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.

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.

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.

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.

Patriotic Star Shirt for Mae

June 4, 2025June 3, 2025Leave a comment

My granddaughter Mae was here visiting over the weekend,

and I decided to make her a shirt for the 4th of July.

My original plan was to make it a Stars and Stripes Forever

shirt, but my daughter suggested something simpler.

Something she can wear for a little longer than a day.

Mae’s Star Shirt for the 4th of July…

I purchased a plain white shirt from Walmart for under $4.
I measured the area of the shirt that I wanted the design.
I used StyleTechCraft’s Heat Transfer Vinyl*, it is really easy to weed and use.
I cut the vinyl stars using a Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine*, but you could also use metal dies to cut the vinyl.
Place the cut vinyl onto the shirt shiny side up.
Position the design on your shirt. Cover the shirt with a pressing cloth before pressing.
Use an iron or a heat press* to apply heat and pressure to the design, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Peel off the clear transfer tape.
Turn the shirt inside out and iron the inside of the shirt.

StyletechCraft products brought to you by ATSM Craft*

I was happy with how the shirt turned out, and so was Mae.

She decided she didn’t want to take it off.

(FYI…Plaid Sunglasses and Pinwheels from Target.)

“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.

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.

Spring Mini Album (Scrapping My Stash)

March 25, 2025Leave a comment

Scrapping My Stash

Do you have an enormous amount of saved paper scraps?

Do you have a problem throwing them away?

If you do, you may enjoy my Spring Mini Album.

It’s part junk journal and part bits and pieces.

During March Madness Basketball this past weekend,

I took the opportunity to play around in my studio.

The inspiration was a bag of paper scraps from the many

Spring Paper Collections I’ve saved.

With the excessive amount of paper I’ve collected and hoarded

over the years, I’m trying to use what I have.

The Spring Mini Album measures 5″ x 5″ and uses the

Sizzix Mini Album by Eileen Hull*.

Inside the album, I created a “signature book” that I stitched

together using thin pink twine. I added it to the album by

wrapping the twine several times around the spine.

On the other side of the album,

I made a small waterfall album tied with a cream ribbon.

I made a small embellishment using a metal ring tag* and circles

cut from the scrapbook paper and attached it to the spine.

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.