Laura Kelly's Inklings

Sudden Bursts of Creativity

DIY Wooden Holiday Decorations

Let’s make DIY Wooden Holiday Decorations!

Tis the season to make all the things, especially DIY wooden holiday decorations.  With a new workshop filled with tools, we have been busy sawing, sanding and building this month.  I am super excited to share both the ladder for holding holiday blankets AND our new family Christmas sign.  Both projects are made from basic two by fours and with a little love and awesome paint make beautiful handmade holiday wooden decoration.  This post is sponsored by DecoArt but the ideas and opinions are my own.

DIY Wooden Holiday Decorations

How to Build a Blanket Ladder

Start with 6 pieces of wood, cut and sanded.  The taller two pieces that make the sides are 6 feet in length.  The shorter pieces that make the slats are 16 inches across.  Lay the pieces out on the floor and use a drill to screw the slats in from the outside of the taller pieces.

Paint the ladder with DecoArt Chalky Finish paint.  This color is Romance Red and it is PERFECT For Christmastime and beyond.

When the paint is dry, sand it a bit if the desired look is rustic.  Then put a coat of DecoArt Wax Creme White over the entire surface and let dry.  I recommend using a micro-fiber cloth for the waxing.


While the ladder is drying, it is time to make a sign!

How to Make a Wood Pallet Sign as DIY Wooden Holiday Decorations

This DIY Wooden Holiday Decor is amazing and fun to create.  Start with three pieces of wood.  The two that make the front of the board should be 12 inches wide.  The smaller piece that gets glued (or screwed) to the back can be any size that will hold the two front pieces together.

Once the two larger pieces are secured, paint the front of the sign completely in one solid color.  Let it dry.

Add a good coat of Craft Twinkles to add the glittery magic.  Craft Twinkles (from DecoArt of course) can be mixed together.  For this sign the colors Crystal and Silver are mixed together before being painted on.

Once the Craft Twinkles layer is totally dry, use a stencil to add a message.  Our message is Ho Ho Ho, The Kellys!

After the sign has had about 30 minutes to completely dry, add another layer of Crystal Craft Twinkles to cover the entire surface, including the letters with the sparkly glitter.

Ta Da!

Other Ideas for Handmade Holiday Designs

Painting signs for the season is a great way to customize the message in your home.  We made Hot Cocoa Bar signs for our neighbors using a stencil that I made on my Cricut Maker.

Wooden Sign Hot Cocoa Bar

Last year I shared this super fun project for the holidays using DecoArt.  It is easy to create a giant canvas decoration with DecoArt acrylic paints and these simple steps.

Step By Step Gnome Painting

If you have any questions about these DIY wooden holiday decorations, be sure to comment and ask!  Otherwise, get started on your own!
Cheers,

Laura

PS:  I shared a fun Naughty or Nice two sided painted sign a few days ago.  You can check it out on the blog too!

Naughty or Nice Glitter Sign

 

 

 

Giant Reindeer Gift Tags

These giant reindeer gift tags are perfect for adding to packages or making garlands.

Creating darling gifts that are wrapped in creative ways can be so simple and fun.They are super fun because once made, any message can be added which makes them 100% perfect to personalize. Reindeer make me think of the magical parts of Christmas.  Animals that can fly and spend their days playing games make me happy to think about.  The tags are put together with my favorite tape runner, the Mega Runner.  This post is sponsored by Xyron but the ideas and opinions are my own.  I am excited about making these giant reindeer gift tags with my friends at my next Crafty Happy Hour!

Giant Reindeer Holiday Gift Tags

To make these darling giant reindeer gift tags, you will need the following supplies and materials:

  • Mega Runner by Xyron
  • Scrapbook Paper in Black, Brown and Red
  • Kraft Card Stock (Each tag is 8 1/2 by 5 1/2 inches.)
  • Cricut Machine to Cut Out Shapes (Or You Can Draw Them)
  • Reindeer File (FREE to Download)
  • Scissors
  • Hole Punch
  • Ribbon or Twine

Directions For Making Gift Tags

Start by cutting the pieces for the reindeer out on a Cricut Machine.  The reindeer can be sized in Design Space.  The recommended height is 7 inches.  If you are creating a large garland, you might want the reindeer to be larger.

Put your reindeer pieces together with a Mega Runner.  It is heavy duty and will adhere card stock together even if it is textured like the brown piece used in this project.


For small pieces (like the eyes and the ears), stick the paper on to the runner and it will grab the adhesive making it easy to stick to the reindeer face.

To create shiny red nosed reindeer, add red Stickles to the nose and let it dry.

Cut the kraft card stock corners on one end to give it the look of a tag.  Use the Mega Runner to adhere the reindeer to the tag.  Punch a hole to add twine for tying the tag to a gift.  Use black marker to add a message.

The Mega Runner is the perfect tool for paper crafting.  It works with such ease and strength which makes it my favorite.

 

If you want to make a fun treat to enjoy while making these adorable giant reindeer gift tags, these shakes are delicious.

Reindeer Shake:.
Cover rim of jar with candy melts (while melted) dipped in sprinkles.  Freeze to harden.
Blend 1 C chocolate ice cream with 1 C ice and 1/2 C milk
Top with whipped cream.

Reindeer Milk Shake Holiday Drink

Chocolate Candy Dipped Oreo Cookies are super fun too.

Oreo Reindeer Cookies Close Up

Of course you could do all three of these fun reindeer crafts and snacks to turn it all into a reindeer party.  All you need is a printable to go with it!

Happy Reindeer Crafting,
Laura

Naughty or Nice Glitter Sign

The elf on the shelf is coming out next week and needs to know each night if you have been naughty or nice.  This Naughty or Nice glitter sign is a perfect solution.  DecoArt makes amazing Galaxy Glitter, a paint FILLED with glitter to make a project sparkle and shine.  I whipped up this project in about thirty minutes so it’s a perfect one for crafters who are busy and like things that can be done in a flash.

Naughty or Nice Glitter Sign

YAY for Craft Lightning, project that can be made quickly.  The theme this go-round is GLITTER!

To make the Naughty or Nice glitter sign, you will need the following supplies and materials.

  • DecoArt Acrylic Paint (Green, Red, White and Black)
  • DecoArt Galaxy Glitter (Green and Red)
  • Paintbrushes
  • Ribbon
  • Wooden Sign with Two Holes

Directions:

Paint one side of the wooden sign green then add a coat of Galaxy Gltter.  Let it dry.  This process can be sped up with a hairdryer.

Paint the other side red with a coat of Galaxy Glitter on top.

Add the words Naughty and Nice, one on each side.

Use the end of paintbrush to add dots to the words.  Dip it in the paint than dot it on the wood.

Add a 30 inch piece of ribbon through each hole then tie them together in a bow.

Bam!  There is a Naughty or Nice glitter sign ready to go!

Cheers to Crafts for the Holidays that Are Quick, Fun and Simple!

Laura

Tips for Building a Brand

I am excited about the new year that is right around the corner.  Each year I choose a new word that will guide me through the twelve months in a direction that matches the meaning.  For 2020, my word is dauntless.  I plan to push forward in growing my brand fearlessly and with determination.  Some of my tips for building a brand are ones that I am excited to share. This post is sponsored by Sticker Mule, my favorite go-to-place for **custom** stickers​ and such but the ideas and opinions are my own

Tips for Building a Brand

For starters, building a brand takes two primary things, time and consistency.

When I re-design the artwork each year to add my word of the year, I keep many elements the same.  My LAURA KELLY (two words) stays the same.  The colors stay the same.  The look and feel stays the same.  Every year part of my new designs includes a piece that is black with white polka dots.  This allows the artwork to match the ribbon (black with white polka dots) that I use for gifties and media pieces.  I always write my word of the year in the stem of a flower.  Here are the last two years’ designs.

This year, I LOVE my design.  I already have it on stickers that I ordered from Sticker Mule to get myself ready for SO MUCH GROWTH!

I also ordered the design on packing tape in two different styles.  The square block print is AWESOME on packages.

This design is on the way and I will totally be sharing it on social media when it arrives.  Are you following me on Instagram? 

Building a brand requires making an investment.

It costs money to make money.  Building a brand requires investing in the things that get your company out there in front of people.  I am GIVING YOU $10 to spend on Sticker Mule because I believe in their products and know that they work!  Go.  Go NOW and get something with YOUR branding.

I also throw a fun sticker in every package that I send out.  This is one of the ones that I have ready for next year!

On a side note, Apex, NC is such an awesome place to live.  There is a historic train station in our old fashioned downtown that I painted a while back to create note cards.

I turned the painting into stickers for my favorite downtown merchants and friends.  You can get one at The Rusty Bucket on Salem Street!  Aren’t they so adorable.

This is me and my friend Alexandra from The Hedgehog Hollow on the caboose!

Quoted right from Sticker Mule,

“Free shipping, free online proofs, fast turnaround

Custom stickers are the fastest and easiest way to promote your business, product, or event—and Sticker Mule is the easiest way to buy custom stickers.

Order in seconds and we’ll turn any artwork, logo, or photo into beautiful vinyl stickers in 4 days or less. We offer free online proofs, free worldwide shipping and super fast turnaround.”

Hoping you have an amazing rest of the year and an even more awesome 2020!
YAY for Branding with Stickers from Sticker Mule!
Laura

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stitchable Felt Stocking

Let’s make a stitchable felt stocking!

Holiday decoration are going up!  It might seem early for some but it is time for me.  Every year I add some new handmade items to our decorations.  This year the first new handmade item is this darling stitchable felt stocking.  I got the stitchable felt a while back and used it to make adorable Halloween ornaments but saved these colors just for this project.  We have a new tiny kitten (GiGi) and this stitchable felt stocking is perfect for kitty size treats.  This post is sponsored by Coats and Clark but the ideas and opinions are my own.

Stitchable Felt Stocking

To make this stitchable felt stocking, you will need the following materials and supplies.

  • Stitchable Felt (Red and Green)
  • Embroidery Floss
  • Needle
  • Burlap
  • Ribbon for Hanger
  • Scissors
  • Yellow Button
  • Fabric Glue
  • Stocking Pattern

Directions

Start by folding the red stitchable felt in half, making sure the holes line up.  Pin the pattern to the double layer of red stitchable felt.

Cut around the pattern to get a front and back piece for the stocking.


Cut a triangle from green felt and stitch it to the front of the stocking using cross stitch or any creative stitch that you like.  I like this with green embroidery floss but red might be fun to create ornaments too.  Add a bit of burlap as a trunk with brown embroidery floss.  Stitch a yellow button to the top of your triangle tree to create a star.

Stitch around the outside of the stocking through the matched up holes using red embroidery floss, leaving the top open.

Glue burlap to the inside of the top of the stocking in a ruffled manner.  If there are concerns about the glue adhering the opening shut, add a piece of plastic to keep the front and back from touching while it dries.

Let it dry then glue ribbon in to create a hanger.

Stitchable felt comes in a variety of colors.  They come in  9″ x 12″ perforated felt sheets with 7 holes/inch for needlecrafting and making.  It is super fun for basic stitching projects and also for layering like this stocking project.

YAY for Handmade Christmas Decorations!
Laura

 

 

Gaylord Rockies Weekend Getaway

It is time to stop what you are doing and plan a Gaylord Rockies weekend getaway with Marriott!

I am totally a fan of spending quality time with people I love in places that are amazing and let me tell you, Gaylord Rockies totally is one of these places.  I am confident that could write a book about my last weekend getaway to Gaylord Rockies but instead I am going to share my top three reasons that I am going back in a few weeks to do it again with my boys.

Gaylord Rockies Girl Weekend Getaway

Gaylord Rockies has amazing spaces all around the hotel.

From the lobby and open areas that share an amazing view of the Rocky Mountains to the nooks and corners for relaxing, studying, reading or working; every detail is fabulous.  The “feel” of the resort is so Colorado which makes my heart so happy. The indoor waterfalls and bridges create an atmosphere that feels so outdoorsy while maintaining the safe feeling of being indoors.  During my girlfriend weekend with Alexandra from The Hedgehog Hollow, we explored and found some of the best places for photos, for masterminding sessions and for hanging out to relax.

I even spent some time doing what I LOVE most, art.

There are AWESOME restaurants at Gaylord Rockies.

We ate at four of them and each meal was a yummy (and fun) experience.  The sports bar restaurant (Mountain Pass) has the BIGGEST TV wall I have ever seen.  The wings were out of this world delicious.  Yes, I am getting them again when I go back.  The blue cheese dressing is homemade and the perfect compliment to the wings.  I might have had a wedge salad the next day JUST to get the dressing again.

On our first night at The Gaylord Rockies, we had dinner at the Italian restaurant, Vista Montague.  We enjoyed a couple of glasses of crisp white wine while taking in the view of the atrium.

Saturday morning was a quick trip to The Marketplace for a bite before heading to the spa.  The Marketplace offers a HUGE variety of choices, including this amazing gluten-free muffin.

After the spa, we went back to Mountain Pass because, well because blue cheese really.  But gosh, the watermelon cocktail was just as delightful.

Dinner at Monte Vista was a wonderful experience.  As if the cocktails weren’t fancy enough, the sushi was like a work of art. We tried flights of sake which was  a new experience for me.

Relache Spa and Salon is like a journey all of it’s own.

Upon entering Relache Spa, every sense is awakened.  The word Relache is French for “take a break” and couldn’t be more fitting.  From the moment of entering the locker room to change into plush robes and slippers until checking out in the spa gift store, it was like being on a magical getaway.  This is the PERFECT place to spend a day with a friend retreating to replenish the soul.

Some other great things that I think you should know about Gaylord Rockies….

Their staff is AMAZING.

The elevators are perfect for mirror selfies.

The outdoor grounds are simply lovely!  To add to the already beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, they have a S.Mores bar from 3-5 each day!

Truthfully, there is so much more.  There is an amazing indoor pool as well as an outdoor pool.  There is an arcade.  The shopping is amazing.  The conference center is state of the art.  There are MORE restaurants.  I guess that’s why I am going back to experience more of the great things to do at Gaylord Rockies!

Cheers to Travel, Friendship and Gaylord Rockies,

Laura

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cricut Made Snowflake Garland

This Cricut made snowflake garland is completely adorable.

It is one of those projects that started out with a plan that quickly changed once in process.  When I originally cut the snowflakes out of the Oly*Fun using my Cricut Maker, I was planning to use them to create handmade cards.  However, once they were cut and scattered on my work table (next to some jar lids) I looked at them and saw a snowflake garland in my mind.  So, I created a Cricut Made Snowflake Garland to share.  This is a great project to create that festive winter theme no matter where you might live.  This post is sponsored by Fairfield World but the ideas and opinions are my own.

To make the snowflake garland, you will need the following materials and supplies.

  • Oly*Fun (white) from Fairfield World
  • Cricut Maker
  • Cricut Fabric Mat
  • Jar Lids
  • Glue
  • White yarn, string or ribbon

The directions to make the snowflake garland are easy ones so great for beginners.

Start by cutting the white Oly*Fun into snowflakes on your Cricut Maker.  There are lots of snowflakes to choose from in the Cricut Design Space.  I recommend choosing one that is less intricate for several reasons.  First of all, it will cut faster.  Second, it will make a bolder statement.


Tie a piece of string, ribbon or yarn to each lid leaving between 6 and 10 inches of extra length.

Glue a snowflake to BOTH sides of each jar lid.  Let the glue dry.

Using the extra lengths of string the lids, tie each one to a long (however long you want) piece of ribbon to create a garland.  The more snowflakes you tie, the more it will feel like you are inside of a snow globe.  The snowflake garland can be super long or short enough to fit on a bulletin board.  It is super flexible.

Snowflake Garland

I love this project because you can make the snowflakes ANY size with the Cricut Maker.  If you wanted to create a tiny garland to go around a jar, you could.  If you want to create larger snowflakes, you can make those too!  I cut out a much of tiny snowflakes to see how they would work as a confetti to go inside holiday cards and LOVE them.  These measure one inch in diameter.  Now I bet you are hoping you are on my Christmas card list.

 

Wouldn’t these be so fun for a Frozen party?  I am pretty sure another one is coming out soon.  🙂  If you love making things with Oly*Fun because it works like paper but acts like fabric, you might like this holiday idea too.  Easy sew gift bags are great to reuse year after year with makes them eco-friendly.

Cheers to the Holiday, Snowflakes and Decorating!
Cheers,

Laura

 

 

Homemade Gifts for the Holidays

Christmas is coming.  It is coming fast.  I am excited to be collaborating with six different amazing artists to share their homemade gifts that I love.  I personally have, and use, all of these in my life and gathered them together in this blog post to share them with you.  I think that supporting artists (especially female) when shopping for gifts and holiday goodies matters.  I hope you love these items as much as I do!

Homemade Holiday Gifts

Let’s start with ME!  I have darling personalized stationery in my online store.  I love my new watercolor designs that I created this year.

I am giving away three sets of personalized note cards on Instagram TODAY!!!!

You can follow me on ALL of my social platforms…

Alexandra from the Hedgehog Hollow has a monthly subscription box that arrives filled with awesome products for paper crafting, card making and general creating.  She chooses different illustrators for each month and I am the super lucky artist for this month’s box.  It includes two sets of my stamps featuring the ‘Me and My Peeps’ characters, scrapbook card stock papers that I designed and LOTS of other great items.  You can order it HERE for you, for your friends and for everyone you know that loves to craft.

We are giving away a November box with with MY stamps AND papers on November 15th!

Follow Alexandra on Social Media!

Amy from Amy Latta Creations is a talented hand lettering artist.  She is also a very good friend.  Amy exudes love, creativity and kindness.  Her newest book is hand Lettering for Faith and it is PERFECT for anyone who you have on your list who likes to worship through creativity.  She has three other awesome books too.  The Hand Lettering for Kids is amazing for those kiddos who are looking to access creative ways to express themselves.

This is the book being given away on December 11th on Instagram!


Jade from JaderBomb makes the most fabulous BoHo earrings imaginable.  She is a force of empowerment and self expression,  I have known her for years and keep the little packet of glitter I got from her when we first met in a special pocket in my suitcase.  It is a reminder of my greatness when I am on the road and feeling a bit insecure.  Of course when I put on the earrings, BAM.  It is like a confidence builder.  They gather all the compliments everywhere I go.  This is me rocking my red ones.

These are the earrings being given away on Instagram on November 15th!

Follow and Shop with Jaderbomb!

Jackie from the The Cookie Corner Arizona bakes and decorates cookies that are OUT OF THIS WORLD.  These are perfect for Homemade Gifts! She made me cookies with MY ART on them a few years ago and I completely fell in love.  They taste amazing.  They are beautiful.  They are the best.  Jackie spreads happy all over Instagram with her darling designs that are seasonal and also everyday creations celebrating occasions.  These are the cookies she made for me!

These are the cookies that are being given away on Instagram on December 6th!

Follow Jackie on Instagram….

Tiffany from the Old Ragdoll Cupboard makes the most beautiful handmade dolls, gnomes and snowmen.  I ordered an autumn doll and she is perfect.  I totally crush on her gnomes and snowmen too.  This gnome has my heart.  I cannot wait to give it away with her on Instagram.  Tiffany shares so much creative inspiration on her Instagram feed.  I love following her and being cheered up daily with her posts.

This is the gnome being given away on Instagram on November 22nd.

Follow and Shop with Tiffany and Old Ragdoll Cupboard.

Recently I got a bag for me and my friend Alexandra from Crochet by Colleen.  We took them to our day at the spa and received endless compliments.  She crochets and creates the most amazing things!  I love how customized her pieces can be.  Look at us!

Yay Yay and Triple Yay for Homemade Gifts for the Holidays!
Love,
Laura

 

What is Neighborhood Toy Store Day

What is Neighborhood Toy Store Day?

It is a fabulous day that happens once a year when independently owned toy stores from all around the country celebrate the power of play.  It is the second Saturday in November so this year will be on November 9th.  I love it because it shines lights on things that matter to me so much including PLAY, community, shopping local and connection.  I am lucky enough to work closely with the team at Beyond the Blackboard in Denver, Colorado and attended a blogger holiday kickoff event to get the word out about this amazing day.  I am excited to share some of my favorite toys with you, toys that were at the event being shared by awesome sales reps.  This group of bloggers and families really know how to have a great time.

We had a special guest in from Ohio, Alexandra from The Hedgehog Hollow!  She sure know how to turn a Sunday into a Fun Day.  Check out her YouTube LIVE video from the event.

I love this testimonial from my friend Angela.  She blogs at blueistyle.

Here are a few of my favorite art and crafty toys for kids.

The Chocolate Studio from Mindware Toys is such a great way to get kiddos creating with food!  It is easy to set up (and clean).  It melts candy for dipping and works great with fruit to create a better alternative to processed snacks.  Plus, it is super fun!

Ann Williams has this awesome Loopdeloo that makes friendship bracelets.  It comes with a variety of colors of threads and directions.  I love it because I love crafting, friends and creating connection.

ooly makes Chunkies and I LOVE THEM!!!  They are awesome paint sticks that dry crazy fast so work great to make ALL THE THINGS.  The kids at the event had so much fun with them.

Here are a few links to projects I have created using ooly products.

Check out all of these amazing toys, games and puzzles!

ASTRA (American Specialty Toy Retail Association) leads the way when it comes to Neighborhood Toy Store Day.

Here is how they explain it on their website.

“ASTRA retailers all over the country kick off the holiday season by hosting Neighborhood Toy Store Day to celebrate their community, the shop local message, and the joy of play. The event delivers focused messaging to consumers on the value local businesses have in keeping communities unique and vital. As a result, ASTRA retailers who have participated in Neighborhood Toy Store Days have reported increase in sales and visibility in the community.

This is an opportunity for ASTRA retail members to come together to showcase their expertise and the important role they play in the community. Celebrate Neighborhood Toy Store Day to bring customers into your store.”

Beyond the Blackboard is a proud member of ASTRA with Jacqueline Killian (a BtB owner) serving on the ASTRA board.

Neighborhood Toy Store Day Beyond the Blackboard

Because so many people ask, “What is Neighborhood Toy Store Day?”, I went and shared it on FOX News Denver.

What is Neighborhood Toy Store Day

I mostly loved how excited the men got about toys.  They were practically giddy when they picked items for themselves.  It was such a reminder that WE ARE NEVER TO OLD TO PLAY!

So really, what is Neighborhood Toy Store Day?  It is the chance for YOU to be a difference maker.  If you are in the Denver area, be sure to support local by shopping for your holiday (and year round) toys at Beyond the Blackboard.  If you are not in Denver, you can order from them on the web OR shop at your nearest LOCALLY owned stores.

Cheers to Neighborhood Communities, Toys and Shopping Local,

Laura

Fairfield World Pillow Party 2019

Welcome to the Fairfield World Pillow Party 2019, hosted by me and Alexandra from The Hedgehog Hollow.  A great big thank you to our sponsor, Fairfield World who sent out pillows to twenty five designers and covered the costs of the party!

Here is the pillow I created!  I crush on all things gnome so made this to add to my holiday decor.  I am going to be sharing the entire tutorial on my NEW YouTube channel which is so super exciting.

Fairfield World sent 24 additional blogging designers a 20 inch premium pillow to decorate for the holidays.  They are amazing and gosh, so different!

Do you want to make some of these pillows?  You can get everything you need at the craft store.  Enter to win TEN Pounds of PolyFil AND a $100 gift card to Michaels!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Every designer blogger is sharing their pillow on their blogs with more details, directions and ideas.  Hop around and check them out.

My co-host for this party, Alexandra from The Hedgehog Hollow, made a really fun pillow too!

I love pom-poms and trims so these four pillows make my heart happy.

I would love to know which pillow you love most.  Comment and share!!!
Cheers,

Laura

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