Make a Mini Spring Basket

March 25, 2026March 25, 2026Leave a comment

This month, the Eileen Hull Design Team has been celebrating creativity

on a small scale with a series of delightful miniature projects.

(Visit Eileen’s Blog here or join the Eileen Fan Club on Facebook.)

For my contribution, I was inspired to create a Spring Basket

made using Eileen Hull’s versatile Needle Book Die*.

With a little adjustment, the die* makes a cute little basket.

Materials Used to make the Spring Basket: (*affiliate links)

#660767 Sizzix Needle Book Die by Eileen Hull*
#666814 Sizzix Journal Hardware Die by Eileen Hull*
#666689 Sizzix Painterly Blooms & Backgrounds Thinlet Die*
Decorative Scrapbook Paper from 49th and Market
656492 Sizzix White Mat Board*
Sizzix Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine*
Xyron Creative Station*
1/16″ Hole Punch*
Small Beads & Wire
Liquid 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!

Instructions for Making the Spring Basket:

Cover both sides of a 4 ½” x 6″ piece of Mat Board* with decorative paper. I like to use the Xyron Creative Station* to add adhesive to the paper. The Xyron Creative Station* attaches a layer of adhesive to the paper for complete coverage with no bubbles or wrinkles.
Die-cut the matboard using the needle book die and Big Shot Die-cutting Machine*.
Cut the needle book in half along the center score line.
Cut additional pieces of mat board to be used as the bottom and sides of the basket. You will need one 1″ x 3 ½” piece and two 1″ x 2″ pieces.
Punch a small hole using a 1/16″ hole punch* on one end of each of the 1″ x 2″ pieces of mat board. This will be used later to attach the beaded handle.
Bend the remaining score line on the needle book. Glue the scored tab onto the 1″ x 3 ½” matboard to create the bottom of the basket.

Once the bottom has dried, add a thin line of glue to three sides of the 1″ x 2″ matboard. Glue those onto the needle book to create basket sides. Allow the basket to fully dry.

String beads onto a thin piece of wire. Insert ends into the punched holes on the sides of the basket. Create a small knot with the wire on each end. Cut excess wire with a wire cutter.

I embellished the front of the basket with a covered die-cut label from the Sizzix Journal Hardware Die*.

I created a small flower for the center of the label using the Sizzix Painterly Blooms & Backgrounds Thinlet Die*.
Glue embellishment to the front of the basket.
Fill the basket with small faux flowers and leaves.

May this little basket spark your creativity and inspire you to create your own miniature projects with Eileen Hull’s collection of dies.

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.

Make a Gratitude Tag/Bookmark

October 20, 2025October 16, 2025Leave a comment

Start Each Day with a Grateful Heart…

As the warm summer days quickly turn into Autumn,

I am enjoying having the windows open again, feeling the cool breeze,

and enjoying the fall colors.

After years of trying, we have finally grown our own pumpkin.

It’s not that big, but it’s perfectly round and perfect for the front porch.

To Celebrate Fall…

I decided to make a tag/bookmark with the bright and beautiful colors of fall.

I used a couple of Eileen Hull’s New Sizzix Dies and the New Lacy Leaves Embossing Folder to make the tag.

I decided to get “inky” with this tag using Tim Holtz Distress Inks*.

For the base of the tag, I used heavyweight cream cardstock*.
I used a golden yellow ink pad along with Spiced Marigold Distress Ink and lightly applied the inks onto the cardstock using an ink applicator.
Next, I rubbed Vintage Photo Ink onto one side of the embossing folder. Place the inked cardstock onto the inked side of the embossing folder. Place the embossing folder into a Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine* and run the embossing folder through the machine.
Cut a tag with the embossed cardstock using the largest of the Tunnel Arch Dies*.

For the flowers and leaves, I also used cream cardstock and inked them with the inks.
I accented the vase using a Deco Color gold paint marker*.
I raised both the vase and flowers using thin foam mounting squares*.

Want a tip for adhering small pieces? (for example: flowers and leaves) I use the Xyron Disposable Sticker Maker*. I put my cardstock through the Sticker Maker* first, then I die-cut the small pieces. It makes gluing them in place so much easier.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Family Game Night DIY Mini Storage Box

January 25, 20252 Comments

Family Game Night

The people in my family love to play games.

When we get the whole big group together for a Family Dinner,

someone usually brings out the dice.

Everyone crowds around the table, and we play a game or two.

Dice is one of their favorite games because even young kids can play along.

(that is until they get bored and leave)

For fun, I made a small box just the right size for holding

a deck of cards and a set of dice.

Inside the box, there is enough space to add a small pencil

and paper for keeping score.

To Make the Box:

Two pieces of 6″ x 13″ Matboard* are needed to make the box.
Cover both sides of the mat board using scrapbook paper from
Echo Park Family 12″ x 12″ Scrapbook Collection*. I used an Xyron Creative Station* to put adhesive on the back of the paper before sticking it onto the mat board. The Xyron Creative Station* adds a complete layer of adhesive to the paper so that you get great adhesion.
I die-cut two of all the pieces of the box using a Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine* and the Sizzix #665982 XL Skinny Mini Book Box Die.

Gently fold the scored edges and tabs of the mat board.
Adhere the box together using 3/8″ Scor-Tape*.
If the white core of the mat board bothers you, go around the edges of the mat board with a brown marker to hide the white core.

I added the word “Memories to the spine of the box.

Isn’t making memories what it’s all about?

I used a strip of faux leather paper, and a simple snap to

hold the box closed when not in use.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

The Puppy Love Album is another project that I made

using the Skinny Mini Book Box Die*.

You can see more here.

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.

Holiday Stationery Gift Box How to Video

November 22, 2024November 22, 2024Leave a comment

Holiday Stationary Gift Box

The Holiday Stationery Gift Box

A Holiday “How To” video on how to make this fun and festive Stationery

Gift Box using the Sizzix XL Card Caddy die by Eileen Hull*.

I used an older Holiday Collection from Simple Stories for my Gift Box.

But the new Simple Stories Vintage Holly Jolly Collection* would also

be an adorable collection to use. That’s what I love about this project.

It’s so easy to personalize it to your style.

Here is a list of some of the products I used: (*affiliate links)

665981 Eileen Hull/Sizzix XL Card Box Die*
Little Sizzles Matboard*
Big Shot Die Cutting Machine*
Extender Plates for the Big Shot*
Simple Stories Christmas Scrapbooking Paper & Die Cuts
Xyron Creative Station*
Score Board and Bone Folder*
5” x 8” Legal Pad*
Small Kraft Notebook*
Thin Foam Mounting Square by Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L*
Dap Rapid Fuse Adhesive*
Ribbon, Red and White Twine*
Pine Craft Stem, Holiday Floral Pick*
Tape Runner*

Holiday Stationary Gift Box

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.

Gift Box using Eileen Hull’s Stacking Drawer Die

June 24, 2024June 23, 2024Leave a comment

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

A Little Gift Box using the Stacking Drawer Die*.

Earlier this month, Sizzix and Eileen Hull re-released the Stacking Drawer Die

along with several other dies. (you can see the original post here)

While there are several ways to use this die,

I thought the Stacking Drawers* would also make a perfect little gift box.

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.

Little Gift Box made with the Stacking Drawers Die

Materials: (*affiliate links)

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

To make the gift box…

Die-cut the box using the Stacking Drawer Die*, Little Sizzles Matboard*, and the Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine*.

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

I like to paint the mat board with Deco Art Multi-Media Acrylic Paint* before I assemble the box.
Fold the matboard and adhere to the ends of the die-cut using a Strong Double-Sided Tape*.
Retouch the paint if necessary.
FYI…If you use a thinner mat board for the bottom layer of the drawer, it is easier to open and close.

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

Another trick to make the drawer run smoother is to rub Clear Paraffin Wax* on the bottom of the drawer and the bottom of the box.

Little Gift Box made with the Stacking Drawers Die

To decorate the box, I used a Xyron Disposable Sticker Maker* maker to add adhesive to the back of my paper. It’s a quick and easy way to cover the sides of the box.

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

I used paper and stickers from the Carta Bella “Bloom” 12″ x 12″ Collection Kit* to decorate the top of the box.
The box is a great size for adding a pair of earrings or a necklace.

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.