Celebrate 250 Years with a Fun Patriotic DIY Sign

June 3, 2026Leave a comment

4th of July Sign Decoration-Celebrating 250 years-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeeldred.com

Ready to add some extra sparkle to your 4th of July celebration?

I always enjoy making new decorations for the holidays,

and with the USA celebrating 250 years,

I knew this was a milestone worth going big for!

This year, I decided to make a patriotic sign using StyleTechCraft vinyl

and my Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutter.

Not only is it a fun way to show off some red, white, and blue,

but it’s also a great project to mark such a special anniversary.

“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.

To make my Patriotic Sign I used: (*affiliate links)

Styletechcraft Glossy Craft Vinyl
Vinyl Craft Tools*
StyleTechCraft Clear Transfer Tape*
Silhouette Electronic Die-Cutting Machine*
Eagle Holding American Flag SVG File from The Silhouette Design Store
8″ Decorative Wood Sign*
White Multi-Surface Acrylic Paint*

*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 begin, I painted an 8″ plain decorative wood sign with white paint.

For faster results, white spray paint also works well.

You can find several different sizes of wood signs on Amazon*. (click on the link)

I used the Eagle Holding American Flag SVG File from The Silhouette Design Store

Size the design to fit onto your wood sign.
I cut the design using my Silhouette Electronic Die-Cutting Machine* and the Eagle Holding American Flag SVG File.
I cut it twice, once with navy vinyl and once using red vinyl.
Once the design was cut, I weeded the design using a vinyl craft pick*. Weeding vinyl is the process of removing excess vinyl from a cut design, leaving only the intended shapes, letters, or images.
Using the design image as reference, remove the parts from the blue design that will be red and vice versa with the red design.
Be careful around the numbers, as the thin shadow line is tricky to weed out.

Place the navy blue design onto the sign first using transfer paper. I gently rubbed over the transfer paper and sign using a vinyl scraper tool*.
After the words have transferred to the sign, remove the transfer paper.

Here’s my tip: When transferring the red design, take it slow and line up small sections

one section at a time. I tried to transfer the entire design all at once and ended up having

to redo parts of it-trust me, working in smaller sections will save you time and frustration?

I hope this fun patriotic sign project helps you celebrate America’s 250th in style!

If you enjoyed this craft, be sure to check out some of my older posts for even more

holiday decoration ideas and inspiration.

Click the images below to discover more 4th of July projects featuring StyleTechCraft vinyl.

Patriotic Star Shirt for Mae

Patriotic Banner for the 4th of July

Patriotic Themed Summer Party

Wishing you a festive, creative, and colorful 4th of July!

Create a Handy Pocket Sewing Kit

April 21, 2026Leave a comment

DIY POCKET SEWING KIT

You’re already out-maybe at work, runny errands, or meeting friends-

when you notice a loose button or a small tear in your shirt.

In that moment, having a simple DIY Pocket Sewing Kit can feel

like a lifesaver.

There’s nothing worse than being in a hurry and needing a quick fix.

A small sewing kit that fits into a pocket or purse is a great solution.

This small sewing kit was created using the Sizzix Needle Book Die by Eileen Hull*.

If you would like to make the Pocket Sewing Kit, here’s what you’ll need.

Materials Used:

Felt (in various colors)
Sizzix Needle Book Die by Eileen Hull*
Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine*
Thread and Needle
Small buttons
Heart grommets
Small scissors*, pins, needles, and thread for filling the kit

To make the Sewing Kit:

Die-cut two needle book covers from felt using a Big Shot Die-Cutting machine*.
Hand-cut two simple flowers from pink felt, and stitch them with green felt leaves onto the front cover. Add small buttons to the flower centers.
Cut a 3 ¼” x 4 ¼” piece of pink felt. Stitch a small pocket onto one side for holding small scissors, thread, and needles. Add a decorative button if you like.
Attach the pocket to the inside center of the second needle book cover.
Stitch the two covers together to form the book.
If you want an enclosure, cut and stitch it to the back cover. Add heart grommets to secure the closure.
Fill your finished kit with pins, needles, thread, and tiny scissors.

*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!

Enjoy the convenience of having your own sewing kit wherever you need it.

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 ‘What’s Up Peeps’ Easter T-Shirt with StyleTechCraft HTV Vinyl

April 1, 2026Leave a comment

What’s Up Peeps?

Check out the fun “What’s Up Peeps” Easter T-shirt I made

for my granddaughter using HTV vinyl from StyleTechCraft.

(Can you tell she really enjoyed hamming it up for the camera?)

For my shirt…

I cut the design using my Silhouette Electronic Die-Cutting Machine* and the “What’s Up Peeps” SVG file from the Silhouette Design Store.
I used White and Silver HTV vinyl from StyleTechCraft.
Once the design was cut, I weeded the design using a vinyl craft pick*.

Next, I lined up the design on my t-shirt and ironed it on using my New Cricut Easy Press*, which I received for Christmas. It was my first time using the Easy Press*, and even though it was a splurge, I loved how quick and easy it was. Being able to use the exact amount of heat eliminated the guesswork.
This project is a simple and fun vinyl craft.

Add some bunny ears to complete the look!

Happy crafting and have a wonderful Easter!

“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 Laundry Room Sign Makeover

March 1, 2026Leave a comment

Sometimes the best projects begin with a forgotten sign and a spark of inspiration.

There always seems to be a new project happening around here.

Our latest endeavor is a simple laundry room refresh.

(A lot of good things that I’ll share at the end of the month.)

Laundry Room Sign Before…

While preparing the room for a new coat of paint, I removed the old pictures

and laundry room sign. I added the new discards to my “Donate” pile.

After a second glance, I decided to make-over the sign instead.

I had nothing to lose if I didn’t like it.

To make over the Laundry Room Sign:

Wipe the sign with a damp cloth to make sure it’s clean and dust free.
The metal sign was smooth, so I didn’t prep the sign with sanding.
I spray-painted the sign with leftover Black Chalkboard paint* to give it a matte finish.

I used a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die-Cutting Machine* and StyleTechCraft White Glossy Craft Vinyl to cut the words “The Laundry Room”.
I got the SVG cut file from The Silhouette Design Store.
Once the vinyl was cut and weeded, I placed the words onto the sign using transfer paper. I gently rubbed over the transfer paper and sign using a vinyl scraper tool*.
After the words have transferred on the sign, remove the transfer paper.

A little extra addition…

While I had my vinyl and machine out, I cut the words “laundry pods”.

I placed it on an old apothecary jar I picked up years ago from a garage sale.

(You can find new apothecary jars here*.)

There’s nothing more satisfying than giving new life to the things I already have on hand with quick and easy makeovers.

“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 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*

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.

Winston the Snowman: A Comfort & Joy Holiday Craft

November 14, 2025November 13, 2025Leave a comment

Comfort & Joy for the Christmas Season.

In the midst of the 2020 pandemic, when Holiday gatherings felt distant

and spirits needed lifting, the Eileen Hull team came together to

spark creativity and connection.

By sharing festive projects with the Eileen Hull Fan Club and our readers,

we hoped to deliver a dose of comfort and joy to brighten an

otherwise challenging season.

We called it Comfort & Joy.

The idea was a hit, so we decided to continue the tradition.

Winston the Snowman is my “Comfort & Joy” project for this year.

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.

Winston is a snowman with plenty of dimension-

something I absolutely love bringing into my projects!

The Winston Die, designed by Tim Holtz for Sizzix*,

includes an impressive 16 different dies.

Don’t let that number intimidate you, despite all the tiny pieces,

the assembly is surprisingly simple.

Here’s a tip I swear by. When I’m die-cutting small pieces, I run my paper through the Xyron Disposable Sticker Maker* first. This way, the adhesive is already on the back, making it quick and easy to piece everything together.

The Winston Die* uses Colorize technology, which means you get a selection of intricate, paper-layering designs that add incredible detail and dimension. With drop shadows and highlights, you can create a snowman that looks dimensional and full of character. It’s great for cardmaking, scrapbooking, gift tags, and more.

Last month, after our family wiener roast, my sister-in-law

had a bunch of lids left over from the disposable soup containers*.

She asked me if I had a use for them.

Besides being a wonderful tray to hold little dies in my workspace.

I knew it would make a great base for my snowman.

I painted the base with white acrylic paint*.

Once the paint was dry, I added dimensional snow* onto the base with a palette knife*.

To make Winston sturdy on the base, I painted two small wooden cubes

crisp white and used them as hidden support.

Once the paint dried, I glued the cubes to the back of the snowman

and then attached them securely to the finished base.

Doesn’t he make a cute little tabletop decoration?

May your holidays sparkle…

with creative projects and heartwarming memories.

Here’s to making something special this season!

“Craft My Stash” 2026 Flip Calendar Mini Class

October 22, 2025October 16, 2025Leave a comment

CRAFT MY STASH! 2026 Flip Calendar Mini Class

I am teaching a one-hour Mini Class on December 12th at Tremont Gallery/Pearl Street Stamping using the mini calendars from Taylored Expressions. Bring your own paper scraps or use my paper, stickers and embellishments to create a one-of-a-kind Mini Flip Calendar for 2026. After the year is over, you can use the calendar pages to make a Mini Flip Album. Every Album will be unique!

Contact Tremont Gallery/Pearl Street Stamping at 309-925-4438 to sign up for this class.

December 12th

10:00-11:00 a.m.
Noon-1:00 p.m.

Cost: $10.00

Please Bring:

tape runner
scissors
paper trimmer

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.