DIY Valentine’s Day Decoration with Clothespin Easel

February 4, 20261 Comment

How to make a Hugs and Kisses Valentine’s Day Decoration.

Eight years ago, I created a simple “Make and Take” project for

the StyleTechCraft Booth at a convention in Phoenix.

The project was a simple Valentine’s Day vinyl craft added to a

plain matboard coaster. The Valentine’s Day coaster featured a

simple easel on the back made using a spring-loaded clothespin.

Surprisingly, that little clothespin easel was a smash hit.

In the last eight years, it has been my most viewed and pinned

pin on Pinterest. (And my most stolen pin also.)

Materials Used: (*affiliate link)

4″ Square Coasters*
Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*
“XOXO hugs and kisses” SVG File from the Silhouette Store
Red and Pink Luster Vinyl from StyleTechCraft
Black Glossy Craft Vinyl from StyleTechCraft
Vinyl Tool Kit*
StyleTechCraft Clear Transfer Tape*
Silver Chisel Point Paint Pen*
Wood Spring-Loaded Clothespin*
Rapid Fuse Adhesive*

*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!

To make the Hugs and Kisses Coaster:

I started with a plain 4″ square coaster*.
Size the “xoxo hugs and kisses” design to fit onto the center of the coaster.
Using a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*, cut the XOXO pieces of the design using StyleTechCraft Pink and Red Luster Vinyl.
Cut the words “hugs and kisses” using StyleTechCraft Black Adhesive Glossy Craft Vinyl.
Using transfer paper, I transferred the design onto the front of the coaster.

6. I edged the sides of my coaster in silver, using a Silver Leaf Paint Pen*.

To make the Easel…

Glue a Wooden Clothespin* on the back of the coaster with Rapid Fuse Adhesive*.
Pull the clothespin open just enough so that the round metal spring comes slightly out of its groove. (Some clothespins work better than others so you might need a little luck.)
To keep the clothespin from snapping shut…glue the top ends of the clothespin together.

These little coasters make sweet Valentine’s Day decorations or thoughtful handmade gifts. Happy crafting!

“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.

Give the Gift of Amazon Prime*

Cheetah Girl Mini Album: Inspired by My Stylish Granddaughter

February 1, 2026February 13, 20262 Comments

Cheetah Girl Mini Album!

Today, I’m sharing something a little different from my usual projects!

The Eileen Hull Creative Team is collaborating with Graphix®,

giving me the chance to try some exciting new materials and techniques.

This Cheetah Girl Album was inspired by my cheetah-loving granddaughter.

Even at age three, that little girl has serious style.

On Christmas, when she opened her present of new boots,

she excitedly exclaimed, “Cheetah boots!”

I wasn’t expecting such an enthusiastic reaction,

but it sure made me feel good.

While she may look like her daddy, she definitely gets her

confidence and sense of style from her momma.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

Graphix “Sassy” Dura-Lar® Prints
Graphix Rainbow Adhesive Backed Film for Inkjet Printers
Sizzix #661906 XL Journal Die by Eileen Hull*
Sizzix #666254 “Tablecloth” Embossing Folder*
6″ x 13″ Matboard Sheets* (2)
Sizzix Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine*
DecoArt Splendid Gold Dazzling Metallic Acrylic Paint*
Black Acrylic Paint*
Versafine Black Ink Pad*
4″ x 6″ Photo Mat*

Using 6″ x 13″ matboard, I die-cut the front and back cover for the album.
I wanted a black base for the album, so I painted mine black after I die-cut them.

I cut a piece of 4″ x 6″ clear Cheetah print translucent film.
I painted the back of the film with Gold Metallic paint.
Because the paint is semi-opaque, I used several coats to cover the back.

Embossed Frame

Paint several coats of gold paint onto a white 4″ x 6″ photo mat.
I embossed it with the “tablecloth” embossing folder and black ink.
You can read more about how I embossed the photo mat here.

In the “Sassy” Dura-Lar® prints collection was a sheet with translucent and black words.
I cut several words out and placed them onto the sticky back of the “rainbow” adhesive back film.
I cut around the words and layered them onto gold cardstock.
Assemble your album and create two signature books to put inside the album.
On the spine of the album are holes. Two on the top and two on the bottom. They are for threading a string to hold the signature books in place.

There you have it-a sassy cheetah album perfect for your own little style icon!

Fill it with photos, memories, and all those moments that capture their fierce personality.

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.

Valentine Tulip Card

January 25, 2026Leave a comment

DIY Valentine Tulip Card

There’s something special about a vase of pink and red tulips.

They’re cheerful, vibrant, and the perfect Spring or Valentine’s Day gift.

Who really needs roses anyway? 🌷

This DIY Valentine Tulip Card captures all that charm using

Eileen Hull’s Windowsill Flowers and Vase* by Sizzix.

It’s a beautiful way to send love without the wilting flowers.

To make the Tulip Card I used: (*Affiliate Links)

To make the Valentine Tulip Card.

Prepare the Paper: Before die-cutting, run your paper through the Xyron Sticker Maker* to add a complete layer of adhesive to the back. This makes assembly so much easier!
Die-cut all the pieces: Using the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine and Eileen Hull’s Dies, cut out all the pieces for your card.
Add Depth with Ink: Ink the small die-cut pieces with Tim Holtz Distress Inks*. This adds beautiful depth and richness while covering the white core of the paper.

Add Gold Accents: Use the Gold Chisel Point Calligraphy Pen* to add gold edging around the vase and cardstock layers.
Floral Swag: Create a small floral swag using the leafy dies from the Home Sweet Home die set. Attach a small red twine bow to the center of the swag.

Your cheerful Valentine tulip card is complete—no watering required!

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.

How to Make a Valentine’s Day Tic Tac Toe Card with Vinyl

January 6, 2026Leave a comment

Looking for a Creative Valentine’s Day Card design?

This tic-tac-toe card puts a playful twist on traditional Valentines!

Featuring hearts, X’s and O’s arranged in a game board pattern,

this design is perfect for kids, classmates, or anyone who loves

a fun, whimsical Valentine. Using StyleTechCraft’s adhesive vinyl

and a Silhouette Electronic Die-Cutting Machine, you can make

a charming card that stands out from the rest.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

DIY Valentine’s Day Tic-Tac-Toe Card Tutorial:

Using plain decorative scrapbook paper, cut a 4 3/8″ x 4 3/8″ square layer.
Cut nine 1 ¼” squares from two different coordinating scrapbook papers.
Adhere the 9 squares onto the layer, leaving even spacing between the squares.

Using the “Heart Tic Tac Toe” SVG file from the Silhouette Store, cut out the hearts, “X’s,” and “O’s” using Dark Red and Gold craft vinyl from StyleTechCraft. (Option: If you don’t have access to vinyl and an electronic die-cutting machine, you can use Valentine and Heart Stickers.)
Use StyleTechCraft’s transfer tape to add the hearts and “X’s” and “O’s” to the center of each mini square.
Add a thin gold border around the 4 3/8″ layer using a gold calligraphy pen. If you like the look of a “quilted card,” use a thin marker to add small lines in and around the small squares.
Adhere the layered tic tac toe design onto a 4 5/8″ decorative layer and onto a 5″ x 5″ cream card base.

“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.

This playful tic-tac-toe design is a fun way to show someone you care!

Whether you’re making cards for a classroom exchange or

sending valentines to friends or family, this creative design

is sure to bring smiles.

Happy Crafting and have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

Upcycled Lantern with a Snowman Twist

November 4, 2025November 3, 2025Leave a comment

Merry & Bright: Upcycled Lantern with a Snowman Twist

This season, I set out to add a little extra sparkle to my holiday decor

by transforming a simple thrifted lantern into a merry winter wonderland.

While treasure hunting at Goodwill, this simple lantern caught my eye.

Its $2.99 price tag was too good to pass up, and ideas started swirling

in my mind the moment I picked it up.

To create the Upcycled Lantern with a Snowman Twist:

I used Silver Transparent Glitter Vinyl from StyleTechCraft to create a scene on the outside of the lantern.
I used a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die-Cutting Machine* and the “Let it Snow Quote” SVG file from The Silhouette Store to cut the design.
I was able to remove the piece of glass from the lantern, which made it easy to apply the vinyl.
Clean the glass with rubbing alcohol to remove fingerprints.

Once the design has been cut, you’ll need to remove the excess vinyl in and around the design using a vinyl weeding tool* or craft pick*.
Lay StyleTechCraft Transfer Tape* over the design and gently rub over the letters with a vinyl scraper tool.

Lift the design from the white protective liner and place it onto the glass.
Rub over the vinyl design with the scraper tool and remove the transfer tape.

The silver glitter vinyl creates a frosted effect, creating the appearance

of etched glass without the mess or commitment.

I had so much fun arranging a simple snowy scene inside the lantern,

complete with a cute little snowman and sparkling faux snow.

Here’s what I used inside the Lantern: (*affiliate links)

Directions:

Make a simple snowman using air-dry clay*.
Use the tips of painted bamboo skewers* for the arms of the snowman.
Once the air-dry clay has dried, draw on the face using fine-tip paint markers*.
Tie a thin ribbon around the neck of the snowman for the scarf.
I added a Small Wood Slice* to the bottom of the lantern to elevate the snowman.
If the lantern if going to be handled by children or curious adults, glue the snowman and Mini Bottle Brush Trees* to the Wood Slice*.
Finish off the look with a 1 1/2″ natural cotton red striped ribbon*.
Optional: Add Fairy Lights* to the inside of the lantern.

Thanks for following along with my latest holiday DIY.

Let your creativity shine, and don’t forget—the best decorations

are the ones that make you smile every time you see them.

“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.

Creating Vintage-Inspired Shower Dispenser Labels

October 4, 2025Leave a comment

Adding Personality to Create Vintage-Inspired Shower Dispensers.

Last Spring, we started a complete remodel of our upstairs bathroom.

What was supposed to be a 6-week project ended up taking 14 weeks.

Life happens, and I’m generally a patient person.

(But, not necessarily that patient.)

Anyway, I’ve been working on the finishing touches to the bathroom,

and these Vintage-Inspired Shower Dispensers* are the look that I needed.

(FYI…Finished bathroom before and after video coming soon!)

For the shower niche, I found a set of 3 black plastic refillable shower bottles

on Amazon with gold stainless steel pumps.

They fit my style and matched the gold handles on my vanity faucets perfectly.

(This is the link to the exact dispensers I purchased*.)

Adding the Personality…

I decided to make gold labels using StyleTechCraft adhesive vinyl

instead of the white labels that came with the dispensers.

Did you know that StyleTechCraft makes several colors of gold vinyl?

The gold craft vinyl ended up being the closest match.

Directions:

I designed the label using a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die-Cutting Machine*.
Once the label has been cut, you’ll need to remove the excess vinyl in and around the letters and frame. (Use a vinyl weeding tool* or craft pick*.)
To help the vinyl stick securely to the bottle…Wipe the surface of the bottle with rubbing alcohol* to remove any oils or fingerprints.
Lay StyleTechCraft Transfer Tape* over the label and gently rub over the letters with a vinyl scraper tool*.

Remove the StyleTechCraft Transfer Tape* and design from the white protective backing and place it onto the bottle.

Rub over the transfer tape* with the scraper tool to ensure the vinyl has transferred.
Remove the transfer paper.

These bottles elevate the Shower Niche with a Classic Vintage-Style.

They look a whole lot better than the bottles that they came in.

“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.

Halloween Ghost with Glow in the Dark Eyes

September 5, 2025Leave a comment

How to make a Halloween Ghost with Glow-in-the-Dark Eyes.

I picked up this cute wooden ghost cutout at my local Dollar Tree.

I knew it would make a fun Halloween Decoration when added

with StyleTechCraft Glow in the Dark Vinyl.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

Wood Ghost Cut Out from Dollar Tree*
White Acrylic Paint*
StyleTechCraft Glow in the Dark Vinyl
StyleTechCraft Medium Gray Glossy Craft Vinyl
StyleTechCraft Transfer Tape*
StyleTechCraft Scraper Tool and Weeding Pen
Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die-Cutting Machine*
“If You Got It Haunt It” SVG Cut File from The Silhouette Store

Paint the Wood Ghost Cut-out* with White Acrylic Paint*.
I like to sand over the painted wood with an extra-fine grit sanding block* to smooth the grain.

My wood ghost was from Dollar Tree.

I cut a piece of StyleTechCraft Glow in the Dark Vinyl and taped it onto the back of the ghost with packing tape. (covering the holes)
I added small ovals in the eyes.

Here’s where things got a little tricky.

I planned to use black vinyl with an orange vinyl to offset the words.

Once I put the black vinyl letters onto the orange vinyl, I quickly realized that I didn’t like the way it looked on the white ghost. It actually stood out too much.
I recut the words “If you got it Haunt it” using dark gray vinyl instead and ditched the idea of the orange offset. (much better)

The fun little ghost would look cute in the middle of a wreath hanging from a door.

StyleTechCraft’s Glow in the Dark Vinyl, once it’s charged,

has an awesome green glow that lasts for about 6 hours.

“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.

Personalized Travel Activity Kit for Kids

August 7, 2025August 7, 2025Leave a comment

Personalized Travel Activity Kit for Kids

A lot of parents nowadays are looking for alternatives to screen time

to keep little ones happy and busy on trips or when eating out.

When my kids were young, we didn’t have phones or tablets

to keep them occupied while sitting in church or restaurants.

When we would go on a long road trip, I’d make each kid a new

“Busy Box” and bring a few extra items to add along the way.

I can’t tell you it’s fail-proof, but it did work most of the time.

Back to School is a great time to look for items to put in your box.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

pencil box (at Walmart for 50¢.)
StyleTechCraft Ultra Metallic Vinyl
StyleTechCraft Transfer Tape*
StyleTechCraft Scraper Tool and Weeding Pen
Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die-Cutting Machine*
Optional Flower Dies

Since I’m making a girl box for my granddaughter…

I chose a box that had glitter on it.

I also used StyleTechCraft Ultra Metallic Glitter Vinyl for my designs.

Directions:

I used a Silhouette to cut out flowers and letters to decorate the box using StyleTechCraft Ultra Metallic Vinyl. I also cut a 3 1/4″ x 6 1/4″ piece of silver vinyl to put on the lid.
If you don’t have an electronic die-cutting machine, you can also use thin metal dies to cut the vinyl.
Place transfer paper over the cut vinyl. Gently rub over the vinyl with the scraper tool.
Remove the transfer paper from the white protective backing and place it onto the box.
Rub the transfer paper with the scraper tool to ensure the vinyl has transferred. Remove the transfer paper.

I picked up a few items for my box at Dollar Tree.

Don’t forget to also pick up an age-appropriate snack.

Shop Dollar Tree for Back to School and Crafting Supplies!

To go with the theme, I decorated a plain notebook to match the box.

Somewhere, I have a picture of my daughter covered in foil stars on one long road trip.

Oh, and on a side note…make sure you don’t leave crayons in a hot car.

“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.

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.

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.