Blog - Eileen Hull

Guest Designer- Susie Bentz

5 Feb

TODAY- our first Guest Designer- Susie Bentz!

Hi everyone- so glad to be back from CHA! I had an idea on the week long drive home… I am very blessed to have lots of creative friends. And I want to share them- their stories, inspiration and work- with you because I know you will love them as much as I do.

So I am really excited to introduce a new feature on the blog- every Friday you will get to meet a fabulous artist and they will share a project and tutorial with you…

I can’t thank Susie enough for all her help at CHA in the Paper Trail booth. Susie lives right down the road from me and it has been such a pleasure to get to know her better. (see another post about her here.) Wait till you to see what a fantastic project Susie has come up with using the new Stitchlits dies!

I’m a papercrafter from Northern Virginia where I live with my husband and three (almost) grown children. I have been creating all my life and have yet to find a craft I didn’t want to try! I enjoy all kinds of papercrafting – cardmaking, scrapbooking and altering items for gifts and home décor. Most recently I have been exploring mixed media and canvases and I am quickly becoming addicted!

I recently joined Eileen at CHA where she turned her vintage trailer into “the place to be” by inviting her talented friends to share demos and Make & Takes. I had a huge response for this little tag I designed and I promised to share a tutorial for it online. So here we go!

I used Eileen’s Flowers & Leaves Stitchlits. This set is really cool because it gives you three options:

Cut out solid shapes (flowers, leaves, stems)
Cut out shapes with punched holes for stitching
Punch holes for stitching the shapes onto cardstock

Here’s a close up of a couple of dies from the set so that you can see the difference.

You can see that the die on the left is designed to only cut out the small stitching holes within the flower shape. The die on the right, however, will cut out the entire flower and the stitching holes. So how to use them?

First I used a die that would just punch the holes for stitching a stem.
Next I added the flower die, positioned above the stem, and punched more stitching holes.
Then I used one of the leaf dies to actually cut out a leaf element and proceeded to stitch it onto the tag using green floss and the stitching holes.

I cut a flower out of felt, using the die that also created the holes, and stitched it in place.
I added a bit of washi tape (and yes that is a different flower – but you get the idea!)
I finished off the tag using one of the embossing folders Eileen designed for her sewing collection. I cut a piece of kraft cardstock that was the same height as the tag and twice the width. After I scored it and folded it in half, I used the Stitched With Love folder and embossed right along the score line. I used Eileen’s Nutmeg ColorBox Blends to highlight the embossing before cutting along the curved edge. The cut edge is adhered to the front left side of the tag and then it wraps around to cover the back side of the tag so you have a nice clean surface for writing a personal note – and it hides all your stitching!)

And here is one more look at the finished tag.

If you would like to see more of my projects you can check out my blog, My Time to Play, or join me on several social media sites:

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you find some time to play today!

Materials for Stitched with Love Tag:

Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 10 PK – Flowers & Leaf Stitchlits
Sizzix Textured Impressions Embossing Folders 3 PK – Stitched With Love set
Clearsnap ColorBox Blends by Eileen Hull – Nutmeg
Little B Decorative tapes: Leaf, Floral, Love You
Manila tag, kraft cardstock, embroidery floss, felt

Isn’t this fun? What would you do with these dies? Thanks Susie for a great project!

Join us next week- our Inspiration Team has some delicious eye candy for you! And don’t forget to follow me for lots more ideas and BTS peeks on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

Eileen Hull Sizzix Square Box Die Projects

27 Jan

Hello everyone! Today we have a massive post filled with projects featuring my soon to be re-released Sizzix Square Box die! The Inspiration Team has projects galore showing you how to use the Square Box die in a variety of ways. Are you ready to think outside the box?

Shelly Hickox has an absolutely fabulous Marie Antoinette Candy Box that will have you saying “Let them eat cake!”

Find out how Shelly used the Sizzix Square Box die and some of my other dies to create this stunning Marie Antoinette Candy Box.

Shelly’s next Sizzix Square Box project is a pretty in pink Parisian themed Pop-Up Artist Trading Block.

Take a virtual trip to the city of love for more creative details on this Parisian Pop-Up Artist Trading Block by Shelly Hickox.

Speaking of pink pretties Shelly’s next Square Box project is an adorable Easter Basket adorned with Sweet Sentiments papers from Graphic 45.

Learn how to create your own Sweet Sentiments Sizzix Square Box Easter Basket at Shelly’s blog.

All of Shelly’s Square Box projects are amazing but her final project is by far the best yet! Can you believe this Apothecary Cabinet was created using my Sizzix Scoreboards dies and Matboard??

Visit Shelly’s blog for more info on how she created this amazing Apothecary Cabinet with my Square Box and Candy Drawer Sizzix dies.

Amy Bowerman has a sweet Garden Gnome Sizzix Square Box project to share. Garden Gnomes, glitter and pretty paper flowers make this Square Box project a magical delight!

Take a trip to Amy’s creative garden to learn more about how she created this Garden Gnome ATB with my Square Box and other Sizzix dies.

Amy Bowerman has a Stampendous Steampunk Bird ATB created with the Sizzix Square Box dies and other Artist Trading Block dies from my previous collections.

Get your creative gears turning with Amy’s Steampunk Bird ATB tutorial!

Winter has barely gotten started but if you are already thinking spring Amy B. has a spring inspired tutorial using my Square Box and other ATB dies featuring images from the Graphics Fairy and Craft Attitude!

Stop by Amy’s blog for a tutorial on how to use Craft Attitude and images from the Graphics Fairy to create your own decorative blocks.

Amy’s next project is very special. This Square Box Business Card Holder came with us to the CHA show where we debuted Artist Trading Blocks!

Visit Amy’s blog to learn more about the Artist’s on the Block and our ATB endeavor.

For her final project I had to share Amy’s adorable ATB oven created with my Sizzix Square Box die.

See what’s cookin’ over at Amy’s blog you are sure to get a kick out of her humorous turkey tutorial.

Anna-Karin has a magnificent Medieval Castle project using the Square Box die and some of my other Sizzix dies.

Your invited to attend a royal tutorial filled with regal mixed-media techniques on how this Sizzix Square Box Castle was built at Anna-Karin’s Blog!

Once you’re through touring AK’s Castle stop by for a Monster Party featuring my Sizzix Square Box die and many others!

You can read all about how Anna-Karin created her Monster Bash HERE.

Easter is arriving early this year and Anna-Karin’s next Sizzix Square Box project is a real Easter treat!

Hop down the bunny trail to AK’s Blog to see how she created this adorable Easter House with my Square Box die.

Anne Redfern’s Valentine Sizzix Artist Trading Block with DecoArt Media is a project you are sure to LOVE!

Stop by Anne’s Blog where she shares the Sizzix and DecoArt Media technique love with you!

Anne has another fantastic Valentine themed ATB project using the Square Box die. How cute is this Exploding Heart Artist Trading Block?

Stop by Anne’s blog and check out how she created her first ever Artist Trading Block.

Anne Redfern has created a Blooming Butterfly ATB tower with my Sizzix Square Box die and other Artist Trading Block dies from my Cherished collection along with Stampendous stamps.

See what’s blooming at Anne’s Blog for more Stampendous stamped Sizzix Square Box inspiration! (Say that ten times fast)

Next Anne shares an Artist Trading Block Storage Cabinet created with the Sizzix Square Box die and adorned with Graphic 45 papers from the Old Curiosity Shop collection.

Visit Anne’s Blog for more curious details on her ATB Storage Cabinet.

For her final act Anne has a Circus themed Square Box project.

Stop by for the show at Anne’s Blog where she shows you how to create this Big Top Artist Trading Block with my Sizzix Square Box Die and Ranger Ink!

Michelle Zerull combines Stampendous Stamps with DecoArt Media for her gorgeous Sizzix Square Box creation.

Visit Michelle’s blog for a technique filled tutorial on these lovely Floral Mixed-Media ATB’s!

Tonya Trantham has a lovely Lullaby Block perfect for use as baby shower or room decor!

Stop by Tonya’s blog for more details on her Lullaby Block project using the Sizzix Square Box.

Tonya’s next Square Box project is as pretty as it is practical! This Square Box Tag holder is oh-so-lovely to look at in addition to keeping tags in order and at the ready!

For those of you that participate in Tim Holtz’s 12 Tags this is a great way to store them. Visit Tonya’s blog for more details on how to create your own tag storage box.

Tonya doesn’t stop there when it comes to creative storage ideas you can craft yourself, check out this innovative Junk Journal Rolodex she’s cooked up using the Sizzix Square Box die!

If you enjoy Junk Journaling as much as our dear Tonya does stop by her blog for a full tutorial on how to create your own Junk Journal Rolodex with Sizzix!

If you’re in the mood for a good scare Tonya’s Spooky Light up Sizzix House is just what you need.

Visit Tonya’s blog for more gory details on how she created this delightful Halloween decoration using my Square Box die.

Tonya’s latest and greatest Square Box project is a Victorian delight! A creative garden filled with paper flowers, vintage images and trims sure to get your creativity going.

Stop by Tonya’s blog for more details on her Victorian Pop-up Box.

Stay tuned next week for more projects created using another favorite Eileen Hull die being re-released!

Eileen

Eileen Hull Sizzix Suitcase Die Projects

10 Jan

Happy New Year creative friends! Big things are happening in 2016 I have a new Sizzix collection coming soon and some old favorite dies being re-released. I can’t wait to share my next collection with you but we’ll have to wait until after CHA. In the meantime the Inspiration Team will be showcasing projects using the 6 dies that will be making a come back. Each week will be focusing on a different die. This week the girls are featuring the Sizzix Suitcase die so pack your bags for creative inspiration!

Lisa Hoel is packing her bags full of magic with this magical Sizzix Suitcase Diorama featuring paper flowers and fairies from Graphic 45’s Once Upon a Time collection.

Take a magical trip to Lisa’s Blog for a closer look at the Fairy Garden she has hidden inside her Sizzix Suitcase project.

Tracy Evan’s will cast a mixed-media loving spell on you with her Spooky Sizzix Suitcase. Tracy proves DecoArt Media supplies, you will travel to the creative depths of your artistic imagination.

See what else is “encased” over at Tracy’s Blog and have a closer look at her Spooky Sizzix Suitcase project….if you DARE!

Hats off to Tracy for her second Sizzix Suitcase project suited for the most distinguished gentleman.

Transport yourself to Tracy’s blog for a peek inside this Gentlemanly Sizzix Suitcase adorned with Artistic Outpost Stamps.

The third time is DEFINITELY the charm for Tracy with this Sunbeam Sizzix Suitcase featuring some new Flower dies from my soon to be released Sizzix collection.

Get a little sunshine in your creative life over at Tracy’s Blog and check out her bright,blooming Sizzix Suitcase!

Pam Bray has a sensational Season’s Greetings Suitcase project that you can create to pack well wishes for any occasion!

Pack your bags for Pam’s Blog to learn more about how to send your greetings in a little Sizzix Suitcase.

Diana Hetherington has a Sizzix Suitcase project that is more than meets the eye! Don’t judge this suitcase by its realistic vintage looking cover.

See what colorful surprises are in store for you on the inside at Diana’s Blog.

Anna-Karin Evaldsson has a Time Travel Sizzix Suitcase and Mini Book Tutorial to wow you with.

Spend some time over at Anna-Karin’s Blog for a creative escape you won’t soon forget!

Winter’s here but AK’s next Suitcase project is like a warm Summer Breeze! Summer Distress Ink colors and travel themed trinkets adorn this sensational Sizzix Suitcase. Just wait till you see the inside!

Pack your bags for an early summer vacation at Anna-Karin’s Blog.

Next, we have this darling School House Thank-You Note Sizzix Suitcase from Anna-Karin.

Stop by and say thanks at Anna-Karin’s blog for yet another inspired Sizzix Suitcase idea.

As long as we’re sending thank-you notes we must not forget the stamps! Have no fear Anna-Karin is here with a positively splendid Postage Stamp Sizzix Suitcase and Spiral Bound Mini-Book Project!

Take a look inside this Postage Stamp Suitcase for a closer look at the lovely Mini-Book it contains at AK’s Blog.

Speaking of taking trips Anna-Karin took a trip down memory lane with her next Suitcase project by covering it in vintage bookmarks and pretty papers from Graphic 45’s French Country and Secret Garden collections.

Get nostalgic over at AK’s blog and take a peek at the adorable mini-book and vintage Victorian bookmark scraps she’s storing in this sweet suitcase.

For her grand finale Anna-Karin has a Sizzix Suitcase Shadowbox Project sure to strike a creative chord with you.

Check out the show at Anna-Karin’s blog!

Here’s a fun Sizzix Suitcase Project from former Inspiration Team member Oxana. What a clever idea to stack the Suitcases and turn them into a Fold out chest of drawers…talk about storage!

See what’s in store for you over at Oxana’s Blog and find out how to create your own Sizzix Suitcase Storage Box.

We are changing things up at the Art with Heart Challenge instead of having a monthly challenge with project entries prizes will be comment to win. You can comment here and on Inspiration Team members blogs for more chances to win! Want to snag a Sizzix Suitcase die of your own? Comment away and you could be the lucky winner!

Have you created a Sizzix Suitcase die project? I would love for you to share it with us on my Facebook Page.

Stay tuned for the next re-release and more projects from the Inspiration Team coming this Tuesday!

Eileen

More CHA Designers in the Paper Trail Booth

6 Jan

I just arrived in California- so glad to make it alive and in one piece! So here is the last installment of more CHA Designers that will be in the Paper Trail Booth!

Karen Bearse hails from about 30 minutes down the road from me in VA. You may remember her from our exploits on #paprtrail5 to Schaumburg, IL and the Paper Arts Show- read about them here, here and here!

Karen Bearse has been a life long crafter who became passionate in the world of paperarts. A published technique junkie with over a decade of inky experimentation, Karen has been teaching for the last 5 years at multiple local stores. From scrapbooking and mini-books to mix media, encaustic, and altered arts. No medium is safe! She is now expanding into travel teaching showing students how to improve their everyday life with color. A traveler and self proclaimed Executive Minion on PaperTrail#6 she is excited to expand her role to include make’ntake artist for Eileen at CHA2015. Karen’s favorite thing about teaching is when her students say “I can’t believe I made this”. Visit booth #330 learn a few quick techniques & take home these beautiful projects.

Needle Book Mini-Art Journal – Sat-Jan. 9th from 11-12.

Art Journal Page-Tues-Jan. 12th from 11-12.

My friend Cheryl Boglioli is special because our trailers are going to get married someday so that kind of makes us related 🙂

Cheryl is a mixed-media Artist on the leading edge of new products and techniques within the various disciplines of the ever-growing market. As a full-time Artist with an intuitive painting style and passion for teaching, you can find her Living the Art Life ™, traveling and teaching workshops at independent stores and events nationwide with her renovated 1970 vintage trailer, Glinda. If you see her along the way, she even gives tours and appearances with Glinda. See more of Cheryl and her adventures at www.cherylboglioli.com.

Come glamping with Cheryl on Saturday 2-3 and Monday 4-5 to create your own 3D mini trailer using Eileen’s Vintage Trailer Thinlet dies and glam them up with Thermoweb Foil! Someone bring the marshmallows!

Thanks for visiting with us and don’t forget to watch what’s happening at the show in the booth. We will be sharing on social media…

Follow Scotty and I on #paprtrailCHA.

Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * You Tube * Periscope and here on the blog. Thanks!

And tomorrow we have to park that bad boy on the show floor. Wish me luck- it may involve backing up :-0

Eileen Hull Inspiration Team Favorite Projects of 2015

30 Dec

2015 is coming to an end and what a wonderful year it has been! In 2015 I’ve released three new Sizzix collections Vintage Kitchen, Vintage Travel and Stitchlits. I’ve traveled around the USA on the Paper Trail in my trusty vintage camper Scotty and I’m off to do it again as I’m leaving for CHA today with Scotty in tow! Out of all the great things that have happened in 2015 I wanted to celebrate one of the greatest things of all…my wonderful, talented, and oh so creative Inspiration Team! I can’t even begin to describe how hard it was to pick just ONE of each team members fabulous projects but here they are , my favorite Inspiration Team projects of 2015!

Tracy Evans truly outdid herself with this fantastic trio of Make it 3D projects featuring DecoArt Media. I still can’t get over the delightful framing over the eyes of the stamped images…WOW!

Visit Tracy’s Blog for a walk in a mixed-media wonderland where you’ll find this marvelous make it 3D trio and more of the lovely projects Tracy has created this year!

Shelly Hickox is no stranger to Wow factor projects and her Faux Galvanized Metal Canister project is no exception. With the use of my Vintage Kitchen Canisters Die and DecoArt Media projects Shelly performs the ultimate creative magic trick by turning paper into metal, or at least making it look that way.

Stop by Shelly’s Blog to see how to create your own faux galvanized metal projects with Sizzix and DecoArt Media!

My favorite project from Pam Bray had to be her magnificent Vintage Camper Carousel! There are just too many delightful details to count on this project! Each camper is adorned with gorgeous Graphic 45 papers and Pam’s signature style.

Take a creative carousel ride over at Pam’s Blog

Anne Redfern has Vintage Travel Train Case creation modeled after a real one! Can you believe this project was NOT made with patterned paper? Neither can I!

Pack your bags for Anne’s Blog to find out how she covered this gorgeous Train Case with creative goodness!

Lisa Hoel has a magical style that shines through in this Loaf Pan Leprechaun House! This delightful dwelling is a must have for those lucky, little, leprechaun.

Try your luck over at Lisa’s Blog for more lovely details on her Loaf Pan Leprechaun House.

Nicole Wright was a new addition to the Inspiration Team in 2015 and it feels like she’s been here all along! I’ve literally been blown away by Nicole’s projects so naturally I had to pick this fantastic Cookie Box Windmill as a personal favorite!

Stop by Nicole’s Blog for some wind in your creative sails and a closer look at her Cookie Box Windmill.

Anna-Karin Evaldsson is our resident master of mixed-media tutorials. Her step by step instructions can turn a novice into an experienced artist. My favorite tutorial project from Anna-Karin this year is this Vintage Travel inspired Tool Box and Accordion Book.

Camp out at Anna-Karin’s Blog for a full tutorial on how to achieve this look with DecoArt Media products and Sizzix.

Michelle Zerull has created so many great projects using her fun-loving style and I’ve adored every single one. This Stitchlits Flower Hair Pin project however, is her most adorable creation this year IMHO.

Learn how to create your own Stitchlits Flower Hair Pins at Michelle’s Blog

Donna Budzynski has another fabulous floral project that I just love! With the use of Stampendous stamps and expert coloring skills Donna has created an Artist Trading Block project just bursting with blooms, butterflies, and creative inspiration!

Flutter over to Donna’s Blog to see more creativity in bloom.

Tonya Trantham our newest Inspiration Team member has a beyond beautiful Cookie Box Snow Globe creation that makes me weak in the knees! How could I not invite Tonya to join our team after seeing this inspired creation?

Visit Tonya’s Blog for more lovely photos of her Cookie Box Snow Globe and other artistic delights!

Diana Hetherington is always on the cutting edge of creativity (no Sizzix pun intended) . With these wearable Art Patches created with Sizzix Stitchlits she can wear her creativity on her sleeve…literally!

See what’s stitching over at Diana’s Blog and learn how to create your own wearable art!

Rina Gonzales created this downright adorable DIY Mug wreath that makes me want to come on in for a cup of joe! Rina’s projects make it easy for anyone to tap into their crafty side and create a project that’s too cute to boot!

See what’s brewing over at Rina’s Blog and find out how to create this adorable mug wreath yourself!

Before we end 2015 I’d like to give a HUGE thank you to my wonderful and creative Inspiration Team who amazes me week after week with their stunning creations using my dies. I’d also like to thank you my dear readers for your kind comments, support, and for sharing YOUR creativity in our Art with Heart challenges, None of this would be possible without YOU! To our sponsors Stampendous, DecoArt, and Graphic 45 thank you so much for collaborating with us it’s been so wonderful to see all of the creative possibilities there are when products are combined!

I wish you all a happy, healthy New Year! Now I’m off to CHA…see you in 2016!

Eileen

CHA Designers in the Paper Trail Booth

30 Dec

I am packing as we speak! Despite a nasty bug my grandson passed along, I am almost back to normal and hope to get on the road to California as planned. But I am sure you want to see who the CHA Designers in the Paper Trail Booth are going to be. Make sure and check out last week’s post and the week before to see who else will be there.

First up is Debra Quartermaine…

Debra is Design and Social Media Co-ordinator for the Kunin Group and a free lance designer. Her design work has a signature stylish charm showcased in hundreds of published articles, patterns, baby fabric and several books. Debra’s creativity extends to home décor, event planning and culinary delights in her heritage five star B & B Quartermain House on the east coast of Canada.

Her project is Tea Time with Scotty- an embellished felt teacup pocket with teabag. Sounds so cute!

Now meet Midge and Madge 🙂

Who are Midge and Madge? We are two best friends that love all things crafty. We can turn any time into a good time! You can join us on all of our Adventures by simply following us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and Periscope! Grab a cup of coffee, diet coke or your favorite wine and “Mingle” with us! Many often wonder, where in the world are Midge & Madge? You could find us crazy ladies in New Orleans sipping on coffee or tea in the French Quarter, partying like it is 1999 in Vegas or ghost hunting at The Stanley Hotel in Colorado, or “Mingling” amongst our favorite crafty friends while at CHA. Whatever it is Midge and Madge will have a story to tell. Be sure to check out all of our adventures at #midgeandmadgeadventures or www.midgeandmadgemingle.com

Join us as we create a super fun DIY Dishcloth using Dies, Buttons, Ribbon, and more!

And here’s my friend Laura Kelly!

Laura Kelly creates designs that are simple yet stellar, bright, whimsical and inspire the creative spirit. She stays busy with four kids and continuous creative projects happening all around her from the studio and kitchen to the outdoors and community! Her passion for creating, learning and sharing is contagious. With a background in elementary education and years of working with kids of all ages, she is elated to be designing with Sculpey to create projects that are simple enough for kids but inspiring enough for grown-ups.

And now let’s meet my BFF Lorine Mason. We actually live in the same town and meet often for lunch when we need to escape from our studios. So lucky I have someone to talk to and bounce things off…

Lorine Mason from It’s Sew Lorine will be demonstrating how to put the craft into DIY Espadrilles. Stamp, stencil, paint and bead your way to one of kind footwear. Want to try your hand at creating your very own? Stop by and watch the demonstration or perhaps even try your hand at transforming a simple piece of canvas into the beginning of your very own pair of espadrilles using products from the Paper Trail’s sponsors.

Saturday 1:00 – 2:00 pm

Sunday 3:30 – 4:30 pm

Monday 2:00 – 3:00 pm

Another designer friend from Northern Virginia- Susie has been so great the past few days helping me get packed up- I owe you, dude!

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Susie Bentz is a scrapbooker and papercrafter who teaches classes in the Northern Virginia area. Every year in the fall, Susie hosts the annual Crop to Cure Diabetes which benefits Type 1 Diabetes research, a cause close to her heart. She has served on Design Teams for several manufacturers and her detailed projects are designed to be easy enough for a beginner but interesting enough for the more experienced crafter. Susie has created 2 Make & Takes to share on the Paper Trail at CHA. You can see more of Susie’s designs on her blog, My Time to Play.That’s our group for this week! You will definitely want to come by and make all these great projects!

Please don’t forget to check in to see how the trip across the US is going. I am praying that I get there safe and sound!

Follow Scotty and I on #paprtrailCHA…

Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * You Tube * Periscope and here on the blog. Thanks!

Holiday Sizzix Projects

23 Dec

Hey everyone! The Holidays are almost here and the Inspiration Team is back again to spread some cheer with their Holiday Sizzix Projects. The team has been hard at work all month-long creating with their “Favorite Things” to inspire you. Let’s see what my little elves have been up to this week…

Michelle Zerull is getting her elf on with a delightful Cantilever Toy Box project! This piece is so colorful and fun. A true testament to Michelle’s creative style!

Stop by Michelle’s blog for a creative holiday treat and a closer look at her Cantilever Toy Box.

Lisa Hoel is sharing a Make it 3D project that will have you dashing through the snow on a one horse open sleigh! Lisa’s Holiday Spool Sleigh is full of creative Holiday details that will have you laughing all the way to your craft studio to create one yourself.

Take a sleigh ride over to Lisa’s blog to find out how she used my Make it 3D die to create this darling Holiday Spool Sleigh.

Our dear Lisa is no stranger to trimming tiny Christmas Trees. Check out this creative Christmas Tree Cookie Box project from last year. Oh Christmas tree OHHHHH Christmas Tree!!

Donna Budzynski has a Joyful Artist Trading Block tower to share with you. This project makes me want to rock around the Christmas tree singing “Joy to the World!”

Visit Donna’s blog for a creative tree lighting and a full tutorial on how to create your own Joy Artist Trading Block tower.

Diana Hetherington elevated “My Favorite Things” from a song to art!

Visit Diana’s post to see how she translated this song into a feast for our eyes from cream colored ponies to brown paper packages tied up with strings!

You can share your Favorite Things projects with us HERE for a chance to win a die from my new Sizzix Stitchlits collection. The Inspiration Team will be back next week sharing their favorite projects ever created using Eileen Hull dies.

Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season!

Eileen

Meet more of the Paper Trail CHA Designers

23 Dec

The Craft and Hobby Show is rapidly approaching! You are in for a treat- please take a minute to meet more of the Paper Trail CHA Designers, who will be appearing in Booth 330 along with Scotty and I.

Rina Gonzales is the owner of Mothership Scrapbook Gal – a craft business based in Riverside, California with a mission to help people craft their special and everyday moments through craft events, DIY card kits and custom orders. Rina is best known for her “Crafty Happy Hour” event where crafters of all levels and ages, come together and create greeting cards, no experience is required and all supplies are provided. Rina is a member of the Eileen Hull Inspiration Team and also a contributing blogger to CraftyChica.com.

Meet Niki Meiners… Friend, Wife, Mom and an all around crafty old soul. Artist, Writer, Creative Director and Style Maker. Lover of old, fond of the new. Craver of excitement, establisher of the calm.

Growing up in a small mid-western town, Niki Meiners was surrounded by a modest, resourceful and very entrepreneurial family. Her simple upbringing spurred her “Can do” attitude and gave her the confidence to try any challenge placed before her. She knew there was more out there than just her small town and set off after high school to explore the world. It was through these travels that she discovered her love of art and her desire to make the world a prettier place. It was not until she suffered a paralyzing illness that she realized she wanted to reconsider her corporate career as a Chief Paper Pusher, and her thoughts immediately turned to her first passion, art. In 2003 she began an odyssey that would take her from product design to publication and everywhere in between. She is known for her distinctive, high quality creations that feature a diverse mix of styles and highly creative approach to even the smallest detail. Niki is an Idea Architect, easily outlining every project from concept to completion. Her creations are simultaneously beautiful and functional and her in depth knowledge of the industry allows her to produce projects with a specific understanding of both the consumers and the manufacturers. This knowledge has allowed her work to be featured in the industries leading craft and lifestyle publications and manufacturers’ websites.

Cindi Bisson McGee has been working in the craft industry for over 15 years as a mixed-media artist. She is multi-published via web TV, websites, ebooks, books and magazines, and recently represented KellyCraft™ Innovations on HSN. Cindi enjoys experimenting with many types of mixed-media to create home decor, jewelry, wearable fashion, textured/dimensional projects and paper crafts. Cindi has a passion for teaching and sharing the world of creativity with others and can often be found at events, trade shows and in stores demonstrating products, hosting make & takes, and teaching workshops. Her motto is “Dare to be Different.” Her style is diverse, and she is always seeking new opportunities to share her creative abilities and work with new products in unique ways. See more of her creative work at her blog – Cindi McGee – Behind These Eyes™ – www.CindiMcGeeBehindTheseEyes.blogspot.com

Make & Take Project: By the Sea Mini Album

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Featuring product from: Sizzix®, Graphic45®, DecoArt®, Clearsnap®, Beacon™ Adhesives, Little B™, MD® Hobby & Craft, Makin’s Clay® and JudiKins™.

Ann Butler is the Co-Owner/Publisher of Bella Crafts Publishing; home of Bella Crafts Quarterly; the #1 FREE online downloadable craft magazine. Ann is also a Licensed Designer, Author, Consultant and Instructor for the creative industries. Ann works closely with manufacturers through product development, design, social media, marketing and blogging. Her designs have appeared in books, magazines, booklets, packaging, trade show booths and websites.

Ann teaches nationally/internationally as well as doing online workshops. She appears regularly on the PBS show Creative Living with Sheryl Borden, webTV and does how-to videos. She is an active member of the Craft and Hobby Association, conducting seminars and volunteering. Ann also served 6 years on the council of the Designer Section, the last two of those years as Chair of the Designer Section.

Ann will be doing a demo in the booth showing how easy it is to use her Faux Quilting and Background Basics Stamps to create a Faux Quilt and backgrounds.

Known around the world as the Pee Wee Herman of design, Jonathan Fong is the host of “Style with a Smile” and the author of three books: Walls that Wow, Flowers that Wow, and Parties that Wow. Besides designing interiors, events and crafts, Jonathan is a popular fashion blogger. He is currently Eileen Hull’s craft husband.

Come make a 3D Flower Pot Picture Frame Refrigerator Magnet with Jonathan in Booth 330!

Follow Scotty and I on #paprtrailCHA…

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More Sizzix Favorite Things Projects

18 Dec

Hey everyone! The Inspiration Team is back again with more Sizzix “Favorite Things” projects to share with you. The Holiday Season is in full swing and this week’s projects will get you in the spirit for sure!

Lisa Hoel has created an Artist Trading Block Tower fit for a king! This beyond beautiful ATB Nativity captures the true spirit of Christmas don’t you think? Complete with a star on top this project makes me want to celebrate the reason for the season!

Follow the star to Lisa’s blog for more creative details on this meaningful ATB masterpiece.

Nicole Wright has a charming Candy Drawer ornament to share with you. What a fun way to create memorable ornaments for your tree!

Stop by Nicole’s blog for more ornamental details and check all of the ornaments she’s been creating in her 12 days of Christmas series!

Tonya Trantham has a lovely Holiday Train Case project just brimming with vintage goodness! Aptly titled “Finding the Perfect Tree” this project is filled with creativity and holiday spirit!

Visit Tonya’s Blog for a closer look at her holiday train case creation.

Pam Bray has a marvelous Merry Christmas Baby Sizzix Cookie Box Ornament for your enjoyment! This pretty project was created for the ultimate joyous occasion.

Visit Pam’s Blog for more holiday delights and find out who she created her Merry Christmas Baby Cookie Box ornament for!

Share your Favorite Things projects HERE for a chance to win a die from my new Sizzix Stitchlits collection.

Eileen

Meet the Paper Trail CHA Designers

16 Dec

Time is flying by! On Dec. 29, I pack up Scotty, my vintage camper, and start the journey west from Virginia to the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) Show in Anaheim, CA. There are lots of exciting things happening in the booth- read about them here.

Now I’d like you to meet the Paper Trail CHA Designers who will be demoing and doing Make and Takes in my booth at CHA. I am so happy to have them there sharing #cre8time projects. #Cre8time is an initiative promoted by CHA to encourage people to take time (8 minutes) out of their day to make something.

So, heeere’s Lisa!

Lisa Fulmer is an artist, crafter, writer, and a marketeer. She’s an active CHA Designer Member who has worked in the craft industry for many years. Lisa has authored two craft project books – Craft Your Stash and Stylish Craft Foam Projects. She designs projects and video tutorials for several manufacturers, contributes regularly to many craft sites like FaveCrafts and CraftFoxes, and is a columnist for Bella Crafts Quarterly magazine. Visit her at LisaLizaLou Designs!

Lisa will be creating a fun “Dimensional Doodling” photo mat for her make-n-take!

Marjie Kemper is a mixed media artist and Certified Ranger Educator who teaches classes nationwide and online. Marjie’s current passions are mixed media and art journaling, and her hands are usually colored with ink and paint. She will be doing a make & take on color blending/stenciling using the Recipe Card Box die.

Visit Marjie’s website or find her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube.

Meet Anita Scroggins…

I am happily married to the love of my life, a man who doesn’t get mad when he ends up at work with glitter on his face. We have two beautiful grown daughters, who live right down the road from us and one precious granddaughter. Gardening, cooking, volunteering, and laughing with my friends are how I spend my time when I am not crafting.

I am an experienced media spokesperson, educator, project & product designer and more. My scrapbook, home-decor, paper crafts and up-cycled projects have been featured in books and magazines, at events, and trade shows. I blog at The Flamingo Chronicals. You can also find me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. My style is diverse and ever evolving, but one thing remains the same, less is less and more is best and white space is my enemy.

Hi crafty friends! I’m Einat Kessler, creative professional, mixed media artist, scrapbook and paper designer, altering enthusiast and class instructor from Israel.

As a little girl I remember sitting in my grandparents living room with a huge scrapbook on my knees (I was only 6 years old so the scrapbook seemed larger than it really was), looking through the photos of faraway places my grandparents visited. As a master bookbinder, my grandfather built a new scrapbook from scratch for every trip he and my grandma took. After the book was ready he filled it with photos, postcards, images he cut from magazines, tickets and lots more. I thought it was pure magic.
Years later when my first son was born my grandfather suggested I create a scrapbook for him. This was the first scrapbook I created. In those days there were no scrapbooking supplies in the stores here I had to be creative and create everything from scratch. One day while on-line I searched the word scrapbooking and BAM!! A whole new world just gushed into my life! I was completely hooked!
Slowly the new hobby took over my life until I decided to quit my job and open my own business. I started a blog, a Facebook page and a YouTube channel. Today my brand has evolved beyond scrapbooking to include mixed media, DIY projects, altering and recycling, classes and workshops, Etsy shop and more. I design for several companies and publications and I share free tutorials on my YouTube channel.

That’s just a few of the amazingly talented designers who will be in the Paper Trail booth! If you are going to CHA, make sure to stop by Booth 330 and chat with them!

Follow Scotty and I on #paprtrailCHA…

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