Sizzix Archives - Page 26 of 72

Sizzix Bloom Journal

15 May

I had so much fun creating this Sizzix Bloom Journal! This project was originally published over on A Vintage Journey. They invited me be a Guest Creative Guide to celebrate their third birthday. And you know I am always up for a party 🙂 I decided to share it here too since I really like how it came out.

Unfortunately I do not have a lot of process photos as I got caught up in the fun of creating and forgot to snap photos along the way.

The Bloom Journal I made was a fun experiment. My friend Ann Butler has a line of iridescent paints with Earth Safe Finishes and I had been waiting for a chance to use them. I decided to make a book using my new Sizzix Journal die, being released any day now! This is already one of my favorite dies because it is a blank canvas just waiting for you to put your style on it.

I started by running the die through the machine with mat board twice- cutting two covers, latches, labels and tabs (I wound up only using the covers on this project). The Journal is a ScoreBoards die which means it is specially designed to cut and score thick material like matboard and chipboard- anything up to 1/16”. I love mat board because it is so sturdy and the smooth surface accepts inks, paints, and mists really well.

I laid my two covers out and treated the surface of the mat board with Earth Safe Finishes Gel Medium. On top of that I dry brushed Lagoon and Limelight Iridescents on both sides of the covers. Off to a good start! Then I spread some Wendy Vecchi white embossing paste over a floral Prima stencil and let that dry.

While the covers were drying, I decided to make my 3D flowers. I used the Heart & Soul Flower, Spring Leaves and new Stitchy Flowers and cut stacks of them from crinoline, coffee filters and felt. I layered them and secured the centers with a brad. Then starting with the inside petals, I scrunched each one into the flower center until all were wadded up and looking quite unremarkable. Then for the fun- fluffing! Next thing I knew there were a bunch of nice fluffy flowers. I colored some of them with sprays I had made from my Clearsnap ColorBox Blends ink and left a couple just plain white. I also inked the leaves and set them aside.

Next I added gold Deco Art Metallic Lustre Wax Finish on top of the Journal cover, using a piece of dry wall tape as a stencil. I dusted some gold metallic powder on top of the whole cover with a paintbrush to make it sparkle. (We found this gigantic jar when we were going through my mother-in-law’s house after she died. I have no idea what it was meant to be used for).

Once the covers were dry, I glued the center tabs together to assemble the Journal cover, using binder clips to keep them together as they dried. (You could also stitch the spine together or use hot glue.)

I decided to add a twisted wire word, and since it’s spring, “bloom” seemed appropriate. I used my Sizzix Twist & Style tool to twist some soft aluminum wire into a perfect coil, them shaped the word to fit across the Journal. It was stapled to the front of the Journal with the Tiny Attacher.

I glued some white cheesecloth down and then placed the flowers on the bottom of the Journal.

Additional elements were needed though…

Lately I have been finding mismatched vintage earrings and bracelets in thrift stores and adding them to my boxes and books. So I went to a jar of bling I had recently acquired and added a gold leaf pin. I noticed that a few rhinestones were missing- no matter… there were extra crystal beads in the jar too. I glued the crystals over the gaps and it looked fine. I also found a library file card for an artistic work called “Wild Roses”. It seemed to be the perfect addition along with two gold letter “r’s” (for roses!).

My friend Jenny Marples had used some kraft packing paper to create inserts for a Journal she had made and I really liked how that looked. So thanks Jenny- I borrowed your idea 🙂 I crumpled a large sheet of brown kraft paper, smoothed it out and folded and cut the sheet into pages 8 1/2” x 8”. I folded the signature in half and sewed down the center on my sewing machine.

Now it was time to add the gold metallic elastic to the book. I wove it from the inside of the cover through the top left hole, then through the top right hole, brought it down through the bottom right hole and through the bottom left hole, and formed a rectangle with the elastic. The elastic should be tied so there is enough tension to keep the inserts in the book but not so tight there is no give.

The pages have such a cool feel to them as you page through the book! I haven’t had time to write in it yet, but my plan is to gesso the pages and use them to practice my lettering in.

Thanks for stopping by! Please join me for Facebook Live at Eileen Hull Designs on Tuesdays at 6 pm EST and Thursday when we talk journals at 4 pm!

Kunin Heartfelt Sizzix Tutorials

12 May

Hello everyone! Today we have more Kunin Heartfelt Sizzix Tutorials to share with you. All month long the Inspiration Team and the Kunin DT will be sharing tutorials featuring my new Heartfelt Collection and Kunin Felt. Let’s see what’s in store for you today…

Kunin Heartfelt Sizzix Tutorials

Julia Aston shares an adorable felt shoulder bag with matching card. Both of Julia’s creations use Kunin Felt beautifully! Several of the dies from my new Heartfelt Sizzix Collection are represented here including, the House Pocket, Birds and Butterflies and Stitchy Words.

Head over to Julia’s Blog where she shows you how to use all of these fun dies from the Heartfelt Collection with Kunin Felt.

Anne Redfern shares a project featuring an old favorite Eileen Hull die…the Passport Book! Anne’s project is accented with bright colored Kunin Felt die cuts, trims and stitching.

Visit Anne’s Blog for more details on how to create your own Felt Passport Book.

Kunin DT Projects

How about this absolutely GORGEOUS Heartfelt House Handbag by Debra Quatermain? *Swoon*

Or this adorable ipad Pro Pencil Holder by Katie Berry!

You can find these inspiring Kunin Heartfelt Sizzix Tutorials and more on the Kunin Blog!

Wow! Creating with felt sure is fun isn’t it? If you missed any of the projects from last weeks episode you can find them HERE.

Ready to get creative with my new collection and Kunin?

You can check out all the fabulous products from Kunin HERE and check out my Heartfelt Collection and other Sizzix dies HERE.

Stay tuned for more fun felt projects!

Eileen

Heartfelt Sizzix Collection with Kunin Felt

4 May

Hey everyone! For the entire month of May the Inspiration Team will be sharing projects featuring my Heartfelt Sizzix Collection with Kunin Felt! This is sure to be a fun and inspiring collaboration with the Kunin Group. You’ll learn all about the wonderful products from Kunin and how to use them with my Heartfelt Collection and other Sizzix dies.

Heartfelt Sizzix Collection with Kunin Felt

Tracy Evans shares a drop dead gorgeous journal project covered in texture and technique. Tracy’s journals have been a sight to behold and her latest make is now exception.

Heartfelt Sizzix Collection with Kunin Felt: Felt Mixed-Media Journal Tutorial by Tracy Evans

Visit Tracy’s blog for tips, tricks and an inside look at the steps she took to create this Fab felt journal.

Anne Redfern has a fun felt Box Card Tutorial to share, which is also our Make it Monthly Technique tutorial for the month of May.

Make it Monthly: Felt Book Box Tutorial with Eileen Hull Sizzix dies and Kunin Felt by Anne Redfern

In case you missed it earlier in the week head to Anne’s Blog for all the steps.

Last week Jonathan Fong shared a super cute project that will help you get through allergy season in style! Jonathan has even updated his tutorial with a helpful video!

HeARTfelt Journal Tutorials: Zippered Tissue Holders by Jonathan Fong

Visit Jonathan’s Blog for written steps on how to create this cute Zippered Tissue Holder or watch the Video Below.

Kunin Team Projects

Check out this capital A adorable Felt Kitty Journal by Debra Quatermain!

Heartfelt Sizzix Collection with Kunin Felt: Felt Kitty Doll Journal by Debra Quatermain

And how about this Felt Embroidered Sunshine Wall Hanging by Beth Watson?

Heartfelt Sizzix Collection with Kunin Felt: Embroidered Sunshine Wall Hanging by Beth Watson

Click on the above links to get the tutorials for these fabulous projects and follow along with the Kunin Blog for more projects featuring the Heartfelt Sizzix Collection with Kunin Felt.

There will be many more inspiring projects to come featuring my Heartfelt Sizzix Collection and Kunin Felt so stay tuned throughout the month of May! In the Meantime you can check out Kunin Products HERE and my Heartfelt Collection HERE.

See you soon!

Eileen

Make it Monthly: Felt Book Box Card Tutorial

2 May

Hey everyone and happy May! This month for Make it Monthly we have Anne Redfern sharing a Felt Book Box Card Tutorial! This is a fun,unique card creation to try your hand at. Who says cards have to be limited to two dimensions right?

Make it Monthly: Felt Book Box Tutorial with Eileen Hull Sizzix dies and Kunin Felt by Anne Redfern

Anne’s project features Kunin Felt and Sizzix dies from my Paper Flower Party and new Heartfelt Sizzix collections along with detailed step by step photos and instructions so you can create your own Felt Book Box Card.

You can check out Anne’s tutorial HERE. Stay tuned later this week for more fabulous Kunin Felt projects as the Inspiration Team and the Kunin DT will be sharing creative projects using this fun felt with Eileen Hull Sizzix dies.

Eileen

HeARTfelt Journal Tutorials

28 Apr

Hey everyone! The Inspiration Team has returned with fresh HeARTfelt Journal Tutorials to inspire you. All month long the Team has been sharing creative ideas for using the Journal die from my new Heartfelt Sizzix collection. We’ve seen all kinds of journals so far. Fabric journals, Prayer Journals, Junk Journals, Garden Journals, Daily Planners and more! The possibilities with my new Journal die are truly endless. Let’s have a look at all the amazing HeARTfelt Journal Tutorials the team has for you this week.

HeARTfelt Journal Tutorials

Susie Bentz starts us off with a gorgeous Daily Goals Journal. This Journal includes daily affirmations within its signatures and is a wonderful way to stay on track while embracing life changes. Each page includes bits of loveliness to help Susie stay motivated and organized!

Visit Susie’s Blog for more lovely details on how she created her Daily Goals Journal.

Anna-Karin Evaldsson shares a sensational Tree Sketch Journal featuring Dark Room Door stamps and Dina Wakley Scribble Sticks. The stamped and scribbled look of this journal is easy to achieve yet provides serious impact .

Take a walk through the trees and explore Anna-Karin’s creative process on her Blog HERE.

Jonathan Fong’s innovative creativity knows no bounds! If anyone could find a use for a journal die that doesn’t involve journaling it’s Jonathan! How stinking cute are these zippered tissue holders?

Bless yourself by visiting Jonathan’s blog for a full tutorial on how to create these cute and clever tissue holders.

Lisa Hoel has a beautiful bird watching journal to share complete with a pretty little birdie perched atop its pages! Lisa’s journal is filled with friendly feathered goodness along with creative journaling tips and tricks.

Fly over to Lisa’s blog for a look inside her Bird watching journal and creative process.

Pam Bray ends our HeARTfelt Journal Tutorials with a botanical journal filled with all kinds of crafty goodness. From stenciling, stamping, paper piecing and placement of embellishments Pam’s Everyday journal has it all!

Stop by Pam’s blog for more lovely details and tips on how to create your own Everyday journal.

Hope you have enjoyed this weeks round of HeARTfelt journal inspiration. Stay tuned next week for new journal creations and a recap of all the AMAZING journals we’ve seen this month.

Eileen

How to Assemble the Sizzix Journal

24 Apr

Just a quick post to show how to assemble the Sizzix Journal die and create inserts. There has been so much interest and chat about this versatile die, I thought it might be good to do a post and keep all of the resources in one spot. Thanks so much for your interest!

Here’s what the Journal die packaging looks like:

The Journal is a ScoreBoards die, designed to cut and score thick material like matboard and chipboard, forming a rigid cover for your book! Matboard is the perfect blank canvas- add paint, ink, stamps, sprays, texture paste, stencils, buttons, beads, and more. You can also cut it from paper, fabric, felt, paper leather, metal or combinations of these materials. You can run the matboard through embossing folders too, creating a rich dimensional cover.

One of the things I love about this die is that it’s so easy to put together. And once you make one… well, you’ll see- they are addicting! There are so many ways to use this die- make art journals, planners, for a special occasion, photos, baby book, guest book, wedding journal, junk journals, and traveler’s notebook. It’s your Journal- decorate it as you’d like in the colors, style and materials you’d like!

In this Facebook Live video, I show how to assemble the Sizzix Journal, after looking at some amazing samples from the Inspiration Team. Please watch and see how easy it is! Skip ahead to about minute 30:- for actual assembly.

The Journal measures 8 3/4″ x 4 1/2″ when assembled. Three to four inserts may be added to the book. Watch here to see how to make Journal inserts and how to thread the elastic though the spine to keep the inserts in place:

NOTE- I admit I am not an expert book maker. Here’s a quick tutorial from my friend Pam Keravuori.

Signatures

The story I’ve heard suggests that the sections, or “signatures”, which are the sets of pages sewn into a book, supposedly got their name from monks. When monks finished hand-writing their section of a book, they signed it and that section became known as a signature. Now it means sheets of paper, or “folios”, stacked and folded in half. A signature may be one folio, or one sheet of paper folded in half to make four pages, but generally it is two or more sheets/folios (and sometimes more folds).

The Pamphlet Stitch

The pamphlet stitch is probably the simplest and most popular binding technique for notebook inserts like ours, because you can stitch the pages and the cover of the signature at the same time. You can use 3 or more holes along the fold, but the trick is to start and finish on the same side (whether inside or outside) and have both ends of the twine end up together at the same hole to tie off. Usually this means having one long stitch go over (rather than through) the center hole.

So, for a 3-hole pamphlet stitch, your needle would go through the center hole from inside to outside (or reverse), then through one end hole from outside to inside, then across the center hole to the other end hole, going through from inside to outside, then back through the center hole from outside to inside. Both ends of your thread would now be on the inside at the center hole, ready to tie around and secure the long stitch that crossed over the center hole.

Alternatively, if you stitch with a back stitch and wind up with one thread end inside and one thread end outside, you can make a loop knot to anchor the thread around the earlier stitch at the hole before going through to join the other thread end. This is called a saddle stitch binding.

I usually use 5+ holes for my pamphlet stitch because I think it makes the spine sturdier and puts less pressure on each hole (to avoid tearing). More holes also help keep smaller sized papers in place, so they don’t slant or settle to the bottom. As I start stitching, I leave a thread tail long enough to reach near the bottom of the signature, where I hold onto it against the paper until the 2nd or 3rd stitch, when it becomes secure (without a knot until the tying off). General advice is to always pull your thread parallel to the spine in the direction you’re stitching, since pulling the thread straight out from the spine tends to tear the holes.

Please follow me on Facebook at Eileen Hull Designs and watch for extra LIVE shows in honor of this new Heartfelt Sizzix release! I hope you have enjoyed seeing how to assemble the Sizzix Journal and will consider getting one for yourself!

If you would like to purchase a die, there are a few left in my Etsy shop!