July 10, 2020 by: admin

Unicorn Candy Bark with Printable Tag

Make some unicorn candy bark and add an adorable gift tag to spread some magic, kindness and joy. The printable tag is free to download and the ingredients for the unicorn bark are available at the grocery store. It is so easy and so fun. This is a really fun treat to make on the go too if you have a portable burner. I love it for classroom cooking and Girl Scout meeting fun.

Making Unicorn Candy Bark

Ingredients:

Melting White Candy
Sprinkles

Supplies Needed:

Pan to melt candy
Spatula for spreading candy
Burner (I LOVE this portable one!

Directions:

Melt the candy and spread onto parchment paper.
Scatter sprinkles over the melted candy.
Chill until hardened.
Break apart in to bite size pieces.

Download the free printable gift tag if you want to give your candy unicorn bark as a magical kindness gift to a friend.

Chloe filmed the entire process and it’s over on the YouTube channel.

Watch the video here!

More Unicorn Ideas

The unicorn theme is great for kid parties, events and classrooms too. There is just something so truly magical about the legend of the unicorn. If you like this unicorn treat, you might love these giant magical cupcakes too.

If you want some darling unicorn decor, this is one of my favorite projects of all times. It is a great first stitching project too and the pattern is over on the blog post with the photos of making the pillow. It would be fun to simply stitch the unicorn onto a pair of jeans and wear them too.

There is a free unicorn word search puzzle and TONS more of them too over in the free printable library. Check them out and download as many as you want. There are puzzles for just about every theme I can think of.

Yay for all things unicorn, magical and kind!

Laura

July 5, 2020 by: admin

Peach Freezer Jam Recipe and Printable Gift Tag

Over the weekend we visited the local product farm and picked up some freshly picked peaches. We turned them into a delicious treat! I am so excited to share this easy peach freezer jam recipe and printable gift tag so you can make it too. Whether you plan to spread it on toast or put it on ice cream, peach freezer jam is fabulous. I think it makes a sweet little gift too.

Ingredients and Direction for Making Peach Freezer Jam

The first step is going to be to peel the peaches. Here is a super little tip to easy peach peeling. Lower 2-3 peaches into a pot of boiling water. Leave them in the water for 25-30 seconds. Take them out and put them straight into a bowl of ice water. It shock them! The flesh won’t cook but the skin will peel right off without even a knife!

Ingredients:

3 C Pureed Peaches (With NO Peels)
4 1/2 C Sugar
2 TBSP Fresh Lemon Juice
3/4 C Water
Liquid Fruit Pectin ( LOVE the liquid because it makes the process so much easier!)

Directions:

Mix the 3 C peach puree with 1 C sugar. Let it rest for 5 minutes allowing the sugar to be soaked in.
Repeat this step with the rest of the sugar then stir in the lemon juice.
Let it rest for 15 minutes then taste it to see if there are any grainy remnants from the sugar. If there are — place the bowl over apan of hot water on the stove and stir until the sugar is all dissolved into the peach mixture)
Pour in one pouch of Sure-Jell Certo Liquid Fruit Pectin. Mix on low for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
Pour into glass containers. Let sit at room temperature for a day before putting in the fridge. It is good for 3 weeks.

FREE Printable Peach Gift Tags

I whipped up three free gift tags that you can use for peach jam OR any peachy gift at all.

Which one is your favorite. I LOVE the first one and think it is 100% perfect for this little peachy gift of beverages and fruit.

It is also delicious on ice cream!

I created a fun little set of mini printables games for you to do with your kiddos while you eat your first batch of homemade peach freezer jam. Download free and have a peachy keen time.

Cheers to Peaches!
Laura

This post contains affiliate links.

July 1, 2020 by: admin

DIY Whisky Crate Gift

DIY Whiskey Crate Gift

I am having such a blast working with my oldest son (Dylan) and my Godson (Zachary) creating fun projects like this DIY Whisky Crate Gift. They have branded themselves ManCrafts and set up an entire studio in the garage. I love this project because they have friends getting married and this creates a very personal and festive gift for the groom. It is also a great Father’s Day gift idea, right?

They started with a crate and some whisky and then dreamed up way to turn it into something awesome. With the special touch of Therm-)-Web’s foil added to a couple surfaces — they designed a masterpiece.

Material Needed:

Wine Crate (Free from most beverage stores)
Therm-O-Web Liquid Adhesive
Therm-O-Web Foil (Copper)
Small Canvas Bags
Whisky
Whisky Items (Whisky Stones, Playing Cards, Mixers, Mule Cups)

Directions for DIY Whisky Crate Gift:

Personalize the bags and the crate with the foil, using the adhesive made especially for the product. Fill the crate up with the goodies and take it to the party! I personally especially love the bags. They could be used in lots of different gift giving ways.

Here are the guys filming.

Check out their YouTube video for the full tutorial, tips and tricks for using the Therm-O-Web foil.

Cheers to Whisky and ManCrafts!

Laura

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase anything — we make a tiny bit of money to keep this small business going. 🙂

June 23, 2020 by: admin

Happy Tags Printables for Easy Gift Ideas

This is my third round of Happy Tags Printables for Easy Gift Ideas and I love them all so much. I am so thrilled that so many of you are using them to spread the gift of kindness, giving and love. I can’t wait to see what you create with this batch!

Happy Tags

There are fifteen in this newest set of Happy Tags. Here they are!

You are one in a melon! How fun would this be to get on your doorstep?

Summertime, camping and being outdoors all go with s’mores. How fun would this be to receive as a little gifty.

Yeti or not??? I love this one for ALL the things — but mostly to build some self esteem in another human.

This one is perfect for all patriotic events because the flower is red, white and blue.

If you have anyone in your life with a furry best friend, this one will surely be a hit.

Flamingos are always a great idea. This tag goes with anything PINK, right?

Happy Tags Printables

There are two previous releases of Happy Tags Printables. They are both here on the blog and also free to download and use. You can grab them here and get started with the fun happy gift giving. A lot of the ones in the first two releases were designed with things that could go in the mail in mind.

Please share your creations on social media and tag me @laurakellydesigns !

Cheers and Love,

Laura

June 13, 2020 by: admin

Best Ever Recycled Craft Projects

I am so excited to share the best ever recycled craft projects. Many of these were made by me and lots of them were made by my crafty blogging buddies. I love taking things that might be considered trash and turning them into useful items, gifts and party decorations. I sure hope you find some recycled craft projects here that inspire you to make!

Before I share all of the projects and links — you have a chance to enter to win a $100 gift card to Michaels and a 5 pound box of Fairfield World Poly-Fil too! How fun is that?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Recycled Projects with Denim Jeans

Whether the jeans wore out or the human outgrew them, keep them and turn them into something new. There are so many great ideas here for you.

Jar Crafts with Recycled Jars and Bottles

For the love of jars, there are so many things that can be made with them once the contents are used. Here are some of my best recycled crafts with jars. Furthermore, there are TONS of ideas of ways to use jars all over this creative blog.

Fun Recycling Crafts to Make With Kids

It is always fabulous to find fun recycling crafts to make with kids and I have lots of ideas here!

Home Decor From Recycled Items

Decorating the home with items that have been repurposed can create a very special feeling. Similarly, handmade items give a special touch to personal spaces. Here are some great ideas for home decor from recycled items.

Recycled Crafts from Cardboard and Paper

Other Crafts with Recycled Things

In addition to all of the crafts already share — there are so many more ideas of ways to use recycled things. For instance, bottle caps, burlap and plastic containers can all be used to make masterpieces.

Cheers to recycling, upcycling, re-purposing and making all the things!
XO,

Laura

June 12, 2020 by: admin

Father’s Day Pillow with Infusible Ink

Not to long ago I was learning to use Infusible Ink from Cricut and I totally messed up the front of one of the t-shirts. Today I used the back and turned it into a pillow for Father’s Day. This Father’s Day Pillow with Infusible Ink is the perfect way to get your kids in on the making of one magnificent gift.

Material Needed

Cricut T-Shirt
Fabric
Cricut Infusible Ink Markers
Sewing Machine
Cricut Easy Press
Pillow Insert (Indoor/Outdoor from Fairfield World)

Steps to Make Father’s Day Pillow

Draw and color design on regular printer paper with Infusible Ink Markers. If there are words, be sure to write them BACKWARDS!
Heat the Cricut Easy Press to 385 degrees. Warm the t-shirt first and make sure it is free of any debris.
Place the paper on the t-shirt with the ink touching the shirt. Put the Easy Press on for 45 seconds and remove.
Remove Paper and let the t-shirt cool before next step..
Cut the design out and sew it to a larger piece of fabric that will be the front of the pillow. The size will be determined by the size of your insert.
Sew that piece of fabric front facing front to another piece, leaving an opening to insert the pillow.

Flip the fabric. Insert the pillow. Sew the opening closed. BAM!

Day 4 of Creative Crafts – Recycled Crafts Edition

If you’ve been following along, you’ve already seen so many reycled craft projects this week!

My co-host Meg is sharing her fourth project today too. She is sharing a cake stand made with unlikely items!

Our guest host Beth is also sharing her fourth project today. She is sharing THREE ways to recycle a map. Now that is super fun, right?

Even More Recycled Craft Projects

Beth from The Ruffled Daisy turned a wine bottle into unicorn decor!

Smitha Katti used magazines to make wall art. I LOVE this idea so much!

Over on Polka Dot Poplars, Dru is sharing a great way to upcycle bottles into beautiful decor.

Additionally, Jennifer from Jenny’s Crayon Collection upcycled some little containers for art supplies using paint markers.

Laura from Laura’s Crafty Life made a beautiful butterfly from toilet paper rolls!

Katie over at A Sweet Berry Designs is sharing an upcycled frosting container that is now gratitude storage.

And our final recycled project for the series was created by Michelle from Michelle’s Party Plan-Its! She created these super fun magnets by recycling plastic straws. What a great idea!

June 11, 2020 by: admin

Mason Jar Sewing Kit

I decided it was time to get all my little sewing things into one container so I whipped up the mason jar sewing kit. Originally this jar came with jelly in it from a friend so it was already special. This is a great project to make and give as a gift but you better believe, I am keeping mine.

Materials Needed

Jar, Lid, Kunin Basic Felt, Fabric, Fairfield World Glasslets, Needle, Thread, Sewing Machine, Ribbon, Fabri-Tac Glue

Let’s Make a Mason Jar Sewing Kit

Start but cutting two felt circles the same size at the lid.

Sew around the edges, leaving an opening. Fill the cavity with Glasslets (perfect for this project because they are tiny) and sew closed.

Wrap your little beanbag in fabric, adding some Fairfield World PolyFil for extra poofiness and sew to another felt circle the size of the lid then glue to the lid.

Glue ribbon around the sides of the lid being sure it is long enough to tie in a bow at the end. Let it all dry then fill the jar with tools and stick your pins in the top.

To make the needle book, sew a piece of Kunin Basic Felt in between two pieces of denim. It’s the perfect accessory to your sewing kit.

It is Day Three of Creative Crafts, a collaboration of bloggers sharing projects. I am excited to be hosting with Meg from Makeable Crafts and our guest co-host Beth from Creatively Beth.

Meg made an adorable stand using reycled Mardi Gras beads that she PAINTED!

Beth comes up with such fun ideas. Today she is sharing cereal box notebooks.

MORE Recycled Crafts

Erica from 5 Little Monsters used a pair of jeans and upcycled them into an apron. I LOVE it.

Natalie from Doodlecraft recycled pieces of wood from a game to create handmade scroll art. It’s lovely.

Chelly from We Can Make That used a frame she thrifted and created festive home decor. Click over to her blog to see how this turned out!

Lorrie from Forty 11 Designs whipped up some super cute recycled notebooks.

Check back tomorrow for EVEN MORE amazing and awesome recycled craft projects.

Cheers,

Laura

June 10, 2020 by: admin

Girl Scout Sit Upon Made With Jeans

This Girl Scout sit upon made with jeans, adorable and so much fun to make. It is even more fun to take out into the world and use on adventures! I love it because it gives the chance to use fabric scraps too so it’s like a double win. The fabric top is fun and the denim bottom is sturdy which is perfect because it will be on the ground.

Material Needed to make a Girl Scout Sit Upon

Fabric Scraps, Jeans, Sewing Machine, Needle/Thread, Scissors and Fairfield World Cushion Foam.

Step to Make Sit Upon

Sew fabric squares together to create a square that measures at least 18 by 18 inches. Do the same with pieces of denim from an old pair of jeans. If the jeans are large enough, cutting a leg open might be enough. Add a pocket for extra fun!

Cut a circle with a 18 inch diameter from each.

There will be an inch around the edge of the foam.

Sew the pieces together, front sides facing in, leaving an 8 inch opening. and flip the fabrics. Roll the Fairfield World Cushion Foam and insert it into the opening.

Sew the opening up with a needle and thread.

Sew ribbon to the side to create a handle if desired.

CREATIVE CRAFTS RECYCLED EDITION – Day Two

I am excited to be partnering with Meg from Makeable Crafts and Beth from Creatively Beth to bring you four days of recycled craft projects. This is the second day!

Beth is sharing this stunning patriotic wreath made with flip flips!

Meg turned a cardboard shipping box into this totally fabulous storage container. Check out how she did it.

For the record, I LOVE Kathy from The Crafty Chica. She is one of the kindnest, most loving and creative people in the universe. She recycled bottle caps to make these fantastic magnets.

These are so cute, right? Bella Crafts share so many projects that are super cute. Ann from Bella Crafts turned these pockets into little purses.

AV Does What used bubble wrap to create this awesome pattern on a tote bag. Now that is super creative!

And last but certainly not least, Vanessa from Tried and True Blog CUT A BOTTLE in two and made a self watering planter!

So there you go! Seven more awesome recycled projects and still 2 days to go!

Cheers,

Laura

June 9, 2020 by: admin

Upcycled Burlap Bag Friendship Flowers

The project sharing Upcycled Burlap Bag Friendship Flowers is super fun because not only is it a great way to reuse a burlap bag but it also creates an adorable gifty for friends. If you have a coffee shop near you, they more than likely have burlap bags looking for homes. You can find them on Amazon too! Sometimes items purchased for home use are package in burlap too. FarmGirl Flowers send their flowers using burlap from recycled bags as the wrap!

Creating Upcycled Burlap Bag Friendship Flowers

You will need articifical floral stems, Purple Tape, Scissors, Burlap and Twine.

In the past I have found it challenging to create floral arrangements but this Purple Tape from Therm-O-Web makes this projects so easy peasy. Here are the easy steps.

First, lay out your stems of flowers.

Next, arrange them in a bouquet and use Purple Tape to hold them together at the bottoms by wrapping it around a couple of times. It tears easily so is simple to rip when you have wrapped.

This is a great project for making multiple gifts at a time.

Cut the burlap from the sack in to a square that is about the same size as the bouquet when it is on the square diagonally. Position the bouquet in the center and fold the burlap around the stems then tie with twine.

Add a little gift tag if desired. You can download this one FREE right here. It says If Friends Were Flowers, I’d Pick You. This is another opportunity to recycle card stock or envelopes into the tags.

Adorable, right? And so simple to make.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the International Coffee Organization requires that each burlap bag contain a specific identifier known as the ICO Mark? The identifier is a set of numbers that help define where the bag came from. The first set of three digits represents the country code. The second set of four digits represents the grower, and the third set of four digits represents the parcel/lot number. I always find this kind of information so fascinating.

Creative Crafts Recycled Edition

I am excited to be partnering with Meg from Makeable Crafts and Beth from Creatively Beth to bring you four days of recycled craft projects. Today they are both sharing projects on their blogs too.

Check out Meg’s awesome and resourceful way to recycle Mason Jars into fabulous bathroom storage. Get all the deets over on Makeable Crafts.

Beth made a recycled penny gift box and it came out so fabulous. Grab her tutorial so you can make one too!

Three More Recycled Craft Projects

Lindsay from Artsy Fartsy Mama is sharing how to make DIY shrinky dinks with recycled plastic and it is amazing. Click HERE to see what she does with these supplies.

Kimberly Marie over on Crafting Cheerfully whipped up the most colorful wind chime with recycled marker caps! Check it out and get ready to start collecting your dried up marker so you can make one too.

Liz from Liz on Call shared a video with these darling Soda Bottle Planters!

Cheers to Turning Recycled Things into Masterpieces!
Laura

June 8, 2020 by: admin

30 Best Summer Craft Ideas

35 Best Summer Craft Ideas

Summertime is such a great time to make things, create and craft so I put together 30 best summer craft ideas as a resource to get you started. These craft projects vary from super easy to beginner crafting so they are great for kids and adults. I hope you find some fun ones to do with your family!

One of my favorite summertime activities is to get outdoors and paint. These three canvases are all super easy. In the post Canvas and Concoctions, there are step by step instructions AND matching yummy concoctions to go with the painting which turns it into a little party!

DIY Summer Games

Getting outside and playing DIY games is a great way to create some family bonding time. From the making of the games to the playing them together, the time together will create memories and summer traditions.

DIY Giant Dice Yard Game

How to Make Bean Bags and Games to Play

DIY Game Pieces and Ways to Use Them

Rock Toss (Girl Scout Game)

Patriotic Checkers with Buttons

Crafts for the Garden

Crafting to decorate and spruce up the garden is always a good idea. There are lots of ways to do this for vegetable gardens, flower gardens and really anywhere in the yard that you want to be a garden.

Fairy Lanterns

Clay Bug Garden Stakes

Fairy Garden in a Wheelbarrow

DIY Rainbow Garden

Mixed Media Flowerpot

Summertime Crafts with Food

Sometimes food is great to eat and sometimes it is better to craft with. Here are some yummy recipes and fun ideas with food.

Fairy House with Watermelon Rind

Homemade Banana Cherry Popsicles

3 Ingredient Watermelon Ice

Homemade Caramel Apple Chip Ice Cream

Watermelon and Blackberry Spritzers

Vanilla and Peanut Butter Friendship Mix

Crafts for Decorating Outdoors

It is so much fun to be out in the yard immersed in things made by your children. Kids are so proud when their masterpieces are used to decorate and share.