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)

*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!

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.

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.

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.

How to Create a “Merry” Holiday Banner

November 3, 2023November 2, 2023Leave a comment

How to make a “Merry” Banner to add to your Holiday Decorations.

Now that the weather has turned cooler, I’m starting to plan my Holiday decorating.

If you love banners and quick and easy projects, this one’s for you.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft*

Directions:

Cut the scrapbook paper slightly larger than the wood banner pieces.
Place the scrapbook paper design side up in the Xyron Creative Station®*.

Turn the handle of the Creative Station to run the paper through. As it runs through, it adds complete adhesive covering on the underneath side of the paper.

Adhere the paper onto the front of the Wood Banner.
Place the Wood Banner onto the Cutting Mat* and cut the excess paper using a Craft Knife*.
Use a Sanding Block* to smooth any rough edges.

I cut the letters “MERRY” using the Fresh Mix Font from the Silhouette Store and a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*.

Lay the Transfer paper over the vinyl and gently rub with a vinyl scraper tool.

Place the Vinyl Transfer Tape* and vinyl onto the banner.
Rub over Vinyl Transfer Tape* and gently remove from the vinyl.

Paint the wood beads with red and green acrylic paint.
String the banner and wood beads onto ribbon or twine.

I wanted to keep the banner pieces simple.

But you could add Holiday Flowers and embellishments to make it special.

“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.

“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.

Autumn Leaves & Pumpkins Please Album

I wanted to make my album vertical instead of horizontal.

I love how versatile the Field Notes Die* is.

Autumn Leaves & Pumpkins Please Album

I created the word “autumn” using a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*.

I cut it the letters out using StyleTechCraft Gold Chrome Vinyl*.

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft*

How to make a Shaker Tag

August 22, 2023Leave a comment

How to make a Shaker Tag

Make a Shaker Tag using the Specimen Card

from the Eileen Hull New Field Notes Die from Sizzix.

Last month, we shared projects using Eileen’s New Chapter 3 release dies.

Today I thought I’d share a simple tutorial on how to make a Shaker Tag

using the Field Notes & Specimen Card 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.

How to make a Shaker Tag

Materials Used to make the Shaker Tag: (*affiliate links)

How to make a Shaker Tag

Directions:

I used the Life is Beautiful Collection Kit*. It comes with beautiful papers, greetings, and stickers perfect for my tag.
Cut a 4″ x 5″ piece of scrapbook paper for the front of the tag.
For ease of assembly, I used the Xyron Creative Station* to add adhesive onto the back of the paper. Place the paper in the machine, crank the handle to run the paper through. As it goes through the machine it adds a complete layer of adhesive to the back of the paper.

How to make a Shaker Tag

Place the paper onto the Specimen Card* section of the die. Sandwich the die between the cutting plates. Crank the handle of the Big Shot Plus* to run it through to cut out the shape.

How to make a Shaker Tag

Use the Field Notes & Specimen Card Die* to cut a specimen card using the adhesive foam sheet.
Cover a 4″ x 5″ piece of Sizzix Mat Board* with a 4″ x 5″ piece of scrapbook paper that has been ran through the Xyron Creative Station*. Cut the Mat Board* using the Field Notes & Specimen Card Die*. (Make sure to save the small cut out from the center.)
Cut a small piece of Clear Acetate* 2 ¼” x 2 ¾”.
Cut a small piece of paper for the inside of the tag.

How to make a Shaker Tag

Place the paper for the inside of the tag onto the chipboard tag. Add adhesive to the small rectangle and place into the opening on the back.
Remove the protective coating from both sides of the small piece of acetate.
Remove the adhesive coating from the tag front. Place the acetate over the inside opening of the tag.
Remove the first protective coating from foam tag. Line up and place onto the tag front.
Place sequins in the small well the foam has created. Remove the second protective coating from the foam and place the back of the tag onto the foam.

How to make a Shaker Tag

Decorate the front of the tag using stickers from the collection kit. Add 3D adhesive foam squares* to the back of the butterfly and watering can.
Tie a simple ribbon on the top of the tag.
Add the tag to a gift or bag for the perfect addition.

Echo Park – Life Is Beautiful Collection – 12 x 12 Collection Kit
Scrapbook.com

DIY Floral Notepad Holder

May 17, 2023May 30, 2023Leave a comment

DIY Floral Notepad Holder

Create a Handy Floral Notepad Holder using Sizzix Dies by Eileen Hull.

I am a list maker!

I usually have several lists going at one time.

And, if the list gets too messy, I’ll create a new one.

Lists are my way of keeping me organized.

Post-it notes* are another favorite of mine.

This Floral Notepad Holder is a great place to put my Post-it notes.

DIY Floral Notepad Holder

The theme for this month’s Eileen Hull Teams is Die Cut Mania.

The best part about Eileen’s dies is you can mix them with other Eileen dies to create one great project.

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.

DIY Floral Notepad Holder using Eileen Hull & Sizzix Dies.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

Directions:

I used a piece of white mat board* as the base to create the pieces for the Notepad Holder. To adhere the paper to the mat board, I like to run the decorative paper through the Xyron Creative Station* to add a complete adhesive to the back. It makes everything lay wonderfully smooth with no peeling up corners.
Die Cut the pieces for the stand using the Phone Stand Die* for the base, Frame Pocket Journal Die* for the pocket, and the Journal Die* for the decorative plaque. (as shown in the picture above)

DIY Floral Notepad Holder using Eileen Hull & Sizzix Dies.

Gently fold the die-cut pieces on their scorelines.
Adhere the pieces together using a strong adhesive. My favorite for adhering mat board is Dap Liquid Adhesive*. All you need to do is hold the glued piece in place for 30 seconds, and it stays secure.

DIY Floral Notepad Holder using Eileen Hull & Sizzix Dies.

To add a decorative element to the edge of the center plaque, use the flat end of a gold calligraphy pen* to add a gold edging. (It may take a little practice to make your lines smooth.)

DIY Floral Notepad Holder using Eileen Hull & Sizzix Dies.

Cut the letters “NOTES” for the front of the pocket using the Alpha Numeric Die* and StyleTechCraft Gold Craft Vinyl*.
Want a matching gold pen for the notepad holder? Measure the length of the barrel. Cut the vinyl 1 1/4″ wide. Carefully adhere the gold vinyl to the barrel. It adds personality to a simple everyday pen.

DIY Floral Notepad Holder

Place the letters on the back of a small piece of gridded transfer tape* to line them up straight.
Place the transfer paper onto the small plaque and rub over the transfer paper to transfer the letters.

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft*

DIY Floral Notepad Holder

Add a decorative strip of coordinating paper onto the front of the pocket and adhere the floral plaque using Rapid Fuse Adhesive*.

DIY Floral Notepad Holder

The Floral Notepad Holder looks great on my desk and now I’m even more organized.

“If Friends Were Flowers” Shelf Sitter

May 2, 2023Leave a comment

"If Friends were Flowers" DIY Mason Jar Shelf Sitter

DIY yourself A Happy Little Mason Jar Shelf Sitter.

As Spring turns into Summer, I get inspired to change my decor to happy colors.

I like to open the windows and let in the fresh air.

And…I love to bring in fresh blooms whenever I can.

Flowers make me HAPPY!

"If Friends were Flowers" DIY Mason Jar Shelf Sitter

The Wood Mason Jar Cut-Out…

Sometimes when I see an item at the store, I have a vision of what I want to do.

Sometimes it works out, and other times it does not.

This particular time was the latter.

When I first saw the wood mason jar with flowers cut out,

I saw it stained with only the flowers painted.

So, I stained the wood.

It might have been the stain I used, but I wasn’t pleased with the result.

"If Friends were Flowers" DIY Mason Jar Shelf Sitter

After letting it sit overnight, I decided a little acrylic paint might help.

So, I watered down my paints so they didn’t look too heavy and painted away.

While it isn’t what I originally had planned, it’s not too bad.

It’s bright and cheery.

"If Friends were Flowers" DIY Mason Jar Shelf Sitter

Doesn’t vinyl make everything just a little better?

For extra personality, I added vinyl lettering using my favorite StyletechCraft* adhesive vinyl.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

Wood Mason Jar Cut-Out (Michael’s Craft Store)
StyleTechCraft Glossy Craft Vinyl: Tiff Blue, Olive, and White*
StyleTechCraft Vinyl Transfer Tape*
StyleTechCraft Vinyl Tool Kit*
Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*
“Monsoon” font from The Silhouette Store

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft*

"If Friends were Flowers" DIY Mason Jar Shelf Sitter

I used a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine* with the “Monsoon Font” from The Silhouette Store to create the words.
Cut the words using StyleTech Craft Glossy Vinyl.
After cutting, remove the excess vinyl using a Vinyl Weeding Tool*.
Lay the transfer paper over the words.
Rub over the transfer paper with a vinyl scraper tool and lift the design from the white paper backing.
Lay the transfer paper onto the sign and rub over the design. Remove the transfer paper.

"If Friends were Flowers" DIY Mason Jar Shelf Sitter

To make it a shelf sitter, I glued a small block, “borrowed” from the kid’s block basket, onto the back.
I painted the block with matching acrylic paint.

"If Friends were Flowers" DIY Mason Jar Shelf Sitter

Now that it’s finished, I think the shelf sitter would also make a cute Mother’s Day or Teacher’s gift.

So many possibilities.

Life is Beautiful Mini Card & Envelope Stationery Caddy

April 24, 2023April 24, 2023Leave a comment

Mini Card and Envelope Stationery Caddy

The Life is Beautiful Mini Card & Envelope Stationery Caddy

is a great gift idea for anyone who loves to send cards.

It would also make a sweet and thoughtful Mother’s Day Gift Idea.

I used the “Life is Beautiful” Collection Kit from Echo Park*.

I also used a few Eileen Hull dies by Sizzix to make the caddy.

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.

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

665981 XL Card Caddy Die*
656492 Mat Board*
666276 Envelope Die*
Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine*
Life is Beautiful Collection Kit from Echo Park Paper Co.*
Xyron Creative Station*
Rapid Fuse*
1/4″ Score Tape*
Thin 3D Adhesive Foam Squares*
Ribbon, Twine
Cardstock

Mini Card and Envelope Stationery Caddy

Directions:

For the base of the stationery caddy, cut two coordinating 6″ x 10½” pieces of scrapbook paper. (One is for the front, and one is for the inside.)
Cut a 6″ x 10½” piece of Sizzix Mat Board*.
Place the paper design side up into the Xyron Creative Station*. Crank the handle to run the paper through the machine. As the paper runs through the Xyron Creative Station*, it adds a complete layer of adhesive to the backside of the paper.
Adhere the paper onto the front and back of the Mat Board*.

Mini Card and Envelope Stationery Caddy

Place the mat board with the outside design face down on the Card Caddy Die*.
Sandwich the die between the two cutting places and run the die through the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine*.
Die-cut the two caddy sides using mat board and paper.
Gently fold the caddy base along the outer score lines and glue the caddy sides to the caddy base using Rapid Fuse Adhesive*.

Life is Beautiful Mini Card and Envelope Stationery Caddy

Die-cut several mini envelopes using the Eileen Hull Thinlets Envelope Die*.

To create mini cards, cut apart the Life is Beautiful Journaling Cards*.

Mini Card and Envelope Stationery Caddy

I trimmed and layered the Journaling Cards* onto cardstock to create mini cards to fit into the envelopes.
The finished cards are 3¼” x 4¼”.

Embellish the mini cards and envelopes with the Life is Beautiful Sticker Sheet*.

Mini Card and Envelope Stationery Caddy

I added a piece of 1″ pink grosgrain ribbon around the middle of the caddy case.
I cut apart the Life is Beautiful 4″ x 4″ journal cards* and adhered the “basket card” onto the matboard for sturdiness. I trimmed the matboard to 3½” x 3½” and adhered it to the front of the caddy.
I added stickers to the front of the caddy and popped them up with foam squares for added dimension.
To complete the caddy, add a fun set of colorful pens and a coordinating faux flower stem.

Purchase scrapbooking supplies from Scrapbook.com!

Mae’s Sweet Little Photo Frame Stand

February 16, 20232 Comments

Mae's Sweet Little Frame Stand

How to make “Mae’s Sweet Little Photo Frame Stand”…

Last Fall, we had family pictures taken.

I especially love this sweet picture of my granddaughter Mae.

I wanted to make a photo stand for her picture to put on my desk.

Mae's Sweet Little Frame Stand

For Mae’s Frame…

I used the frame from the New Sizzix Frame Pocket Journal Die by Eileen Hull*

and the Phone Stand Die by Eileen Hull* for a quick and easy project.

I “Crafted my Stash” using an old Authentique Scrapbook Paper Collection.

Mae's Sweet Little Frame Stand

Materials Used: (*affiliate links)

Sizzix Frame Pocket Journal Die by Eileen Hull*
Sizzix Scoreboards XL Die-Phone Stand by Eileen Hull*
Sizzix Thinlets Tile Alphanumeric Die by Eileen Hull*
Sizzix Big Shot Plus Die-Cutting Machine*
Sizzix Making Essentials Matboard*
Scrapbook Paper
Xyron Create a Sticker*
Rapid Fuse Adhesive*
Clear Acetate*
Trims, Ribbon, and Charm

Mae's Sweet Little Frame Stand

How to make the Photo Frame Stand:

Die-cut the Phone Stand using White Matboard*, a Sizzix Big Shot Plus Die-Cutting Machine*, and the Phone Stand Die*. Adhere a piece of scrapbook paper on the top section of the phone stand.
For the frame die, cut the Matboard* slightly larger than the area that you will be die-cutting. Cut a piece of scrapbook paper the same size as the matboard. I like to run the paper through a Xyron Create a Sticker Machine* to add a complete layer of adhesive to the back of the paper. Adhere the paper onto the matboard. Place the covered matboard design down on the die and die cut using the Sizzix Big Shot Plus Die-Cutting Machine*.

Mae's Sweet Little Frame Stand

Carefully fold the phone stand on the scored lines and adhere the phone stand with a strong adhesive.
My favorite is Rapid Fuse Adhesive*. It dries quickly and holds strong.
I glued a piece of clear acetate onto the inside of the frame to protect the photo before adhering it to the front of the phone stand.
I added green trim on the bottom to give it a little “vintage granny chic vibe”.

Mae's Sweet Little Frame Stand

I used the Sizzix Thinlets Tile Alphanumeric Die by Eileen Hull* to create the name on the bottom of the frame.
The letters hang over the bottom of the frame.
To match the thickness of the frame, I added two thin strips of mat board under the letter tiles.

Mae's Sweet Little Frame Stand

For added detail, I painted a brass heart with White Birch DecoArt Multi-Media Paint.
I rubbed a little of the paint off to show the details in the brass charm.

Mae's Sweet Little Frame Stand

Tie the brass charm onto the top of the frame with a simple cream-colored satin ribbon.

Mae's Sweet Little Frame Stand

I’m so in love with this sweet baby girl. She’s been such a great addition to our family.

Would you believe she got my blue eyes? (None of my kids has them.)

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.