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

Creating an Up-cycled Box Using The Poet’s Garden Diecuts

February 9, 2026

Hi everyone! I’m back with my first project of the month using The Poet’s Garden Collection by Susan Tierney-Cockburn and Spellbinders. This collection contains Love-in-a-Mist Etched Dies, Clematis Poet Etched Dies, Wild Violet and Ladybugs Etched Dies and The Poet’s Garden Sentiments Press Plus Plate and Die Set. I used all the die sets except for the press plus plate die set. Anyways, let’s get started!

Mixed media craft project featuring vibrant paper flowers, including blue and purple blossoms, arranged on a wooden background with vintage elements.

I will need a present in the upcoming months so I dug into my stash of small boxes I keep on hand and found this small box. I covered the outside and the inside portion that slides out with a cardstock that looks like wood. I also added trim to both outside ends of the box.

A rustic wooden box with a decorative trim, featuring a drawer partially pulled out.

There are videos for each set of dies on how to put together. For the first set of diecuts I used is the Wild Violet and Ladybugs Etched Dies. You can find that video HERE.

A collection of die cut shapes including leaves and flowers in various colors, with teal, purple, and metallic copper elements displayed on a black background.

These videos explain how to put these florals together so much better than I could.

Paper flowers with purple petals and green stems accompanied by green leaves on a beige background.

The second set of diecuts are the Clematis Poet Etched Dies and you can find that how to video HERE. The third set of diecuts are the Love-in-a-Mist Etched Dies and you can find that video HERE.

Various paper flower parts including petals and leaves in pastel colors, arranged on a light background.

I thought I had taken a couple of step out photos of the Love-in-a-Mist flower but apparently not. So here is another photo of the Clematis.

A handcrafted paper flower featuring soft pastel colors, with intricate layered petals and a detailed center. The flower showcases shades of light blue, white, and hints of green.

I glued to the top of the box sleeve, cardstock that I had inked with brown chalk ink and lace.

A wooden box decorated with textured paper, lace, and vintage-style elements, featuring a light wood finish and a decorative trim on top.

I arranged and adhered all flowers to the top of the box sleeve.

Close-up of colorful paper flowers in shades of blue and green, adorned with leaves, against a textured background.

I made bows out of cording and places under the Clematis and Love-in-a-Mist to finish.

Decorative box topped with flowers and greenery, featuring a faceted crystal pendant and a chain inside.

Now this box is ready for gift giving and it can be used as a home decor piece too.

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

A decorative box adorned with artificial flowers, featuring shades of blue and green, along with a small vintage note peeking out from underneath the greenery.

Supplies

Spellbinders: Love-in-a-Mist Etched Dies

Spellbinders: Clematis Poet Etched Dies

Spellbinders: Wild Violet and Ladybugs Etched Dies

Spellbinders: The Poet’s Garden Sentiments Press Plus Plate and Die Set

Diecut Machine

Tool ‘n One

Detail Tweezers

Stylus Set

Paper Cutter

Gold Gems

Various Plain Cardstocks and Patterned Cardstocks

Various Chalk Inks

Lace, Trim and Cording

Empty Box

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 Spellbinders Products.

A decorative craft project featuring blue and green flowers, leaves, and a vintage-style note on a wooden-textured background, accentuated with a white decorative trim.

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

A stylized image featuring a bird perched near vibrant flowers, with the name 'Tonya' elegantly displayed in cursive font against a soft blue background.

Turning Trash into Treasure: Comfort and Joy 2025 Recycled Christmas

November 21, 2025

Hi everyone! It’s my turn to share my quick and easy Comfort and Joy project for Eileen Hull! I’m on a recycle kick and choose to use corrugated cardboard to create a Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Tag.

A festive graphic featuring the text 'Comfort & Joy' along with event details. The background has a red and green plaid pattern with a branch of pine on the left side.

Since I have a lot of corrugated cardboard laying around I decided this would be a great way to keep it out of the landfill. The reindeer head I used the largest arch die from the Tunnel Arches Thinlits. The first time running it through the Diecut Machine it would not cut through the corrugated chipboard. So I ran it through the diecut machine three times and it cut the die out with no problem.

A handmade Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer tag made from corrugated chipboard, featuring painted details, black buttons for eyes, a red gem for the nose, and twigs for antlers adorned with leaves and threads.

I used the Sunflower Diecut and cut out a couple of the sunflower from the corrugated cardboard. I cut the petals off to create ears for the reindeer. With a pencil I free handed the face onto the die. The face, the center of the ears and spots I painted with white acrylic paint.

Various die-cut pieces made from corrugated chipboard, including reindeer faces and sunflower shapes, alongside a bottle of white acrylic paint and a paintbrush on a plastic surface.

I glued the ears to the face and lightly inked the edge with white and brown chalk inks.

Four cut-out reindeer heads made from corrugated chipboard, featuring brown tops, white facial markings, and adorable ears.

I adhered two Black Buttons for eyes and added a red gem for the nose to the face. I drew a black line with a fine tip black marker under the nose. I used a pink pastel to add color to the cheeks.

I sent my husband outside to round up some twigs to use as antlers. He came back with a couple of sticks. I cut all of those with a pair of scissors since they weren’t that thick. I glued to the back of the head.

A handmade reindeer tag featuring a brown corrugated chipboard face with black button eyes, a red gem nose, and twigs for antlers. Decorated with green leaves and red gems on the head.

Since I had several of the hollies cut from the Funky Festive Thinlits (retired) I added those to one of the antlers. I also added a leaf sprig which are from the Home Sweet Home Thinlits, loops of thread and red gems to finish.

Close-up of two crafted reindeer tags made from corrugated cardstock, featuring black button eyes, red gem noses, and leaf decorations on top. The tags have a light brown color with white accents for the face and pink chalk for cheeks.

Even though the plan is to use these reindeer as tags. I could easily add a mini clothes pin to the back to use as a closure to a bag. Or string them up to create an adorable banner. Also if you don’t have the supplies listed below you can change out with brown and white cardstock, hand draw or use a circle pinch for the eyes, pipe cleaners for the antlers, etc. There’s endless possibilities. Let me know in the comments below what you would use these reindeers for or if you have any questions.

Four festive reindeer tags made from corrugated chipboard, each featuring a painted face with black button eyes, a red gem nose, twigs for antlers, and decorative holly leaves.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Tunnel Arches Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Sunflower Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Home Sweet Home Thinlits

Sizzix/Tim Holtz: Funky Festive Thinlits (retired)

Diecut Machine

Scissors

Corrugated Cardboard

White Acrylic Paint

Pink Pastel

Paint Brush

Fine Tip Black Marker

White and Brown Chalk Inks

Black Buttons, Red Gems and Thread

Twigs from a Tree

Beacon Adhesives: Zip Dry Adhesive

(Products listed above are Affiliated Links for your convenience)

DISCLAIMERS

Two handcrafted reindeer tags featuring corrugated cardstock with twigs for antlers, black buttons for eyes, and red gems for noses, decorated with leaves and a light pink blush on the cheeks.

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

A decorative graphic featuring a bird amidst colorful flowers, with the name 'Tonya' artistically displayed in a flowing script.

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.

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!

Transforming an Amazon Mailer into a Festive Gift Bag

December 6, 2024

Hi everyone! I’m back today with another recycled Amazon Mailer. But this time I turned it into a gift bag for a Christmas present.

The first thing I did to the mailer was carefully remove the packaging label and cut the flap off.

I painted the outside of the mailer. I also painted a little of the top inside using Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Mint Julep Paint. The mailer required two coats of paint. I used what paint I had on hand. You can definitely use any type of paint to make this project.

I used the Chillin’ Stamp Set (retired) since it had a giant size snowflake stamp. I placed the stamp onto a MISTI Stamping Tool and inked with Green Ink. I stamped onto a piece of Watercolor Paper. I fussy cut the snowflake out and used an assortment of inks over the image.

I adhered the sequins and gems to the snowflake before gluing to the mailer. A side note, if you don’t have a giant snowflake stamp, you can use diecuts or printables. You can even use several smaller snowflakes to dress up the mailer.

I adhered Large Ric Rac to the top of the mailer.

Now all I have to do is add a present, tissue paper and it’s ready to give as a gift. If you have any questions or comments about this project please leave them below.

Supply List

Amazon Mailer

Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Mint Julep Paint

Brush

Scissors

Green Ink

MISTI Stamping Tool

Watercolor Paper

Large Ric Rac

Various Inks

Gems and Sequins

Tattered Angels: Chillin’ Stamp Set (retired)

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 Scrapbook.com Products.

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

Part Two: Amazon Mailer Junk Journal Pages

December 5, 2024

Hi everyone! I’m back with part two of my junk journal that I created using an Amazon Mailer as the cover. Today I will share the inside pages and as I stated yesterday there will be no process photos. Only the finished pages. Anyways, let’s get started!

The first is actual a paper doily that I added fussy cut Christmas images to.

The height of most of the pages is almost 12″, depending on how the scrapbook paper was made. Some I didn’t need to cut down.

I added a cut a part to the first page with a tiny paper clip. The opposite page I placed a sticker sentiment and felt bird sticker.

The next set of pages I adhered “counting the days” acetate sentiment at the bottom to create a tuck spot. The other page since it has a lot visually going on I left it plain.

I added a journaling card to the tuck spot.

On the next two pages, I glued a fussy cut image of a girl. The image features her holding a present and is placed at the bottom of the pages. On the opposite side I applied a rub on Santa image and a “here comes Santa Claus” sentiment.

The next set of pages I kept plain in case of needing extra journaling or adding photos.

This set of pages is where I stitched in all the pages. I used a Crop A Dile to punch holes in the spine. I tied off on the outside. I then covered the knot with the lace. I glued the lace to the spine and both covers.

The next set of pages includes a cut a part with a tiny paper clip. I left the opposite page blank for journaling.

This set of pages starts with a blank first page. I added a fussy cut girl to the top of the next page.

This set of pages includes three pages in total. I didn’t embellish them, other than adding mini scalloped edgers to one of the pages.

This set of pages includes three total too. I decorated the page with poinsettias with a cut a part and scraps of cardstock. The back page I added Pom Pom trim to finish.

I really loved creating this journal out of an Amazon Mailer and I can’t wait to make another. It’s a great way to recycle and turn into something useful. If you don’t have a mailer you can use envelopes and small paper bags and turn those into journals. You are only limited by your own imagination. Also If you have any questions or comments please leave those below.

Supply List

Amazon Mailer

Paper Cutter

Crop A Dile

Scissors

Various Christmas Cardstocks

Washi Tape

Christmas Embellishments

Needle and Thread

Lace, Ric Rac and Pom Pom Trim

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 Scrapbook.com Products.

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

Part One: How to Recycle Amazon Mailer into a Journal

December 4, 2024

Hi everyone! I’m back today with a Christmas junk journal I created! It’s really not junk going into the making of the journal but the leftover bits and pieces from past projects. The definition of what a junk journal is: “a creative and unique book made from found and recycle materials.” In other words you can put anything in a journal.

Really the only “junk” in this journal is this Amazon Mailer that I carefully opened and removed the label. I also cut the flap off and turned it into the cover of the journal. It does say on the mailer “RECYCLABLE JUST LIKE A BOX”. So I recycled it. There will be no process photos only the finished outside and inside cover. Anyways, let’s get started!

The first thing I did was fold the mailer in half to create the cover. I covered both the outside and inside with festive Christmas inspired cardstock. For the cover I glued a flap to the inside opening of the cover. I decorated the flap with “vintage” embellishments from my stash. I have quite the collection of crafts supplies that I have never used. I figured it was time to use them.

The inside of the flap, I added glue on either side of a piece of cardstock. This was to create a belly band.

I added a winter bird sticker, scrap of wrapping paper and a fussy cut sentiment to the belly band. I added three tags to the belly band.

The inside cover I adhered another flap to the inside cover. I glued the three sides of another piece of festive cardstock to the flap. This creates another tuck spot.

The inside of the flap I covered the “seam” with Washi Tape. I placed a folded piece of Christmas cardstock and placed in the tuck spot.

There is an opening on the cover. I added a piece of folded graft paper/accounting paper. This provides more journaling options.

The back cover I added two pockets.

I cut three tags to fit into the pockets on the back cover.

I stitched in the pages to the spine and glued lace over the spine to cover the stitching.

There are many photos of this project. I will share part two of the inside of the journal tomorrow, Thursday. So, be sure to stop back by!

If you have any questions or comments about the process of the cover, please leave them below. I will get back with you.

Supply List

Amazon Mailer

Paper Cutter

Crop A Dile

Scissors

Beacon Adhesives: Zip Dry Adhesive

Various Christmas Cardstocks

Washi Tape

Christmas Embellishments

Needle and Thread

Lace, Ric Rac and Pom Pom Trim

(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 Scrapbook.com Products.

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

Roses and Hearts Envelope Journal

February 7, 2024

Hi everyone! I’m back this week with a journal I created. I had actually started this journal last year but the month of February and Valentine’s Day slipped by quickly on me and I didn’t finish it. So needless to say, I was able to finish it this year. I used envelopes, an assortment of different types of cardstocks, embellishments and a few diecuts and thinlits by Eileen Hull to complete this journal. Anyways, let’s get started!

First, I started with an envelope that had “junk mail” in it. I was able to open it without ripping up the flap on the back . I glued the flap down and folded in half.

Second, I cut to fit patterned cardstock to fit the front and back of the cover and the inside of both sides of the cover. Side note, this will make it easier to stitch in the pages.

Third, I gathered an envelope, which I sealed the flap before cutting an opening in the end to created a “pocket, patterned cardstocks and dotted writing paper for the inside pages. I punched two holes into the spine before stitching with a needle and thread all the pages to the inside of the cover. I tied off on the outside spine. I cut a piece of flat lace the length of the spine, centering the lace to either side of the front and back covers before adhering in place.

Fourth, I decorated the cover first. I know some crafters like to save the cover for last but for me if I can get the cover squared away/finished or close to finished it sets the theme for the inside of the journal.

I used an assortment of embellishments that I have had for years in my stash on the cover, such as the Ric Rac, lace, the lace flower and the chipboard roses piece along with a chipboard frame and a oversized floral postage stamp that I had purchased a couple of months ago. I cut the smallest and middle size hearts from the Envelope, Folder and Flowers Thinlits and inked the edges with a hot pink chalk ink. I layered those on top of each other and slightly under the chipboard roses. I also cut the largest leave from the same set of thinlits and shaped with a Stylus before gluing under the lace flower. I finished by adding a bow made of thread under the flower.

Fifth, I used a cut a part to create a pocket on the inside cover which I added a couple of flowers and another cut a part over the flowers. I used a bit of trim to dress up the top of the pocket. The opposite page I covered with a patterned cardstock.

I cut from a patterned piece of cardstock the decorative number 14, inked the edges before adding glue to two sides and placing on the corner of the page to create a pocket. I used a mix of cut a parts, scraps of patterned cardstock and a piece of grid paper as tags to fill the pockets. Side note, I dressed up the grid paper with a rub on and lightly inking the edges to give it an aged old.

Sixth, the next set of pages I kept the decoration to those pages to a minimum. I added a patterned cardstock to the back of the smaller page along with pom pom trim. The opposite page I found these felt pieces in my stash. I adhered to the upper corner of the page, added the “sweetheart” sentiment and sequins over the heart.

Seventh, this set of pages I added two cut a parts and a staple with my Tiny Attacher.

The opposite page I fussy cut the children out and added glue to the bottom and to the corner of the heart and placed on to the page to create a pocket. I cut down a piece of 6″x6″ patterned cardstock, folded in half and placed in the pocket.

Eighth, these two page I kept simple and added lace to the dotted paper. The opposite page I adhered the tab I had cut off from a file folder to that page along with Ric Rac.

Ninth, I adhered a piece of patterned cardstock to the back of the tab. Also you can see where I stitched the pages into the cover.

Tenth, the next set of pages I used a piece of washing tape to secure the “love you” cut a part to the page to create a tip in/flap. I adhered heart ribbon down the side of the page and I added a button to the flap. The opposite page, I cut a library pocket from Library Pocket ATC Card and Tabs Thinlits from Vellum and put together. I added glue to the bottom and one side of the pocket and placed on the bottom corner of the page.

I glued a label to the pocket. The open circle is actually the tire that was leftover from the a project I made with the Vintage Truck Box Diecut. I glued onto the label and added a chipboard heart and two sequins to complete the pocket. I placed cut a parts and folded pieces of patterned cardstock to the pocket.

Eleventh, the next set of pages, the dotted paper I cut two banners and added adhesive to the top of each and placed in the top corner of the page and a circle punch and a scrap of cardstock. The banner can be used as tuck spots for tags.

The opposite page I added two cut a parts and another staple to finish the page.

Twelfth, the next set of pages I glued two strips of cardstock, one slightly smaller than the other, together before adding adhesive to the top and bottom of the strip before placing onto the page. I embellished with a felt heart and a “love you” sentiment. I also cut a piece of notebook paper down and folded in half. I lightly inked with chalk ink and added a “us forever” rub on the paper before sliding under the belly band.

The smaller page I added patterned cardstock to the envelope and glued a flower and a cut a part to the upper corner of the page. I added two tags to the pocket.

Thirteen, I cut a waterfall card from the Waterfall Card and Tags Thinlits, added a “love” rub on to the card, folded the flap and adhered the smaller flap to the inside of the pocket.

I glued a small tab to the top of the card and a decorative piece of cardstock to the page. The back of the inside cover I used a decorative diecut from my stash and a “happiest day ever” sentiment to complete the inside of the journal.

It felt great to use what I had in my massive amount of supplies to create this journal. Don’t get me wrong I love buying new craft supplies but I am trying to use more of my supplies instead of hoarding them.

Question, do you hoard your craft supplies or do you use them? Let me know in the comments below if you do or if you don’t.

If you haven’t been by Eileen Hull’s blog lately to see what her teams have been up to you can find the latest post HERE.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Envelope, Folder and Flowers Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Library Pocket ATC Card and Tabs Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Vintage Truck Box Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Waterfall Card and Tags Thinlit

Diecut Machine

Stylus

Tiny Attacher

Tiny Attacher Refills

Vellum

Washi Tape

Lace, Pom Pom Trim, Ric Rac and Trim

Chalk Ink

Various Embellishments

Various Patterned Cardstocks

Notebook and Dotted Paper

Needle, Thread, Button and Sequins

Scissors

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 Wednesday is wonderful and enjoy creating!

My Three Favorite 2022 Eileen Hull Projects

December 6, 2022

Hi everyone! I’m back with another blog post and today I share my top three favorite Eileen Hull projects of 2022. I did have a hard time narrowing it down. But after going back and forth with the eight posts I selected I did finally picked the three that I loved the most. Let’s get started!

These are in no particular order, but I love a good recycle/up-cycle project and this project checked all the boxes for me. I used an empty Laughing Cow Cheese container and the Vintage Buttons 3D Embossing Folder and the Mandala Thinlit as the bases for this home decor piece. You can find this post HERE.

The next project is another home decor piece and I loved the fact I got to incorporate the Shadow Box Frames Set 2 Thinlits, Skinny Mini Elements Thinlit and the Sunflower Diecut to create this. You can find that post HERE.

The last project is another recycle/up-cycle project that I used an empty ribbon spool as a base and used a wide assortment of dies and thinlits such as the Ornament Box Diecut, Wreath and Snowflake Thinlits, Vintage Truck Box Diecut, Shadow Box Frames Set 2 Thinlits and Shadow Box Elements Thinlits. You can find this post HERE.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Vintage Buttons 3D Embossing Folder

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Mandala Thinlit

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Shadow Box Frames Set 2 Thinlits,

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Skinny Mini Elements Thinlit

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Sunflower Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Ornament Box Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Wreath and Snowflake Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Vintage Truck Box Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Shadow Box Elements Thinlits

Diecut Machine

Adhesive Sheets

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 and Scrapbook.com Products.

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