Polymer Clay is such a fun medium because it allows the makers to create such a huge variety of projects. During the Team Creative Crafts Craft-A-Thon we will be teaching you how to use the Liquid Sculpey.  I. This post has the free printable for making the kindness flowers too. Until then, here is one of my favorite projects. love the Bake Shop clay because it is super easy to work with

Xyron

We can’t wait to show you how to make your own stickers with the Creative Station AND share the new glue guns from Xyron during the Team Creative Crafts Craft-A-Thon. Until then, here is a link to one of my favorite Xyron Creative Station sticker projects.

Beth used Xyron’s Sticker Maker to create something fun.  Look at these awesome supplies. Check out her custom doodle stickers!

Eclectic Products

Everyone LOVES E6000 glue, right?!  We are going to make this super fun bulletin board with E-6000 AND share TONS of their awesome products with you during the Craft-A-Thon. You don’t want to miss this! We will even be giving away a HUGE box of Eclectic goodness so definitely stay tuned. We used the E6000 Fabri-Fuse to attach the felt musical notes to Jordan’s senior overalls and let me tell you – it’s amazing to work with!

Beth used E6000 Fabri-Fuse to upcycle tees with lace.  They are stellar.

ooly

I LOVE LOVE LOVE ooly products.  While they are packaged and seem to be geared for kids, I find them to work great in so many of my favorite projects. The Chunkies Paint Sticks make the best posters with the greatest ease. Check them out here on the blog.

You need to go see what Beth did with these doodles using ooly markers.

Darn Good Yarn

There are so many fabulous fiber arts projects to be made using the wonderful variety of yarns from Darn Good Yarn. We will be using the Wild Peacock Recycled Silk Yarn Worsted Weight to teach you how to make adorable tassels. Until then, check out one of my favorite projects created with Darn Good Yarn here on the blog because pom-poms are for everything.

Emerald Creek

Ann has a wonderful line of watercolors with Emerald Creek.  Learn more about them on the Bella Crafts blog.

Schedule

We will be starting a new project every 30 minutes beginning at 1 pm. EST.  You can get all of the details in the Facebook Event!

Team Creative Craft Gift-A-Thon

On Friday night (the eve of the Craft-A-Thon), we will be sharing our first ever Team Creative Crafts Gift-A-Thon featuring our favorite handmade makers that sell their products (and a few of our fave small businesses too).  There is a Facebook event for that too.  It will be tons of fun and filled with inspiration, connection and MORE GIVEAWAYS!!!!

 

We sure hope you will join us!
Cheers,

Laura (and Beth and Ann)

April 14, 2021 by: admin

Linky Party Edition 37

Wowza what a week this was.  Beth and I are in Florida at the Wizarding World but headed back to my studio tomorrow.  We are going to meet Ann and be sharing TONS of creative inspiration for the following few days.  Make sure you are following along on Instagram and Facebook.

There were a lot of fun things shared last week in the linky party.  Check out our faves.

  • ANN’s fave was the checkerboard table by Libbie with A Life Unfolding  
  • LAURA loved the peanut butter and jelly charms by Lindsay with Artsy Fartsy Mama
  • BETH chose the sweet gum tree balls by Sarah with Sadie Seasongoods 

There are three of us who work together to bring this party to you!  We would LOVE it if you would join all of us on our creative adventures.

Ann at Bella Crafts Publishing | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Laura at Laura Kelly Designs | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Beth at Creatively Beth | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

RULES

The rules are simple:

  • Please visit our hosts on social media and say HI!  We can’t feature you if you aren’t following us on at least one platform because – teamwork!
  • Share up to THREE family friendly – crafts, recipes, DIY, home décor, printables, etc. – linked to a specific post – not your main website URL.
  • Also, Please don’t link up shops, advertising, round-ups, other linky parties, or any sales promotions, we appreciate it.
  • Help us spread the word about this party by sharing the Creative Crafts Linky Party button in your post or sidebar.  Use the hashtag #creativecrafts when sharing on social!
  • Additionally, It’s not a party if you aren’t mingling!  Visit other links at the party because it’s always nice to leave comments and pin from the original source. 

By linking to the Creative Crafts Linky Party #34, you give us permission to share your post and images on our blogs and social media. We will always give proper credit with a photo and link back.

LET’S GET THIS LINKY PARTY STARTED!

 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

April 9, 2021 by: admin

Recycled Paper Tube Rainsticks

Recycled Paper Tube Rainsticks

Recycle paper tube rainsticks are a fabulous way to make fun, usable and creative instruments with your kids. The huge variety of colors from DecoArt’s Americana line create endless possibilities of designs, color schemes and patterns. Did you know that music ignites all areas of child development.  It supports skills in school readiness (including intellectual, social-emotional, motor and language development. Making music can help the body and the mind work together. Exposing children to music and making homemade instruments during the younger years helps them learn the sounds and meanings of words too.  So, lets make some.

Paper Tube Rainsticks

Supplies Needed for Paper Tube Rainsticks

  • DecoArt Americana Paints in a Variety of Colors
  • Scissors
  • Parchment Paper
  • Poly-Pellets
  • Poly-Fil
  • Rubber Bands
  • Paper Tubes (Longer ones from paper towels work the best.)

Direction for Paper Tube Rainsticks

Start by painting your tubes. With younger kids, it is helpful to select a few colors before the painting begins.  Here are some fun facts about this paint, taken straight from the DecoArt website. “First bottled in 1985, Americana Acrylics have long been known for delivering consistent, premium quality at a budget-friendly price. There’s a reason Americana is the brand of choice for more painting teachers and published artists than any other brand — the versatility and quality are unmatched.”

A great tip is to hold the tube from the inside with one hand while painting with the other because it allows control.

It is fun to paint more than one at a time because this allows the paint to be drying on one while working on others.  It is also fun to paint different sized tubes and even a can with a lid to make other types of instruments.

While the paint on the tubes is drying, cut circles from parchment paper. Trace a jar lid on the paper then cut out. It should be about twice as wide as the tube.

Fold the circle over the end of the tube and secure it with a rubber band.  Don’t make it too tight or it will cause the tube to indent. This step is best done with the help of a grown-up.

According to research, “a rainstick is a long, hollow tube partially filled with small pebbles or beans that has small pins or thorns arranged helically on its inside surface. When the stick is upended, the pebbles fall to the other end of the tube, bouncing off the internal protrusions to create a sound reminiscent of falling rain”. To make the inside work, add a scrunched up piece of parchment paper.

Then add about 1/4 cup of Poly-Pellets and put another circle on the other end. The easy pour spout is the BEST.

Another option is to put some Poly-Fil puffs in the tube with the Poly-Pellets. This will create a totally different sound.

Why Painting with Kids is a Good Idea

Painting with kids is so much more than a craft project or simple activity. It is a way for kids (of all ages really) do many very important things.  Here are some fabulous reasons to get kids painting.

  1. It helps them convey ideas and share.
  2. Painting gives kids an opportunity to express emotions — even ones that might be hiding deep inside.
  3. It uses several senses to paint and through that kids make connections.
  4. Exploring color, the process and the outcomes teaches cause and effect.
  5. When kids made handmade masterpieces, it boosts confidence.

Preparation Steps for Painting with Kids

One of the biggest factors in creating successful paint crafts with kids lies in the prep. Here are four things you can do to prepare for a great time crafting.

  1. Expect a little mess. Prep your area knowing that paint can spill, drip and splatter. Cover your work are with kraft paper before starting.
  2. Provide aprons for the kids. If you don’t want to but them, they can wear old adult sized shirts as aprons.
  3. Have paper towels nearby and ready if needed.
  4. Know the dry time of the project before starting.  If there are several steps, there might be a dry time involved. Have a puzzle or activity on hand to do during that in between time. You can grab free ones here on the blog.

More Instruments

Anything that jingles, clacks or can be banged on is fun to make. I whipped up a little drum and a mini tambourine while making the rainsticks.

More Recycled Crafts

There are so many ways to recycle household items and make them into wonderful things. Both of my Creative Crafts teammates have some great projects to share with you today. Be sure to check back tomorrow for TONS of ideas from all of the bloggers participating in this month’s Team Creative Crafts edition of Recycled Crafts!

Beth created this amazing wreath! I am IN LOVE with it.

Ann created these beautiful recycled flowers.

GIVEAWAY!

Enter to win 10 pounds of PolyFil and a $100 gift card to JoANN Stores.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have fun making these.  Be sure to share this project!

Cheers!
Laura

April 8, 2021 by: admin

Tin Can Stilts

Tin Can Stilts

Making tin can stilts is easy and a great way to recycle those cans.  They are fun because they can be painted all the different colors and decorated to fit any personality.  Using yarn to make the handles is fun because it too can add all the colors and textures. Did you play with the classic tin can stilts when you were a kiddo?  Do you remember crazy fun it was? It took a lot of practice (along with some bumps and bruises) to get it right.  

Recycled Tin Can Stilts made from recycled coffee cans and yarn. #laurakellydesigns

Coffee cans are fantastic for making stilts.  You will need to clean the cans and remove all the labels before getting started.  Be sure to have the following supplies ready too.

Supplies for Tin Can Stilts

  • Tin Cans
  • DecoArt Multi-Purpose Acrylic Paints
  • Hole Puncher that Cuts Through Metal
  • Yarn

Directions:

First, paint your cans to decorate them. They can be painted solid or with lots of decorations.

Next, punch holes in the can on either side. 

Following the hole punching, use yarn to make the handles. Braid colors together to make it a thicker handle.  Your final yarn handle should measure  from your child’s armpit to their ankle then doubled.

Finally, tie the yarn handle through the holes of the can to complete the stilt.  You will need to do this for both cans. 

Tin Can Stilts Recycled Craft for Kids

When the child stands on the can and hold the handles to balance, they become taller.  This is a great activity for coordination and balance. It takes a lot to get the hands and feet and ropes and cans all working together at the same time!

More Recycled Craft Ideas

My Creative Crafts Team is sharing lots of ideas for recycling items into craft projects and DIYs. Check out these two from Beth and Ann.

Ann used a vintage linen from her grandmother and turned it into this beautiful heart ornament stuffed with Poly-Fil from Fairfield World. I think it is simply gorgeous.

Beth used Poly-Fil to make this awesome upcycled sweatshirt pillow.

 

Even More Recycled Crafts

I love recycled crafts because they make something old into something new and useful. Maybe there are some more things you would love to try making in this fun post.

Recycled Craft Ideas for Kids

What Recycled Items are Good for Crafts

There are so many things that can easily be recycled into craft projects for kids.  Here are the things that I save up in my garage.  When it gets to be too much, sometimes I do drop offs at the local elementary school.

  • Jars
  • Shoeboxes
  • Paper Tubes
  • Bottle Lids
  • Cans
  • Food Boxes

Ten Reasons to Craft

I am going to say this again.  Crafting is just a great idea.  It is proven that crafting can be really good for mental and emotional health.  Studies show that making and crafting can lower anxiety.  Another benefit to crafting is that it creates connection.  When we make things and give them to others, we spread kindness and love.  Here are my top ten reasons to craft with kids, and I mean kids of all ages.

  1. Mental Health Benefits – Crafting puts me in a good mood.
  2. Self Expression – Crafting allows me to express myself.
  3. Education and Growth – I learn new skills by making things.
  4. Connection – Crafting connects me others through workshops, classes and gifting.
  5. Decor – Through making and crafting, I can totally customize every aspect of my decor.
  6. Gift Giving – Gifts is totally my love language.  I love to make handmade gifts.
  7. Offline Time – Crafting keeps me off of my phone and social media. We all know this can be beneficial.
  8. Income – Because I craft and sell items that I make, I have an additional income source.
  9. Fun – I like to have fun and to me, making things is fun.
  10. Socializing – Attending events where crafting is a part gets me out and around others with like minds.

GIVEAWAY!

Enter to win 10 pounds of PolyFil and a $100 gift card to JoANN Stores.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have fun making these.  Be sure to share this project!

Cheers and Love,

Laura

 

 

April 7, 2021 by: admin

CREATIVE CRAFTS LINKY PARTY EDITION 36

TEAM CREATIVE CRAFTS LINKY PARTY EDITION 36

Welcome to edition number 36 of our Linky Party.  We are so glad you are here. Well gosh, Easter came and went so quickly.  This year is flying right on by. With spring in full swing — things are looking bright, cheerful and filled with more hope than I have felt in a while.  There were so many great projects shared last week. BUT before we get all LINKY and stuff — I am super excited to share our upcoming Craft-A-Thon with you!

Team Creative Crafts Craft-A-Thon

The Team Creative Crafts Craft-A-Thon is a virtual event streaming on Facebook with 5 hours of crafty happiness.  There will be over 10 projects to make using a variety of mediums, supplies, tools and techniques. The Creative Crafts girls (Me, Beth Watson from Creatively Beth and Ann Butler from Bella Crafts Publishing) will be joined by Katie Berry from A Sweet Berry Designs to teach you all kinds of new fun ways to get creative.

Linky Party

Okay, now take a gander at our favorites that we are featuring this week with you.

  • Ann’s favorite pick of the week is the denim coasters by Claire with Pillar Box Blue 
  • I fell in love with the vegetable garden markers made with clay by Heather with Homemade Heather
  • Beth chose the chair back shelf by Ann with The Apple Street Cottage

There are three of us who work together to bring this party to you!  We would LOVE it if you would join all of us on our creative adventures.

Ann at Bella Crafts Publishing | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Laura at Laura Kelly Designs | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Beth at Creatively Beth | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

RULES

The rules are simple:

  • Please visit our hosts on social media and say HI!  We can’t feature you if you aren’t following us on at least one platform because – teamwork!
  • Share up to THREE family friendly – crafts, recipes, DIY, home décor, printables, etc. – linked to a specific post – not your main website URL.
  • Also, Please don’t link up shops, advertising, round-ups, other linky parties, or any sales promotions, we appreciate it.
  • Help us spread the word about this party by sharing the Creative Crafts Linky Party button in your post or sidebar.  Use the hashtag #creativecrafts when sharing on social!
  • Additionally, It’s not a party if you aren’t mingling!  Visit other links at the party because it’s always nice to leave comments and pin from the original source. 

By linking to the Creative Crafts Linky Party #34, you give us permission to share your post and images on our blogs and social media. We will always give proper credit with a photo and link back.

LET’S GET THIS LINKY PARTY STARTED!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


Cheers and Love,
Laura

April 6, 2021 by: admin

Rainbow Windsock for Springtime Breezes

Rainbow Windsock

This rainbow windsock for springtime breezes is brightening up our yard until the trees and flowers bloom.  A rainbow windsock for springtime breezes is a great project to make with Oly*Fun because it is lightweight and blows nicely in the breeze. I love that there are so many colors of Oly*Fun so the combination possibilities are endless.

Supplies Need for Rainbow Windsock

The beginning of spring needs a little boost of bright colors around here.  In a few weeks everything will be bright and cheery but right now this windsock will really help brighten our yard.  To get started you will need the following materials and supplies.

  • Oly*Fun (in all of the colors of the rainbow)
  • Sewing Machine
  • Hot Glue
  • Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat (Or Scissors)
  • Ring Piece to Mason Jar Lid

Directions

To make the top piece of your windsock, sew 2 inch by 9 1/2 inch strips of Oly*Fun to each other from red to purple.

Sew new strips of Oly*Fun (1 1/2 inch by 18 inches) by their tops to the larger one you just completed leaving 1/4 inch at each end..  Six pieces should fit perfectly.

Fold the sewn piece in half and stitch the two sides together to form a tube with the longer pieces hanging off like fringe.  It will measuring perfectly to fit around the ring.

Flip your windsock inside out to hide the stitched sides then use hot glue to ribbon to the top of your windsock to create a way to hang it.  Ta Da!  LOOK at those springtime buds on this tree.

It is so festive and fun.  These could be made in party theme colors, patriotic ones or holiday ones too.  The windsock could be made as a giant sized one too.

If you love rainbows, you might have a fun time doing this word search puzzle.

Cheers to SPRING,

Laura

March 31, 2021 by: admin

Team Creative Crafts Linky Party Edition 35

Team Creative Crafts Linky Party Edition 35

Happy Week of Easter.  The bunny is prepping for a busy weekend of candy and basket deliveries. There were so many fantastic ideas shared last week.  We are excited to feature three of our favorites.

I am crushing on the fondant bunny sugar cookies from Lenny at Fat Dad Foodie

Ann’s fave is the rainbow party chocolate cupcakes from Ann at Ann’s Entitled Life

And Beth chose the Easter charcuterie board from Jennifer at Wanderlust & Wellness

There are three of us who work together to bring this party to you!  We would LOVE it if you would join all of us on our creative adventures.

Ann at Bella Crafts Publishing | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Laura at Laura Kelly Designs | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Beth at Creatively Beth | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

The rules are simple:

  • Please visit our hosts on social media and say HI!  We can’t feature you if you aren’t following us on at least one platform.
  • Share up to THREE family friendly – crafts, recipes, DIY, home décor, printables, etc. – linked to a specific post – not your main website URL.
  • Please don’t link up shops, advertising, round-ups, other linky parties, or any sales promotions, we appreciate it.
  • Help us spread the word about this party by sharing the Creative Crafts Linky Party button in your post or sidebar.  Use the hashtag #creativecrafts when sharing on social!
  • It’s not a party if you aren’t mingling!  Visit other links at the party because it’s always nice to leave comments and pin from the original source. 

By linking to the Creative Crafts Linky Party #34, you give us permission to share your post and images on our blogs and social media. We will always give proper credit with a photo and link back.

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

March 29, 2021 by: admin

Gluten Free Easter Dessert

Gluten Free Easter Dessert

This must might be the best Gluten Free Easter Dessert ever because it is delicious and super crazy cute too. I am a gluten free eater.  It is for a lot of reasons that I choose this but the biggest of all is because I feel a gazillion times better without gluten bloating up my body and slowing me down.  I whipped up a batch of Krusteaz gluten free brownies yesterday and because I am crazzzzzy about carrots,  made them darling.

Gluten Free Carrot Cake Recipe

Directions for Gluten Free Easter Dessert

I used the recipe that comes with the mix but baked the batter in a muffin tin for only 32 minutes.

Once the brownies were totally cool,  made holes in the middles with a clay tool.  I filled the holes a little overflowing with orange icing. If a clay tool is not available, use the tip of a knife to carve the holes out.

Then I added green icing for the carrot tops.  The icing could be replaced with green candies too.  Sometimes the additional dimension and texture really changes the way a dessert looks if appearance is a priority to you.  There are a lot of gluten free candies to choose from. Green jelly beans would even work great and match an Easter vibe.

Look inside.  OH.MY.CUTENESS. For frosting lovers, this is the best part of the gluten free dessert because there is a lot of it here. Personally, I love the icing, especially homemade buttercream.

Buttercream Frosting:

This is my favorite icing recipe for things like this.

yield: 2 1/2 CUPS

I love this buttercream frosting recipe because it is easy and tastes the best ever.  While the vanilla is delicious, other flavors can be substituted creating many options.  For instance, almond extract works great and gives the overall desert a slightly different feel.  Flavors van be mixed together.  One of the best combinations is half vanilla and half almond.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1 cup Butter (Softened)
  • 2-3 teaspoons Vanilla
  • 1-2 tablespoons Milk
  • Kitchenaid Mixer

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Mix softened butter and vanilla in the large mixing bowl until they are totally combined.
  2. Add Powdered Sugar and beat on low until it is mixed in good. Then bump up the mixer up to medium-high speed.
  3. If the frosting seems to dry, add a little bit of milk at a time until frosting is the consistency you like.

Cheers to SWEET Gluten Free Treats,

Laura

Carrot Crafts

If you want a craft to do while you eat these treats, carrot crafts are some of my favorites to make.  The colors green and orange are just so perfect together.  Here are eight that I think you will really love.  The cool thing about crafting is that once a project is made and the technique learned, it can be applied to making tons of other creations with different themes.  This rocks because it translates to all of the decoration ideas, holidays, seasons and celebrations.

  • Painted Rock Carrots
  • Dollar Store Clothespin Carrots
  • Carrot Papercrafted Tags
  • String Art Carrots
  • Guided Drawing Carrots
  • Straw Carrot Art
  • Stuffed Carrot Garland Decor
  • Collage Carrot Art

March 29, 2021 by: admin

DOLLAR STORE CLOTHESPIN CARROT CRAFT

DOLLAR STORE CLOTHESPIN CARROT CRAFT

This adorable DOLLAR STORE CLOTHESPIN CARROT CRAFT is brought to you by the amazing, talented and creative Beth Watson from Creatively Beth! I am hopping over here to Laura’s blog to share a little Dollar Store crafting love with all of you. Laura and I are what you could call “crafty besties” and spend a lot of time collaborating and sharing ideas. I hope you love this darling little project.

Dollar Tree Clothespin Carrot Craft

Wooden clothespins and simple supplies from the Dollar Store transform into the sweetest Clothespin Carrots to welcome Spring.

Materials:

  • Wooden Spring-Style Clothespins – Dollar Store
  • Acrylic Craft Paint – My favorite brand is DecoArt Americana for projects like this.
  • Low Temp Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
  • Paintbrush
  • Assorted Ribbons and Trims in a variety of Greens
  • Scissors
  • Ruler

Instructions:

First, gather all materials and remove supplies from packaging.  Remove metal springs from wooden clothespins and set aside.  Attach two clothespin halves together, back-to-back using a glue gun and glue sticks.  Liquid craft glue can be used, but you will have to wait for it to dry.

Next, basecoat the front, back and sides of the wooden clothespins with primary orange acrylic craft paint. Let dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.  Use a variety of shades of orange for added interest.

Third, measure and cut six-inch lengths of assorted green ribbons and trims with a ruler and scissors.  Use a fun mix of colors, patterns, and textures of ribbons and trims.  This project is a great way to use up scraps!

Gather the five to six assorted ribbons and trims together, then tie the group in a knot at the center.  Apply a small dot of glue from a glue gun at the top of the knot and press ribbon ends together.  This will prevent the ribbon leaves from flopping around.  Attach the green ribbon leaves to the top of the clothespin carrots using a glue gun and glue sticks.  Press the ribbons and clothespins together tightly until glue cools completely.

Making Carrot Tops

This quick and easy Dollar Store Clothespin Carrot Craft goes together in just about 30 minutes with limited supplies that you probably already have in your stash.  A fun addition to a tiered tray, Easter basket or home décor display to celebrate Spring!

Clothespin Bunnies

The bunnies to match are over on Creatively Beth and gosh, they are super adorable too!

Preparation Steps for Painting with Kids

Okay, it’s Laura again – jumping back in.

A lot of you do my craft project witih kiddos. One of the biggest factors in creating successful paint crafts with kids lies in the prep. Here are four things you can do to prepare for a great time crafting.

  1. Expect a little mess. Prep your area knowing that paint can spill, drip and splatter. Cover your work are with kraft paper before starting.
  2. Provide aprons for the kids. If you don’t want to but them, they can wear old adult sized shirts as aprons.
  3. Have paper towels nearby and ready if needed.
  4. Know the dry time of the project before starting.  If there are several steps, there might be a dry time involved. Have a puzzle or activity on hand to do during that in between time. You can grab free ones here on the blog.

More Carrot Crafts

I am loving this string art carrot hanging up in my home at this very minute.  Get all of the details to make your own.

Carrot String Art Home Decor DIY #laurakellydesigns #stringart #easterdecor

If you are looking for spring gift tags, these are really fun and simple to make.

Grab LOADS more carrot craft ideas here on the bloggity blog. Just search carrot craft!Carot Cr

XO,

Laura

PS:

Ten Reasons to Craft

I am going to say this again.  Crafting is just a great idea.  It is proven that crafting can be really good for mental and emotional health.  Studies show that making and crafting can lower anxiety.  Another benefit to crafting is that it creates connection.  When we make things and give them to others, we spread kindness and love.  Here are my top ten reasons to craft with kids, and I mean kids of all ages.

  1. Mental Health Benefits – Crafting puts me in a good mood.
  2. Self Expression – Crafting allows me to express myself.
  3. Education and Growth – I learn new skills by making things.
  4. Connection – Crafting connects me others through workshops, classes and gifting.
  5. Decor – Through making and crafting, I can totally customize every aspect of my decor.
  6. Gift Giving – Gifts is totally my love language.  I love to make handmade gifts.
  7. Offline Time – Crafting keeps me off of my phone and social media. We all know this can be beneficial.
  8. Income – Because I craft and sell items that I make, I have an additional income source.
  9. Fun – I like to have fun and to me, making things is fun.
  10. Socializing – Attending events where crafting is a part gets me out and around others with like minds.

 

March 24, 2021 by: admin

Linky Party Edition 34

Linky Party Edition 34

ohhhhhh what a week….. Here are our favorites from last week’s submissions.  Spring has sprung.

  • Ann loved best the floating teacup by Linda with Crafty Gardner 
  • I flipped over the hedgehog by Alexandra with Eye Love Knots 
  • Beth fell hard for the rainbow Easter egg wreath. – Ashley with At Home with Ashley

There are three of us who work together to bring this party to you!  We would LOVE it if you would join all of us on our creative adventures.

Ann at Bella Crafts Publishing | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Laura at Laura Kelly Designs | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Beth at Creatively Beth | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

The rules are simple:

  • Please visit our hosts on social media and say HI!  We can’t feature you if you aren’t following us on at least one platform.
  • Share up to THREE family friendly – crafts, recipes, DIY, home décor, printables, etc. – linked to a specific post – not your main website URL.
  • Please don’t link up shops, advertising, round-ups, other linky parties, or any sales promotions, we appreciate it.
  • Help us spread the word about this party by sharing the Creative Crafts Linky Party button in your post or sidebar.  Use the hashtag #creativecrafts when sharing on social!
  • It’s not a party if you aren’t mingling!  Visit other links at the party because it’s always nice to leave comments and pin from the original source. 

By linking to the Creative Crafts Linky Party #34, you give us permission to share your post and images on our blogs and social media. We will always give proper credit with a photo and link back.

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 139
  • Next Page »

Newsletter

Categories

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Follow me on Facebook!

Follow me on Facebook!

© 2021 · Fun Genesis WordPress Theme by, Pretty Darn Cute Design