Blog - Laura Kelly's Inklings

September 23, 2020 by: admin

Hello Pumpkin Printable Tags

These Hello Pumpkin Printable Tags are perfect for creating adorable autumn gifs and goodies. Whether printed and tied to a pumpkin or seasonal treat, they are sure to make somebody’s day. This post is sponsored by Hemptique but the ideas and opinions are my own.

Supplies Need for Hello Pumpkin Printable Tags

To create the tags to tie on pumpkins or gifts, you will only need four things.

Print FREE tags here.
Hole Punch
Scissors
Hemptique Cord

Directions to Create Tags:

Cut three pieces of the cord to be the same length (approximately 18 inches) then tie them to the stem of the pumpkin in a knot.
Hole punch a tag.
Feed the twine through the hole and tie a knot.
Tie the knot into a bow.
Trim the ends of your twine.

Another really fun idea to do for the autumn season using the trendy fall pallet with oranges and pinks is to create string art. We made this darling decoration using the same cord as we used in the tags.

Supplies Needed for Hello Pumpkin String Art

Wooden Board
Hemptique Cord
Nails
Hammer
Scissors
Parchment Paper
Pencil
Pattern (If Desired)

Directions for String Art

Draw a pattern on parchment paper.

Nail around the lines of the pattern attaching it to a board. Then pull out paper.

String cord around the nails and tie off ends.

It is so adorably festive.

There are so many fabulous ways to use Hemptique’s hemp cord in projects. I LOVED this one from last month so much too.

And if you just came for the free printable tag, here it is!

XOXO,

Laura

September 23, 2020 by: admin

Creative Crafts Linky Party Edition 8

There were so many great ideas shared last week! These are our favorites!

There are four 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

Meg at Makeable Crafts | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Beth at Creatively Beth | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Wanna Link Up!

Do it… We would LOVE for you to link up for this week’s party!

The rules are simple:

· Please visit our hostesses 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, 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

LINK UP!

Cheers,

Laura

September 18, 2020 by: admin

Best Easy Halloween Costumes for American Girl Dolls

Halloween Costumes for American Girl Dolls

Here are a bunch of fun ideas for Halloween Costumes for American Girl Dolls that you can make at home. Dressing up dolls is a such a great way to express ideas, be creative and experiment with fashion. These are all costumes that we made when the girls were a little younger. I gathered them up to share with you with the hopes that they will inspire you to create this Halloween season.

American Girl Candy Corn Apron

This apron is so easy to make. It is fun because while these three colors make a candy corn apron, any colors could be used to create lots of aprons. Start by sewing three pieces of felt and some ribbon together to measure about 7 inches tall by 7 inches tall.

Cut the sewn piece in the triangle shape of a candy corn and sew on ties that will secure the apron around the neck and the waist of your doll.

MORE American Girl Doll Costume Ideas

American Girl Gumball Machine Costume

What a fun idea, right? This costume is so easy to make with felt and just a few supplies. Get all of the directions HERE.

American Girl Doll Costume Black Cat

Turn an old black sock into a black cat costume to fit any 18 inch doll. Get the details here on the blog.

American Girl Doll Witch Costume Ideas

To make a witch costume for a doll, dress her in all black and add crazy hair and a hat. This hair was created by dyeing a canvas bag orange then cutting it into strips to create wild hair.

American Girl Doll Bunny Costume

To whip up a bunny costume, you will need fur fabric and a sewing machine. Start by tracing around your doll on the back of the fur fabric leaving an extra 3/4 inch all the way around. Cut out two of these.

Sew these together with the fur sides facing inside then flip it. Cut a slit down from the neck on one side to create an opening that allows the doll to be dressed. It can be secured closed with sewn on ties.

Make a pink pom-pom from yarn and glue it to the back for a tail.

Additionally, use leftover fur fabric to make ears and secure them to a doll sized headband. The ears pictures are actually girl hair clips.

Harry Potter Themed Doll Attire

Enter here to win Courtney, the new American Girl Doll!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Doll Play,

Laura

September 16, 2020 by: admin

Paper Bag Pinata Craft

Making a paper bag pinata crafts creates a perfect way to be FULL of surprises and spread kindness and celebration. It is so easy peasy to make and only requires a few supplies including my favorite paper crafting adhesive, Easy Tear Tape from Therm-O-Web. I really do LOVE this stuff because it holds things together with such strength. I don’t know that anyone would want to hit the pinata because it is so cute but it still makes a great container for a gift collection. This post is sponsored by Therm-O-Web but the ideas and opinions are my own.

Before I share the how-tos for this project, I want to share that it is an idea I put in my Kindness on Purpose book. I think crafting up ways to spread kindness is a fabulous way to make a difference in the world.

Material Needed for a Paper Bag Pinata

Paper Bag
Scrapbook Paper
Therm-O-Web Easy Tear Tape
Scissors
Ribbon, Raffia or Twine
Google Eyes If Desired

Directions

Start but cutting scrapbook paper the width of your bag in width and three inches in length – enough to have one every inch and half of the total height of the bag. Cut slits on the papers leaving about 1/2 inch across the tops.

Apply strips of Easy Tear Tape from top to bottom of bag, approximately one and half inches apart.

Peel the layer off to reveal the double sticky side.Adhere the strips to the adhesive.

Roll the paper up around a pen so it curls a bit. Add google eyes and ribbon to the handle.

Fill the pinata with treats and leave it on someone’s porch as a super fun kindness surprise. Here is a list of fun ideas to put in a pinata.

Small Game
Sweet Treats
Mini Puzzles
Sprinkles
Books
Toys
Beverages

Halloween Pinata

A great thing about this project is that it can be adapted for holidays, party themes and seasons. This version of a pumpkin pinata is adorable and perfect for BOOing all the houses.

Here is another fun way to create goody bags with Therm-O-Web.

Yay for Spreading Kindness!
Laura

September 16, 2020 by: admin

Creative Crafts Linky Party Edition 7

I am so glad you are here to join in the fun. Sharing is always a good idea. These are the features from last week’s party. I love all of the awesome autumn and Halloween projects going around right now.

The Halloween Coloring Book is a free download over on Artsy Fartsy Mama as well as the darling candy corn container.

There are four 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

Meg at Makeable Crafts | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Beth at Creatively Beth | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Wanna Link Up!

Do it… We would LOVE for you to link up for this week’s party!

The rules are simple:

· Please visit our hostesses 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, 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

LINK UP!

Cheers,

Laura

September 11, 2020 by: admin

How to Paint a Witch Canvas

These steps on How to Paint a Witch Canvas make it super easy to lead a workshop or party craft with kids. The steps are so simple and leave room for creativity and style. Painting is such a great form of self expression. Furthermore, it is great form of relaxation.

Supplies Needed

Canvas
Paint (DecoArt MultiSurface Paints and Metallic Silver)
Brushes
Pallet (Paper Plate)

Let’s Paint!

Start by painting a face with a lighter shade of green.

Next, paint orange hair. Of course note that this could really be any color!

Add a hat with black paint, mixing in some metallic silver.

By now the face should be dry enough to add a nose and a wart.

Use purple (or dark blue) to paint the background.

Add details like eyes, mouth, polka dots,etc.

More Halloween Painting Ideas

This spider canvas is another fun option for Halloween.

Additionally, these potion bottles are a favorite decoration in our house.

Wood slice pumpkins are easy and fun to use in decoration too!

Be sure to check out all of the awesome projects in the Creative Crafts Halloween edition!

September 10, 2020 by: admin

Best Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Baking cookies for any reason at all works for me. Especially for Halloween. Additionally, these are the BEST pumpkin sugar cookies with royal icing ever. It takes a little practice but I know you can do it! I am going to share the recipe with you AND a few tips for using royal icing to decorate.

To get started, it helps to have great cookies. You can grab the recipe for sugar cookies that I use HERE. Furthermore, I used this recipe to make ALL of these cookies.

The real trick is in the icing.

Royal Icing Recipe

Ingredients

5 T Meringue Powder
1/2-3/4 C Water
2 lbs Powdered Sugar
1 t Cream of Tartar
2 r Clear Vanilla
1 T Karo Syrup

Directions

Add all the ingredients to a standing mixer in the order they are listed, then use the beater attachment and mix at low speed until the ingredients are combined. Beat for a 2-3 more minutes on medium to high speed.

Tips

Do not overbeat. The icing should not look like marshmallow fluff.
Use immediately or place in airtight containers.
The icing can be refrigerated for 2-3 weeks.
Use at room temperature.

Pumpkin Eyes

For the eyes on these pumpkins, I like to use candy. There are lots of candy eyes out there now and can even be found in most grocery stores in the baking aisle. There are lots of sizes so you can get a great variety. Here is a link to a good mix.

Also, be sure to check out all of these awesome projects being shared in Creative Crafts Halloween Edition.

Cheers,

Laura

September 9, 2020 by: admin

Cute Halloween Banner DIY

Creating decorations for the holidays makes them so much more festive. This super easy Cute Halloween Banner DIY is a fun first sewing project using a needle and thread. It is great because it also uses scrap pieces of fabric. I save so many little pieces from larger projects so when I find a good use for them, it makes me so happy.

Supply List for Halloween Banner

Scrap Fabrics (Oranges, Green, Brown)
Beacon Fabri-Tac
Hampton Art Mix the Media Banner
Scissors
Embroidery Floss

Directions

Start by cutting pumpkins from orange fabric. It would work to do one large one or bunches of tiny ones.

Cut stems from the brown fabric and leaves from the green. Glue all of the fabric pieces with a tiny dot of Fabri-Tac in the centers only so the adhesive won’t be along the edges when it is time to stitch.

Use like colored embroidery flosses.

Stitch around the fabric pieces.

Cut some fabric strips about 15 inches long to tie on to the hanger creating a finishing bow.

I love all things pumpkins. Here are few other fun pumpkin projects from the blog.

Check out TONS more in the Creative Crafts Halloween Party!

XO,
Laura

September 8, 2020 by: admin

Proven Best Halloween Crafts

This is a collection of so many amazing Halloween Crafts! There is a project here for everyone — from simply coloring to working with wood. Whether your craft is sewing, painting, clay, baking or other — I bet you can find something to create in this blog post! Let’s check them all out!

It’s always fun when we team up with our favorite bloggers to create these fun projects to share with you, and this time was no different! Over the next four days, I will be adding their projects when they go live, so keep checking back for more of our Creative Crafts – Halloween Edition projects.

We want you to be able to make these fabulous crafty DIY Halloween projects too. So, we are giving away a craft stash to one lucky winner!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Day One!

There are so many AWESOME projects on day one of Creative Crafts Halloween edition!

Spiderweb Candy by Me (Laura at Me and My INKlings)

Halloween Candy Bowl by Artsy Fartsy Mama

Jack-O-Lantern Succulent Planter by She’s Crafty Crafty

Teal Pumpkin Project Banner by Easy Felt Crafts

Adorable Ghost Treat bag by Ann Butler

Recycled Bottle Ghosts by Creatively Beth

Halloween Door Decorations by Makeable Crafts

Tonight We Fly Free SVG File by Polka Dotted Blue Jay

Halloween Sign by Five Little Monsters

Day 2!

The projects from the second day are totally fabulous too.

I love the variety made by the different designers that each have a different spark of festivity!

Pumpkin Halloween Banner by Me

Cutest EVER Halloween Decoration by Makeable Crafts

Monster Pumpkins by Creatively Beth

No Sew Pumpkins by Ann Butler

Shrinky Dink Mangets from Sunshine and Munchkins

Ribbon Ornaments by Spartist

Candy Pockets by Creativities Galore

Etched Glassware by Erin Reed Makes

Halloween Gifts from Ginger Snap Crafts

Day 3!

These proven Halloween crafts are all ones that were shared on Day 3 of Creative Crafts.

I want to get out my craft supplies and make all of these Halloween DIY projects!

Royal Icing Cookies by Me

No Sew Pumpkins by Debra Quartermain

Dollar Store Halloween Gnomes by Michelle’s Party PlanIts

Pumpkin Quote Board by Jenny’s Crayon Collection

Mesh Wreath by Laura’s Crafty Life

Paper Plate Cauldron by Cindy deRosier

Witch Lantern by Creatively Beth

Oly*Fun Trick or Treat Bag by Ann Butler

Day 4!

Day four is FILLED with so many more amazing projects!

How to Paint a Witch Step by Step by ME

Wooden Pumpkin Door Hanger by A Sweet Berry Designs

Haunted Drinks by Anita Scroggins

Print and Color Banner by Creatively Beth

Candy Corn Vase by Beth Eaton

Rhinestone Blinged Treats by Bella Crafts

Easy Halloween Decor by Makeable Crafts

Halloween Tree by Doodlecraft

Die Cut Treat Bags by Smiling Colors

September 8, 2020 by: admin

Spiderweb Candy Drink Topper

Spiders are so amazing and while someone creepy to many, fascinating to me. I especially LOVE the webs they spin. This spiderweb candy drink topper is so crazy easy to make and creates the perfect spooky drink topper for a festive treat. This would be a fun crafty project to do with kids or to have ready to serve at as a Halloween party surprise.

What Is Needed for Making Spiderweb Candy

To make the spiderweb candy you will need just a few supplies and only one ingredient. Projects that are simply like this one and only require things that you already have around the house are the best ones. If you don’t have melting candy chips already in the pantry, I would recommend stocking up and keeping them around. They can turn almost anything in to a party!

Wilton Candy Melts
Plastic Baggies
Scissors
Glass Container for Melting Candy
Parchment Paper – This is my fave!
Spiderweb Candy Pattern (Free to Download)

Directions to Make Spiderweb Candy

Print pattern and place UNDER parchment paper.
Cut a small hole in the corner of a baggy.
Melt vanilla candy in a glass container.
Pour candy immediately into baggy.
Pipe candy over pattern on the parchment paper.

Make a rootbeer float and place the web on the top of the glass. Embellish with a plastic spider or spider pick.

This drink is really fun to serve as a treat at a party as the concoction to go with a canvas painting. It is pretty much everything you need for a kid party! If you want more spider ideas, you can grab them HERE – including a free printable puzzle.

I feel like this is a great place to share a spider that I found last night while I was in Bluffton, SC walking around the historic downtown. It is a banana spider and so cool to watch – and SO big. I did a little research to find out a few banana spider facts. They are shy by nature. Banana spiders spin webs up to six feet in diameter. Female banana spiders are larger than males. They only bite when feeling threatened but the bite is not poisonous.

Hello Pumpkin Printable Tags

Supplies Need for Hello Pumpkin Printable Tags

Directions to Create Tags:

Supplies Needed for Hello Pumpkin String Art

Directions for String Art

Creative Crafts Linky Party Edition 8

Wanna Link Up!

Halloween Costumes for American Girl Dolls

American Girl Candy Corn Apron

MORE American Girl Doll Costume Ideas

American Girl Gumball Machine Costume

American Girl Doll Costume Black Cat

American Girl Doll Witch Costume Ideas

American Girl Doll Bunny Costume

Harry Potter Themed Doll Attire

Paper Bag Pinata Craft

Material Needed for a Paper Bag Pinata

Directions

Halloween Pinata

Creative Crafts Linky Party Edition 7

Wanna Link Up!

How to Paint a Witch Canvas

Supplies Needed

Let’s Paint!

More Halloween Painting Ideas

Best Pumpkin Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Royal Icing Recipe

Pumpkin Eyes

Cute Halloween Banner DIY

Supply List for Halloween Banner

Directions

Proven Best Halloween Crafts

Day One!

Day 2!

Day 3!

Day 4!

Spiderweb Candy Drink Topper

What Is Needed for Making Spiderweb Candy

Directions to Make Spiderweb Candy

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