Mini Steamer Trunk and more…

June 3, 2024June 23, 20241 Comment

Mini Steamer Trunk

The Mini Steamer Trunk

I have been fascinated with old vintage things for a long time.

Just look around my house.
You will find vintage items sprinkled in every room.

Some items have a good story or are family keepsakes.
The others are there because they make me happy

So… When Sizzix and Eileen Hull re-released the Treasure Box Die*

and the Stacking Drawer Die*, I decided to make a Miniature Steamer Trunk.

*Disclosure: This blog uses ads and affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog. Thanks for your support!

Mini Steamer Trunk-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 4894

A little Inspiration…

Sometimes, I get lucky, and I get a vision of how I want a project to turn out.

The mini steamer trunk was one of those projects.

I found an image online for my inspiration.

(I’m so happy with the way it turned out.)

Mini Steamer Trunk-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 4864

The base of the Steamer Trunk was die-cut using a black textured mat board.

I painted the trunk with a mix of browns, and black acrylic to give it a woodgrain look.

To make it look like a steamer trunk, I glued thin strips of black mat board

to the top and sides of the trunk.

To give it a shine I painted the trunk with Mod Podge Satin Sealer*.

The Treasure Box* measures 3 1/4” x 5 1/4” x 4”.

Mini Steamer Trunk-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 4826

I painted three Stacking Drawers* the same as the base of the trunk.

I added decorative scrapbook paper on the front of the drawers and

the inside of the lid. I think it looks like old wallpaper.

The Steamer trunk is one of the projects I made for the Eileen Hull and Sizzix June Release Party.

(see below for more information)

Little Gift Box made with the Sizzix Stacking Drawers Die by Eileen Hull.

A Little Gift Box using the Stacking Drawer Die*

The Stacking Drawers* also make a perfect little gift box.

I will have a tutorial on how I made this little gift box later this month.

Summer Bloom Mini Album

Summer Blooms Mini Album

Summer Blooms Mini Album was made using Eileen’s Notebook Die*.

Click here for the Summer Blooms Mini Album Tutorial

Floral Lattice Card

The Floral Lattice Card was made using the

NEW Painterly Blooms & Background Thinlet Dies from Eileen Hull*.

I inked the background of the card using dye inks on watercolor paper.

I spritzed the paper with a mini mister* to give the background a mottled effect.

I used a palette knife* to spread white embossing paste* over the lattice stencil

from the Watercolour Flowers & Lattice Layered Stencils Set*.

FYI…The Watercolour Florals & Lattice stencil set* was inspired by a watercolor picture that Eileen painted.

The set included 4 stencils. Three stencil layers give dimension and the fourth layer, a versatile lattice design, that can be used to create a plaid pattern!

Eileen Hull and Sizzix June Release Party

For more great projects from Eileen Hull’s Design Teams, we’re having a Blog Hop with tons of awesome inspiration. Click here for Eileen’s Blog.

We hope you will watch our release party on June 4th at noon Eastern to see lots of samples and alternate ideas for ways to use these dies. There will be a GIVEAWAY!!!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Eileen Hull Educator Team, I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The view and opinions are my own.

Summer Blooms Mini Album

April 22, 2024Leave a comment

Summer Bloom Mini Album

How to make a Summer Blooms Mini Album…

I love Summer Blooms and fell in love with the new Bloom Collection*

from Echo Park as soon as I saw it.

Using the Sizzix Notebook Die by Eileen Hull* and the Bloom Collection*,

I made this cute little pocket-sized mini album.

Summer Bloom Mini Album

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

Summer Bloom Mini Album

Directions:

Cut two 6″ x 8-1/2″pieces of decorative scrapbook paper for the front and inside of the cover.
Lay decorative scrapbook paper (design side up) on the Xyron Creative Station* crank the handle to run the paper through the machine. As it moves through the Xyron Creative Station it adds adhesive to the back side of the paper.
Easy to use and it doesn’t need any electricity.
I like using the Xyron Creative Station* when making mini books because you get complete coverage, no wrinkling, no bubbles!

Summer Bloom Mini Album

Cut a piece of mat board 6″ x 8-1/2″.
Adhere the decorative paper on each side of the mat board.
Lay the covered mat board over the notebook die* sandwiched between two cutting plates.
Crank the handle of the Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine* and run the die through the machine. The Big Shot will cut and score the mat board.

Summer Bloom Mini Album-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 4717

The notebook die creases the center of mat board as it goes through the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine* making it easy to fold the cover for your mini album.

Summer Bloom Mini Album-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 4734

Cut a 2 1/4″ x 5″ strip of decorative paper to use for the spine and run it through the Xyron Creative Station*. Adhere the strip to the spine of the book.
Cut 5 cardstock pages using the notebook die.
Crease the cardstock on the center score lines.

Summer Bloom Mini Album

Wrap the twine around the inside creases and around the outside of the book cover to secure the pages.
FYI…I wanted this Mini Album to be all about the pictures, so I kept the pages white. There are no fancy embellishments or special pages inside this album.

Summer Bloom Mini Album-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 4776

After I had all my pages together, I tied the pieces of twine together in one knot on the spine and added a small metal heart charm. I placed a small floral sticker from the Bloom Collection* to the center of the heart.
As an afterthought, after I took the above pictures, I added Sizzix Effects™ Liquid Gloss* over the heart. The Liquid Gloss gives the heart a clear domed look and will seal in the sticker.

Summer Bloom Mini Album

Decorate the front of the album with Stickers from the Bloom Collection*.
For added dimension, place the sticker on a small piece of matboard.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Eileen Hull Educator Team, I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The view and opinions are my own.

Spring Quilt Cards

March 25, 2024March 26, 20241 Comment

Spring Quilt Cards

Spring Quilt Cards made with Eileen Hull’s Faux Postage Die from Sizzix.

Over the weekend, I decided to make a couple of floral Spring cards using the New Faux Postage Die from Eileen Hull*.

I know the dies are perfect for making little faux postage stamps.

But, I like to think of the pieces like a quilt.

It’s all good no matter how you use the die.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Eileen Hull Educator Team, I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The view and opinions are my own.

Spring Quilt Cards

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

#666560 Faux Postage Die by Eileen Hull*
Carta Bella Flora No. 5 paper pad* (6″x 6″)
Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine*
Coordinating Cardstock
Thin 3D Foam Squares*
Small Nose Scissors* (for Fussy Cutting)
Tape Roller*

Spring Quilt Cards

The Thank You Card reminds me a sweet floral quilt for a little girl’s bed.

It really is easy to find coordinating paper when using a paper pad.

I cut out flowers from one of the large floral-patterned papers.

To make them dimensional, I added Thin 3D Foam Squares*

underneath the flowers.

Spring Quilt Cards

Would you believe the paper for the Enjoy Card was from the same floral paper pad.

I die-cut the black floral paper using the faux postage die.

I used one small section from the die-cut paper to create my card.

I again “fussy cut” a few flowers to put on the front of the card.

After adding several layers, my card measured 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″,

the perfect size for putting into a A2 envelope*.

New 2024 Sizzix Dies by Eileen Hull

February 29, 2024February 29, 20241 Comment

New Sizzix Dies by Eileen Hull

New Dies from Eileen Hull and Sizzix

I’m excited that I finally get to share the samples I made using the New Sizzix dies by Eileen Hull. It’s always fun getting new dies to play with. And these are now my new favorites. (that is until next time)

Embossed Wedding Card

Elegantly Embossed Wedding Card

My first card uses Sizzix® 3D Textured Impressions® A5 Embossing Folder-Lace by Eileen Hull*.

I really love the new larger size. The Lace 3D embossing folder is so amazing! It’s a new LARGE size measuring 8 1/2” x 5 3/4”. It works great on bigger journal covers, card backgrounds and on home decor pieces.

The base of the card was embossed using cream cardstock. I used a piece of old “Baby 2 Bride” paper from Graphic 45 for the front of the card. I used pearlized cardstock in pearl and silver for the layers.

Embossed Birthday Card

Blue Embossed Birthday Card

I created a delicate background for a feminine birthday card by inking the embossing folder with blue ink. I inked directly onto the embossing folder and placed white cardstock inside. I’m in love with how soft and subtle it looks.

Listen to Your Heart Mini Book

How about a new Mini Book?

This one uses the Sizzix® ScoreBoards™ Die – Mini Book by Eileen Hull®*.

Listen to Your Heart Mini Book-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 3911

The Mini Book is great because you can create a book using your scraps. This book measures 3 3/4” x 2 1/4” and comes with a strap/handle and tiny label for the book cover. It makes a great bag topper if you fold it in the middle. It is also the perfect size for business cards. Die cut it from felt and stitch up a tiny wallet!

Listen to your Heart Mini Desk Organizer

Listen to your Heart Mini Desk Organizer

I added sides to the mini book using small pieces of matboard and created a small desk organizer.

Enjoy the Moment Storage Box

Do you love storage box dies?

This box uses the Sizzix® ScoreBoards™ XL Die – Storage Box by Eileen Hull®*.

The Storage Box is an XL ScoreBoard die measuring 4” square, the largest square box yet! This box is constructed with a removable top and may be used in many ways, such as organizing desk and office supplies, as a gift box, storing craft supplies and packaging for baked treats.

Enjoy the Moment Storage Box

I love how easy this was to put together and what a perfect size it is.

Enjoy The Moment Storage Box and Mini Desk Organizer

Of course, I had to make a mini desk organizer to match the storage box.

Sizzix 666560 Faux Postage Thinlet Die by Eileen Hull

Eileen also created a new Faux Postage Thinlet Die* that I didn’t get around to making a sample for. (Faux Postage Thinlet Card sample post to come later this month.)

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

New Eileen Hull and Sizzix March Release Party

Visit Eileen’s Blog for additional information on this collection and to see lots of ideas from the team.

The Release Party will be held on Friday, March 1 at noon Eastern on Eileen’s YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram channels.

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

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

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Eileen Hull Inspiration Team, I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The view and opinions are my own.

Sizzix Cantilever Jewelry Box

February 25, 2024Leave a comment

Sizzix Cantilever Jewelry Box

Cantilever Jewelry Box

Last month, Sizzix reintroduced a few older “classic” dies,

including the Cantilever Box Die*.

I promised I’d make one, and I finally made a Cantilever box

using the Cantilever Die by Eileen Hull*.

Instead of making a sewing box, I made mine into a jewelry box.

Sizzix Canteliveer Box Die

Putting it all together…

Included on the back of the die-cut packaging are image directions on how to assemble the box.
Cut out the pieces as show in the picture above.
I used three sheets of the Sizzix Making Essentials Matboard* to die-cut all the pieces used to make the Cantilever Jewelry Box.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

Sizzix Cantilever Box Die*
Sizzix Making Essentials Matboard*
Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine*
Black Multi-Surface Acrylic Paint*
Grey Plaid Scrapbook Paper (single-sided)
Xyron 3″ Disposable Sticker Maker*

Sizzix Cantilever Jewelry Box

I painted all my die-cut pieces with Black Multi-Surface Acrylic Paint*. I did that before gluing.
The instructions on the box showed using a hot glue gun to assemble the boxes. Eileen told me she uses Zip Dry Adhesive* and rubber bands to assemble the boxes. I wasn’t a big fan of using the hot glue gun and will definitely try the Zip Dry Adhesive* the next time.

Sizzix Cantilever Jewelry Box

I cut 1″ strips of a single-sided grey plaid paper and ran them through the Xyron 3″ Disposable Sticker Maker* to add adhesive to the back of the strips.
I carefully added the strips around the edges of each box. Since the paper I used was single-sided, it was easy to cover the boxes.
Once all the boxes were assembled, putting the cantilever box together wasn’t too hard.
For added stability, I glued the bottom two boxes together. I also added a 2″ x 6″ piece of black painted matboard to the bottom before adding the feet.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Eileen Hull Educator Team, I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The view and opinions are my own.

A Stitch in Time with Classic Dies

January 2, 2024January 2, 20241 Comment

A Stitch in Time with Eileen Hull's Classic Dies

It’s all about Stitching with Classic Dies from Sizzix* and Eileen Hull.

I’ve had the pleasure to work with Eileen’s Dies for the last few years,

and while these Classic Dies may be old, they’re new to me. (and maybe you)

Eileen Hull's It's all about Stitching Classic Dies

The Classic Cantilever Sewing Box, Embroidery Hoop* and Needle Book dies have been re-released because Sizzix Customers asked.

These classic dies all relate to stitching. But there are so many other ways to use them. They are all Bigz dies, which are versatile because of the number of materials they can cut through.

A Stitch in Time with Eileen Hull's Classic Dies

“Stitched with Love” Embroidery Hoop*

I wanted my project to have all the dimension of an actual embroidery hoop. So, I covered a thick adhesive foam craft sheet with woodgrain scrapbook paper. I die-cut it with a Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine*.
I did a little hand stitching using felt on red and cream ticking fabric. I used the Flower Dies from the Thinlits Die Set 11PK – Envelope, Folder & Flowers by Eileen Hull*.
The letters were die-cut using the Alphanumeric Thinlets Die by Eileen Hull*.
I cut a large circle out of cardstock to put on the back of the embroidery hoop to keep all the layers together.

The Embroidery Hoop* measures 4” and is designed to be cut from thick material such as matboard or chipboard. You can actually tuck thin fabrics in the hoop and stitch on them. Or you can die cut from paper and use the hoop on card fronts. Use the pieces separately or all together.

A Stitch in Time with Eileen Hull's Classic Dies

The Needle Book

The Needle Book is also a ScoreBoard die and features a pretty scalloped edge to the book. It measures 3 1/2” x 2 1/4″ x 1/2″ and is perfect for storing your stitching needles and pins- works great when made from felt! But it can also be made from matboard, chipboard, leather or fabric- one of the benefits of the Bigz dies.

To create my needle book, I die-cut two layers.
The top layer is a cotton print, and the inside layer is thick grey felt.
The strap has two layers: a grey plaid flannel and grey felt. I hand-stitched the strap layers together and added a black snap closure.

A Stitch in Time with Eileen Hull's Classic Dies

For the inside of the needle book, I cut a small piece of canvas to fit inside.

I sewed it and a small strip of flannel to the center of the gray felt.

I hand stitched all the layers of the needle book together using a simple blanket stitch.

Cantilever Sewing Box Die from Sizzix and Eileen Hull

Cantilever Sewing Box

With all the Holiday Hoopla, I didn’t get a chance to make a sample for the Cantilever Sewing Box.

I promise I will get to it soon and share it later this month.

A Stitch in Time with Eileen Hull's Classic Dies

Please join us for the It’s All about Stitching Release Party that will be held on Tuesday, January 2nd at noon Eastern time on Eileen Hull’s YouTube, Facebook and Instagram pages. The team will be sharing creative ways to use these dies- we can’t wait to share them with you! There will be giveaways so make sure to tune in and see how to enter to win!”

For more inspiration using Eileen’s Stitching Dies:

Eileen Hull Designs
Pam Bray
Sarah Lizzie
Lisa Hoel
Jenny Marples
Maggi Harding
Susie Bentz
Tonya Trantham
Sue Eldred (you are here)
Sharon Curtis
Jennie Atkinson
Teresita Arvelo

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Eileen Hull Educator Team, I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The view and opinions are my own.

Top 3 Favorite Projects for 2023

December 19, 2023December 5, 2023Leave a comment

Eileen Hull & Sizzix Top 3 Projects of 2023

My top 3 Favorite Sizzix/Eileen project of 2023

Every year the Eileen Hull Teams are asked to pick our three

favorites Sizzix/Eileen Hull projects for the year.

Generally, they’re all my favorites, but these are my top favorites.

(Click on the pictures or links below ↓ to go to the original post with all the details.)

The Treasure Box

The Treasure Box is made with Eileen’s Slotted Treat Box Die* from the New Chapter 3 Dies that were released earlier this year. I reached into my hoarded stash of paper to make this vintage style box.

It’s a great size for holding special treasures.

Mini Christmas Envelope

Holiday Projects are always my favorite projects.

This one uses Eileens Envelope, Folder & Flowers Thinlet Die Set* from Sizzix.

You can see the project tutorial here.

Our Life Our Story Mini Album

This little album uses Eileen’s Card Case Die by Sizzix*.

It is a fun little album with sturdy chipboard pockets perfect

for inserting small notebooks or cards.

You can read more about this project here.

Make sure to “Follow Me” for fun Eileen Hull/Sizzix projects in 2024.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Eileen Hull Educator Team, I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The view and opinions are my own.

Christmas Quilt Card

December 11, 2023Leave a comment

Christmas Quilt Card

Christmas Quilt Card

Have you finished sending out your Christmas Cards yet?

I’m close to being done, but if you’re not, here’s a last-minute

card using Eileen Hull’s Mini Slimline & Tickets Die Set by Sizzix*

Christmas Quilt Card

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

666277 Sizzix Mini Slimline & Tickets Die Set by Eileen Hull*
Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine*
Happy Christmas Sticker Book from Carta Bella*
Happy Christmas 6″ x 6″ Paper Pad from Carta Bella*
Thin 3D Foam Squares*
Double Sided Tape Roller*
Cardstock: White, Rose, Green

Christmas Quilt Card

I know the pieces of the die are technically tickets. I think when it’s all assembled, it looks like a quilt. (so there you have it!)
I used paper from the “Happy Christmas” Paper Pad* to cut three bases.

Christmas Quilt Card

I adhered one base to the die-cut layer. The others, I cut apart. I used those to create a patchwork base.

Christmas Quilt Card

I used stickers from the Happy Christmas Sticker Book* to embellish the front of the card.
Here’s a simple tip I learned from a class I took from Mrs Grossman (of Mrs. Grossman Sticker Company) many years ago. To make stickers die-cuts, brush baby powder on the back to remove the stickiness.

Christmas Quilt Card

The Slimline Ticket die would make a great card for any occasion.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Eileen Hull Educator Team, I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The view and opinions are my own.

Santa’s Letter Box

November 20, 2023November 20, 20233 Comments

Santa's Letter Box using Sizzix Slotted Box die

Create a Holiday Mailbox for letters to Santa using the Sizzix Slotted Treat Box Die by Eileen Hull*.

A fun project to make for Christmas!

Santa's Letter Box using Sizzix Slotted Box die by Eileen Hull.

To say I have a lot of Holiday Scrapbook paper would be a understatement!

Paper crafters have a tendency to “save” their special scrapbook paper

for just the right project.

We also have a tendency to hoard said special paper.

Santa's Letter Box using Sizzix Slotted Box die by Eileen Hull.

Sometimes its fun to use what you have on hand.

I dug deep into my hoarded Graphic 45 Christmas Scrapbook paper

to make the Santa Letter Box.

One of my favorite tips…

Before I die-cut the mat board, I like to use the Xyron Creative Station* to add adhesive to the back of the paper. It gives the paper a complete layer of adhesive with no bubbles. It really is easy to use.

Santa's Letter Box

When making the Santa Letter Box…

I adapted the box by adding 1″ strips of matboard* around the existing box lid. The extra strips allowed the box to have a lip that fits over the edge of the box.

Santa's Letter Box

I added three additional layers of graduated sized matboard to the lid for dimension using foam tape.
I glued thrifted gold cording around each layer to cover the Foam Tape*.
A wood knob painted red completes the lid.

Santa's Letter Box

For the base of the letter box, I used an old metal lamp base.

(At least, that’s what I think it is.)

We found it in my Dad’s garage while cleaning it out a few years ago.

It’s fun to use old things in unusual ways.

Santa's Letter Box

The Santa Letter Box adds a little Christmas Magic to your Holiday Decorating.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

Sizzix Slotted Treat Box Die by Eileen Hull*
Big Shot Plus Manual Die-Cutting Machine*
Sizzix White Matboard*
Holiday Scrapbook Paper
Xyron Creative Station*
Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Vintage Photo*
Ink Applicator*
Black Foam Tape*
Gold Cord
Tombow Mono Aqua Liquid Glue*
Wood Knob
Vintage Base from an old lamp

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Eileen Hull Educator Team, I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The view and opinions are my own.

“Autumn Leaves & Pumpkin Please” Album

October 22, 2023October 20, 2023Leave a comment

Autumn Leaves & Pumpkins Please Album

Autumn Leaves & Pumpkins Please

I love all the beautiful colors of Fall.

As the saying goes, Fall is my favorite color.

They make such a bright and cheery Fall album.

This simple album is the perfect place to add all your apple picking,

leaf peeping, trick-or-treating pictures this Fall.

The “Autumn Leaves & Pumpkins Please” album was made using

Eileen Hull’s Field Notes Journal Die by Sizzix*.

I used paper from Echo Parks “Fall Fever” Collection*.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As a member of the Eileen Hull Educator Team, I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas. The view and opinions are my own.

Autumn Leaves & Pumpkins Please Album

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

Autumn Leaves & Pumpkins Please Album

A few tidbits of information:

Before I die-cut the mat board, I like to use the Xyron Creative Station* to add adhesive to the back of the paper. It gives the paper a complete layer of adhesive with no bubbles. It really is easy to use.
The spine of the album comes with three sections. I cut the first section off to make the album thinner. It leaves two holes to add binding.
I wanted to try something different with how I added the pages to my album. I inserted two mini book rings through the holes to hold my pages.
The mini book rings are approx. ¾” and with a little maneuvering they fit in the two side holes.
I used the cut off section to mark where I would need to punch the holes on my pages.