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

Creating a Floral Gift Card Holder with Eileen Hull Dies

October 13, 2025

Hi everyone! I’m back with a project I created. If you’re like me and like giving gift cards but like to “dress up” them up I have the solution. I made a gift card holder using an assortment of dies and stamps: Tunnel Arches Thinlits, Home Sweet Home Thinlits, Windowsill Flowers and Vase Thinlits, Journal Hardware Diecut and Fan Favorite Clear Stamp Set. These are all by Eileen Hull.

A decorated gift card holder featuring a vase of colorful flowers and the text 'celebrating you', set against a patterned background.

The first thing I did was fold a piece of cardstock in half. I placed the folded edge of the cardstock just below the top edge of the largest tunnel die from the Tunnel Arches Thinlits and run through the Diecut Machine. This created the base for the card.

Flat lay of a turquoise cardstock piece and an intricate metal die, showing the preparation for a gift card holder project.

I didn’t like how flimsy the cardstock felt so I wound up covering both sides of the card base with patterned cardstock. I cut the largest tunnel die and the bottom half off to use as a pocket for inside the card and adhered the sides and the bottom to the card. I also folded half a piece of patterned cardstock. I placed below the bottom of the smallest tunnel die and run through the diecut machine. I glued that to the inside of the card base to reinforce the card.

A handmade gift card holder featuring a floral-patterned design with a pocket for a gift card and a decorative flap.

I placed the “celebrating you” stamp from the Fan Favorite Clear Stamp Set onto the MISTI Stamping Tool and inked with Black Ink and stamped onto a piece of White Cardstock.

Close-up of clear stamps and a label with the text 'celebrating you' printed on a piece of white cardstock, with a stapler and ruler visible in the background.

I cut a label from the Journal Hardware Diecut. I glued that and a couple of stripes of patterned cardstock to the front of the card. I cut an assortment of flowers, stems, leaf sprigs and vase from the Home Sweet Home Thinlits and Windowsill Flowers and Vase Thinlits. I did add Double Sided Adhesive Roll to the back of the cardstock before cutting out the stems.

A decorative gift card holder featuring a vase with colorful flowers and leaves, embellished with the phrase 'celebrating you' on a patterned background.

I inked all dies with brown chalk ink. I shaped the flowers and stems and leaf sprigs with a Stylus. I applied the stem dies to the card first. I layered the flowers and placed on the stems. I added a gems to the center of the flowers. I glued the vase over the bottoms of the stems. I added a couple of the I added a couple of leaf sprigs to the vase.

A decorated gift card holder featuring a vase with colorful flowers, leaves, and the phrase 'celebrating you' on a patterned background.

I also adhered a smaller leaf sprig and small flower to the bottom of the vase. I lightly inked the edges of the sentiment before gluing to the card to finish.

A decorative gift card holder featuring a vase filled with colorful flowers, placed on a patterned background with the phrase 'celebrating you' attached.

All you need to do is add a gift card and it is ready to give. I plan on making a few more of these but change the theme to Christmas.

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

Gift card holder made from patterned cardstock featuring floral designs, designed to hold a gift card securely.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Tunnel Arches Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Home Sweet Home Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Windowsill Flowers and Vase Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Journal Hardware Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Fan Favorite Clear Stamp Set

Diecut Machine

Various Plain and Patterned Cardstocks

MISTI Stamping Tool

Black Ink

Brown Chalk Ink

White Cardstock

Stylus

Double Sided Adhesive Roll

Gems

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 gift card holder featuring a vase with colorful flowers and the phrase 'celebrating you' on a patterned background.

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

A decorative image featuring the name 'Tonya' in an elegant script font, surrounded by colorful flowers and a bird, set against a soft, blurred background.

How to Recycle Envelopes into a Tri Fold Journal

September 16, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Tunnel Arches Framelits Diecuts

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Windowsill Flowers and Vase Thinlits Diecuts

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Rainbow Wheels Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Home Sweet Home Thinlits Diecuts

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Journal Hardware Diecuts

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Lacy Leaves Embossing Folder

Diecut Machine

Foam Pop Dots

White and Brown Chalk Ink

Lace, Ric Rac, Pom Pom Trim and Brown Thread

Various Embellishments

Mini Paper Dolls

Paper Cutter

Scissors

Various Plain and Patterned Cardstocks

Sequin and Flat Back Pearls

Tiny Attacher

Beacon Adhesives: Zip Dry Adhesive

(Products listed above are Affiliated Links for your convenience)

DISCLAIMERS

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

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

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

Join the Eileen Hull September Release Party for Craft Ideas

September 1, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Handbound Journal Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Lacy Leaves Embossing Folder

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Home Sweet Home Die Set

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Windowsill Flowers & Vase Die Set

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Tunnel Arches Die Set

Diecut Machine

(Products listed above are Affiliated Links for your convenience)

DISCLAIMERS

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

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

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

Step-by-Step Upcycled Phone Box Using Eileen Hull Diecuts

August 18, 2025

Hi everyone! I’m back with my project for Eileen Hull this month. This month theme is mix and match and I’ve definitely used an assortment of dies for this project. Anyways, let’s get started!

A colorful gift box adorned with large paper flowers in shades of red and cream, featuring green leaves and a decorative floral tag, set against a textured teal background with golden accents.

I have a collection of phone boxes in my stash. Since they are sturdy I decided to up-cycle and turn one into a gift box. The first thing I did was remove the plastic piece that is in the bottom of the box.

An empty white phone box on a wooden surface, with the lid removed, showcasing its interior.

Next I cut and covered the outside of the box with a patterned cardstock. I also cut and covered the inside of the box to cover up where I removed the plastic.

A decorated gift box with a colorful, textured lid, featuring shades of blue, green, and gold. The box is open to reveal a simple interior.

To create the largest flower on the box I cut over twenty of the triangles from the Rainbow Wheels Thinlits. I lightly inked the edges with a pink chalk ink and shaped with a Stylus.

A layered pink paper flower made from various sized petals, next to a metal die cut in the shape of a triangle, on a textured background.

I also cut the smallest circle from the Rainbow Wheels Thinlits and shaped with a Stylus. I started adhering the triangles to the circle. I added two layers of the regular size triangles dies to the circle.

A handcrafted pink flower made from paper, featuring layered petals and a textured center.

I cut the “v” end off ten triangle dies and crunched up in my hand before adding to the flower. I cut out three flowers from the Bookmark, Pockets and Topper Thinlits. I inked with pink chalk ink and shaped with a Stylus and my hand. I glued each on top of each other before adding to the flower.

A layered paper flower in shades of pink alongside a metal die cut in a semi-circle shape, designed by Tonya Trantham for Eileen Hull.

I cut the smallest circle from the Rainbow Wheels Thinlits. I lightly wet the circle with water and crunched, shaped in my hand and let it dry.

A circular piece of off-white cardstock alongside a silver die-cutting ring and a crumpled, light-colored paper flower, designed for a crafting project.

I cut the largest circle from the Rainbow Wheels Thinlits and adhered to the center of the box. I cut one of the labels from the Journal Hardware Diecut and glued onto the large circle.

Close-up of a decorated gift box featuring large multicolored flowers, green leaves, and embellishments.

I glued the largest flower to the upper corner of the lid. Next I dug into my stash and found a leaf from the Sunflower Diecut (retired). I inked, shaped and adhered underneath the larger flower. I glued the white flower next to the large flower. I cut and shaped two leaf sprigs from the Bookmark, Pockets and Topper Thinlits and adhered underneath the white flower.

A decorated gift box featuring colorful paper flowers in red, pink, white, and purple on a textured teal background.

I cut four of the purple and one small flowers from the Bookmark, Pockets and Topper Thinlits. I shaped all flower with a Stylus. I glued a purple flower on top of each other and added to the lid. The white flower I adhered to the corner of the label along with a single leaf from a leaf sprig.

Close-up of a decorated gift box featuring various paper flowers, including a large red flower, a white flower, and purple accents, alongside green leaves and a floral patterned piece.

I added Gold and White Gems to the center of each flower to finish. This box makes a beautiful home decor piece or a gift to a special someone.

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

Colorful decorated gift box featuring various paper flowers, including a large pink flower, with a floral design on the box and a plain white interior.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Rainbow Wheels Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Journal Hardware Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Bookmark, Pockets and Topper Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Sunflower Diecut (retired)

Various Plain and Patterned Cardstocks

Empty Phone Box

Pink and Green Chalk Ink

Diecut Machine

Paper Cutter

Scissors

Gold and White Gems

Stylus

Beacon Adhesives: Zip Dry Adhesive

(Products listed above are Affiliated Links for your convenience)

DISCLAIMERS

A decorated gift box with colorful paper flowers, including large red and white flowers, smaller purple flowers, and green leaves, atop a teal and gold patterned surface.

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

A decorative digital artwork featuring a bird and a variety of colorful flowers, with the name 'Tonya' artistically displayed in script.

How to Create a Tag with Color Wheel Stencils

June 18, 2025

Hi everyone! I’m back this week with a mix media tag I created using the Color Wheel Stencils by Eileen Hull. I used dies from the Rainbow Wheels Thinlits. Stamps from the Swatch Cards Stamp Set were also employed to complete this tag. Anyways, let’s get started!

A mixed media tag featuring two vintage black-and-white photographs of women, layered flowers, and embellishments, with the text 'FRIENDS FOREVER' and 'tried & true' on a colorful, textured background.

I found in my stash a tag I had cut from the Tag and Bookplates Diecut (retired). I had cut it out of Mat Board. Since it was a sturdy base I decided to use paint to cover the tag. I used an assortment of Ocean Breeze, Bright Mint and Celery acrylic paints.

A colorful tag with a mix of green and blue acrylic paint on a white plate, accompanied by a paintbrush.

Once dry I stamped the tag with the swatch stamp from the Swatch Cards Stamp Set. I used a blue ink to stamp onto the corner of the tag but the color started to disappear. I was able to reposition the stamp onto the MISTI Stamping Tool. I re-inked the stamp with a Black Ink and re-stamped the tag.

A colorful tag painted with green and blue acrylics, positioned on a stamping tool surrounded by a green ink pad, a black spacer, and a clear stamp block.

I used a Spatula and added a little Cloud Whip to a Styrofoam plate. I added a little water first to the Cloud Whip to thin it down. Next, I added Honeydew Pops of Colors to the cloud whip and mixed with the spatula.

A close-up image of a teal bottle labeled 'Pops of Color' next to a spatula on a styrofoam plate with mixed light green and white paint.

I taped the third stencil from the Color Wheel Stencils over the tag. I applied the Honeydew Cloud Whip mixture to a portion of the stencil. I added Sea Foam Pops of Color to the Cloud whip that was still in the plate and mixed. I applied that to a portion of the stencil. I did the same steps with the Olive, and Holly Green Pops of Color until the stencil was completed covered.

A stencil covered in a green mixture, partially placed over a colorful background, featuring texture and patterns.

I carefully removed the stencil and let it dry.

A multicolored tag featuring a circular stencil pattern with textured green and blue paint.

I lightly inked over the edges of the tag and the stenciled area with the green and blue Chalk Ink. I applied Adhesive to the back of a piece of cardstock. I cut a color wheel from the Rainbow Wheels Thinlits. I removed the backing from the adhesive and placed the color wheel onto the tag. I cut the excess off.

A colorful mixed media tag featuring circular stencil designs in shades of green and blue, alongside a die cut stencil placed next to it.

I cut a “v” in the ends of two strips of patterned cardstock and glued to the tag. I cut up some brown lace and added to the tag. Next I dug into my stash and found a flower chipboard piece, paper flower and leaf. I adhered all to the tag.

A handcrafted mixed media tag featuring a textured green background with stenciled patterns, adorned with a large brown flower, green leaves, and patterned paper strips.

I dug into my Mini Paper Dolls and selected these women and glued onto the paper flower. I picked the “Friends Forever” stamp, inked up and stamped onto a piece of cardstock. I went over the edges of the sentiment with a brown Chalk Ink. I adhered to the chipboard flower and I added a sequin under one edge of the sentiment.

A mixed media tag featuring two vintage-style women figures, layered floral embellishments, and the text 'Friends Forever' and 'tried & true'. The tag has a colorful background with various textures and materials.

I found in my stash the “tried and true” sentiment, leaf sprigs and an evergreen sprig. I glued all to the tag.

Close-up of a mixed media tag featuring two vintage-style photographs of women, layered flowers, and decorative elements with the text 'FRIENDS FOREVER' and 'tried & true' prominently displayed.

I made bows from thread and added. I cut two of the arrows from the Rainbow Wheels Thinlits and glued to the tag to finish.

I want to share a little. I struggle with stencils and I had put off using them. I think this tag turned out decent. Hopefully I will get over my fear of using them and will improve. What are your thoughts on stencils? Do you incorporate them in your projects? Let me know in the comments below.

If you haven’t been by Eileen’s blog lately, you might want to check it out. You can see what her creative team has been up to and find that latest post HERE.

A colorful mixed media tag featuring a black-and-white photo of two women, adorned with floral embellishments, leaves, and text that reads 'FRIENDS FOREVER' and 'tried & true'.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Color Wheel Stencils

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Rainbow Wheels Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Swatch Cards Stamp Set

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

Diecut Machine

Mat Board

Cloud Whip

Spatulas

Pops of Color: Honeydew, Sea Foam, Olive, and Holly Green

Paper Cutter

Scissors

Mini Paper Dolls

Adhesive Roll

MISTI Stamping Tool

Black Ink

Chalk Ink

Various Patterned Cardstocks

Lace, Brown Thread and One Sequin

Paper Flower, Leaf Sprigs and Greenery Diecuts

Craft Smart Acrylic Paints: Ocean Breeze, Bright Mint and Celery

Paint Brush

Beacon Adhesives: Zip Dry Adhesive

(Products listed above are Affiliated Links for your convenience)

DISCLAIMERS

Mixed media tag featuring a turquoise background with a texture, adorned with layered flowers, leaves, and a sentiment reading 'Friends Forever'. Two vintage-style black and white photos of women are prominently placed, along with decorative embellishments and the phrase 'tried & true'.

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

A decorative graphic featuring a colorful bird amidst vibrant flowers, with the name 'Tonya' artistically written in a stylish font.

Create a Stunning Swatch Book with Eileen Hull’s Diecuts

May 14, 2025

Hi everyone! I am back with the complete reveal of my swatch book. I created it using the Hardbound Journal Diecut, Swatch Cards Stamps and a few other dies, all by Eileen Hull. This was a fun journal to create. It was a great way to showcase lace, ribbon, and trim that I have in my stash. Anyways, let’s get started!

Close-up of a handcrafted journal cover featuring floral fabric, lace, and decorative elements such as bookplates, flowers, and embellishments.

I didn’t take any step out photos of how I layered the covers and spine. So I did bullet points to break down the process. A side note… when creating the cover cut two covers and a spine with the diecut.

I cut a piece of cardstock to fit the Hardbound Journal Diecut.
I cut from the Adhesive Roll strips of adhesive and applied to both sides of the cardstock.
I cut two pieces of felt the same size as the cardstock. I place the felt on either side of the cardstock.
I did the same steps as above and applied strips of adhesive to both sides of the felt and burnished.
I cut fabric and placed over the applied adhesive strips that’s covering the felt. I burnished well before placing onto the Hardbound Journal Diecut and running through the Diecut Machine.

A collection of colorful and patterned die-cut pieces and covers for a journal, featuring floral designs and polka dots.

I glued the end flaps to each straight side of the journal cover.

An assembled journal featuring a floral cover with shades of pink and green, and a gray spine with polka dots and pierced details.

I cut a total of six papers for the journal. I folded in half and made holes in the fold before sewing two papers in per signature. A side note…I had actually sewn in more pages but had to remove them. The extra pages would have “bulked” up the journal too much.

Open journal featuring grid pattern pages with a decorative spine.

I used the MISTI Stamping Tool to stamp the “swatch card” stamp from the Swatch Cards Stamps onto White Cardstock. I hand cut each of the swatches with Scissors.

An assortment of stamped swatch cards on a workspace with an archival ink pad and a ruler.

I went through my lace, ribbon and trim and glued to the swatches. I also used the Journal Hardware Diecut to create labels for the larger lace and trim in my stash.

An array of swatch cards featuring various lace, ribbon, and trim in different colors and patterns, displaying the crafting supplies organized for easy access.

I adhered cardstock to each page before adding a swatch card.

A swatch book page featuring various ribbons and trims displayed in a creative layout with colorful embellishments, including a flower and the phrase 'I PICK YOU'.

This is a great way to use those bits and pieces of random embellishments.

An open swatch book page featuring vintage black and white photos of four men sitting around a table, with decorative lace and ribbon swatches displayed alongside. One side includes a swatch card labeled 'swatch card' with various trims, while the opposite side features colorful painted background with additional lace designs.

Even though it’s fun seeing all the lace, ribbon and trim I included in this journal. It’s kind of alarming that I didn’t even make a dent in what I still have in my collection.

An open journal page featuring decorative swatch cards with lace, ribbon, and a bird illustration. The left side displays swatch cards labeled with various embellishments, while the right side shows fabric swatches accompanied by a floral embellishment.

The cover I added a piece of lace and three bookplates in different sizes. The first bookplate, I adhered onto the lace. The second bookplate, I glued a piece of light blue lace inside the plate. I also added Foam Pop Dots to the back edge. I added a scrap of fabric to the third bookplate. Then I stacked all three on top of each other and glued them to the cover.

A handcrafted journal with a floral cover, featuring lace, ribbons, and decorative bookplates. The journal showcases a combination of various textures and colors, emphasizing creativity in design.

I added Gray Flatback Pearls to the ends of each bookplates. I also glued a flower with a leaf and a bit of pink seam binding to the bookplate. The finishing touch was adding mini pom pom trim to the edge of the spine and cover of the book.

A beautifully crafted swatch book featuring multiple layers of colorful fabric and cardstock. The cover is adorned with decorative lace, ribbons, and a decorative metal label holder, showcasing an intricate design and variety of textures.

I can’t wait to make more of these types of journals. Maybe the next journal will be swatches of all the Washi tape that I own?

A handcrafted swatch book featuring a floral fabric cover, decorative lace, and various embellishments like bookplates and trim.

Anyways, if you haven’t been by Eileen Hull’s blog lately you can find the latest post HERE. Also if you have any questions about this journal or comments in general leave them below.

A side view of a colorful handmade journal with various patterned pages and embellishments, showcasing the creative layout and design.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Hardbound Journal Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Swatch Cards Stamps

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Journal Hardware Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Rainbow Wheels Thinlits

Diecut Machine

Paper Cutter

MISTI Stamping Tool

Black Ink

Scissors

White Cardstock

Gray Flatback Pearls

Grid Paper

Various Plain and Patterned Cardstock

Fabric, Felt and Thread

Various Lace, Ribbon and Trim

Various Diecuts and Embellishments

Foam Pop Dots

Adhesive Roll

Beacon Adhesives: Zip Dry Adhesive

(Products listed above are Affiliated Links for your convenience)

DISCLAIMERS

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

A colorful handmade journal cover featuring floral fabric, lace, and layered embellishments, including frames and a flower accent.

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

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

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!

Creative Ways to Personalize a Notepad

March 17, 2025

Hi everyone! I’m back with a quick easy project I created. I decorated the cover of a store bought notepad using an assortment dies and embossing folder by Eileen Hull. So let’s get started!

Confession time! I have a problem picking up notepads when I’m out shopping. I have a mass collection of notepads in different sizes and styles. It’s to the point that if I have to give a gift a notepad is added to their gift. Anyways, I dug into my stash and decided to use this 4″X 6″ notepad to decorate.

I cut a piece of elastic three inches long. I adhered one side of the elastic to the back of the notepad. I wrapped the other side of the elastic around an ink pen. I removed the ink pen before gluing on top of the other side of the elastic.

I cut to fit a piece of pink cardstock and glued to the back of the notepad.

I cut to fit another piece of pink cardstock and adhered to the front. I cut a bookmark from the Bookmark, Pockets and Toppers Thinlits. I embossed with the Floral Damask A5 Embossing Folder and applied Gold Luster Wax over the raised areas. I then adhered to the cover.

I cut a journaling card, bird and Parfum bottles from the Rose Parfum Collection (Discontinued). I cut two mats, each slightly larger than the other. I glued the journaling card and mats on top of each other before gluing to the cover.

I cut the “notes” die out from the Floral Pocket and Paperclips Thinlits. I cut a mat slightly larger than the die and lightly inked with Brown Chalk Ink. I glued both onto the cover. I finished by adhering Parfum bottles, a bird and Gold Gems to the cover.

There’s so many ways you can decorate these notepad. Add an initial, name and nice ink pen and poof you have a nice personalized gift.

If you haven’t been by Eileen Hull’s blog lately you can find out what the team is doing HERE. Also questions and comments are always welcome. Please leave those below.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Floral Pocket and Paperclips Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Bookmark, Pockets and Toppers Thinlits

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Floral Damask A5 Embossing Folder

Diecut Machine

Gold Luster Wax

Notepad and Ink Pen

Elastic

Paper Cutter

Scissors

Brown Chalk Ink

Gold Gems

Stamperia: Rose Parfum Collection (Discontinued)

Pink and Mint Green Cardstock

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 Monday is great and enjoy creating!

Create a Prayer Journal with What You Have on Hand

February 17, 2025

Hi everyone! The theme this month is”anything goes” with Eileen Hull’s Inspiration Team. I’ve a stack of unfinished projects lying around collecting dust and thought I really need to finish this prayer journal. I’m ashamed to say this journal is promised to someone. Family and life got in the way and I could never find enough time to finish. But I can now say it’s done!

I didn’t take step out photos of the process but will give a little back ground of what I created. I also have attached a flip through video of the journal.

I used the Skinny Mini Book Box Diecut to create the cover of the journal. I cut out two covers for the Skinny Mini Book Box Diecut. This is with applying Double Sided Adhesive to both sides of Mat Board and cardstock too. I extended the spine out to the maximum width by gluing the end tabs of each spine together. I wrapped the outside of the spine with a patterned cardstock. I punched a total of six holes, three on the top and three on the bottom of the spine. I cut and adhered a piece of cardstock to fit the inside of the spine. I poked holes through the cardstock I glued inside the spine. I used the Crop-A-Dile to attach Eyelets in the spine. I strung elastic cording through the holes and tied off inside the journal.

I glued strips of patterned cardstock vertically to the cover of the journal. I added a bit of lace to the cover, a scrap piece of embossed cardstock from the Faux Postage Thinlits. I also glued a postage stamp that I had cut from the Faux Postage Thinlits. I dug into my chipboard pieces and adhered a frame off center the cover. I fussy cut the lamb from the Farm Sweet Farm Collection and glued onto the frame. I added three vintage buttons to the cover to finish.

The inside pages has four signatures with three pages per signature.

I used a lot of inspirational/religious embellishments through the journal.

I used paint chips as pages.

There’s plenty of tuck spots for journaling and adding photos.

I was finally able to find a home for the collection of stickers from my stash.

The video is attached and be sure to click the link below to view the flip through.

Prayer Journal Flip Through Video

Also if you have any questions about this journal please leave a comment section.

Supplies

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Skinny Mini Book Box Diecut

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Tablecloth Embossing Folder

Sizzix/Eileen Hull: Faux Postage Thinlits

Diecut Machine

Mat Board

Double Sided Adhesive

Paper Cutter

Scissors

Crop-A-Dile

Eyelets

P13: Farm Sweet Farm Collection

Various Cardstocks, Paint Chips, Chipboard Pieces, Stickers and Journaling Cards

Buttons, Lace and Pom Pom Trim

Elastic Cording

Mini Paper Clips

Gold Gems

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 Monday is wonderful and enjoy creating!