Eileen Hull

Barbara Rankin’s Sizzix Needle Book

25 Mar

I am happy to welcome another special Guest Designer to the blog- and just wait until you see Barbara Rankin’s Sizzix Needle Book tutorial! It is over the top awesome and every little detail is just perfect! You will want to check out her blog, Black Hole Art Studio, and see lots of other cool projects she has created…

On my way back from California on Paper Trail CHA, I was lucky enough to pass through Memphis and meet up with Barbara Rankin and Inspiration Team Member Pam Bray. I can’t tell you how nice it is, after many long hours of driving and being by myself, to meet up with friends that I don’t normally get to spend time with. That visit did so much to brighten my day- thanks, friends!

We had lunch at Jim ‘N Nick’s for some real Memphis B-B-Q and then a quick trip to the local Michael’s.

Here we are with mascot Scotty…

So now let’s see what Barbara has made for us!

I have been crafting most of my life, and I have tried just about everything I could get my hands on. I began rubber stamping and card making in 1995, expanding my craft into making books and altering them. More recently, I followed the trend and became involved in the world of mixed media. I love dimension in everything I create, and Sizzix dies are one of the fabulous tools that allow me to do that.

I met Eileen Hull at CHA a few years ago. She was so friendly and personable, and I was so happy to meet her. Later on, she asked me to make a few projects for her for CHA, and now, I am here sharing a project as her guest designer. I am so blessed to have met her and to have these opportunities.

My style is varied, but mostly encompass the vintage, antique, shabby chic, and Steampunk style. I get inspiration from lots of places, like YouTube and Pinterest, but I love to read books that allow me to develop new and wonderful techniques which I can then share with you. Without a store to teach classes any longer, I had to figure another way to accomplish this. Therefore, I decided to learn how to make video tutorials and share them on YouTube. I have my own channel and I hope you will visit me sometime.

Currently, I call Memphis, Tennessee, my home, where I live with my wonderful, supportive husband of 34 years, and my two Yorkshire Terriers.

Now, for my project, I knew I was going to use one of Eileen’s newest dies, the Needle Book.

I used white leather paper to cut out the two pieces, as well as paper from the Prima Tales of You and Me paper collection.

Cover both sides of the needle book with the papers.

I used two of the die shapes from the labels die that would fit over images on the printed paper and cut them out. The die cut on the left was used on the front of the book, and the one on the right was used to make a pocket inside the book. I inked the edges of both with a matching chalk ink.

I used a third die to cut a piece of glossy gold card stock to place beneath the image on the front of the book, and the image was lifted with foam dots.

Gold metal embellishments were added to the front with tiny pearl stickers. A tiny piece of Velcro adhesive was used to keep the book closed.

I cut several pieces of text weight ivory paper to 4” x 3-12” wide, folded in the center. I wrapped ivory crochet thread around the pages and the book spine to hold the pages. I can add or remove pages because I did not sew them in.

A small ivory tassel was added to the spine with a decorative metal embellishment to cover the works.

Here are a few pictures of this pretty little book from different angles. I plan to use this particular one as a little note book to carry in my purse.

In this photo, you can see where I have cut out a tiny tag to insert into my pocket.

Supplies Used:

Sizzix ScoreBoards Die – Needle Book

Sizzix/Tim Holtz Sizzlits Labels

Colorbox Chalk Inks: Wisteria, Creamy Brown

Prima Tales of You and Me paper collection

Ivory crochet thread

Ivory tassel

Tiny metal embellishments

Ivory text weight paper

If you would like to see more of my projects, I would lover for you to visit my blog, Black Hole Art Studio, and join me on these social media sites:

Facebook

Black Hole Art Studio Facebook Page

Twitter

My You Tube Channel

Snapguide

I would like to give a special thanks to Eileen Hull for giving me this wonderful opportunity to share my project with you today. As always, thanks for stopping, and I hope you have a wonderful, creative day!

I love this project- makes me want to run downstairs and make one. I love that we can all be inspired by each other’s work! Thanks so much for sharing with us Barbara…

Have a great weekend everyone- Happy Easter!

Paper Trail 9- Scotty goes International!

24 Mar

It’s time for Paper Trail 9- Scotty goes INTERNATIONAL! The Paper Trail Tour is a series of trips that I take in my vintage camper Scotty.

I load him up with supplies from my amazing sponsors:

Sizzix, Crescent Cardboard, ThermOWeb, Crafter’s Home, Graphic 45, Clearsnap, Sakura, Beacon Adhesives, Little B, DecoArt, and M-D Hobby and Craft, and off we go! (This is the back of my uniform t-shirt. Best decision I ever made to get them- I never have to worry about what to wear!)

We are headed up NORTH for our annual trip to the Collins Show in the Boston area and will continue all the way to New Brunswick, Canada where I will join up with some super creative friends. We are doing an art retreat in Debra Quartermain’s 5 star Bed & Breakfast, the Quartermain House! Along the way, I’ll be stopping in independent stores teaching and meeting new folks. Let me know if you would like to be part of Paper Trail 9 or you know of a store that would be a good addition- there are still a few slots open.

Please follow my trip on social media:

Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Periscope

This past weekend, March 19, I had the opportunity to teach at a mini- tradeshow put on at the Scrapbook Super Station in Butler, PA.

This event was simply amazing! Amy Shepherd, the owner of the Scrapbook Super Station, made this an actual trade show experience for her customers and they loved it! Here’s an account of the day… and that’s the project we created. Yup- 150 times or so throughout the day!

I had a quick visit in Pittsburgh at my favorite Re-Use store, the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Re-use. Even the name is great, don’t you think?

Decided to head back home that night due to impending snow predicted (which never happened) arriving back in VA at 3:15 AM. Busy day. Also picked up a cold somewhere in there but NyQuil did the trick and I am almost back to normal now.

On April 5 – 7, I am flying out to Prime Publishing in Northbrook, IL to film 15 videos for Favecrafts. If you follow me on social media you probably can catch some outtakes Here’s a project I just posted on their site…

Go here to see how to make it along with lots of other ideas!

The BIG Paper Trail 9 Tour will begin on April 12- departing from my home in Northern VA. I will return to my Mom’s in NY overnight and head over for a meeting at the Craft & Hobby Association Headquarters in Elmwood Park, NJ. I hope to Periscope from there and give a little tour of the offices. Last time I went, I got stuck in the back of the parking lot and it took me 30 minutes and about 100 K-turns to get out- lesson learned! Hoping my backing up skills have improved this year but I also will not be parking in the back lot… why ask for trouble?

After another overnight at Mom’s, I will head up to Newton MA for the The Collins Group Rep Event. I will be teaching a class called “All You Could Hope For” featuring my returning Sizzix Candy Drawer die and new Twist & Style Tool!

I will also be showing how to use the Twist & Style Tool at the Sample Making Frenzy event on Saturday evening. We will be making Tissue Paper Flowers and twisted stems.

On April 18, 2016, I will be at Life’s Memories and More. This will be my third visit there- almost a tradition- always fun to meet up with my friends in Palmer, MA. I will do aDemo/Make and Take from 12:00-1:00 and at 1:30- 4:30 we will make the World’s Fair Train Case!

April 21st is when I head over to the The Inspiration Station in Stafford Springs, CT. There is always something going there. Last time I stopped by, Debbie was getting ready to have her cool historic building painted- now I will get to see it in all its glory! From 4:00-5:00 we’ll have a Make and Take/demo and then go right into the Shabby Journal from 6:00-9:00 PM.

On April 23, I will visit the NEW LOCATION of the Papercraft Clubhouse in Westbrook, CT. The last time I visited I thought the store was so pretty and packed with fun stuff that I can’t wait to see the new place. We will make the World’s Fair Train Case from 10:30-1:30 and 2:30-3:30 will be a Demo/Make and Take!

I will spend mosey on up to Scarborough, Maine and spend some time with my sister until I pick up Lorine Mason, BFF and traveling buddy, and we stop by the amazing studio of Kerry Goulder (aka kidgiddy) on April 28.

On the morning of the 29th, we will meet up with fellow glamper Cheryl Boglioli, and her trailer Glinda. Cheryl is picking up our friend Laura Kelly and we are all caravanning up to Fredericton, NB, Canada together for the Quartermain House Creative Retreat on April 29- May 1.

Our talented friend Marie A. Browning will be joining us and sharing a class in lettering- I am hoping to pick up some great tips! This event will be held at the Quartermain House B & B.

It’s a two day retreat and each artist will be teaching multiple classes- you don’t want to miss it! You pay one low price for all of it. Lots more info here. Contact Debra Quartermain, designer, friend and host- we are going to have a blast: welcome@quartermainhouse.com 1.855.758.5255- toll free or 506.206.5255

On May 2, we will start the drive back down to the States for a class on May 3, 2016 at the Brambleberry Market in Caribou, Maine. This is an adorable gift shop located waaay up North. My mom and step-dad Vince own a potato farm there and we have spent several Christmases- so pretty… and great snowmobiling! Debbie is a very good friend of the family and is kindly allowing me to come and teach the Metal Covered Technique Book at 1:00 in her beautiful store!

On May 6, I am very excited to visit Scrapbook Cove in Mystic, CT. This is very close to the US Coast Guard Academy where our daughter Jess spent four happy years. We loved coming up for special events and so it will be fun to visit that area again. We will be making the Metal Covered Technique Book at 1:00.

All of the contact information for the stores can be found here if you would like to join me for class at any time- changes will be updated as they unfold on the Paper Trail Events Page. Remember, the trip is a lot more fun with friends along for the ride, so please join me as I share the adventure on social media…

Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Periscope (eileenhull)

Thanks for following the Paper Trail!

Paper Leather Projects

23 Mar

Hey everyone! The Inspiration Team is back again with more Sizzix Paper Leather projects and Ink Sheets inspiration for you to enjoy. All month-long the girls have been sharing creative ways to use Sizzix Paper Leather and Ink Sheets. Today we have more projects to share that are sure to inspire you to get creative with these fun new products from Sizzix.

Paper Leather Projects

Shelly Hickox created a stunning Paper Leather Train Case all decked out with Ink Sheet embossing! Just wait until you see the inside of Shelly’s gorgeous creation. You won’t believe it’s made of paper! This project looks just like the real thing and makes me want to hop on the creativity train and see where it takes me.

Take a trip over to Shelly’s Blog for a phenomenal tutorial using my Sizzix Train Case die with paper leather and ink sheets!

Diana Hetherington created a second paper leather project. How darling is this Art Studio Welcome sign? Diana used my Stitchlits and Thinlits dies with Ink Sheets to create a unique background for her Paper Leather sign. Just wait till you see how she did it!

Learn how Diana used my Stitchlits Flowers with Sizzix Ink Sheets and Paper Leather to create a warm and “Welcoming” sign for her studio HERE.

In case you missed it here’s another look at MY Paper Leather project. I created a clean and simple pair of Baby Shoes using my Sizzix Scoreboards Baby Shoe die.

This is a sweet and simple project that you can create as a new baby gift or fill with candy for a fun Baby Shower favor! Check out my tutorial HERE.

If you missed any of the Paper Leather Projects and Ink Sheets Inspiration from previous weeks you can catch up by following the links below…

Stay tuned next week for more Paper Leather Projects and Ink Sheets inspiration!

Eileen

Sizzix Paper Leather Baby Shoes

22 Mar

Hi everyone! Just wanted to share a quick post showing a pair of Sizzix Paper Leather baby shoes I made for a shower we had last month for my daughter Jess. They went together fast and actually FEEL like real baby shoes. I used the ScoreBoards Baby Shoe die to make them- here’s what it looks like…

You all know how much I love matboard, but for this particular die, I prefer cutting it from Paper Leather. I like how the Paper Leather curves and matboard just can’t do that. I have to say I am getting hooked on this stuff. It has a great weight to it and it really hard to tear, so you can crumple it up, smoosh it around, wet it, dry it and it seems to get even more supple, the more you handle it. It comes in several colors but I especially like the white because you can ink it any color you want. You can buy it here!

So I’ll tell you how I made the shoes- sorry- I have no pictures along the way. The shower was here at the house and I was cleaning and cooking, then decided to make these at the last minute- you know how that goes…

I used two sheets of 8 1/2″ x 11″ white Paper Leather trimmed to 6″ to fit through the Big Shot. I ran one sheet through for each shoe- all the parts you need are on the one die. As with all Sizzix dies, if you have any questions on how to put them together, there are instructions in the package. If you didn’t keep the packaging, you can always go on the Sizzix website and find the instructions there.

Starting at one toe of the shoe, I wrapped the tabs on the body of the shoe bottom around the sole and glued them down. Then I glued the tongue to the front of the sole and eased up the front to meet the body of the shoe. I added silver eyelets to the lacing holes, pink ribbon for shoelaces and delicate white lace to the top and bottom. Once you start lacing the shoe, the sides curve in and it looks pretty real! I might try these on the baby when she is a little older 🙂

I also added a gray felt sole to the bottom of the shoe which I die cut and glued on after assembling the shoe.

Pages

Jess’s friend Norma, of Norma Fayak Photography, took some photos of the shower while she was here and I love how they came out (even though I wish I had gotten the dining room painted white before the shower- so over that green!)

I made this mini- album and everyone added their wishes for Nora. Now she’s born and I can put a pic of her in that window!

Finally got to use my collection of vintage silver baby cups for punch…

And here’s the star of the show- Nora Lynn!

She arrived on March 5- hope you don’t mind if I share a pic here and there? My daughter is a professional newborn photographer (Jessica Veara Photography) so hopefully she will keep me supplied (hint hint).

Here’s a photo I love of Jess and Nora taken by Norma…

Thanks for stopping by and for sharing our joy!

Eileen Hull Sizzix Dies on Sale!

18 Mar

Hey everyone! Eileen Hull Sizzix Dies are on Sale now! Sizzix is having a huge 2 day sale featuring lots of Eileen Hull products including Textured Impressions Embossing Folders, Scoreboards dies, Bigz dies, Thinlits dies and even Stitchlits dies. This sale won’t last long so get your shopping bags ready to be filled with Eileen Hull supplies at rock bottom prices.

Below you’ll find links to all of the Eileen Hull Sizzix dies on sale plus project ideas from the Inspiration Team.

Eileen Hull Sizzix Dies – Textured Impressions Embossing Folders

Textured Impressions Embossing Folders make it easy to add texture to your projects. You can emboss paper, mat board, leather, fabric and even metal!

The following Eileen Hull Textured Impressions Embossing Folders are on sale NOW so grab some while they last!

Eileen Hull Dies -Thinlits, Sizzlits, and Framelits

Sizzlits, Thinlits, and Framelits dies are compact and portable. These dies are great for crafting on the go!

Check out the Sizzlits, Thinlits, and Framelits dies available at a discounted price below…

Eileen Hull Dies – Scoreboards XL and Pro

Scoreboards Dies are exclusive to Eileen Hull and Sizzix. These dies are designed to cut through thicker materials like matboard and make it easy to create three-dimensional projects!

This is a great opportunity to save big on Scoreboards dies. Below you’ll find Inspiration Team favorites including Artist Trading Block dies, Make it 3-D, the Needle Book, Cookie Box and more!

*Please Note: Scoreboards Pro dies are compatible with the Big Shot Pro ONLY.

Eileen Hull Dies – Bigz

Bigz dies are also designed to cut thicker materials. You can cut metal, fabric, matboard, multiple layers of cardstock or a single sheet of vellum if you wish. The creative possibilities are truly endless.

Save BIG on Bigz dies by following the links below!

For project ideas from the Inspiration Team using the Eileen Hull Sizzix dies on sale check out the link list below. If you’ve created a project using any of the dies featured here I would love for you to link it up as well.

Happy Shopping!

Eileen

Scrappy Camper Sisters Create with Sizzix

18 Mar

The Scrappy Campers Sisters are here today to show you how they create with Sizzix! Johnna and Darcie are lots of fun- so glad we met at CHA a few years ago. At the past CHA show, I hosted Make and Takes in my Scotty booth and heard that someone was not able to be there for their shift. I happened to see Darcie and Johnna and asked if they would like to fill in. Next thing you know, they had a project designed and a line of people waiting to do their project- an adorable planner paperclip! I love these ladies and am so happy to welcome them to the blog. Please visit the Scrappy Camper Sisters blog and pop in for one of their UStream videos- always fun!

They have TWO projects for you so I am not going to say any more- you can meet them for yourselves 🙂

Hi, We are Scrappy Camper Sisters!

We are Darcie and Johnna, a.k.a. Scrappy Camper Sisters. We both have been paper crafting for a long time but didn’t join forces until we started live streaming on Ustream TV in 2013 after an eventful New Year’s Eve show where everyone thought we were funny. It’s still on our channel if you want to see it. Since then, we have taken our act on the road, teaching paper crafting and sharing our love of all things vintage. We enjoy adventures in travel, going junking, altering what we find and designing 3D paper projects with a retro mid-century theme. We met and became instant friends with Eileen Hull over our mutual love of vintage campers. At the time, Eileen was in the final stages of getting Scotty ready for the road and we were just beginning the reno of our mascot, Zippee. What a learning experience that was!

This year, we are focusing on clearing out the craft clutter, using our stash and supporting our friends who are doing the same. The projects posted here use some of our favorite dies from Eileen’s Sizzix collection.

For these projects you will need the Sizzix Scoreboard Flower Pocket Die, Thinlits Travel Trailer, Stitchlits Flower Set and the Thinlits Flower Layers and Stem die Set. We are obsessed with the flower sets and have been using them on everything since we saw them at CHA!

Scrappy Camper Sisters Sizzix Tutorials

We decided to make some storage items for happy mail, as we often share crafting goodies and also get lots in return.

Darcie’s Project – Happy Mail Station

I decided to make a hanging pocket display that would handle my incoming and outgoing happy mail. Do you remember those vintage straw handbags with the embroidered flowers on them? A cute inspiration for sure! The supplies I used were:

Glue gun
Beacon 3-in-1 glue
Flat back pearls for the flowers
Ink for edging
Mini ball fringe
Label punch
Kaisercraft’s Say Aloha designer paper
DCWV burlap paper
Sizzix Mat Board, chip board or poster board

How-to:

You will need to cut eight flower boxes, five out of mat board/chip board and three out of card stock/patterned paper for the lining.

Cut the base: cut mat board into pieces to form a rectangle 6.5” x 16” long and glue together to make a strong backing for the flower boxes.

Take two of the flower boxes, trim and use the back pieces to form the top of the base. Glue to the front and back of the base. Cover the front with burlap paper and the back with poster board.

Cover the flower boxes with the burlap paper. I used a glue gun because the paper is very stiff.

Trim the tabs off of the lining pieces and glue inside each box. I used patterned paper for the back to coordinate with the flowers. You can also use card stock.

Make several flowers, stacking the flower die cuts and placing a pearl in the center.

Add labels to the front of the boxes. I printed the words on my computer.

Glue the ball fringe to the bottom front and both sides of each box.

Make the travel trailer out of patterned paper and attach to the top of the base. Glue the boxes evenly down the front of the base.

Arrange and glue the flowers as you like on the base. Add an eyelet at the top for hanging and you are done!

Johnna’s Project – Happy Mail Supply Caddy

My inspiration for this challenge was a vintage condiment server and keeping with our ongoing project for 2016 Scrappy Camper Sisters Come Clean, I wanted to use the dies to make something to store my supplies for happy mail and keep them organized and contained.

Johnna-9

Supplies you will need:

Eileen Hull for Sizzix Flower Box Die
Eileen Hull for Sizzix Thinlits Travel Trailer
Patterned Paper
Strong adhesive – I used Beacon 3-in-1 and Quick Grip
A wooden candlestick or something to use as a handle (I used 3 large vintage chess game pieces stacked)
Black Sizzix Mat board 3 sheets
2 pieces of Heavyweight Black Chipboard 12×12
Acrylic paint, scissors, glue stick, foam dots, rhinestones

Start by cutting 6 Flower Boxes from mat board.

Johnna-1

Using Beacon 3-in-1 glue assemble the flower boxes. Adhere two boxes back to back, for a total of three (3). Then cut out six (6) from patterned paper. I used the Craftsmith Boho Tropical line.

Cover the inside and outside of boxes with the paper pieces. You will notice the ends of the boxes will need paper cut to size. I traced around the end of the box. You will need six (6) of this shape.

Cover the ends of the boxes with the paper on both sides.

Die cut paper using the Travel Trailer Thinlits Die. You will want to make 3 complete trailers. Using foam dots, place the trailers on one end of all three boxes as shown.Label flags with items you are going to store in the containers and attach flags to trailers.

Now you will need a base. Align boxes up at corners to make a Y- shape. Place on chipboard, trace around and cut out. Your shape will look like this pictured above. You will need to cut 2 layers and glue together for a firm base. Cut a circle to cover the center of the chipboard base. I found a cup that fit and traced it on patterned paper. Adhere circle to center.

Paint game pieces with acrylic paint. Allow to dry thoroughly.

Stack the chess pieces one on top of each other by gluing together with strong adhesive. Once dry and after painting, adhere rhinestone trim.

Adhere what is now the handle to the center with Beacon Quick Dry glue. Let dry overnight.

Fill compartments with items often used in happy mail assembly. I put my notes and note cards in one, washi tape, baker’s twine and ephemera in the second one and mini paper doilies and little notebooks for addresses and reminders in the last one.

Keep it handy next to your Happy Mail Station and you are good to go to send a little sunshine to a friend.

Thanks to Eileen Hull for giving us the opportunity to share these projects with you! Be sure to check out our blog www.scrappycampersisters.blogspot.com and our monthly Ustream show at www.ustream.tv/channel/scrappycampersisters and all social media as ScrappyCamperSisters. Also, if getting organized in that craft room is one of your goals, join our Facebook group, Scrappy Camper Sisters Come Clean 2016. We have an ebook available on our blog so that you can follow along with us. We hope to see you there!

I appreciate you joining us this week- many thanks to the Scrappy Camper Sisters for sharing their projects and talents with us today!