Eileen Hull

#PaperTrail- Day 16

26 Jun

Throughout my trip, I have been struck with how beautiful our country is and how lucky I am to be seeing it.

After leaving Maureen’s house in Chardon, OH I drove to Chagrin Falls, where my friend Sharon lives. She is the blogger behind Crafts ‘n Coffee and had very nicely invited me to stay with her. Read about her account of our visit here.

I had to do three drivebys of her house to determine the best approach to her place. There were workers putting in a new sidewalk with lots of orange cones, big machines and workers directing traffic. Luckily Sharon had a nice wide driveway that I could turn around in or it might have been one of those times I would need to disconnect the trailer and turn it manually.

I only have one flip flop on this pic because I lost the other one- my favorite pair 🙁 Hoping it’s in the back of the truck somewhere…

Sharon’s delightful daughter Sara accompanied us for lunch at Rick’s and a trip to The Village Herb Shop, which is owned by Sharon’s friend Lee Ann and offers plants, some really nice gifts, wearables and other fun goodies.

I was fascinated by the fairy gardens that were sprinkled throughout the store. Aren’t they adorable?

They even had a set of the dishes that I collect- some were from my aunt… and then I kept collecting. I love the colors in this pattern…

After lunch we took off for a tour of several antique/re-sale shops. I found a really pretty quilt top, two funky pieces of crocheted bottle cap art, some old pics, a Scotty colored Pyrex bowl, the perfect yoyo pillow, and other treasures (mostly for Scotty!) Sharon has a great eye and kept finding treasures. I love everything I got!

Selfie at Steeplechase II, scene of some great purchases!

We invited Sharon’s friend Lee Ann (who owns the Herb shop) to stop by that night to visit, craft with us and and see how the Sizzix Big Shot worked… we wound up creating this really pretty Coffee Filter Flower Wreath. (I say we… Sharon and Lee Ann finished theirs, mine is not done yet because I was too busy talking).

What a great visit I had- Sharon was the perfect hostess. The next morning it was time to set off for another adventure so I left bright and early but ran into some technical problems- ugh… more soon! Thanks for following me on the #Papertrail…

Inspiration Team Summer Celebrations Project Recap

25 Jun

Hello Everyone! I have returned from a wonderful adventure on the #PaperTrail, and what a fun, creative ride it has been! Can you believe the month of June is almost over? My how time flies! The creativity has sure been “flying” around here thanks to my Inspiration Team. Before another Art with Heart Challenge comes to a close let’s check out some of the latest creations from the Inspiration Team and a look back at all the others created for the June Summer Celebrations challenge…

Beatriz Jennings has created a gorgeous trio of “Garden Fresh” food jars perfect for summer celebration favors or home decor!

Stop by Beatriz’s blog for more on this lovely project and a bonus card creation.

Pam Keravuori has a June themed Mini-Album to share with you filled with pretty papers and tied up with bakers twine! Oh my what a lovely cover, just wait till you see what’s inside!

Stop by Pam’s blog for a tutorial on how to create this Mini-Album and record your own June Celebrations and memories.

Shelly Hickox hits us with the “Wow” factor once again with this amazing Birthday Cake Artist Trading Block tower. This project is perfect for a summer birthday or wedding. Shelly’s creation is so lovely you’ll want to display all year-long!

Stop by Shelly’s Blog to find out more on how to create this innovative ATB design.

Don’t miss Shelly’s masculine masterpiece the Industrial Caddy and Mini-Book HERE.

Tracy Evans created a beautiful Songbird Artist Trading Block covered in Summer fun colors!

Stop by Tracy’s blog for more details on this artful ATB.

Want more Tracy Evan’s Artist Trading Block Inspiration? Don’t miss Tracy’s fantastic Beach Hut Artist Trading Block.

Anna-Karin Evaldsson shares a nautical Artist Trading Block that will make you want to head for the coast! The soft watercolor stamping reminds me of sun soaked salty air days by the shore.

Stop by Anna-Karin’s Blog for a detailed tutorial on how to create this Nautical ATB design.

For more Coastal designs from Anna-Karin make sure you check out her Nautical Art Supply Caddy HERE.

To see the rest of all the fabulous Summer Celebrations creations from the Inspiration Team you can find them HERE and HERE. Do you have a Summer Fun project you’d like to share? There’s still time to enter the Art with Heart Challenge and win a Sizzix Prize pack. You have until 8pm on June 26 so hurry on over and link up your creations HERE.

The winner and top 3 will be announced on Friday June 27.

See you soon!

Eileen

#PaperTrail- Day 15

23 Jun

After a five hour sleep in Scotty, I emerged and walked ever the bridge to the restroom. I saw a large crowd of Mennonite folks gathered in line at McDonald’s, so I went into the bathroom and brushed my teeth. When I came out the line had gone down so I got some breakfast and walked back to the truck.

But when I got to where I had parked, there was no Scotty or truck!

WHAT!???

I checked the parking lot twice- just could not figure it out. Could it be that those people who told me not to sleep in the camper were right? Were there really people who had time to sit and wait till I finished sleeping and went into the bathroom, then came over and hotwired the truck and droved it away? Or had it been loaded into the back of the truck and hauled away to be resold on the black market? Many bad thoughts were going through my head as I walked in to report this to the police. I happened to see a truck driver walking in and said, “I can’t believe it but my truck has been stolen!” He said, “Where are you headed?” I said to Erie and he said he had just come through there and that I was probably on the wrong side of the highway.

Oh thank God! I was so happy I couldn’t believe it. And realized how Scotty had become my little traveling buddy. I felt like Tom Hanks and his battered volleyball Wilson…

Much relieved, I continued the 60 mile drive to Erie, PA. I spent the afternoon with my best friend since second grade, Irene.

I had to finish the video for Sizzix so she went and ran some errands. After I finally finished the video, Irene took me out to Beach 11 in Presque Isle State Park. It was huge- just like the lake- and we sat on the beach and ate sandwiches for lunch.

Then we visited a beautiful garden center where she found some flowers to fill in the garden.

At about four, I rolled on to Chardon, OH where I arrived just in time for a delicious (and healthy) meal at the home of Maureen and Kenny, my husband Hayward’s cousins. After dinner we walked the dog around the neighborhood and I retired to my beautiful guest room intending to write a blog post but instead getting a much needed night of sleep.

What I am seeing from visiting all of these kind people who take me in is that my hosting skills need serious tweaking!

Stay tuned for another chapter soon…

#PaperTrail Day 14

16 Jun

Wow was this a long day! I had a great time over at the Scrap and Stamp Nest after enjoying the hospitality of the store owner, Susan. Delicious meals, beautiful home- she and Greg could open a B & B.

The ladies in class were terrific and each Bloom Box came out great and expressing the style of the maker. Class ended around 3:30 so by the time I got packed up it was almost 5. I am sorry I don’t have pics of our class- my phone was completely dead. It has been a challenge to remain connected with all devices properly charged and functioning.

I was hoping to make it to Erie, PA to stay with my friend Irene who I have known since second grade. It was a 471 mile trip so I got in and started driving… At about mile 400 I had to pull over. So happy to have Scotty! I cleared off the bed and settled in for a comfy 5 hour sleep and woke refreshed and ready to drive again. There is a story about the rest stop which I will share tomorrow.

Right now I have to finish a video for Sizzix. Life goes on whether the #PaperTrail is happening or not.

Sizzix asked all of their licensed artists to make a two minute video of the summer release. I thought no one would do a better job of making the new dies looks amazing than my Inspiration Team Members

and Team ATB

I was so right- the samples are amazing! I cannot WAIT to be able to share the new collection with you!

Signing off and sorry this is a day late!

#PaperTrail Day 13

15 Jun

Just a quick update today. I have a class in a few hours and also need to put together a video for Sizzix with the new releases for the summer- can’t wait to share!

Our second day at Beautiful Impressions was fun and relaxed. I taught the Chunky Book class and also did some Doodled Artist Trading Blocks. There was a lot of interest. Funny thing, a man and wife came in- they craft together! Mary, the store owner, said they take classes all the time. Can you imagine?

I was happy to meet Donna of Craft-Dee Bowz and was able to watch the demo for her product, a handle little gadget that helps you make perfect bows. I bought one and can’t wait to use it it. In case I can’t remember how to do it when I get home, Donna has plenty of videos on her site to help me remember. Donna’s husband took this picture and I don’t know why but we thought it was hysterical but I said I would post it so here it is 🙂 Loved meeting you Donna!

Here’s a pic of Mackenzie who did a great job- she made an adorable Chunky Book for her dad for Father’s Day complete with illustrations. I couldn’t believe the details she put and how tiny she could write for a 9 year old!

I was also happy to spend some time with Leslie who is super-creative and made samples for the store- she teaches there. Then my time at Beautiful Impressions came to an end and it was time to pack up…

I left Westbrook and had a beautiful drive out to my next stop, the Scrap and Stamp Nest in Simsbury, CT. Susan and Greg had a delicious meatloaf dinner waiting for me and the best coconut pound cake ever for dessert!

Now off to get ready for class and a big drive tonight to Ohio… Thanks for following the #PaperTrail!

#PaperTrail Day 12

14 Jun

I had a call from my husband. His stepdad Ray, who was 95 and not doing well for the past few weeks, passed away a few minutes after Hayward arrived to visit him. Funny how you are always surprised when someone passes away, even when they have lived their life and are ready to go. Ray married Hayward’s mom when they were 72. She had a stroke and he took very good care of her for three years. Ray came to live with us when he was 90 for a year and a half when he started needing more help. It was always an adventure having him there and I learned a lot about aging and living with dignity. RIP Raymond Sullivan…

I will be ending my tour a little early to drive to his funeral on June 23 in NJ.

But meanwhile I am here and the show must go on…

Today I was at Beautiful Impressions for the Grand Re-Opening teaching a fun little washi (or as some people have called it -wasabi – much more fun name!) tape Recipe Book using my Sizzix Canning Jar die.

I also was very pleased to meet an amazing artist, Vin (who made the sign below)…

Mad I can’t remember his last name but am too lazy to run out to the camper to find it- who demo’d colored pencils and calligraphy. He had the whole place gathered around watching him- I learned a lot and now I want some colored pencils to play with!

Ann and I attempting to take a double selfie and not doing too well 🙂

A pic of me and the new owner of Beautiful Impressions, Mary Callan. (and Scotty of course…

Scotty took a hit and I don’t know who did it or when. I just noticed today that a light cover is off the top left part of the camper and the little metal awning over the door is pulled off on one corner. I think I would have felt that if I were in the truck which makes me think someone did it while I was parked… boo on them…

Went out in the camper to get something and snapped a picture of the pretty banner given to me by CardMonkey Jarvis on the beginning of the trip and curtains made by the lovely Lorine Mason before I left.

Stopped in Joann’s and found fleece on sale. Have ideas for a future class!

I am happy to share this Mini- Album demo from Inspiration Emporium filmed by Natasha Hensel. She has quite an impressive library of You Tube videos and I can’t wait to take a look at some of them…

OK, I know you are all waiting to hear about where I stayed for the past two days… That would be the Westbrook Inn B&B! Now I have hit the opposite end of the spectrum from the Motel 6 and Travelodge! Here are the grounds… they are dark because I hardly spent any time here and took them at night…it was quite elegant…

Working on a Sizzix video tonight and getting ready for another demo and class tomorrow…

Thanks for following me on the #PaperTrail!