Laura Kelly's Inklings

Sudden Bursts of Creativity

Valentine’s Day Wreath for the Front Door

I did it.  I finally took down the holiday wreath on our door that has been up since November.  It made me a little sad until I got the idea in my head to make this Valentine’s Day Wreath for the front door.  I stopped what I was doing (cleaning the first floor of the house) and whipped up this darling decoration in about an hour.  Creativity is best when it comes out of nowhere, unexpected and authentic.  I love working with Fairfield World because I always have the materials and supplies on hand to create.  If you don’t, these are all carried in your local craft store so you can run out and get them and before you know it; you will have a Valentine’s Day wreath for the front door too!  This post is sponsored by Fairfield World but the ideas and opinions are my own.

Oly*Fun is an amazing material for creating because it acts like fabric but cuts like paper.  You can buy it by the yard in your local fabric store.  It comes 60 inches wide which is perfect for this project.

Cut  out NINE 1 1/2 inch wide strips the full 60 inch width of the Oly*Fun material.   I used all red and pink.

Create three braids from the nine strips.  You can use a stapler to attach the ends together or stitch them.

Braid the three braids together into a thick braid.  Cut a piece of wire three inches shorter than your thick braid and feed it through the Oly*Fun. Connect the wire by wrapping it around the ends.

Form the wire into a heart.  Cut new strips of Oly*Fun (I used all red) to wrap around a foam wreath.  This one is 15 inches in diameter.  Use a stapler on your ends.  Wrap the entire wreath.

Add ribbon wrapped around the wire heart if desired.  Use hot glue to add the wire heart to the round wrapped wreath of this Valentine’s Day Wreath for the Front Door project.  Add a ribbon hanger by tying knots.

Ta Da! Here is the Valentine’s Day Wreath for the Front Door hanging on the door.

I love working with Oly*Fun because it is so easy to cut and sew and braid and do all the things with.  Last year I made a giant robot collection box for our Valentine’s Day canned food drive.  Check it out!

Food Drive Collection Box Valentines Day

Cheers to Spreading Love and Kindness,

Laura

 

 

Gluten Free Tomato Soup with Cut Out Quesadillas

We are crushing on gluten free tomato soup with cut out quesadillas around here these days.  After all, it has been snowing a lot in Colorado and nothing beats a warm bowl of soup on a cold snowy day.  Boulder Organic makes really yummy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup and it perfect with cheese quesadillas.  I was fortunate enough to meet the team from Boulder Organic at the FYI Conference a few months ago and be treated to the soup.  I have since shared it with my family and it is a hit.  I whipped up this fun little idea knowing that Valentine’s Day is coming up.  We are that crazy family that loves to celebrate all the things!  I have Hashimoto disease and eat a gluten free diet.  That makes Boulder Organic Soups a dream come true!  I also love that it is a local company!

To make the quesadillas, you will need gluten free tortillas and cheese.  I like to use cheese slices best.  These are a mild cheddar.

Put the cheese slices in between two quesadillas and grill in a pan over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.  Remove to a cutting board and let cool a little before cutting out shapes with cutters.

You can find the soup in the deli department of your grocery store.  I got mine at King Soopers (aka Kroger on the East Coast!).  Heat it until desired temperature.  We are not much on the microwave but it is an option.  Serve with the cut out quesadilla pieces for a darling little holiday lunch or after sledding snack.

I have a mad love for stickers.  This sticker is now on the inside cover of my planner!

Just in case you plan to serve this at a Valentine party, here is a little printable for some extra fun.  You can download and print it as many times as you would like.  The directions to play DOTS is included on the sheet.

Valentine Printable Game FREE Dots Hearts

YAY!  Yay for gluten free yumminess.  Yay for celebrations.  Yay for free printables.

Cheers!

Laura

 

 

DIY Felt Valentine Garland Decoration

A couple of weekends ago I had a Crafty Happy Hour in Apex, North Carolina and let me tell you, it was a blast.  There were grown-ups, kids, grandparents and college kiddos there making things for Valentine’s Day.  This DIY Felt Valentine garland decorations was the biggest hit.  I love to see how excited people get when they find out that there is a special glue made just for felt.  It is like a dream when you have tried other glues and they just don’t do the trick.  Beacon Adhesives makes a couple of glues that work fabulous with felt and I am thrilled to share them with you and how they each work when making this DIY felt Valentine garland decoration.  This post is sponsored by Beacon Adhesives but the ideas and opinions are my own!

Felt Valentines Day Garland DIY for Beginning Crafters

Okay, let’s get started.  You will need the following supplies to make this garland.  If you don’t have a die-cut machine, I am providing a printable pattern that you can use instead.

Cut out banner pieces first.  You will need however many are necessary to get the length you want.  I recommend at least four.  I used Premium Felt for these because it is thicker.  Cut out large hearts (one for each banner piece).

Sizzix Heart #5 Die Laura Kelly

Sizzix Heart #5 Die Laura Kelly

Cut out smaller hearts.  There are some on the free printable pattern if you are not using a die-cut machine.

Pattern Printable for Valentine Garland with Hearts

Use glue to adhere the hearts, pieces of ribbon and buttons to the banner cut-outs.  Here is the difference.  The felt glue is creamy and non-toxic.  It is great for kids BUT it has a drying time.  The Fabri-Tac is super sticky but works right away and creates a quick bond.  It is better when in a workshop setting but not so fantastic for small children.  I like to provide both when given the opportunity.

Use small clothespins to attach the banner pieces to a long piece of twine.  Ta Da!

DIY Felt Valentine Garland with Beacon Felt Glue

I added the letters to spell LOVE to one and am using it in my kitchen as a darling way to celebrate this season!  It has Valentine card kits on it right now for the kids to grab in their free time to create.  We will fill it with Valentines when we get them.

Do you want to win a kit to make this garland AND four card kits AND Beacon Felt Glue?  You can enter right here on the blog.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Cheers to Celebrating Love, to Awesome Felt Glue and to Decorating!
Laura

This post contains affiliate links.  If you click through and make a purchase, I make a little bit of money on this creative journey.

XO

 

 

Quilted Valentine Pillow Decor

Valentine’s Day comes up so quickly in the new year.  I love it because it is a time to celebrate love and friendship. I am a big fan of decorating the house for all of the reasons possible.  With couches in three rooms and beds in four, there is always a need for more throws.  This quilted Valentine pillow decor is a fantastic project for using either scraps of fabrics you might have in your stash or new themed fabrics for the occasion.  I get all of my sewing supplies and tools from Nancy’s Notions.  I took a couple of classes at the SNAP Conference a few years ago using their BabyLock sewing machine along with all of the other needed things and have been a sewing enthusiast ever since.  This quilted Valentine pillow decor projects is sponsored by Nancy’s Notions but the ideas and opinions are my own.

Quilted Valentine Pillow Decor Begiining Sewing Project Tutorial

To make this pillow you will need the following supplies.

Sewing Machine (I recommend BabyLock)

Start by cutting either 4 inch or 5 inch squares from your fabric pieces using a rotary cutter and a cutting mat.  This depends on how large you want your pillow to be.  You will need 16 squares total.

Sew four rows of four squares.  Sew the pieces together from the backsides of the fabric.  Trim the extra threads.

Sew the four rows together to create one giant square.

Use the pattern to cut a heart out from a contrasting fabric piece.

I recommend tracing around the pattern on the back of the fabric with a Frixion pen then cutting it out with scissors.

Pin the heart then sew the heart to the front of the pillow going all the way around the edges with the zig zag stitch.

Cut a piece of fabric the size of your square patchwork for the back.  Pin the pieces together with the front sides facing in then use the Showcase Throw Pillow corner template to cut around the four corners.

Sew around the outside of the pillow leaving approximately a 1/4 inch then remove the pins and flip the pillow rightside out.  Stuff the pillow then hand stitch or machine stitch it closed.

Ta Da.  Mogi the black cat thinks the pillow was made just for him!

Quilted Valentine Pillow Decor

Cheers to Sewing Decorations for Everything!
Laura

 

 

DIY Hot Cocoa Valentine Card with a Free Printable

This is a great year to whip up a DIY hot cocoa Valentine card with a free printable using two things I love, Xyron’s Mega Runner and my Hot Cocoa die that I designed for Sizzix.  I made these darling little boxes with decorative cards and embellishments to compliment a single hot cocoa packet and sprinkled marshmallows.  It is so easy to make lots of them for a classroom of kiddos or a team at work.  This post is sponsored by Xyron but the ideas and opinions are my own.

DIY Hot Cocoa Valentine with Free Printable and Directions

To get started, you will need the following supplies.

Start by cutting out the hot cocoa cup, the marshmallows, and the heart want using a Sizzix Big Shot and my Laura Kelly Hot Chocolate die.  Cut out an extra top to the cup with a brown paper if you want add a touch of paper hot cocoa.  Trim the brown paper down to fit inside the cup.  Use a Xyron Mega Runner to adhere the brown paper to the cup.

The Mega Runner is amazing!  It totally adheres the papers together AND still allows the cuts to be opened to insert the wand and marshmallows.

Print the tags!

Valentine Hot Chocolate Printable Gift Tags

Add the wand and marshmallows through the slot and secure with a Mega Runner adhesive.  Use a black marker to accent your cup.  Cut a tag from the printable and attach it along with your designed paper cocoa cup to a cardboard box or bag.  Add your hot cocoa and sprinkled marshmallows and TA DA!  You have a darling Valentine.

To make the sprinkled marshmallows, melt white chocolate and pour over marshmallows,  While it is still hot, add sprinkles.  Cool completely then break apart into smaller pieces.

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Cheers to Celebrating with SWEET handmade Valentines.

XO,

Laura

 

 

Project to Organize Your New Year

I love getting organized.  I love putting my things in places where they belong and where I can find them.  With an in-home art studio, I have a lot of “stuff” to put away day after day.  Balancing that with family stuff (menu planning, grocery shopping, school activities, family outings, etc.) can be challenging so I came up with a few ways to help myself keep it all together.  These four projects are DIY fun with Multi-Surface paints and Decou-Page from DecoArt.  This morning I shared them on the FOX31 Denver morning news and it was super inspiring.  I love when I can share tips that might support other people with busy and creative lives.  This post is sponsored by DecoArt but the ideas and opinions are my own.

DIY Organization Tips and Projects

Okay, let make the first project.  I created this painted and personalized wooden crate/box as a place to store my planner supplies.  I work in it every single day and sometimes like to take it to the kitchen table.  This is a place that I can put my favorite supplies and take them around with me.

Steps:

  1. Paint wooden crate with Multi-Surface paint.  I used Black Tie.
  2. Cut you letters or words out of magazines to decorate the painted surface.
  3. When the paint it totally dry, use Decou-Page to add magazine clippings.  If you don’t know how to use Deco-Pauge, you can get directions in this earlier post where I shared the directions to make a mixed media flower pot.  The techniques are the same here.
  4. Let it dry and put it to use.

Let’s make a clipboard now.  Follow the same directions above.

If you want the meal planner printable, you can grab it and download it free.  It is a great way to keep the menu changing while being organized and prepared.

Meal Planning Printable FREE Kids

Next up, let’s make the bulletin board.

Steps:

  1. Paint the entire surface of a 12 x 12 cork square with Multi- Surface paints.  I used the Black Tie again.  I think I just love black!
  2. Let the paint dry completely.  You can add stripes, dots or designs with different colors of paint.  Meagan did on the news this morning!
  3. Glue the cork square to another one to make a thicker board.  I used hot glue.
  4. If you want to add the ribbon, use hot glue to adhere it to the cork board.  I used ribbon to create a loop for hanging it up.

We have tickets and gift cards to so many things at one time.  I made these darling little magnetic clips to keep them in one place that is easily accessible.  Whether you put them on your refrigerator or a magnet board, this is a great way to keep the fun options for going out in a visible place.

Steps:

  1. Put the wooden clips on the fold of a piece of paper.
  2. Paint the clips on all sides.  Having them on the paper helps make this easier.  You guessed it, I used Black Tie again.
  3. Add dots.  I used Cotton Ball white.  To make the little dots, I dipped the non-brush end of the paintbrush into the paint and dotted it onto the clips.
  4. Use hot glue to add magnets to the finished clips and ta-da.  You have darling clips for putting up all the things on your refrigerator.

Here are a few shots from the FOX 31 Denver segment this morning.

If you want to watch the news segment, here it is!

Cheers to DIY and Getting Organized!

Laura

 

Felt Valentine Heart Garland Decor

It is time to kick off the season of LOVE and all things Valentines!!!  While it is always emotional to take down Christmas decorations and let go, I do love getting ready for Valentine’s Day.  I made a garland several years ago for the tree when I was super inspired by all things sock monkey and this holiday season used it on our headboard.  I added this felt Valentine heart garland decor to it and am keeping it all up through Valentine’s Day.  The inspiration for this project actually came from our new sheets for the bed.  They came in this matching fabric bag but really, what would I ever do with the bag.  I decided to cut it up and add it to felt hearts to tie the sheets to the garland.  I love how it all turned out.  I am a member of the Kunin Felt Dream Team, a design team that creates projects with felt.

Felt Heart Garland Valentine Decor

To make this garland, you will need the following supplies and materials.  You will be surprised at how simple it is to create this felt Valentine heart garland decor.

Start by cutting your felt hearts out using the Laura Kelly Heart Die # and the Sizzix Big Shot machine.  Next, cut smaller hearts out from your fabric.

Sew the little hearts onto the felt hearts using a zig-zag stitch.

Sew the hearts to the ribbon.  I recommend pinning them in place before you start this step to get them centered.

Trim your threads and ta da, you have a garland.

I think it is pretty darn darling on my headboard.

And look, it totally matches the sheets!!!

YAY for Valentine’s Day, for Making Decorations and for Being Part of a Team of Creatives!

Love,

Laura

PS:  If you want to make the garland that I already had on the headboard, it is the sock monkey felt garland and posted a few years ago.

This post contains affiliate links.

Gluten Free Family Fun at the YMCA of the Rockies

This weekend we spent a night at YMCA of the Rockies and had an extraordinary time as a family.  There are so many fabulous things to share about this as a must go-to family spot!  I am exited to share my top five from this chilly January visit to the YMCA in Estes Park, Colorado.  Please not that while this post is sponsored by YMCA of the Rockies, the opinions and experiences are my own.  We have been to visit in the late spring year after year with our Girl Scout service unit but this was our first time as a family AND our first time in the winter.  We are definitely going back because we didn’t get to do nearly all of the things we wanted to.

First, the location is gorgeous.  We stayed in a lodge surrounded by mountains, trees and wildlife.  The air is so clean and the breeze felt so refreshing.  We were lucky enough to get a little snow while we were there which was super fun and oh so pretty.   Here is me in the wild.

Here is my best shot of the deer.

I went to the Tree Garden early in the morning and was mesmerized by the magpies.  There were so many together playing and chasing each other.  I stood really still and one came right up to where I was and perched on a bench.  It was a bit magical really.  While I was there, I read the sign about the tree garden.  It made me think of one of my Girl Scouts, Isabel.  She has a beautiful voice and sings in her choir.

There are so many things to do at the YMCA of the Rockies but I have to say that my favorite activity is the Mootz Family Craft and Design House.  Being a professional artist and designer, I love that this place has so many options.  We spent the majority of our day creating mosaics.  All four of us picked the perfect starter pieces and went to work.

We worked until lunch time and then took a break to dash over to eat.  This leads right into the third amazing thing about the YMCA of the Rockies.  The food is outstanding and best of all, there are gluten free options.  If you follow my blog, you already know that I have Hashimoto disease.  I cannot have gluten.  I felt so special and noticed by the extent to which the YMCA of the Rockies is looking out for this community.  They even had a special stand of treats for gluten free visitors!  I got to meet the chef and tell him how much I appreciate him!

We went back to the craft house and finished up our mosaics.  I loved every step of making mine so I took photos.  Here is what I did for all of you crafty followers who might want to make a mosaic.

  1. I painted the piece pink then added white and red dots.
  2. I added clear glass pieces to cover the surface leaving tiny spaces in between.  I used glue.
  3. I added white grout to the entire surface getting it into the cracks.
  4. I wiped the excess grout off and packed the love monster to take it home.
  5. I put it up in my studio!

Then we walked around and decided to play miniature golf.  We played IN THE SNOW.  This is my fourth favorite thing about this trip.  Even in the chilly and snowy weather, we got to be a family OUTDOORS doing things we love.  Zoe and Ryp tied for first place.

There are a lot of reasons to visit the YMCA of the Rockies but my fifth reason to visit in the wintertime is the fireplaces.  They are everywhere.  The fireplaces (indoor and outdoor) create such a feeling of warmth and connection.  Here is a photo of the one inside our lodge and the one outdoors too.

I love the main fireplace in the registration building too.  We didn’t get to spend any time here really which means we must go back, soon!

No matter where you love, the YMCA of the Rockies is place that you should consider adding to your bucket list.  The staff is fabulous.  The accommodations are comfortable.  The food is excellent.  The location is gorgeous.  The drive from Denver is only about two hours.  If you decide to travel in, let me know.  I would love to come say hello!

I am so grateful to the YMCA of the Rockies for hosting us.  This little bit of family times really means a lot in the big picture.

XO,
Laura

PS:  The sixth (and should really be first) is that this trip supports my marriage in so many ways.  But that….that is another whole post!

New Year’s Resolutions Printable for Kids

This New Year’s Resolution Printable for Kids is a remake from a post I shared in 2013 for the upcoming year.  Several of you have asked me to make one for 2018.  Here it is!  You can download it for FREE, print it then cut it up into cards.  If you are wondering if you are too old to do this activity, I will remind you that you are not.  You are always young enough to set goals and try new things!

New Year's Resolution Printable For Kids

It’s so simple and can be useful to create new goals and dreams.  It is a great activity to do as a family, with a Girl Scout troop or at school.

Here yo go!  Grab the free printable by clicking on the image below!

Create Happiness Goal Stickers for your Planner

2019 is going to be a great year.  Why?  Because I am going to create it to be that way…  I am thrilled to share with you how to create happiness goal stickers for your planner.  There are a ton of stickers out there in the stores but gosh, only I really know what my goals are for creating the happiness I want.  I doodled up some designs and then colored them before turning them into stickers with my Creative Station.  This post is sponsored by Xyron (the maker of the Creative Station) but the ideas and opinions are my own.

The first step is to make your doodle designs.  I used high quality printer paper for mine.  You can make your own or you can use the ones I made.  I turned them into a free printable just for you!  There are even three blank boxes for you to make up your own happiness goals.  I think happiness comes when I am connecting and doing things with people in my world.  That is how I chose my goals.

Planner Stickers DIY

Color your designs.

Cut them apart.

Run them through the Creative Station.  It is like magic, for real!

Take off the overlaying plastic piece.  It peels right off.

BOOM!  You have your own stickers.  I already used one yesterday.  We were up in Estes Park and went for a hike.  The Creative Station does way more than make stickers.  The cartridges can be changed to create magnets and laminated things too!

Raise your Stickers to A Happy Year, One that YOU Create!

Laura

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