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

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

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 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.

Creative Journaling with Eileen Hull and Grafix Part Two

February 24, 2026

Hi everyone! I’m back with part two of my journal for Eileen Hull and Grafix. If you haven’t seen part one you can find that post HERE. I created five tags for the pockets and belly band in my journal. Anyways let’s get started!

Artistic collage featuring a silhouette of a person with a colorful butterfly overlay, surrounded by patterned paper in various colors and textures.

For the inside pocket I used the bookmark from the Bookmark, Pocket and Toppers Thinlits and cut out two bookmarks. I inked the edges of the bookmarks with a Brown Chalk Ink.

Three decorative paper pieces in various floral designs, alongside a metal cutting die, all positioned above a crafting template with branding details.

On the front side of both the bookmarks I dug into my stash of scraps of cardstock and glued strips of patterned cardstock to the base of the bookmark. Side note, this is a great way to use up what you have lying on your desk. I added the clear film “Make Every Minute Count” sentiment from the Grungy Vibe by Cat Kerr to the book mark along with a clock button from my stash to finish.

The next bookmark I cut a keyhole die from the Journal Hardware Diecut, adhered to the top corner of the bookmark along with two Gems in each end of the keyhole. I cut out the clear film key and the “Be Kind” sentiment and added to the bookmark.

Two decorative bookmarks featuring motivational phrases. The left bookmark has a vintage design with the text 'Make every minute count' and an orange button. The right bookmark displays 'BE KIND' with a key graphic and teal embellishments, both set against patterned backgrounds.

The back side of both bookmarks I adhered more scraps of cardstock and one of the smallest circle die from the Rainbow Wheels Thinlits to finish.

Two decorative bookmarks featuring various patterned papers and embellishments, placed on a crocheted background. The left bookmark has a floral design and a measuring tape element, while the right bookmark includes a circular embellishment and text elements.

I cut a piece of cardstock to fit inside the center pocket. Side note, I inked all pieces of cardstock and dies cut with Brown Chalk Ink. I cut the largest circle die from the Rainbow Wheels Thinlits and glued to the base of the tag along with two strips of cardstock. I cut one large, four small flowers and two leaf sprigs from the Floral Pocket and Paperclips Thinlits. I adhered the small flower to the center of the large flower. I glued the flower along with the leaf sprig to the upper top of the tag. I cut the little girl shoes out and glued to the tag. I added pink trim and two of the small flowers to the shoes to finish.

A decorative card featuring black flip-flops with floral accents, layered over a pastel background with a flower design.

The back side of the tag I cut the lace clear film out and adhered to a piece of cardstock. I glued to the side of the page to create a tab. I cut out the clear film yearbook photos added to the tag. I place the sunshine outline die from the Home Sweet Home Thinlits over one of the girls. I glued a strip of cardstock over the lace overlay, added a piece of pink trim and another flower and leaf sprig from the Floral Pocket and Paperclips Thinlits to finish.

A collage of vintage black and white photos showcasing several women in various hairstyles, arranged in a grid format. The collage is adorned with decorative elements like flowers and patterned paper along the side.

I cut two tags from cardstock for the belly band on the inside of the back cover. I added an assortment of scraps of cardstock to each tag. The first tag I cut the clear film license plate and gear and for the second tag I added the clear film “grungy vibe” overlay and adhered to each respective tag. I found these vintage cars in my stash so I added them to each tag.

Two artistic cards featuring vintage cars, one with a blue background and a license plate reading '623 AWY NEW YORK', and the other showcasing a grunge-style design with the word 'Grunge'.

The back side of both tags I adhered scraps of cardstock to both tags. I added the largest circle die from the Rainbow Wheels Thinlits and two clear film gears and the number ten to one of the tags to finish.

Two decorative card designs featuring colorful paper strips and embellishments. The top card has blue and green papers with grid patterns, while the bottom card showcases a circular area with lined space for notes, accented with gears and ribbons.

I still have several pieces of the Grungy Vibe by Cat Kerr that I can’t wait to play with. So stay tuned more projects are sure to follow! Also if you haven’t been by Eileen’s blog to see what the team has been up to you can find the latest post HERE. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below.

Pack of Grafix Dura-Lar Film featuring pre-printed designs by various artists, showcasing a variety of creative patterns and images.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Bookmark, Pocket and Toppers Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Journal Hardware Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Rainbow Wheels Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Floral Pocket and Paperclips Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Home Sweet Home Thinlits

Grafix: Grungy Vibe by Cat Kerr

Diecut Machine

Paper Cutter

Scissors

Various Plain and Patterned Cardstocks

Brown Chalk Ink

Clock Button

Gems

Pink Trim

Beacon Adhesives: Zip Dry Adhesive

(Products listed above are Affiliated Links for your convenience)

DISCLAIMERS

A colorful scrapbook page featuring a vintage typewriter illustration, floral decorations, a smiling face portrait, and various textured backgrounds. The page includes a decorative window design and elements with pastel colors.

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

A decorative illustration featuring a bird perched among colorful flowers and foliage, with the name 'Tonya' elegantly displayed in a stylish font.

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.

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

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 New Release Crafting Essentials: Must-Have Tools

April 30, 2025

Hi everyone! It’s that time again and the May Release by Eileen Hull is here! I will be sharing sneak peeks of my projects and will do blog posts later.

The Handbound Journal is a ScoreBoards XL die designed to cut and score thick materials like matboard, leather, and felt. It includes built-in score lines, holes, a spine piece, and large labels—no measuring needed! The book measures 6″ x 5″. You can customize its thickness. You can also choose hand or quick binding. It comes with a pretty scalloped edge. One of the most versatile designs yet.

The Bigz Journal Hardware Die offers latches, hinges, and pen loops. These components are perfectly sized to coordinate with the journal. It also cuts a variety of materials.

The Color Wheel Stencil is a three-layer stencil that creates a continuous color wheel—use traditional ROYGBIV or customize your palette. Pair it with the Rainbow Wheel Die, which cuts the framework, segmented circle, and arrows for a functional color wheel.

The Swatch Card Stamp Set includes a round palette, rectangular and pie-shaped swatch cards. Plus color-themed phrases perfect for cards or journals.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Handbound Journal Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Bigz Journal Hardware Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Rainbow Wheel Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Color Wheel Stencil

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Swatch Card Stamp Set

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, 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.

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

Create a Quick and Easy Mini Book

April 14, 2025

Hi everyone! I know it has been a while since I have made a post. I’ve been working on much needed home projects, gardening and now Eileen Hull’s newest release. But I’m back with a quick and easy project using the Mini Book Diecut and Bookmark, Pockets and Toppers Thinlits. I also used the notes diecut from the Floral Pocket and Paperclips Thinlits. All these dies are by Eileen Hull. Anyways, let get started!

I cut out the notebook cover from the Mini Book Diecut. I also cut four dotted pages to fit inside the notebook. I applied a double sided Adhesive to the back of a piece of cardstock. I placed the “notes” diecut onto the cardstock and run through the Diecut Machine. I also cut out a circle from the Bookmark, Pockets and Toppers Thinlits. Now that I have everything cut out I’m ready to put the notebook together.

I lightly inked the edges of the notebook cover, circle, flower and notes dies. I folded the mini book die and dotted notebook paper in half. I punched two holes in the spine of the mini book and spine of the pages. I threaded a needle with thread. I sewed the pages and covers together and tied off on the inside of the notebook.

I peeled the backing off the adhesive of the notes die and placed onto the cover. Next, I glued the circle and flower slightly above the notes dies.

I added a Mini Gold Gem to the center of the flower. I also used a Mini Paper Clip as a closure to finish.

I have a “bigger” project that I’m working on that this notebook will be eventually be a part of. Hopefully I will be able to share it sooner rather than later.

Also if you haven’t be by Eileen Hull’s blog lately you can find the latest HERE. For the latest happenings sign up for her news letter which can be found on her blog.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Mini Book Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Bookmark, Pockets and Toppers Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Floral Pocket and Paperclips Thinlits

Diecut Machine

Adhesive Roll

Paper Cutter

Scissors

My Mind’s Eye: Gingham Gathered Paper Pad

My Mind’s Eye: Wildflowers Mixed Bag Embellishments

Cardstock

Dotted Notebook Paper ( Office Supply Store)

Mini Gold Gem

Mini Paper Clip

Brown Chalk Ink

Crop-A-Dile

Needle and Thread

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.

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

Transform a Snack Box into a Journal with Notebook Diecut

December 7, 2024

Hi everyone! I’m back today with another recycled project. This time I used an empty Little Debbie snack box to create a journal using Eileen Hull’s Notebook Diecut. A side note, Little Debbie cakes are actually made in Tennessee. The company is located a city over from where I live. Anyways, let’s get started!

For this project I carefully took a part the box. I cut the front panel out, applied an Adhesive Sheets to the back of the panel. I removed the backing from the adhesive sheet and place onto a piece of Mat Board. I placed an adhesive sheet to the back of the mat board. I removed the backing from the adhesive sheet and placed plain cardstock onto it. I then placed it onto the Notebook Diecut, sandwiched between two plates and run through the Diecut Machine.

I used the Crop A Dile to punch holes in the spine of the journal.

I strung elastic through the holes and tied off.

I adhered pockets/tuck spots to the inside covers. I also added a grid notebook to the elastic.

I glued a label that I found in my stash to the spine. I decorated it with a button. I also added color dots, gems and sequins.

I found more labels in my stash that I stacked on top of each other. I added a journal sticker to the label and a gem to finish.

If you don’t have access to this type of product, don’t worry. You can always use another type of box. To create a journal with the Notebook Diecut. Also this notebook can be used to keep up with Christmas lists such as shopping, mailing cards, recipes, etc. You can actually make a journal for any occasion. My plan is to give it to my grandson so he can write and draw.

Supply List

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Notebook Diecut

Diecut Machine

Empty Little Debbie Christmas Tree Box

Adhesive Sheets

Small Grid Notebook

Crop A Dile

Elastic

Paper Cutter

Scissors

Mat Board

Scrapbook.com: Merry Patterned Cardstock Paper Pad

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.

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

Ephemera Book Journal Tutorial with Notebook Diecut and Painterly Blooms by Eileen Hull

July 24, 2024

Hi everyone! I’m back this week with a journal I created using the Notebook Diecut and Painterly Blooms and Background Thinlits by Eileen Hull. I love using the notebook diecut because it’s so quick and easy to put together. So, let’s get started!

I used the Flowers and Lace Cut and Create Ephemera Book by Calico Collage for the cover, pages and ephemera for the inside of the journal. If you don’t have a printer or your printer is on the fritz this is an easy solution. Everything is printed for you but in book form. The only thing you need to do is be “careful” when taking the book apart.

First, I took apart the book and selected the pages I wanted to use in my journal. Next I applied Adhesive Sheets to the front and back of a piece of Chipboard, placed the selected pages on top of the adhesive sheets. I placed the chipboard on top of the Notebook Diecut, placed in-between the cutting plates and ran through the Diecut Machine.

I cut papers from the ephemera book along with an envelope . I also used an old book page and grid paper for the inside pages.

I punched holes in all the papers and in the spine of the journal and sewed all five papers along with an envelope to the inside spine and tied off. Then I glued the envelope together.

There are several cut a parts in the ephemera book. I tucked cards in a floral pocket that I had fussy cut from the book and glued to the page.

Some of the cut a parts I “wrapped” around the page to create a flap and pocket to hold journaling cards.

I had fussy cut a doily which was actually too big for the journal so I folded one end up to create a little pocket to hold journaling cards.

There’s more tuck spots for ephemera and the backside of the envelope!

I chose to add some folded papers from the book along with a journaling card to the envelope. The opposite page I dressed up with cut a parts and washi tape.

I think this is my favorite spread in the whole journal! I love the “be fearless” and butterfly and on the opposite page I created a mini journal with one of the cut a parts…so many tiny bits and pieces in it.

I turned a banner from my stash into a tuck spot.

I kept these page pretty simple with a few cut a parts and a bit of pom pom trim.

The last page and inside cover I kept plain for journaling or adding photos.

The cover I decorated with an assortment of laces, scraps of cardstock, corrugated cardboard, and fussy cut pieces from the book. I also had two flowers and a leaf cut from the Painterly Blooms and Background Thinlits. I shaped with a Stylus before gluing the flowers on top of each other and adding a leaf to the back of the flower. This was the perfect finishing touch to the cover.

I absolutely love using the ephemera book to create this journal. Everything coordinated and took a lot of the guess work out of does this go together or not. Also if you haven’t been by Eileen’s blog lately you can her latest post HERE.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull:Notebook Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Painterly Blooms and Background Thinlits

Calico Collage: Flowers and Lace Cut and Create Ephemera Book

Diecut Machine

Adhesive Sheets

Chipboard

Crop-A-Dile

Stylus

Paper Cutter

Scissors

Various Plain and Patterned Cardstocks, Book Page and Grid Paper

Lace and Pom Pom Trim

Needle and Thread

Washi Tape

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 Calico Collage Products.

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