Laura Kelly's Inklings

Where Messy Meets Adorable Through Simple DIY Projects

by: admin

Linky Party Edition 26

Linky Party Edition 26

Wintertime is turning into the season of love as Valentine’s Day approaches.  Check out our favorites from last week’s linkup! There were so many great ideas shared.

Ann chose the DIY rustic wood block mini signs by The House on Silverado.

I chose the Donuts are my Valentine shirt from Artsy Fartsy Mama.

Meg chose the decorated front porch from My Home of All Seasons.

Beth chose the little gnomes from Little Vintage Cottage.

 

 
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

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 #16, 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

by: admin

DIY Cloud Ceiling and Walls

DIY Cloud Ceiling and Walls

Having a cloud ceiling and walls are all the rage right now.  I think this is because they create a sense of magic and wonder in a room. While many are completely covering their ceilings with Poly-Fil to create a total cloud coverage, I realize that this is not an option for everyone. I whipped up a DIY cloud wall that could be created in any size to cover as much (or as little) as desired using Poly-Fil.  The clouds could also be placed on the ceiling because if the way they are made. This post is sponsored by Fairfield World but the ideas and opinions are my own.

DIY Cloud Ceilings and Wall Technique

Materials Needed

Directions

Start by drawing large cloud shapes on foam boards then cutting them out. Poke two holes in the area that you want to be the top of each cloud, the part where you want the hanger to go.

Feed a pipe cleaner through the holes and twist it to create a hanger. 

Use this same technique to attach a string of LED lights if you want your clouds to have the element of lightning in a storm.

Flip the foam board over to apply the Poly-Fil to create the clouds. Using a glue gun, apply a handful of Poly-Fil at a time until the board is covered from edge to edge.

PRO TIP, the smaller the handful, the better the Poly-Fil will attach and stay in place once the clouds are hung on the walls or ceiling.

I made three for my wall!

Making a Rainbow for a Cloud Ceiling or Wall

To make a rainbow using Oly-Fun from Fairfield World, follow these steps.

  1. Cut the Oly-Fun into equal strips depending on the size you would like your rainbow to be. I used 6 inch by 36 inch strips.
  2. Roll the strips to create tubes, using the glue gun to attach the sides.
  3. Glue the tubes together side by side.
  4. Bend the rainbow and attach it to your clouds with the glue gun.

Ta Da!  Isn’t it so pretty?

PolyFil Cloud Wall

More Cloud and Rainbow Projects

This Hello Cloud Hanger is simple and fun to make.  It is a great kid craft project.

Stuffed Cloud Pillow are super adorable too.  They would go great in a room with a cloud ceiling or a a cloud wall. This one is stuffed with Poly-Fil and has a ribbon hanger.  It would be really cute on a sofa or bed too.

Rainbow Cloud Pillow

YAY for Dreaming and Keeping Our Heads in the Clouds.

Cheers,
Laura

 

 

by: admin

Paper Tube Bugs

Paper Tube Bugs

Making things out of toilet paper tubes is always such a fun and creative way to craft. I love that it includes the element of recycling too. I whipped up these adorable paper tube bugs and think they are super fun for Valentine’s day crafting or really any time of year crafting.  With a few changes in paint colors, these bugs could make an adorable craft project and decoration for any celebration.

Paper Tube Bugs for Valentines Day

Materials Needed

This paint (Americana by DecoArt) is super cost effective for crafting with kids and works great.

DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint Valentine Colors

Directions for Paper Tube Bugs

Start by painting the paper tubes with paint and let it dry completely.  If you are doing a few at a time, the first one will probably be dry by the time you finish painting your last one!  The paint dry time is quick on cardboard.

Add the eyes next.  This will ensure that there is a place for them once the other decorations are added.

Next, add two large poms for wings, one on each side of the tube.

Next, add the fun poms, gems, buttons, etc.  When working with a hot glue gun, be sure to be extra careful. It works best to have an adult do the gluing and letting the kiddos stick the items to the glue. The Lynn Lilly edition glue gun has a super precision point which is really nice for crafts like this. Glue a half of a paper straw inside of the tube on each side for antennas.

To decorate even further, add either lollipops or pipe cleaners into the straws. Go all out and glue more poms to the tops if you would like.

These bugs are perfect to make for Valentine’s Day in the pinks and reds but could be made anytime using all the colors.

More DIY Bugs Ideas

This craft project with Sculpey Clay is one of my favorites.  It goes great with paper tube bugs as an additional craft for a party or in the classroom, as well as at home. I recommend Bake Shop clay for kid projects because it is the easiest to work with.

Clay Bugs Plant Decorations

Another fun bug craft that you might enjoy is making windsocks. Check this project out right HERE and hopefully you will be inspired to just keep on making all the things.

Gosh, you can actually have an entire BUG party! Get the printables HERE on the blog.

YAY for Bugs!

Laura

 

 

by: admin

Linky Party Edition 25

It’s a new week and a new linky party! It’s so crazy and awesome that we are on our TWENTY FIFTH linky party already. I love all of the fun things you guys share here.

Check out our faves from last week!

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

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 #16, 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


by: admin

Love Pig Softie Sewing Pattern

Love Pig Softie Sewing Pattern for Your Valentine

Stuffed animals are always a great Valentine’s Day gift idea.  With oodles of felt in the studio, we sometimes just create from scratch.  I doodled up a pig pattern for Valentines Day so I could create something special one of my kiddos.  This little pig would be a fabulous addition to story telling with kids too.  There are so many fantastic picture books with pigs as well as the famous tale of the Three Little Pigs. This Pig Softie Sewing Pattern is super beginner friendly and great for kids to use too. It is stuffed with Poly-Fil from Fairfield World but could be stuffed with Poly-Pellets to create a beanbag too. This post is sponsored by Fairfield World but the ideas and opinions are my own.

Stuffed Animal Pig Pattern

Supply List

  • Pink Felt or Fabric (Really Could be Any Color)
  • Poly-fil for Stuffing Animal
  • Sewing Machine (Could Also Hand Stitch)
  • FREE Pattern
  • Scissors
  • Buttons for Eyes
  • Embroidery Floss for Stitching Details
  • Needle
  • Fairfield World Stuffing Tool (Comes in Large Bags of Poly-fil)

The pattern is easy-peasy and you can download it free here.

Use felt (or pink fabrics for the pig pieces).  Of course any colors would work and truthfully you could make a rainbow assortment of cute little piggies.

Steps

These are the steps I used to make the pink felt pig. For the fabric pig, I used the sewing machine to sew on the snout and heart.

  1. I sewed the front and back of the ears together and did the same for the arms.  
  2. Then I stitched the snout to the front body and added the buttons for eyes.
  3.  I added a few stitches to the snout while I had the black floss needle threaded.
  4. Then I added the heart to the front body by hand stitching too.
  5. Next, I pinned the arms and ears to the body front and then sewed the back to it leaving a little opening, flipped it and stuffed it with Poly-fil from Fairfield.
  6. To close it up, I hand stitched the opening closed.

Ta Da!  It is so squealing cute that I took a road trip to photograph it in front of this beautiful barn.

I think I will create a farm friend for him.  Any animal suggestions? I am thinking a cow would be best.

Love,

Laura

by: admin

Best Valentine’s Day Crafts

Best Valentine’s Day Crafts

Valentine’s Day is such a great season of giving and spreading love – one person at a time. I have rounded up some of the Best Valentine’s Day Crafts from my blog and some of my friends.

There is a ton of Valentine inspiration in this post.  I hope you find some ideas that work for you to create, make a celebrate St. Valentine and the day we tell everyone how much they are loved.

Best 50 Valentine Crafts

Creative Crafts Valentine’s Day Ideas

These are the 16 ideas that were shared in the 2021 Creative Crafts Valentine’s Day Edition.

Valentines Day Craft Ideas (3) (1)

Valentine Crafts for Kids

Crafting with kids for the holidays created connection and allows them the opportunity to be a contribution. These are some of my favorite craft ideas that are simple enough for kids and beginners.

Great Valentine Kid Crafts

Home Decor Valentine Crafts

Decorating the home for the holidays is best with DIY projects.  Here are some that are simple and fun to create for the home, the classroom or the workplace.

DIY Valentine Decor Ideas

MORE Valentine Craft Ideas

Here are even more Valentine Craft Ideas for you! Comment and let me know which ones you love most!

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.

Cheers and Love,

Laura

by: admin

Mini Paper Valentine Garland

Mini Paper Valentine Garland

Create this adorable Mini Paper Valentine Garland using your decorative paper scraps and embellishments.  If you are like me, you save those little cute pieces of card stock and all of the extra little buttons and embellishments from previous projects! With these are some twine from Hemptique, you can make fabulous little decor for the holidays.  This post is sponsored by Hemptique but the ideas and opinions are my own.

Mini Paper Valentine Garland (1)

 

Supplies Needed

Directions

Start by cutting out the base pieces for your garland from decorative papers and card stock. This can be done by hand or with a die-cut machine.  They can be any shape you like.

Add embellishments to each piece. Tying charms to the paper is super fun. Punch two holes in the piece and sting a 6 inch piece of twine through to create a way to tie the charm to it.

Punch holes in the two corners of each piece and string them together. Use your garland to decorate a wreath.

Mini Paper Valentine Garland

Another really fun idea is to tie your garland to a container to fill with a Valentine gifty like this one.

More Valentines Ideas from Creative Crafts

Meg from Makeable Crafts whipped up this darling LOVE heart and has all of the details over on her blog HERE. 

Beth from Creative Crafts is sharing these darling Valentine’s Day printables that you can download FREE! 

Ann made glitter glasses and show you how on her blog over at Bella Crafts!

Cheers to DIY Valentines!

Love,

Laura

 

by: admin

Valentine Service Projects

Valentine Service Projects

Creating gifts and goodies to use for Valentine Service Projects takes the idea of spreading kindness and love to those who really need it most. These are some super simple but great ideas for kids to make a difference in the community through the act of creating and giving items that are adorable and necessary. This post is sponsored by Therm-O-Web but the ideas and opinions are my own.

Service Project Valentines (1)

 

Directions Cards and Tags for Valentine Service Projects

Supply List:

These are the three adhesives I love the most for paper crafting projects like these.

Therm-O-Web’s easy tear tape is perfect for attaching things like buttons or gems to paper.

The 3D Foam Squares are fantastic for creating dimension on cards and tags.

The Tape Runner works for attaching paper and card stock to each other for all of the basic steps of card making.

What to Do with Valentine Cards and Tags

Turn the cards and tags into awesome gifties that can be used to make a difference in the community where you live. Here are three of my favorite and simplest ideas.

Tie a tag to a bag of canned foods and crackers to drop off at the food bank.  Make a bunch with your Girl Scout troop or classroom of kids to have an even bigger impact.

Decorate a bag and fill it with toiletries for the local homeless or women’s shelter.

Create bags of sweet treats for your delivery drivers to to take to the local police/fire department.

Valentine Bag for Cookies

There are LOTS of great service project ideas on this blog.  Here is another one that I think is fabulous for kiddos. It is fun because it includes a free printable too!

Creative Crafts Valentines Edition

Every month we collaborate and share crafty fun based on a theme and this month it is all about the love for Valentines. These are the three projects that my teammates are sharing on their blogs today.

Valentines Day Craft Ideas (1)

Ann is sharing this easy Valentine craft over on Bella Crafts.

Meg is sharing these adorable stuffed owls. These would be super fun to make for kiddos in the hospital.

Beth always creates darling home decor.  I love this Valentine book stack.

Cheers to Love, Valentines and Making a Difference!

XO,

Laura

 

 

by: admin

Linky Party Edition 23

WOW! We are already transitioned into 2021 and going strong over here. This week is all about creating and sharing Valentine inspiration in the Laura Kelly studio. But before we turn this blog pink and red, take a look at these awesome winter white projects from last week’s linky party!

We love sharing out favorites.  Here they are!

Ann chose the Coconut Oil Lotion Bars from Must Have Mom.

Meg chose the DIY Wood Lanterns from Cherished Bliss.

Beth chose the Scrap Wood Wall Art from Abbotts at Home.

I, of course, chose the No Bake Oreo Cheesecake from Organized Island because now that there are gluten free Oreos, I can have this!

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

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 #16, 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

by: admin

LINKY PARTY EDITION 24

LINKY PARTY EDITION 24

This past week was a little like a theme park ride as we glide into 2021. Here are the features from Linky Party #23 last week.

I chose the rainbow jello dessert from Must Have Mom.

Ann chose the candle rings. She sure does love tabletop things!

Meg chose the rustic winter decor from Blue Sky at Home.

Beth chose the Valentine’s Day love bug boxes from Crafting Cheerfully.

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

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 #16, 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

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