How to, Paper Crafts, Handmade, DIY, Recycle, Diecuts, Crafting on a Dime

Creating Unique Junk Journal Tags: Part One

July 14, 2026

Hi everyone! I hope everyone is surviving the heat and having a wonderful summer. I’ve spent most of my time with family, cooling off in the swimming pool and working on a few home projects that I could no longer put off.

But I do want to share part one of a tag journal I created using an assortment of scraps of cardstock and whatever else I found in my craft stash. I used Eileen Hull‘s newest collection. I used the Ephemera Pocket and Tags Thinlits, Nora Numbers Thinlits, Nora Alphabet Thinlits and Stitched Hearts Thinlits. I also used several other dies by Eileen from past collections that had been living in my stash. Anyways let’s get started!

A colorful mini album featuring various patterned pages and decorative elements, held together by a ring. It includes floral designs and embellishments, with a textured background.

The first thing I did was cut out an assortment of small and large tags from the Ephemera Pocket and Tags Thinlits. Before cutting out several hole reinforcers I applied an Adhesive Sheet to the back of the cardstock. It makes it so much easier if everything is cut out and ready to create.

For the first tag I used the smallest tag. I inked the edges of both sides with a Brown Chalk Ink and added a hole reinforcer on both sides. The house is a fussy cut image that I glued to the tag along with a tiny strip of green cardstock to mimic grass.

A decorative tag featuring an illustration of a house with a tree, surrounded by a green and striped background.

The back side of the tag I added a stamp die from the Faux Postage Thinlits and the number 1 from the Nora Numbers Thinlits to the bottom corner of the stamp die.

A decorative tag featuring a colorful floral collage, the number '1' in mint green, and black polka dots against a soft pastel background.

The second tag I used the larger tag. I did adhered two tags together since they were both single sided cardstock. I added a decorative piece of cardstock, a circle die and trim to the tag. I placed Foam Pop Dots to the back of a Mini Paper Doll before adding to the tag. I selected the “Alice” sticker from the Clippings Cardstock Stickers and placed onto the tag.

A vintage-style tag featuring a black and white photo of a young girl named Alice, adorned with colorful floral patterns and decorative elements.

The back side of the tag I glued a strip of cardstock and a scrap of lace to one side of the tag. I cut a large and small flower from the Windowsill Vase and Flowers Thinlits and a leaf sprig from the Home Sweet Home Thinlits. I inked the edges of all the dies I cut out with Brown Chalk Ink. I added a drop of glue to the back of the smallest flower and placed in the center of the larger flower. I adhered the flower, leaf sprig and a tiny piece of cheese cloth to the tag. I added a Gold Gem to the center of the flower.

A decorative tag featuring a green background with a diamond pattern, adorned with floral designs. It has a yellow flower with a red gem centerpiece, layered fabrics in pink and floral patterns, and a hole for hanging. Designed by Tonya Trantham for Eileen Hull.

I used the smallest tag and backed two tags together since both were single sided cardstock. I cut one of the labels from the Bookmark, Pockets and Toppers Thinlits and inked the edges before gluing to the tag. I cut two butterflies in different types of cardstock from the same set of dies. I cut the antennas off of one of the butterflies and added a bead of glue to body/center. I placed on top of the other butterfly. The top butterfly I bent the wings slightly upwards. I added four Pearls to the center of the butterfly.

An orange decorative tag featuring a multi-colored paper butterfly with pearl embellishments, designed by Tonya Trantham.

The back side of the tag was easy since I framed the butterflies on the cardstock before cutting out the tag. I cut a tiny butterfly from the Home Sweet Home Thinlits and added the “my beautiful butterfly” sentiment from the Clippings Cardstock Stickers to finish.

A decorative tag featuring a large green butterfly illustration, the text 'my beautiful butterfly,' and a small blue butterfly graphic, set against a patterned background.

I used the larger tag and backed two tags together since one of the cardstocks was a single sided design. I adhered a patterned piece of cardstock to the center of the tag. I added two scraps of cardstock off center and glued a Mini Paper Doll to the tag. I glued a tiny flower and two tiny leaves, (I’m not sure which die sets these belong to) to the woman and added a Gem to the center of the flower.

An artistic tag featuring two vintage-style black and white photographs of women dressed in early 20th-century clothing against a colorful patterned background.

Since the back of the tag had a butterfly pattern I kept the embellishments to a minimum. I dug into my stash and added a circle and label die to the tag. I cut out a number 2 from the Nora Alphabet Thinlits. I added a pink sequin, gem and tiny leaf to the 2.

A decorative tag featuring a large number '2' in the center, surrounded by colorful patterns, butterflies, and text elements. It is designed with a pastel color scheme and includes a hole at the top for hanging.

I used the larger tag and backed two tags together. I added a banner to one side of the tag with the edge hanging off. I used a circle punch and punched out the woman with a hat. I added a couple button stickers, the “from the heart” sentiment from Clippings Cardstock Stickers and a small heart die from the Stitched Hearts Thinlits to the tag.

A vintage-style tag featuring a black and white photograph of a person with a heart graphic above their head, adorned with decorative elements like buttons and gems, along with the phrase 'from the heart'.

The back side of the tag I adhered an assortment of cardstock to the tag. The stamped label is from one of Eileen’s earlier stamp sets but I don’t remember the name. I glued the label to the tag, added a Mini Paper Doll and three button stickers to finish.

Crafted vintage tag featuring a black and white photograph of a young boy wearing a suit and hat, labeled with the name 'Herman'; incorporates patterned papers, decorative elements, and gem-like accents.

I used the smallest tag and I backed two single sided piece of cardstock together. I fussy cut a leaf sprig from a printable in my stash and adhered to the tag.

A decorative tag featuring green leaf illustrations and botanical designs, topped with a circular mint-green button. The tag is placed on a textured white crocheted background.

The back side of the tag I added a stamp die from the Faux Postage Thinlits, stamped label and a number 3 from the Nora Numbers Thinlits.

I had so much fun digging through my scraps of cardstock and embellishments and creating these tags. This is a great way to use up what you have lying around. I will be sharing more tags from the same project over the next week or two so be sure to stop back by.

If you have any questions or comments please leave those below. Also if you haven’t been by Eileen Hull’s blog lately to see what the team has been up to you can find the newest post HERE.

A decorative tag featuring a large number three, surrounded by floral and leaf patterns, with a pink background and a patterned border.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Ephemera Pocket and Tags Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Nora Numbers Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Nora Alphabet Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Stitched Hearts Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Faux Postage Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Windowsill Vase and Flowers Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Home Sweet Home Thinlits

Diecut Machine

Paper Cutter

Book Ring

Scissors

Tim Holtz: Clippings Cardstock Stickers

Gold Gem

Gem

Pearls

Various Plain and Patterned Cardstocks

Various Printables

Lace, Trim and Cheese Cloth

Various Stickers and Embellishments

Brown Chalk Ink

Mini Paper Doll

Foam Pop Dots

Adhesive Sheet

Beacon Adhesives: Zip Dry Adhesive

(Products listed above are Affiliated Links for your convenience)

DISCLAIMERS

This blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites, and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements. I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, or quote should be checked with each manufacturer. Verify other representations about a product or service with the provider or party in question.This blog contains affiliate links. Clicking these links helps to support Tonya Trantham Designs – Creative Paper Addiction. It’s at no additional cost to you. Today’s features are Sizzix, Eileen Hull and Scrapbook.com Products.

A hand holding a set of colorful decorative tags featuring a house illustration and various designs. The tags are attached with a ring and ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope your Tuesday is great and enjoy creating!

A decorative image featuring a colorful bird perched amidst vibrant flowers, with the name 'Tonya' elegantly scripted in a stylized font.

4th of July Patriotic Heart Pocket

June 16, 2026

Hi everyone! I’m back with my first project of the month for Eileen Hull. The theme for this month is Alphabet Soup. I didn’t use the Nora Alphabet Thinlits on my project but I did use the number four from the Nora Numbers Thinlits. I wanted to create a Fourth of July project that I could display. So I’m going to pass this project off as this month’s theme…wink wink ;-). I also used the Stitched Hearts Thinlits, Ephemera Pocket and Tags Thinlits and the Bookbinding and Label Thinlits (retired) to create this project. Anyways, let’s get started!

A decorative heart-shaped wall hanging featuring a dark blue section with stars and a striped red and white bottom. It is adorned with ribbons, a small photo frame, and a star accent.

First, I applied an Adhesive Sheet to one side of a piece of White Cardstock. I removed the backing from the adhesive sheet and placed a blue and white star patterned cardstock onto the upper half of the card. I did the same steps and placed a red and white striped cardstock onto the bottom half. I used the largest heart (without holes) from the Stitched Hearts Thinlits and cut two hearts out.

Collection of heart shapes made from patterned paper featuring stars and stripes, symbolizing patriotism.

Next I placed a small piece of white cardstock onto the Bookbinding and Label Thinlits (retired), placed between cutting plates and ran through the Diecut Machine.

A silver embossing plate with horizontal lines and two white, rectangular strips placed on top.

I cut two of the of the bookbinding pieces into three inches lengths. I folded the smaller flap on either side of the two larger folds to create the sides for the pocket. I use a Crop A Dile and punched a hole at the top of each side of pocket.

A heart-shaped decoration featuring a blue top with white stars and a bottom section with red and white stripes, resembling the American flag. The heart is positioned partially open, revealing white pages inside.

I adhered both pocket sides to the first heart. I cut the flaps at the bottom at an angle and added a drop on glue. I applied glue to the flaps and placed the other heart on top. I covered the sides of the pocket with a patterned cardstock to cover the fold indentions.

An empty white heart-shaped box on the left, and a decorated heart-shaped box with a dark blue background featuring white stars and a red and white striped pattern on the bottom, on the right.

I placed each end of the pipe cleaner through the holes and twisted to secure and create a handle. I adhered a piece of trim in-between the pieces of blue stars and stripe on both sides of the pocket.

A decorative heart-shaped box featuring a dark blue top with white stars and a lower section with red and white stripes, adorned with a golden trim and colorful ribbons.

I cut the smallest tag from the Ephemera Pocket and Tags Thinlits. I also cut out a number four from the Nora Alphabet Thinlits. I added a patterned piece of cardstock to the center of the tag. I inked the tag and the edges of the heart with a brown chalk ink along with the number four. I glued the four to the tag. I cut several pieces of fiber, Ric Rac and tulle and tied to the handle along with the tag. I made a bow out of thread and adhered to the corner of the pocket and added a star from my stash to finish.

A decorative craft piece featuring red, white, and blue elements, including a starry oval shape, ribbons, and a tag with the number '4', symbolizing Independence Day or a patriotic theme.

You can change the theme of this pocket to any occasion. Example birthdays, weddings, all the holidays, etc. So many possibilities!

If you have any questions or comments please leave them below and if you haven’t been by Eileen’s blog lately to see what the team has been up to you can find the latest post HERE.

A decorative heart-shaped wall hanging featuring red, white, and blue colors with stars, accompanied by a small tag. It is displayed next to a small American flag.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Nora Numbers Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Stitched Hearts Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Ephemera Pocket and Tags Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Nora Alphabet Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Bookbinding and Label Thinlits (retired)

Diecut Machine

Paper Cutter

White Cardstock and Patterned Cardstocks

Scissors

Crop A Dile

Adhesive Sheets

Fiber, Ric Rac, Tulle, Trim and Thread

Pipe Cleaner

Brown Chalk Ink

Beacon Adhesives: Zip Dry Adhesive

(Products listed above are Affiliated Links for your convenience)

DISCLAIMERS

Red, white, and blue decorative heart-shaped sign with stars, striped pattern, and ribbons, designed for patriotic occasions.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope your Tuesday is wonderful and enjoy creating!

A decorative design featuring a bird among vibrant flowers and the name 'Tonya' in elegant script.

Garden Gate Journal Pocket and Tags Part Two

May 22, 2026

Hi everyone! I’m back with part two of my journal and today I will share how I added the pocket to the inside spine using the Pocket and Tags Thinlits. I also used the largest tags from the same dies along with a few others. If you missed part one of this project you can find that post HERE. Anyways, let’s get started!

A decorative craft project featuring a pastel green wooden fence design filled with colorful paper flowers, some adorned with gems, and a floral arrangement at the base.

I cut out two of the pockets from the Pocket and Tags Thinlits.

Two floral patterned envelope templates with vibrant pink and green designs, one partially cut out, placed on a light background.

The first thing I did was string thread through the holes of the spine and tie off. Next I glued the first pocket together except for the bottom flap. I cut the ends of the flap, as shown in the photo below, and placed under the thread.

Close-up of a colorful scrapbook page featuring floral patterns, decorative elements, and layered paper designs.

I added adhesive to the flap and glued over the thread.

Close-up of decorative paper featuring floral designs and colorful patterns, along with embellishments like flower cutouts and buttons.

I put the other pocket completely together. Next I applied adhesive to both sides and the bottom and placed on the back side of the first pocket to create a tuck spot.

Close-up of layered colorful scrapbook pages featuring floral patterns and textures, with a light blue background.

The inside cover pocket I cut three of the largest tags from the Pocket and Tags Thinlits

I used an assortment of the flowers and leaves on all the tags from the following dies: Bookmark, Pocket and Toppers Thinlits, Envelope, Folder and Flowers Thinlits, Everyday Tags and Labels Thinlits (Scrapbook.com Exclusive), Wreath and Snowflake Thinlits and Windowsill Vase and Flowers Thinlits.

I inked the flowers with brown chalk ink and shaped with a Stylus before putting together and gluing to the top of each tag. I found the seal and small circle dies in my stash so I adhered those over the small hole that’s on the top of each tag.

I embossed two small circles from my stash with the Watercolor Bouquet Embossing Folder. I lightly inked each one before gluing one on each side of the middle pocket. I added a flower and leaves to the center of each circle.

I cut two tabs from the Library Pocket, ATC Cards and Tabs Thinlits and two pieces of patterned cardstock to fit the pockets. I adhered the tabs to the top of each piece of cardstock and added to the pocket. Also I cut a piece of cardstock to fit the middle pocket. Apparently I forgot to take a photo of that step.

For the back pocket I cut three bookmarks from the Bookmark, Pocket and Toppers Thinlits.

I cut three of the circles from the Bookmark, Pocket and Toppers Thinlits. I folded the bookmarks in half and added adhesive to half of each circle and placed on each bookmark to create a tab.

I added flowers and leaves to each bookmark before placing in the pocket to finish.

If you have any questions or comments about this project please leave them below. Also if you haven’t been by Eileen’s blog lately you can find the latest post HERE.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Garden Gate Journal Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Watercolor Bouquet Embossing Folder

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Page Edges Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Pocket and Tags Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Waterfall and Tags Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Bookmark, Pocket and Toppers Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Envelope, Folder and Flowers Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Everyday Tags and Labels Thinlits (Scrapbook.com Exclusive)

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Library Pocket, ATC Cards and Tabs Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Wreath and Snowflake Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Windowsill Vase and Flowers Thinlits

Diecut Machine

Paper Cutter

Scissors

Various Plain and Patterned Cardstocks

Various Colored Gems

Stylus

Thread and Needle

Brown Chalk Ink

Beacon Adhesives: Zip Dry Adhesive

(Products listed above are Affiliated Links for your convenience)

DISCLAIMERS

Thanks for stopping by, I hope your Friday awesome and enjoy creating!

Garden Gate Journal Cover Part One

May 20, 2026

Hi everyone! Did you catch Eileen Hull‘s release party Monday? She showed off her newest collection and the team’s projects from the show floor at Creativation. If you missed the live and would like to see what you missed you can find that video HERE.

This was one of the projects that Eileen shared Monday. I created the journal cover featuring the Garden Gate Journal Diecut, along with a couple other diecuts from the same collection. Anyways, let’s get started!

A decorative paper craft featuring a fence design with colorful flower embellishments in a pastel color scheme.

I cut a front and a back of the journal from Matboard using the Garden Gate Journal Diecut. I embossing the covers with the with a retired embossing folder by Tim Holtz. Side note, I did adhere a brown cardstock to the back outside of the cover before embossing. The embossing folder has a wood texture like the inside of a tree. The packaging didn’t have the name but had the item number 666049 if you are interested.

A white square crafting board with two white fence pieces and a pink decorative wooden fence segment on a wooden surface.

I inked over the embossed areas with an assortment of different shades of brown and black chalk inks. That is my preference of inks to use. I’m a firm believer in using what you have on hand and if you have something different use it.

Craft project featuring two rectangular panels with decorative edges, one larger and one smaller, set on a wooden surface.

I also cut cardstock for the back inside cover of the journal. I inked the edges with a brown chalk ink and glued to the journal. For the front I cut cardstock slightly shorter than the tallest picket of the garden gate. I inked the edges of the cardstock. Then I added adhesive and placed onto the gate.

A textured brown cardstock resembling tree rings on the left, and a decorative fence cutout in a light color on the right, designed by Tonya Trantham for Eileen Hull.

The spine I “peeled” off some of the Matboard to make it thinner. I applied glue and adhered together. The “peeling” of some of the Matboard flattens out the spine.

Three bottles of Craft Smart acrylic paint in blue, green, and mint colors, alongside a paintbrush, placed on a wooden surface. Below, there's a painted cardstock with a blue and green watercolor design and decorative cut-out patterns.

I had received cuts of the Page Edges Thinlits on white cardstock so I painted it with some of my favorite paint colors and let dry.

A colorful scrapbook page featuring layered patterned paper with floral designs, decorative borders, and a light blue background area ready for writing or additional embellishments.

I cut two pieces of patterned cardstock an inch high (I think…I forgot to measure) and 5 inches wide. I applied glue to both sides and the bottom of each piece of cardstock and placed on the inside of the front and back cover to create pockets. I selected two of the page edge dies and adhered to the top of each pocket. I added light blue gems to the center of each flower on the page edge die.

For the outside of the cover I dug into my stash and found this bouquet of flowers that I had fussy cut from some patterned cardstock. I added that to the garden gate and glued two gold gems to the center of the flowers to finish the cover.

If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. If you haven’t been by Eileen’s blog lately you can find the latest post HERE. Also be sure to come back Friday for part two of how I add the pocket to the inside of the spine and create tags.

A decorative paper craft featuring a peach-colored picket fence adorned with floral decorations, including pink, purple, and yellow flowers, along with a cluster of roses and greenery, set against a pastel background.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Garden Gate Journal Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Page Edges Thinlits

Diecut Machine

Paper Cutter

Matboard

Scissors

Sizzix/Tim Holtz: Wood Embossing Folder (item number 666049)

Light Blue and Gold Gems

Various Plain and Patterned Cardstocks

Brown and Black Chalk Inks

Acrylic Paint: Celery, Bright Mint, Ocean Breeze

Paint Brush

Thread and Needle

Beacon Adhesives: Zip Dry Adhesive

(Products listed above are Affiliated Links for your convenience)

DISCLAIMERS

A decorative box featuring a lattice design on the front, embellished with colorful paper flowers and gems, resting on a lace background.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope your Wednesday is great and enjoy creating!

A decorative design featuring a colorful bird perched among vibrant flowers, with the name 'Tonya' elegantly displayed in a stylized font against a soft blue background.

Join Eileen Hull’s Release Party for Exciting New Craft Products

May 17, 2026

Hi everyone! Are you ready? Today is the day! The new Eileen Hull Sizzix Collection is here, and Eileen celebrating LIVE from the show floor at Creativation (the live will be streamed on Facebook and YouTube)!

You are invited to join Eileen and Susie as they broadcast the Sizzix Release Party straight from Eileen’s tiny vintage trailer, Daisy, bringing together her amazing creative team from all around the world. You’ll get an up-close look at the fabulous project samples created by the team, sneak peeks of the new products, and maybe even a glimpse of the excitement happening on the show floor!

Promotional image announcing a new collection from Sizzix, with details about a launch party on May 18th at 12:00 Central Time, taking place live from Creativation by NAMTA, featuring Eileen Hull.

The May 2026 release includes seven exciting new products:
• The fan-favorite Garden Gate Album die — brought back by popular request
• Five brand-new Thinlits sets
• A beautiful new embossing folder – inspired by watercolor florals

Designed for journaling, card making, mixed media, and dimensional projects, the collection blends Eileen’s signature style of storytelling, texture, and interactive design with endless opportunities for customization and creativity.

Nora Alphabet Thinlits Die Set featuring colorful alphabet letters.

We can’t wait to see what YOU create with the new collection! Be sure to share your projects in the Eileen Hull Fan Club so we can continue inspiring each other and celebrating creativity together.

I have a couple of sneak peeks with full reveals for later. Also thank you for being part of this amazing journey with Eileen and the team!

A decorative paper craft featuring a pastel-colored fence embellished with flowers and beads, showcasing intricate details.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: May Die and Embossing Folder Bundle

(Products listed above are Affiliated Links for your convenience)

DISCLAIMERS

A collection of colorful, decorative cards bound together with a ring and ribbon, resting on a textured white crochet background.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope your Monday is wonderful and enjoy creating!

A colorful illustration featuring a bird perched among vibrant flowers, with the name 'Tonya' elegantly styled in cursive font.

My Top Three Favorite Eileen Hull Projects for 2025

December 16, 2025

Hi everyone! Can you believe this year is almost over? I’ve been busy creating behind the scenes working on craft and home projects. Also I’ve been spending quality time with family. But I want to share my three favorite projects that I created for Eileen Hull this year.

The first project is a prayer journal I created this for a friend using the Skinny Mini Book Box Diecut. You can find that blog post HERE.

A prayer journal featuring a watercolor illustration of a lamb surrounded by floral elements, with a textured background and colorful patterned papers.

The second project I created a swatch book using the Hardbound Journal Diecut along with a few other dies and stamp set. I loved being able to add bits of ribbon, lace and trim to this book. You can find that blog post HERE.

A colorful and decorative prayer journal featuring floral fabric, layered frames, lace, and embellishments, designed by Tonya Trantham for Eileen Hull.

The final favorite project is a tag I created. Tags are a great way to use scraps of cardstock and embellishments you have lying around. I used the Color Wheel Stencils, Rainbow Wheels Thinlits and Swatch Cards Stamp Set to make this tag. You can find that blog post HERE.

A colorful handmade tag featuring two vintage black and white photographs of women, embellished with floral accents and decorative paper elements, with the text 'FRIENDS FOREVER' and 'tried & true'.

If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Also if you haven’t been by Eileen Hull’s blog lately to see what is happening with her and the team you can find the latest post HERE.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Skinny Mini Book Box Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Hardbound Journal Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Color Wheel Stencils

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Rainbow Wheels Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Swatch Cards Stamp Set

Diecut Machine

(Products listed above are Affiliated Links for your convenience)

DISCLAIMERS

An open prayer journal featuring various decorative papers, embellishments, and textures, showcasing a colorful and creative design.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope your Tuesday is wonderful and enjoy creating!

A decorative graphic featuring a bird among colorful flowers with the name 'Tonya' artistically displayed.

Create a Unique December Daily from Gusset Bags

November 18, 2025

Hi everyone! I’ve been extremely busy with everything that pertains to inside the home. I’m just getting around to sharing my first project of the month for Eileen Hull. It’s hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. So I decided I was going to create a December Daily since I’ve been saving the gusset bags (it has a pleat on each side of the paper bag) that my husband’s medicine has come in when he picks them up at the Walmart pharmacy. Anyways, let’s get started!

A decorative journal cover featuring layered patterned cardstock, a central circular motif with a deer illustration, and the text 'It's the most wonderful time of the year.' The cover incorporates vibrant colors, textures, and embellishments like ric rac.

The first thing I did was cut off a tiny section of the bottom of each bag. Next I cut the middle of the “gusset” to create one cover and three inside pages. That’s a total of four bags cut for one journal. The top of the bags has an “extended “flap” of paper that I scored. I glued the “flap” and each of folded edges of the gusset down.

A close-up view of two brown gusset bags laid flat on a surface, with one bag opened slightly to show its pleated sides, alongside a bottle of Fabri-Tac adhesive.

The middle gusset I adhered together. I glued each side of the gusset page onto the center piece/gusset.

Close-up of a hand holding a folded gusset bag, showcasing its pleated edges and texture.

I did that for each of the three pages.

Open gusset bag from Walmart pharmacy with text 'Rx made simple' printed in blue on the front.

Now for the fun stuff! Decorating the cover! First, I cut patterned cardstock, inked the edges with a green chalk ink and glued to the front and back covers. I added two strips of cardstock to the cover. I cut two of the largest tunnel die from the Tunnel Arches Thinlits and adhered both, ends facing each other, to the cover along with a strip of patterned cardstock.

A colorful journal cover decorated with patterned cardstock, including vibrant green and pink designs, layered strips, and a unique arch shape.

I cut the largest circle die from the Rainbow Wheels Thinlits and inked the edges with a brown chalk ink.

A decorated circular tag featuring a deer silhouette surrounded by a green wreath. The tag includes the phrases 'It's the most' and 'WONDERFUL time of the year' in colorful letters, with embellishments like holly leaves and pearl accents.

I glued another strip of patterned cardstock to the cover before adding the circle die. I cut two of the wreaths from the Wreath and Snowflake Thinlits (retired), placed on top of each other and adhered to the circle. I cut a deer die from the Home Sweet Home Thinlits, inked with a brown chalk ink and placed in the center of the wreath.

Decorative cover of a handmade journal featuring a deer silhouette, wreath, festive colors, and a chipboard sentiment saying 'It's the most wonderful time of the year.'

I placed the “it’s the most wonderful time of the year” Chipboard Christmas Sentiment underneath the deer. I cut two holly dies from the Funky Festive Thinlits (retired), inked and shaped with a Stylus. I placed those onto the chipboard sentiment. I added White Gems to the wreath and the holly. I also glued two pieces of deep pink ric rac to cover to finish.

A decorated journal cover featuring a deer, layered patterned cardstock, and festive embellishments including a sentiment that reads 'It's the most wonderful time of the year'.

The only thing left to do is to decorate the inside pages. I think this journal will be an abbreviated version of a December Daily. Even though the holiday season is busy I don’t do a lot of exciting things to document.

Anyways, if you have any questions or comments please leave them below.

Colorful December Daily journal cover featuring patterned cardstock, a deer embellishment, and a sentiment that reads 'It's the most wonderful time of the year'.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Tunnel Arches Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Rainbow Wheels Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Wreath and Snowflake Thinlits (retired)

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Home Sweet Home Thinlits

Sizzix/Tim Holtz: Funky Festive Thinlits (retired)

Diecut Machine

Paper Cutter

Scissors

Gusset Bags (4)

Plain and Patterned Cardstocks

White Gems

Ric Rac

Green and Brown Chalk Inks

Chipboard Christmas Sentiment

Stylus

Beacon Adhesives: Fabri-Tac Adhesive

DISCLAIMERS

A decorated journal cover featuring a deer surrounded by greenery, with the phrase 'It's the most wonderful time of the year' prominently displayed, against a colorful patterned background with various paper strips.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope your Tuesday is wonderful and enjoy creating!

A decorative digital graphic featuring a bird among colorful flowers with the name 'Tonya' artistically displayed.

How to Recycle Envelopes into a Tri Fold Journal

September 16, 2025

Hi everyone! I’m back with my first post of the month. I want to share how I altered three envelopes and turned them into a journal. I used a wide assortment of diecuts from Eileen Hull’s newest collection to create this fun project. Anyways let’s get started!

A handcrafted journal featuring a vintage autumn theme, with a decorative window frame, floral elements, and black-and-white photographs of two women. The cover includes various layers of cardstock, embellishments, and a sentiment that reads 'FRIENDS'.

I have no step out photos of how I put together the envelopes. But I glued the top envelope flap to the middle envelope. The bottom envelope I adhered to the middle envelope to create a trip fold journal.

I went with an Autumn/Vintage theme and picked cardstock and embellishments to match. I covered both sides of all the tri fold journal with cardstock. I had chosen a section of a sheet of cardstock that had a butterfly and florals and cut the largest arch die from the Tunnel Arches Framelits Diecuts. I also cut the window frame die from the Windowsill Flowers and Vase Thinlits Diecuts. I glued the window frame on top of the arch and lightly inked with white chalk ink.

A close-up of a decorated journal cover featuring a window frame, floral designs, and a vintage photograph of two women sitting together. The word 'FRIENDS' is prominently displayed below the window, surrounded by embellishments like leaves and floral accents.

I added an assortment of scraps of cardstock along with two of the longest arrows from the Rainbow Wheels Thinlits to the cover. On the edge of the cover I adhered a piece of velvet ric rac. I added Foam Pop Dots to the back of the window frame and placed on the cover. I dug into my stash and added a yellow flower to the corner of the window frame.

A decorated journal cover featuring a window frame with floral designs, the word 'FRIENDS', and vintage-style photographs of two women, surrounded by embellishments like leaves and stitching.

I created three bows out of thread and glued one behind the window frame and two behind the flower. I cut a part scraps of lace and glued behind the window frame along with a floral circle that I lightly inked with brown chalk ink. I inked with brown chalk ink a friend sentiment and adhered to the window frame. I picked a set of women from the Mini Paper Dolls and glued on top of the flower. I cut a total of four leaf sprigs from the Windowsill Flowers and Vase Thinlits Diecuts. I glued three under the large flower and one to the top of the cover.

A decorated journal cover featuring a window frame design, floral elements, and two vintage-style images of women sitting together. The journal has autumn-themed colors and embellishments like ric rac and layered cardstock.

The middle page of the journal I created a pocket with a journaling spot from my stash. I added glue to the bottom edge. I cut a squirrel, rabbit and two suns from the Home Sweet Home Thinlits Diecuts. I also cut out one label and two key holes from the Journal Hardware Diecuts. I embossed the top edge of a piece of cardstock with the Lacy Leaves Embossing Folder. I folded over and stapled some scraps of cardstock to create a place to add photos or journaling. I glued the label, the outer part of the sun and rabbits to the fold over. I adhered the squirrel to the bottom corner of the journaling spot.

A tri-fold journal created using altered envelopes, featuring a vintage autumn theme with die cuts, cardstock patterns, embellishments, and a decorative window frame.

I cut two of the largest arches and two of the next size down arches from the Tunnel Arches Framelits Diecuts. I added glue to the top edge of both smaller arches and placed on top of the largest arch. I then added adhesive to the top of both largest arch and placed both onto the journal page. I cut two each of the following: lace trim, smallest flowers and larger flowers from the Windowsill Flowers and Vase Thinlits Diecuts. I also cut five of the leaf sprigs from the same set of dies. I adhered two leaf sprigs, one circle from the center of the sun diecut and two leaves cut from one of the leaf sprigs and the small flower to each outer flap. I placed a Flat Back Pearls to the center of each flower.

An embellished journal page featuring two decorative arches with floral designs and a patterned background. The page includes cut leaves and a circular embellishment with a flower.

The inside flap I glued a key hole die side ways on each flap. I adhered the large flower to the middle of the key hole die and placed a sequin in the center of each flower.

Close-up view of a tri-fold journal page featuring two decorative pockets adorned with orange sunflowers and embellishments on a textured gray background.

The other side of the journal. I embossed two strips of cardstock with the Lacy Leaves Embossing Folder and inked with white chalk ink. I glued one piece to the back edge of a page along with a strip of cardstock. The middle page I added adhesive to both end of the embossed cardstock. I placed in the center of the page to create a tuck spot and added a folded piece of cardstock. I glued a strip of cardstock to the center of the embossed cardstock. The other page I added a piece of ric rac to the edge of the page. I glued the circle from the center of the sun and a fox from the Home Sweet Home Thinlits Diecuts to finish.

Craft project showcasing a tri-fold journal made from altered envelopes, featuring a variety of patterned cardstocks and embellishments including a fox cutout and decorative ric rac trim.

This project is a great way to recycle envelopes you get in the mail and use up scrap of cardstock that you might have laying around in your supplies.

Also if you haven’t been by Eileen Hull’s blog lately to see what her team has been up to you can find the latest post HERE. As always if you have any questions or comments please leave them below.

A handcrafted journal featuring an arch window design, decorative paper, and vintage-style embellishments, including a photo of two women labeled 'Friends'.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Tunnel Arches Framelits Diecuts

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Windowsill Flowers and Vase Thinlits Diecuts

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Rainbow Wheels Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Home Sweet Home Thinlits Diecuts

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Journal Hardware Diecuts

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Lacy Leaves Embossing Folder

Diecut Machine

Foam Pop Dots

White and Brown Chalk Ink

Lace, Ric Rac, Pom Pom Trim and Brown Thread

Various Embellishments

Mini Paper Dolls

Paper Cutter

Scissors

Various Plain and Patterned Cardstocks

Sequin and Flat Back Pearls

Tiny Attacher

Beacon Adhesives: Zip Dry Adhesive

(Products listed above are Affiliated Links for your convenience)

DISCLAIMERS

A handcrafted journal featuring a vintage aesthetic, adorned with die-cut elements, including a window frame, floral designs, and black-and-white photographs of two women, set against patterned backgrounds and decorative cardstock.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope your Tuesday is great and enjoy creating!

Artistic design featuring a bird and floral elements with the name 'Tonya' in an elegant font.

Join the Eileen Hull September Release Party for Craft Ideas

September 1, 2025

Hi everyone! It’s that time again! Eileen Hull has a new release and this collection was inspired by nature and the cozy feeling of home. It was designed to coordinate with the Handbound Journal (sold separately) to create a tunnel book. But each die set also stands beautifully on its own and can be used in so many creative ways!

Close-up of a decorated journal cover featuring a stylized orange fox, intricate floral patterns, and a textured ribbon.

First, I would like to share a sneak peek of a project I created. I used all the dies and embossing folder in this one project. I will be share the reveal later this month so be sure to stop back by!

Close-up of an orange embossing folder featuring an intricate lacy pattern with floral and leaf designs.

Lacy Leaves Embossing Folder
A bold, intricate lacy pattern measuring 6” x 8 ½”—perfectly sized for journal covers and cards. This design was inspired by an actual piece of lace from my collection that reminded me of leaves. I love the mix of nature and lace! Whether you emboss or deboss the pattern, the result is simply beautiful.

A scenic illustration featuring layered die-cut figures of a deer, rabbit, fox, trees, a house, and butterflies, set against a green landscape with a sun and moon above.

Home Sweet Home Die Set
This 24-piece set includes layered forest animals (deer, fox, bunny, squirrel, and butterflies), pine trees, grassy hills, greenery, clouds, sun, moon, and a cozy house. The sweet deer alone makes this set worth it! Perfect for holiday projects, baby themes, everyday cards, journals, and tags.

Die set featuring a window with a vase of colorful flowers, including sunflowers and tulips, designed for crafting projects.

Windowsill Flowers & Vase Die Set
A 13-die set designed to coordinate with the Tunnel Arches. The window die matches the largest arch. It lets you build a 3D scene that looks as though you’re peering through a window. The tiny vase and flowers (yes, I had to make them that small for scale!) are wonderful for using scraps. The little lacy piece also makes a lovely accent for junk journal pockets and cards.

A layered die-cut design featuring multiple arches in varying shades of brown, beige, and teal, showcasing a modern, colorful aesthetic.

Tunnel Arches Die Set
Who knew arches could be so versatile? Make a rainbow! Use the negative cuts to create graduated windows in journals, cards, and home decor. Use the positive pieces as card bases and tags. Nothing goes to waste! This 7-die nesting set ranges in size from 4 ½” x 3 ¼” down to teeny-tiny (so cute!). They were designed to fit perfectly inside the Handbound Journal. You might want to try your hand at a tunnel book. Watch for upcoming tutorials on Eileen’s YouTube Channel which can be found HERE!

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Handbound Journal Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Lacy Leaves Embossing Folder

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Home Sweet Home Die Set

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Windowsill Flowers & Vase Die Set

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Tunnel Arches Die Set

Diecut Machine

(Products listed above are Affiliated Links for your convenience)

DISCLAIMERS

A crafted display featuring layered nature scenes, including trees, animals, and a sun, surrounded by colorful paper backgrounds and decorative elements like flowers and arches.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope your Tuesday is awesome and enjoy creating!

A decorative design featuring a bird and colorful flowers with the name 'Tonya' elegantly written in cursive.

Using Diecuts in Ways Not Intended for Cards

June 9, 2025

Hi everyone! I’m back with my first Eileen Hull project of the month. I used the Handbound Journal Diecut and Rainbow Wheels Thinlits, along with a few other products all by Eileen to create a card. Anyways, let’s get started!

A handmade card featuring a layered design with various patterned yellow cardstocks. The card includes an oval shape with the phrase 'GO FOR IT!' in the center, and three golden embossed pie/wedge shapes adorned with sequins.

I folded a piece of Kraft Cardstock in half. I placed it slightly below the cut line of the spine of the Handbound Journal Diecut. Then, I ran it through the Diecut Machine.

A handmade card featuring a layered design with yellow and patterned cardstock, three triangular die-cut embellishments, and the text 'GO FOR IT!'

I gathered an assortment of yellow and one rainbow patterned cardstocks. I cut five strips in different sizes to fit the base of the card. I glued all in place.

A card decorated with patterned yellow cardstocks, featuring a large circular shape and three wedge-shaped diecuts with gold gems, and a stamped message that says 'GO FOR IT!'

I cut one large and two small circles from the Rainbow Wheels Thinlits and adhered to the card. Side note, the pie/wedge shape diecut looks like an explanation point…if you add a dot to it. I thought it would be the perfect addition to the “Go For It!” stamp that I will be using.

A handmade card featuring layered yellow patterned cardstocks, an oval focal point with the text 'GO FOR IT!', and three embossed pie/wedge shaped elements adorned with gold gems.

I cut three of the pie/wedge shaped dies from the Rainbow Wheels Thinlits. I embossed all three with the Lace Embossing Folder. I lightly applied Gold Luster Wax over the embossed areas.

A handmade card featuring yellow and patterned cardstocks, with a large circular base, three pie/wedge shapes, and a stamped message that reads 'GO FOR IT!' adorned with gold gems.

I placed the “Go For It!” stamp from the Swatch Cards Stamp Set onto the MISTI Stamping Tool. I inked the stamp with Black Ink and stamped onto a piece of cardstock. I used the Gold Luster Wax and lightly inked the edges of the saying.

Close-up of a handmade card featuring embossed yellow pie/wedge shapes, gold gems, and the phrase 'GO FOR IT!' on a colorful background.

I adhered the pie/wedges dies and sentiment to the card. I added Gold Gems to the bottom of each pie/wedge. I also added smaller gold gems to the center of each embossed flower.

I can’t wait to make more cards with these dies and stamp set. If you haven’t been by Eileen’s blog lately you can find the latest post HERE.

If you have any questions or comments about this card, please leave them below.

A handmade card featuring a circular design with a 'Go For It!' sentiment, adorned with yellow pie-shaped diecuts and gold gems on a patterned cardstock background.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Handbound Journal Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Rainbow Wheels Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Lace Embossing Folder

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Swatch Cards Stamp Set

Diecut Machine

MISTI Stamping Tool

Black Ink

Paper Cutter

Scissors

Various Patterned Cardstocks

Kraft Cardstock

Gold Gems

Gold Luster Wax

Beacon Adhesives: Zip Dry Adhesive

(Products listed above are Affiliated Links for your convenience)

DISCLAIMERS

This blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites, and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements. I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, or quote should be checked with each manufacturer. Verify other representations about a product or service with the provider or party in question.This blog contains affiliate links. Clicking these links helps to support Tonya Trantham Designs – Creative Paper Addiction. It runs at no additional cost to you. Today’s features are Sizzix, Eileen Hull and Scrapbook.com Products.

A colorful handmade card featuring layered yellow and patterned cardstock, a circular element, and a sentiment that reads 'GO FOR IT!' with decorative pie-shaped embellishments.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope your Monday is wonderful and enjoy creating!