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.

*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 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.

DIY Wood Gingerbread House

December 17, 2023December 16, 2023Leave a comment

DIY Wood Gingerbread House

Is it me, or is there even more Gingerbread House projects this year?

I’ve been seeing so many cute ones.

So…I decided why not jump on the Gingerbread House

Trend with one of my last crafty Holiday projects this season.

DIY Wood Gingerbread House

I found this wood house shape at Dollar Tree* earlier this year.

Next, I needed to deconstruct the house.

With patience, I removed the wood heart and house trim

using a craft knife*. After removing the gingham fabric from the

wood house, I sanded the house smooth with a palm sander*.

DIY Wood Gingerbread House

In my workshop, I have a jar of wooden holiday pieces.

I thought these would be perfect for my Gingerbread House.

DIY Wood Gingerbread House

I painted the house and all the pieces using acrylic paint.

I outlined and doodled on the house and wood pieces using a white paint pen*.

It was fun and relaxing, but my doodling skills could definitely use a little work.

The Gingerbread House makes a cute addition to my Holiday Decorations.

DIY Wood Gingerbread House

With just one week until Christmas Eve…

I always wish I could have made more projects.

But, I have to remind myself there’s always next year.

Here’s to taking time and enjoying the rest of the Holiday Season.

How to make a Mini Christmas Dollhouse

December 13, 2023October 23, 2024Leave a comment

Mini Christmas Dollhouse-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 3502

How to make a Miniature Christmas House using a Dollar Tree Dollhouse*.

On Instagram the other day, I saw a reel by Jessica Grant on how to make a

Gingerbread House using a Dollhouse she purchased at Dollar Tree*.

(It was so adorable, you need to check it out.)

Dollar Tree Dollhouse

I love miniatures, doll houses, and Christmas.

So, of course, I had to run over the next day and pick up a couple for myself.

There were two different dollhouses* to choose from. (I bought one of each.)

How to make a Dollar Tree Dollhouse into a Miniature Christmas House.

The house was simple to dissasemble, which makes it perfect for painting.

How to make a Dollar Tree Dollhouse into a Miniature Christmas House.

I spray painted the pink house white, the roof gray, and the windows and doors gold.

It’s important to use a paint that sticks well to plastic.

Because I am an impatient crafter and couldn’t’ wait to put it together,

I have a few scratches on my house.

I sealed the paint on my house with a clear matte finish sealer*.

Mini Christmas Dollhouse

I also picked up these fairy lights*.

I’m not sure if I’m going to use them or not.

The pink of the original dollhouse shows through when the lights are on.

(I should have given the house an additional coat of paint.)

Mini Christmas Dollhouse

As a crafter, I have a stash of Christmas miniatures I’ve collected over the years.

They really came in handy this time. (You can always check out your local craft store.)

I glued them onto the front of the house using Rapid Fuse All Purpose Adhesive*.

Mini Christmas Dollhouse

I’m in love with this Christmas Dollhouse.

It looks so real. I want to live in that house.

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.

Gnome Themed Christmas Party Ideas

December 1, 2023February 2, 2024Leave a comment

Gnome Themed Christmas Party Ideas-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com

Gnome Themed Christmas Party Ideas.

Are you hosting a Christmas Party this year and looking for a fun theme?

How about a cute Gnome Themed Party?

Gnome Themed Party Ideas

From Gnome Party Goods on Amazon* to decorations from Dollar Tree*,

Gnomes are so popular you can find them everywhere.

Seriously, who can resist these Whimsical Woodland Creatures?

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I’ll be Gnome for Christmas Holiday Workshop…

For the last several years, I’ve hosted a Holiday Crafting Workshop.

Because I was feeling a little Gnomish this year, I went with a Gnome theme.

We made Gnome themed cards and Holiday Decorations.

It was so much fun planning the projects and decorations.

(If you would like to learn more about the Holiday Workshop click here.)

Gnome Themed Party Ideas

Personalized Gnome Themed Gift Bags

When hosting a party or event, you need a few gift/loot bags to match the theme.

I created these Gnome themed gift bags using a

Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*

and StyleTechCraft Adhesive Vinyl*.

The bags held everything they would need to make the projects.

The Gnome SVG Cut files came from The Silhouette Store.

“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.

I'll be Gnome for Christmas-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 3163

Gnome Themed Aprons

Keeping with the theme and making a statement!

How cute are these?

We made matching Aprons using Heat Transfer Vinyl from StyleTechCraft*.

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft*

Gnome Themed Party Ideas

Using Heat Transfer Vinyl…

It was my first time using HTV vinyl*, and I was pleasantly pleased

with how easy it was. I used a regular iron to press the vinyl

onto the Black Aprons* found on Amazon*.

Tip: Remember to mirror the image if it has words.

Gnome Themed Party Ideas

Gnome Christmas Cookies

No Holiday Gathering would be complete without a few Christmas Cookies.

I found this cute Gnome Cookie Stamp at Homegoods and couldn’t resist.

The Gnome Cookies turned out adorable and tasted so good.

Gnome Themed Party Ideas

Are you looking for a yummy Christmas Cookie Recipe?

Here’s the recipe my mom gave me as a new bride many years ago.

I have made them every year since. (A Family Favorite!)

Enjoy!

SUE’S FAVORITE SUGAR COOKIE RECIPE

1- 1/2 c. powdered sugar
1 c. butter or margarine
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
2- 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. baking soda

Cream sugar & butter, add egg & flavoring, mix thoroughly.
Sift dry ingredients together and stir in. (I dump)
Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours.
Heat oven to 375°.
Divide dough in half & roll out on lightly floured pastry sheet.
Roll thin, but thick enough to pick up the design with the cookie cutters.
Dip cookie cutter into flour before each cutting. Cut as many cookies from each rolling as possible. The least amount of working with the dough gives the best cookie.
Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 7 to 8 min. or until delicately golden.

For the Glaze I dump around a cup of powdered sugar into a bowl. Add a dash of vanilla. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you get the consistency you want. (hint: not too runny)

Gnome Themed Party Ideas

Supplies Used to make the Gift Bag and Apron: (*affiliate links)

Upcycled Brass Christmas Ornament

November 29, 2023Leave a comment

A Simple Christmas Ornament Make Over.

I ran across a couple of brass Christmas Ornaments from several years ago.

I was cleaning out my excess Christmas decorations when I found them.

I first threw them away before retrieving them from the trash.

They’re not especially valuable.

Simple Christmas Ornament Makeover

They were a 1982 Norman Rockwell promotional ornament from McDonald’s.

Because 1982 was a significant year (for me) I couldn’t throw them away.

So, I decided to try painting them. (I had nothing to lose.)

Simple Christmas Ornament Makeover

Here’s what I did to update the ornament:

Lightly sand the ornament with an extra fine sanding block* to remove dirt and grim.
The sanding smoothed the ornament and removed the brassy gold finish. Sanding also made the ornament silver, which I liked better.
Paint the ornament with a multi-Media paint* that will adhere to the metal.
I used Deco Art’s Multi-Media Paint in Birch.
Once the paint dries, lightly sand the ornament to expose the details.
While sanding, I made sure not to remove all the white paint from the face of the ornament. I like the “snowy look” of the white.
It’s also probably a good idea to spray the ornament with a matte spray sealer*.

Now the ornament looks great and compliments the other decorations on my Christmas Tree.

Buy Your Crafting Supplies Now at Dollar Tree starting at $1.25!

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*

Want more Holiday Workshop pictures?

October 9, 2023October 4, 2023Leave a comment

In my excitement to share the news of the “Gnome for Christmas”

2023 Holiday Workshop, I forgot to add the individual pictures of the projects.

Sue's 2023 Gnome for Christmas Holiday Workshop

Gnome for Christmas Cards and Tags

We will be making several cards using Echo Park’s Gnome for Christmas Collection. You will receive a package of Gnome for Christmas Frames and Tags Ephemera* and 12 double-sided 6″ x 6″ coordinating paper*. You will have enough left over to make several additional cards or tags.

Sue's 2023 Gnome for Christmas Holiday Workshop

Christmas Tea Bag Folder with Tags

Relax and Enjoy the Holiday Season with a cup of Christmas Tea and this cute little folded Christmas Tea Bag Folder. It also uses the Gnome for Christmas paper. This would be a great little addition to a gift bag or basket. Or use it as a present topper.

Sue's 2023 Gnome for Christmas Holiday Workshop

3D Gnome Hot Cocoa Stand Card

I know I promised that I wouldn’t go overboard with the “Gnome” theme, but I couldn’t resist this adorable 3D card. I used a SVG Cut file from the Silhouette Store to create this card. And… would you believe I already have all the pieces cut and packaged for this one. (I know shocking!)

FYI….You will need a glue pen or liquid adhesive to add all the pieces together. It’s easy though, I promise.

2023 Gnome for Christmas Workshop

Holiday Note Pad Holder

If you’re looking for a simple little gift idea this Christmas, this is an easy one to make. It uses the Sizzix Notepad Die by Eileen Hull*. The inside cover of the notepad has red snowflake paper with a Kraft Colored Sticky note pad. You’ll also get a mini pen that fits inside.

Sue's 2023 Gnome for Christmas Holiday Workshop

Macramé Santa Gnome Ornament

You’ve probably seen several versions of this cute little macramé ornament going around on social media. This is my version of the macramé Santa ornament. (I used chunky red and white yarn instead of macramé cord.) A simple ornament that could be used to make a garland or change up the colors to make a cute little gnome. I personally plan on make several of these little guys this year.

Sue's 2023 Gnome for Christmas Holiday Workshop

Mini Farmhouse Christmas Door Hanger Ornament

This 6″ white wood Christmas Door Hanger is made using StyleTechCraft Glitter Vinyl. The Mini Farmhouse Christmas Door Hanger would look cute just hanging on the tree or even cuter in the center of a small Christmas Wreath.

Just so you know…It took every fiber of my being not to make this one red. (Big RED Fan Here!) Since my tree is red and white, I made it white instead. (wood beads not included)

Sue's 2023 Gnome for Christmas
Holiday Workshop

The “Gnome for Christmas” Holiday Workshop

is Saturday November 11th from 10:00 to 2:00.

Grab a friend and join me for a fun day of Holiday Crafting with friends.

Cost is $40.00 A soup and sandwich lunch along with snacks and deserts is included in the price of the workshop. And everyone that attends receives a prize.

Reserve your spot today by emailing me at suesholidayworkshop@yahoo.com.

(Payment is due by November 1st.)

For more information CLICK HERE.