DIY Black & Gold Embossed Photo Mat

August 2, 2025August 7, 2025Leave a comment

How to make a Black and Gold Vintage-Inspired Embossed Photo Mat.

Elevate a special family photo with a Black and Gold, Vintage-Inspired,

Floral Embossed Photo Mat.

To make the Black and Gold Embossed Photo Mat:

Start with a 5″ x 7″ black photo mat* made from mat board.
If you don’t have a black photo mat, you can create one by painting a plain one with black acrylic paint*.

I used the Sizzix Floral Damask Embossing Folder by Eileen Hull*
Use a gold pigment inkpad* and rub the ink directly onto the raised side of the embossing folder.

*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!

Place the painted matboard into the embossing plate over the gold ink and close the embossing folder.

Place the embossing folder and matboard in the Sizzix Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine*. (I only used one of the clear embossing plates with the folder since it was so thick.)
Crank the handle to run the folder through.

Did you know that you could emboss thick material like mat board?

The gold embossing on the black mat makes the boring photo mat look expensive.

The photo inside the frame is a picture of my mom and dad,

taken in 1990 for their 35th Anniversary. (young and beautiful)

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.

Flower Power Shaker Card

July 7, 2025Leave a comment

How to make a Flower Power Shaker Card.

One of my favorite cards to make is a shaker card.

I love using dimension and movement.

Did you know that vinyl is perfect for cardmaking?

For my card, I used StyleTechCraft Green Opal Adhesive Craft Vinyl*.

The Opal Vinyl is a color-shifting vinyl that takes on a different look

depending on how you hold it.

Materials Used to make the Flower Power Shaker Card: (*affiliate link)

StyleTechCraft Opal Adhesive Craft Vinyl*
StyleTechCraft Transfer Tape*
StyleTechCraft Scraper Tool* and Weeding Pen*
Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die-Cutting Machine*
“Daisy Background” SVG Cut File from the Silhouette Store
Clear Acetate Sheet*
Scor-tape*
Double Sided Foam Strips*
Shaker Sprinkles*
Cardstock

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft*

Directions:

Cut the “Daisy Background” using Opal Vinyl and the Silhouette Die Cutting Machine. (I sized the image to a 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” design.)
Remove the excess vinyl around the design using a Vinyl Weeding Pen*.
Cut a piece of transfer tape and place it over the vinyl design.
Gently rub over the design with the Scraper Tool*.

I cut a simple cardstock frame using my Silhouette Die-Cutting Machine. My frame measures 4 ½” x 4 ½”. The inside cutout measures 3 ½” x 3 ½”, which leaves a ½” border around the frame.
Cut a 4 ¼” x 4 ¼” piece of clear acetate. (My acetate has a blue protective coating on both sides.) Place Scor-tape* around the border of the frame.
Remove the protective coating from both sides of the acetate. (If yours has them.)
Place acetate over the sticky Scor-tape*.

Remove the design from the vinyl backing sheet using the transfer paper.
Place the design onto the acetate on the front of the frame.

Cut a piece of cardstock 4 ¼” x 4 ¼”.
Cut thin strips from the adhesive foam sheet.
Adhere the strips to the back of the frame.
Add iridescent shaker sprinkles inside the frame. (Do not overfill with shaker sprinkles.)
Adhere the 4 ¼” piece of cardstock to the back of the frame to create your shaker element.

Adhere the shaker to a 5″ x 5″ card.

Stamp a small greeting onto cardstock. Notch one end to create a banner.
Adhere the greeting to the front of the card.

I hope you enjoyed the Iridescent Opal Shaker card.

It’s a nod to those vintage Flower Power Shirts of the 70s.

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

Hello Summer Days Mini Album

June 25, 2025June 25, 2025Leave a comment

Hello Summer Days

I wanted to share a fun little album that I put together using

the New Sizzix Hardbound Journal by Eileen Hull* and the

“My Favorite Summer” Scrapbook Collection* by Echo Park.

It’s a simple little album that went together quickly.

Materials Used: (affiliate links)

I used the Xyron Creative Station* to add adhesive to the back of my scrapbook paper before adhering it to both sides of the Matboard*.
I die-cut the pieces of the album using the Sizzix ScoreBoards XL Die – Hardbound Journal by Eileen Hull* and the Sizzix Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine*.
I used Scor-tape* to adhere the sides to the spine.

I used twine and looped it through the top and bottom holes.

I made three little “signature books” to add to the inside of the album.
The book measured 4 1/4″ x 5″.
I decorated the books with the Echo Park “My Favorite Summer” Scrapbook Collection*.

Slide the little books onto the twine.

This was one of the quickest albums I’ve made in a long time.

It’s a great little album for adding Summer memories.

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.

Patriotic Star Shirt for Mae

June 4, 2025June 3, 2025Leave a comment

My granddaughter Mae was here visiting over the weekend,

and I decided to make her a shirt for the 4th of July.

My original plan was to make it a Stars and Stripes Forever

shirt, but my daughter suggested something simpler.

Something she can wear for a little longer than a day.

Mae’s Star Shirt for the 4th of July…

I purchased a plain white shirt from Walmart for under $4.
I measured the area of the shirt that I wanted the design.
I used StyleTechCraft’s Heat Transfer Vinyl*, it is really easy to weed and use.
I cut the vinyl stars using a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*, but you could also use metal dies to cut the vinyl.
Place the cut vinyl onto the shirt shiny side up.
Position the design on your shirt. Cover the shirt with a pressing cloth before pressing.
Use an iron or a heat press* to apply heat and pressure to the design, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Peel off the clear transfer tape.
Turn the shirt inside out and iron the inside of the shirt.

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft*

I was happy with how the shirt turned out, and so was Mae.

She decided she didn’t want to take it off.

(FYI…Plaid Sunglasses and Pinwheels from Target.)

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

Tickled Pink Color Wheel Card

May 27, 2025Leave a comment

Celebrate what makes you Tickled Pink.

I wanted to share a card I made with the new

Sizzix Rainbow Wheels Die Set by Eileen Hull*.

This fun card would be great for celebrating those

special moments that make you happy.

The card was made using the Rainbow Wheels Die Set* and the

Sizzix A5 Clear Stamps Set 24PK – Swatch Cards by Eileen Hull*.

My secret weapon for easy assembly is the Xyron Sticker Maker*.

Before I die-cut the shapes, I ran the cardstock through the Sticker Maker.

That adds a complete layer of adhesive onto the back of the cardstock.

It’s a simple card but it does require a little patience.

Once all the pieces were cut, I added the small pieces inside the color wheel.

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.

A Sparkly Birthday Card for a Sparkly Girl

May 6, 2025Leave a comment

Sweet Little Mae, my granddaughter, is turning three this week.

An occasion as special as that needed a Sparkly Birthday Card as sparkly as she is.

Did you know that the same vinyl you use to embellish everyday items

around your home can be used to create beautiful cards?

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

StyleTechCraft Ultra Metallic Glitter Vinyl*
StyleTechCraft Transfer Tape*
StyleTechCraft Scraper Tool* and Weeding Pen*
Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die-Cutting Machine*
“Birthday Cake” SVG File from The Silhouette Store
White Cardstock

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft*

Birthday Card Details:

I designed the card using the “Birthday Cake” SVG file and my Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die-Cutting Machine*.
I sized the digital file to fit onto the front of a 5″ x 7″ card before cutting.
I cut the pieces using StyleTechCraft Ultra Metallic Glitter Vinyl*.
I removed the excess vinyl around my images using a vinyl pick tool.

Use StyleTechCraft Vinyl Transfer Tape* to layer the pieces of the cake.

Use the Transfer Tape* to adhere the vinyl onto a 4″x 6″ piece of white cardstock.
Cut a 4¼” x 6¼” piece of “Melon” Ultra Metallic Glitter Vinyl* to use as a layer. I didn’t remove the white protective layer on the back of the vinyl. I used a double stick tape roller to add adhesive to the back of the vinyl.
Adhere all the pieces onto the front of the card.

StyleTechCraft adhesive vinyl makes it easy to create cards with intricate

and delicate designs. Use it with your Cricut or Cameo electronic cutters

and even with steel rule dies. The possibilities are endless!

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

The May Eileen Hull and Sizzix Release is here!

May 1, 2025May 1, 2025Leave a comment

The May Eileen Hull and Sizzix Release is here!

And it is packed with new stamp and die kits that will excite

the inner artist in you!

Below are a few samples that I made with the new collection.

Make sure to join Eileen’s Launch Party Online HERE for more inspiration.

Sizzix ScoreBoards XL Die – Hardbound Journal by Eileen Hull*

This is my Hardbound Journal made using faux leather paper and a simple Japanese binding technique.

The Hardbound 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! At 6″ x 5″, you can customize the book’s thickness and choose hand or quick binding, all with a pretty scalloped edge. One of the most versatile designs yet.

On the front of my journal, I used the Sizzix Bigz Journal Hardware Die*.

The Bigz Journal Hardware Die* offers latches, hinges, and pen loops.

It is perfectly sized to coordinate with the journal and cuts a variety

of materials.

The Perfect Match…

I used the Rainbow Wheels Die Set* to make this floral color wheel card.

The Rainbow Wheels Die Set* cuts the framework, segmented circle,

and arrows for a functional color wheel.

Sizzix Thinlits 9PK Die Set – Rainbow Wheels by Eileen Hull*

Feeling Blue?

The Feeling Blue Card was made using the

Sizzix A5 Clear Stamps Set 24PK – Swatch Cards by Eileen Hull*.

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

I didn’t get a chance to play with the Sizzix Layered Stencils 3PK – Color Wheel by Eileen Hull* but I wanted to make sure you saw all the wonderful possibilities this collection has to offer.

Join our Instagram Hop today 5/1/25 at 3:00 pm ET

for a chance to win prizes and see some great inspiration

from the Eileen Hull Creative Team.

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.

The Blue Album-Projects Revisited

April 28, 2025Leave a comment

Do you have any UFOs lying around your crafting space?

This month the Eileen Hull Creative Team was challenged to

complete an unfinished project.

This one was not as much as a UFO as it was revisiting old stuff.

The Blue Album uses the Sizzix Mini Album by Eileen Hull*

and a very old scrapbook collection from K & Company.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

Does anyone remember K & Company?

I created project samples for them for 4 years.

That was 16 years ago.

So, this paper collection is at least 16 years old.

They were one of my favorite companies.

(And this collection was almost too pretty to use.)

To create the mini album…

Add adhesive to the back of the scrapbook paper. I like to use my Xyron Creative Station* to do that. It adds a complete layer of adhesive with no bubbles or puckers.
Adhere paper to both sides of a piece of matboard*.
Use the Mini Album Die* and the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine* to cut the album from the matboard*.
Decorate the front of the album with stickers and frames.
I also like to add a coordinating paper to the spine to give it visual interest.

I created three small “signature books” using cardstock for the inside of the album.
I cut them approx. 1/4″ smaller than the book.

I added them to the album by wrapping a heavy-duty upholstery thread several times around the spine.

On the ends of the thread, I added a large blue button.
The album measures 5″ x 5″ and is a great size for a small photo album or journal.

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.

DIY Carrot Patch Spring Decoration

April 7, 2025April 7, 2025Leave a comment

Make this cute DIY Easter Carrot Decor craft project

and add a little whimsy to your spring home decor!

This project uses Dollar Tree craft supplies and StyleTechCraft vinyl

to make the cutest little U-Pick carrot patch.

Materials Used: *Affiliate Links

StyleTechCraft Glossy Craft Vinyl*
StyleTechCraft Transfer Tape*
StyleTechCraft Scraper Tool* and Weeding Pen*
Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die-Cutting Machine*
Easter Carrot Patch Sign SVG (from the Silhouette Store)
Mini Crate from Dollar Tree*
Easter Carrott Jute Garland*
Craft Floral Foam*
Hot Glue Gun*
Plaid Acrylic Paint: Melted Chocolate and Black*
Mod Podge Gloss*
Vintage Photo Distress Ink*
Ink Blending Tool*
Double-Sided Foam Tape*

Extreme Values Everyday at Dollar Tree – Shop Now!

Directions:

Paint the Mini Crate* with brown acrylic paint.
To give the crate an aged look, dry brush the edges with black acrylic paint. Wipe off any extra paint with a damp rag.
Seal the crate using Mod Podge Gloss*. (This makes the crate look like it has been varnished.)
Cut a piece of foam to fit inside of the crate.
Paint the foam with black acrylic paint.

Cut the carrots from the garland.

Poke holes into the foam that are large enough for the tips of the carrots to fit down into.
Hot glue the tips of the carrots in the holes.

Cut a small piece of white matboard that will fit onto the side of the crate.
For a distressed look, gently rub Vintage Photo Distress Ink* onto the edges of the matboard with an Ink Blending Tool*.

For the lettering on the sign, I used StyleTechCraft Orange, Brown, and Olive Glossy Craft Vinyl*.

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft*

I used a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die-Cutting Machine* to size and create my design.
Cut the design using StyleTechCraft Glossy Craft Vinyl*.
Remove the excess vinyl in and around the lettering using a StyleTechCraft Weeding Tool*.

Use the StyleTechCraft Transfer Tape* to transfer the design to the matboard.
Gently rub over the transfer tape with a Vinyl Scraper Tool* and carefully remove transfer tape from the design.

Continue adding the additional pieces of the sign. (Did you know that the transfer tape is reusable?)

Add a couple strips of double-sided foam tape* to the back of the matboard.
Adhere here it to the front of the mini crate.

This little U-Pick Carrot Patch is perfect for displaying on a mantel,

on styled shelves, or in a tiered tray. There are so many ways to style it!

“This is a sponsored post. As a member of the StyleTechCraft Design Team I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas. The views and opinions are my own.

Spring Mini Album (Scrapping My Stash)

March 25, 2025Leave a comment

Scrapping My Stash

Do you have an enormous amount of saved paper scraps?

Do you have a problem throwing them away?

If you do, you may enjoy my Spring Mini Album.

It’s part junk journal and part bits and pieces.

During March Madness Basketball this past weekend,

I took the opportunity to play around in my studio.

The inspiration was a bag of paper scraps from the many

Spring Paper Collections I’ve saved.

With the excessive amount of paper I’ve collected and hoarded

over the years, I’m trying to use what I have.

The Spring Mini Album measures 5″ x 5″ and uses the

Sizzix Mini Album by Eileen Hull*.

Inside the album, I created a “signature book” that I stitched

together using thin pink twine. I added it to the album by

wrapping the twine several times around the spine.

On the other side of the album,

I made a small waterfall album tied with a cream ribbon.

I made a small embellishment using a metal ring tag* and circles

cut from the scrapbook paper and attached it to the spine.

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.