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

Step-by-Step Guide to an Embossed Glue Book Using Keys Folder

July 18, 2025

Hi everyone! I’m back with my first project of the month for Eileen Hull. The theme this month is anything embossed. I’ve had this book in my stash of unfinished projects which I started over two years ago. I’ve been plugging along on the inside pages and hopefully be finished soon. But I thought I could at least show how I completed the cover. I used the Notepad Diecut which is retired. The Keys 3D Embossing Folder I used to emboss the cover. This embossing folder can be found in Eileen Hull’s Etsy Shop. Anyways, let’s get started!

A decorated journal cover featuring an embossed teal background, with a butterfly embellishment and a key in the center, surrounded by a glittery frame.

First I cut two covers of the Notepad Diecut (retired) from Mat Board.

Two covers made from mat board for a notepad, one white and one a cream color, with visible score lines for folding.

I embossed both covers with the Keys 3D Embossing Folder.

Three embossed covers featuring intricate key designs, with a Sizzix packaging in the background.

I painted both sides of each cover with an acrylic paint. I have no idea of the color of the paint I used.

Two green book covers embossed with a key pattern, showcasing different angles of the embossed design.

I glued the covers together at the spine. I cut and adhered cardstock to the inside covers. I punched a total of four hole in each of the spine with a Crop-A-Dile.

Opened journal cover with metallic gold and teal pages showcasing an artistic embossed design.

I set eyelets in each of the holes. I also cut elastic and strung through the holes and tied off on the inside of the spine. I applied Rose Gold Luster Wax over the embossed areas of the cover.

A completed book cover featuring a teal embossed design of keys, secured with pink eyelets.

I have blank journals that I had bought at Target several years ago. I cut two down to fit the inside.

Open blank journal with patterned cover and white pages.

I opened the journals up to the center where it is stapled and slide under the elastic cording.

Side note, I know I have shared about making glue books in the past but would like revisit that thought. A glue book is similar to a junk journal. Anything can be added to them. You can include mail, book pages, clothing tags, etc to the pages. In my case, I like using up the scraps of cardstock I have laying around after finishing up a project. Like the title suggests you use glue to adhere everything to the pages. I hope this explanation helps.

Open journal page featuring a bright turquoise background adorned with white snowflake-like designs.

Now back to the project, I pulled from my stash a butterfly chipboard piece, frame and key. I lightly applied Rose Gold Luster Wax to the frame.

A butterfly chipboard piece, a vintage key, and a jar of Sizzix Rose Gold Luster Wax displayed on a white paper towel with a decorative gold frame.

I adhered the frame and butterfly to the cover. I glued the key to the center of the butterfly to finish. I hope to share the inside of the glue book later with a blog post and a flip through.

A decorated journal cover featuring a turquoise embossed design, with a butterfly embellishment and a key positioned at the center of a glittery frame.

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

A decorative journal with a turquoise embossed cover, featuring a butterfly embellishment in the center and colorful eyelets on the spine.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Keys 3D Embossing Folder

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Notepad Diecut (retired)

Rose Gold Luster Wax

Diecut Machine

Mat Board

Acrylic Paint

Various Plain and Patterned Cardstocks

Butterfly, Key and Frame Embellishments

Eyelets

Crop-A-Dile

Elastic Cording

Blank Journals

Paper Cutter

Scissors

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 brightly colored teal journal cover featuring a butterfly embellishment with intricate details and a vintage key accent, surrounded by a golden decorative frame.

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

A vintage-style graphic featuring a bird amidst colorful flowers with the name 'Tonya' displayed in an elegant font.

Eileen Hull Sizzix Collection for Journal Lovers

October 21, 2024

It’s that time again! This Eileen Hull Sizzix release was designed with journaling in mind! If you have never journaled before, this collection of seven products is a great place to start! In it, you will find everything that you need to get going. If you have been journaling for a while, you will want to add these items to your stash. The pieces are very versatile. They will coordinate with many of the other dies you may already have. I’m also sharing some sneak peeks of projects I have created that will be shared in full later.

The base die is the 5” x 5” x 1” Mini Album Diecut. It is a Scoreboard die specially designed to cut and score thick material. It cuts in one pass, making it so easy and quick! You can also use this die to cut the pages that go inside.

There are three accessory Thinlits dies: Floral Pocket and Paperclips Thinlits, Bookmark, Pockets and Toppers Thinlits, and Charms Thinlits.

They cut pockets, bookmarks, embellishments, paper clips, charms, and extras. These can be used to decorate the pages of the book.

There is a stamp set called Fan Favorites Stamps. It includes 61 words and phrases. You can use them inside the book, on cards, and tags!

Plate and Pattern Layered Stencils is a four layer stencil- each layer may be used separately or all together. Create page backgrounds or use on your gel plate. You can outline and stitch the design on fabric. Another option is to trace shapes and fill them in with watercolor. The Floral Damask 3D Embossing Folder is a multi-level 3D embossing folder. It creates a beautiful background. It’s useful for journal pages, cards, and tags!

Join me and the team in exploring these products at our Release Party on October 22 at noon Eastern Time. We will stream it on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @eileenhull! You will see lots of great ideas and inspiration from the amazingly talented Team. You can also ask any questions you may have. If you miss it live, you can watch on replay. There will be prizes and lots of fun- please come!

We will also be working with these dies on weekly livestreams- Tuesdays at 6:00 ET and Thursdays at 4:00.

If you haven’t already signed up for the newsletter, please do. That’s where you’ll get all the latest news, upcoming events, coupon codes and special offers.

The first email newsletter went out tonight-please feel free to subscribe to get the latest links and inside scoop. You can sign up HERE for the newsletter.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Mini Album Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Bookmark, Pockets and Toppers Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Floral Pocket and Paperclips Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Charms Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Fan Favorites Stamps

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Floral Damask 3D Embossing Folder

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Plate and Pattern Layered Stencils

Diecut Machine

(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, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with each manufacturer, provider, or party in question.This blog contains affiliate links, clicking and shopping through these links helps to support and run Tonya Trantham Designs – Creative Paper Addiction at no additional cost to you. Today’s features are Sizzix, Eileen Hull and Scrapbook.com Products.

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

DIY Watercolor Flowers and Lattice Stencils Notebook

July 11, 2024

Hi everyone! I’m back with my first post of the month using the Painterly Blooms and Back Ground Thinlits, Watercolor Flowers and Lattice Stencils, Notebook Diecut, along few others dies and a embossing folder, all by Eileen Hull. Have you ever had a project that didn’t turn out the way you envisioned it? This notebook was a complete “train wreck” and nothing turned out the way it was supposed to. But I was determined to make it work and not trash what I had started. Anyways, let’s get started!

First, I used washi tape to place the lattice stencil from the Watercolor Flowers and Lattice Stencils onto a piece of Watercolor Paper. I inked an Art Dauber with Brown Chalk Ink and inked over the stencil.

Second, this is where the “train started to derail”, I had to move the stencil so I could cover all the watercolor paper. Guess what? I didn’t realize I didn’t line up the stencil.

Third, I had another idea on how I wanted to do the cover but I had to switch it up. Maybe I will do another notebook with the lattice with the original idea I had. Anyways, I decided to use a box cutter knife and cut out the messed up area on the stencil along with some random areas to make it look intentional. But before I cut anything out I placed an Adhesive Sheet onto the back of the watercolor paper. Side note…the adhesive sheet and the watercolor paper is very thick which made it hard to cut through everything. Will I do anything like this again? Hopefully not, my hand hurt from all the cutting.

Fourth, I peeled the backing from the adhesive sheet and placed in onto a piece of patterned cardstock.

Fifth, I placed the cardstock/watercolor paper onto the Notebook Diecut. Guess what I did? I placed the watercolor paper side “up” on the diecut so my “creases” were on what should be the inside cover. Ugh! I folded against the creases and that is why the spine looks a little ragged.

Sixth, I adhered a patterned cardstock to the inside since it didn’t exactly match the cover. But guess what? I didn’t cut the patterned cardstock to completely cover the inside cover.

Seventh, So, I embossed plain cardstock with the Lace 3D Embossing Folder and glued those to both inside covers. I glued a bit of ribbon to add detail to the inside.

I had a plain notebook that I removed the cover and punched holes with a Crop-A-Dile into the notebook and spine.

Eighth, I tied the notebook to the spine with jute. I added a little adhesive before placing the button from the Card Case Diecut and securing and tying to the spine.

Ninth, I gathered tulle, trim and lace and glued to the lower corner of the notebook. I had the label from the Card Caddy Diecut in my stash. I inked the edges of it with gold ink and placed on top of the trim.

Tenth, I cut three flowers and leaves from the Painterly Blooms and Back Ground Thinlits and shaped with a Stylus . I adhered the three flowers on top of each other and the leaves to the back before gluing to the label. I finished by adding a gem to the center of the flower and loops of thread.

This notebook is easy to make and the perfect size to fit in your purse for quick note taking or lists. Also if you haven’t been by Eileen Hull’s blog you can find the latest posts HERE.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Painterly Blooms and Back Ground Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Watercolor Flowers and Lattice Stencils

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Notebook Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Lace 3D Embossing Folder

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Card Case Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Card Caddy Diecut

Diecut Machine

Watercolor Paper

Various Plain and Patterned Cardstocks

Brown and Gold Inks

Jute, Thread, Tulle, Lace and Trim

Gem

Adhesive Sheet

Art Daubers

Scissors

Paper Cutter

Stylus

Xacto Knife

Notebooks

Crop-A-Dile

Beacon Adhesive: 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, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with each manufacturer, provider, or party in question.This blog contains affiliate links, clicking and shopping through these links helps to support and run Tonya Trantham Designs – Creative Paper Addiction at no additional cost to you. Today’s features are Sizzix, Eileen Hull and Scrapbook.com Products.

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

Happily Ever After Tag

March 26, 2024

Hi everyone! I’m back this week with another tag I created using scraps and bits of cardstock, leftover Mat Board and the Lace 3D Embossing Folder by Eileen Hull. If you remember earlier this month I shared another tag using the same embossing folder but had turned the tag a different way than this tag for a completely different look. If you are interested in that post you can find it HERE. Anyways, let’s get started!

First, I had cut out a tag from a leftover scrap of Mat Board using the Tag and Bookplates Diecut (retired). As with the other tag I made earlier this month the mat board was shorter than the actual tag on the diecut and the approximate size of the tag came to 3 1/4″x5 7/8″. I embossed the tag with the Lace 3D Embossing Folder and lightly went over the embossed areas with an aqua/teal chalk ink.

Second, I lightly applied Ivory Luster Wax over the embossed area.

Third, I lightly hit areas of the tag with brown chalk ink. It gave it a nice vintage look.

Fourth, I gathered up scraps of different patterned cardstocks, cut a parts, a “Happily Ever After” sentiment, a couple from the Minis Paper Dolls, chipboard “x” piece and a flower.

Fifth, I added layers of scraps and the sentiment to the tag. I also had this leftover bit of cardstock that I had embossed with the Crochet Mandala 3D Embossing Folder. I was happy that piece complemented what I had already added to the tag.

Sixth, I added flat back pearls to the sentiment, adhered a couple from the Minis Paper Dolls onto the tag. Next I placed a Foam Pop Dot to the back of a flower and an “x” chipboard piece to the center before placing onto the tag.

Seventh, I cut a medium and large heart and the smaller leaf from the Envelope, Folder and Flowers Thinlits. I shaped the leaf with a Stylus and adhered under the flower. The hearts I placed on the tag and added a bow and loops made of thread to finish this side of the tag.

Eighth, I covered the back of the tag by cutting out another tag to cover the not so “pretty” side. I glued that to the back.

Ninth, I kept this side of the tag simple and put together an assortment of diecuts from various collections that I’ve “hoarded” through the years. I am trying hard to use what I have instead of going out and buying more supplies.

Eleventh, I layered and adhered all the diecuts, along with a piece of lace and another couple from the Minis Paper Dolls to the tag.

Twelfth, I added a bow made of thread and a gem to the center of the gauge to finish the tag.

What do you do with all your leftover scraps and diecut embellishments? Do you use them or collect (hoard) them? Let me know in the comments below.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Lace 3D Embossing Folder

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Crochet Mandala 3D Embossing Folder

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Envelope, Folder and Flowers Thinlits

Sizzix/Tim Holtz: Tag and Bookplates Diecut (retired)

Mat Board

Diecut Machine

Ivory Luster Wax

Aqua, Teal and Brown Chalk Inks

Various Plain and Patterned Cardstocks

Various Chipboard and Diecut Embellishments

Thread, Lace, Pearl, Paper Flower and Gems

Scissors

Tim Holtz: Minis Paper Dolls

Stylus

Foam Pop Dots

Paper Cutter

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, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with each manufacturer, provider, or party in question.This blog contains affiliate links, clicking and shopping through these links helps to support and run Tonya Trantham Designs – Creative Paper Addiction at no additional cost to you. Today’s features are Sizzix, Eileen Hull, Scrapbook.com and A Cherry on Top Store Products.

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

Lace, Hearts and a Fairy Tag

March 5, 2024

Hi everyone! It’s a new month and I would love to share a tag I created using Eileen Hull’s Lace 3D Embossing Folder and the Faux Postage Thinlits, along with a few other dies, from her newest collection. I absolutely LOVE this embossing folder! It’s 6″x8 1/2″ so you can embossing those journal covers or even extra large cards. Anyways, let’s get started!

First, I had a scrap of Mat Board that was leftover from another project. I cut that from the Tag and Book Plates Diecut (retired) and embossed with the Lace 3D Embossing Folder. The mat board was shorter than the actual tag on the diecut, so the measurements wound up being approximately 3 1/4″x5 7/8″.

Second, I lightly inked the raised edges with a combo of two different shades of pink chalk ink. I then rubbed Ivory Luster Wax over the entire tag and once I was happy with the way it looked a lightly hit the raised areas with a tan chalk ink.

Third, I only needed the oval section of the Faux Postage Thinlits and I wanted to highlight the fairy. I cut cardstock larger than the oval area, placed onto the thinlits and run through the Diecut Machine. I know some people like to tear these dies but I used the Scissors to carefully cut out the oval and the excess.

Fourth, I cut two wreaths and leaf sprig from the Wreath and Snowflake Thinlits. I layered the wreaths on top of each other and glued to the tag. I lightly inked the edges of both the oval and negative part of the postage stamp die and adhered to the bottom edge of the wreaths. I placed Foam Pop Dots to the back of the oval before lining up and placing inside of the negative part.

Fifth, I cut two flowers from the Bookmark, Tag and Pocket Thinlits (retired), shaped with a Stylus, glued on top of each other and added a gem to the center. I cut two leaves from the leaf sprig, shaped and placed on the back of the flower. I made a bow with thread and adhered to the edge of the oval along with the flower.

Sixth, I cut the small and medium size hearts from the Envelope, Folder and Flowers Thinlits, inked with chalk ink and glued both onto the upper corner of the wreath and added a few sequins to finish the tag.

Have you had a chance to look at Eileen Hull’s newest dies, thinlits and embossing folder? If you have which is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below.

Also if you haven’t been Eileen’s blog lately to see what her teams have created you can find the latest posts HERE and HERE.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Lace 3D Embossing Folder

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Faux Postage Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Bookmark, Tag and Pocket Thinlits (retired)

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Wreath and Snowflake Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Envelope, Folder and Flowers Thinlits

Sizzix/Tim Holtz: Tag and Book Plates Diecut (retired)

Mat Board

Ivory Luster Wax

Tan and Different Shades of Pink Chalk Inks

Diecut Machine

Scissors

Stylus

Foam Pop Dots

Gem, Sequins and Thread

Prima: Dulce Paper Collection

Various Patterned Cardstocks

Paper Cutter

Beacon Adhesives: Zip Dry Adhesive

(Products listed above are Affiliated Links for your convenience)

DISCLAIMERS

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

March Release Party with Eileen Hull!

February 29, 2024

Hi everyone! It’s that time again for another wonderful release from Eileen Hull! I’m so excited to introduce this brand new collection by Eileen from Sizzix! As always, these designs may be used together but also stand alone. There are four pieces in this set. Also I will be sharing a sneak peek of each project I created and will do a complete blog post of each later.

The Storage Box is an XL ScoreBoard die measuring 4” square, the largest square box yet!

This box is constructed with a removable top and may be used in many ways, such as organizing desk and office supplies, as a gift box, storing craft supplies and packaging for baked treats.

The Mini Book is a great way to create a book in just one an evening, and using up all those scraps you have lying around in the process.

This book measures 3 3/4” x 2 1/4” and comes with a strap/handle and tiny label for the book cover. It also makes a great bag topper if you fold it in the middle and also will hold a business card. Die cut it from felt and stitch up a tiny wallet!

There is a new Thinlits called Faux Postage– the full panel is designed to fit on a 5” x 7” card and creates a fun postage stamp effect. You can also cut (or tear) each stamp apart and use the individual pieces as a miniature work of art! These dies coordinate with similar dies: Snail Mail (A-2 card size) and Mini Slimline (6” x 3”).

The Lace 3D Embossing Folder is so amazing! It’s a new LARGE size measuring 8 1/2” x 5 3/4”. It works great on bigger journal covers, card backgrounds and on home decor pieces. This is created from vintage lace that Eileen has collected. I used the embossing folder and faux postage thinlit together to create this!

Check out this collection and see lots of ideas from Eileen’s fantastic team! The Release Party will be held on Friday, March 1 at noon Eastern on Eileen’s YouTube, Facebook and Instagram channels.

There’s a giveaway too- join us on the live and hear how you can win…

You can find these dies in your local scrapbook stores- if they don’t carry them, ask them to order. Eileen also carry them in her Etsy Shop and would love your support!