Summer Travel - What To Take Along

Summer travels are happening again this year! Many have already taken to the road or other means of traveling to various destinations. 

A few years back I created two journals from Eileen Hull's Journal die for two of my grandchildren to take on a road trip with their parents to points west of where they live. It was meant to be a way for them to right down thoughts of places they would be going to; but also as a keepsake to place anything interesting that they found.  Here is a photo of the journals made for them. 

The journal die was also used to create something similar for two friends that where traveling to Scotland several years ago for the same purpose. Unfortunately I deleted the photos I had of them but they were easy for them to tuck in a backpack or travel bag for taking and keeping notes or information of the  places they were visiting.

For this latest journal I used many of the same ideas, but with the addition of some of the newer dies from Eileen, I made some additions.

Materials

Eileen Hull Journal die

Eileen Hull Notebook die

Eileen Hull Folio Journal die

Folio  page, pocket and flower dies

Eileen Hull Homemade Alphabet die

Sizzix Label die

Big Shot machine

Matboard

Adhesive, of choice

Old map

Card stock

Clear vinyl adhesive sheet

Elastic

Inserts for writing

Chalk tape

NOTE: To make this journal, covered completely outside and inside with an old map, I used Thermoweb Heat n Bond Ultra, iron on adhesive.  Of course double-sided adhesive sheets can be used or a spray adhesive also. Anyone not familiar with using Heat n Bond as an adhesive in crafting projects, it takes a little practice to getting the heat setting on the iron and the pressure needed to adhere different materials together. I also used another product from Thermoweb after the map was adhered to the pieces of matboard called Thermoweb vinyl. This material was applied to the covers, outside and inside and the separate inside box that was created also. After applying, the excess was trimmed carefully with an Xacto knife. Hint: A clear covering product like contact paper can also be used.

• The inside pocket box is made from cutting the Notebook die and three of the end pieces from the Folio Journal die.
• To form the box, one of the end pieces is attached to the bottom of the box with double-sided adhesive tape.
• The two side pieces are trimmed slightly at the top to be even with the box and attached to each side with double-sided adhesive tape. 
• Elastic was threaded through the opening along the edge of the box that will be closest to the journal spine; threaded through the bottom, middle hole and center hole, then knotted.
• The signature inserts were purchased and inserted with elastic to each side of the box insert. 
• Corner pockets are cut from card stock, covered with the iron-on vinyl (if desired) and attached to the corners with double-sided adhesive tape.
• Letters and labels are cut from black adhesive backed chalkboard tape.
• Add your choice of closure ... pack up and hit the road for an adventure!

Creating With The Unusual

Thinking outside the box can be challenging but it helps to stretch ones imagination. There’s bound to be failures but many times it opens up creative possibilities.  Visits to any variety of shopping establishments for the the “usual” purchases can take on something entirely different with an open mind and willingness to experiment.

Besides always first searching through the items I have collected and are on hand, one of the other places I find a good spot to visit are the area “dollar” stores.  That’s exactly where I found o few items to experiment with for this very project. From a package of two manila , padded mailing envelopes comes the end project of this unconventional, padded folio.  

• Open up the mailing envelope by cutting it open along the sides and bottom. 
• From the two pieces cut two covers from the die. NOTE: I did not use wide (3 hole) spine. I trimmed it to 2. Also cut a spine from mat board and trimmed to a 2 hole spine to add strength. Though the spine was not used in this project for individual inserts, adding this extra piece as a re-enforcement will help if an additional inserts is desired.
• Before reconstructing the die-cuts into a new padded folder it's best t0 remove a little of the plastic bubble lining from around the edges. This will help hold the edges together with adhesive tape or glue.

A new padded folio journal was created from the two pieces. 

The procedure is as follows:

• Using the instructions from the tutorial by Jennie Atkinson, I made four folded folio inserts to fit the front and back covers and two more inserted to the insides. I created a large one for the back cover, a tiny one for the front following the size specifications from Jennie.The inside two are slightly smaller then large one. A big "THANKS" to Jennie for the instructions and inspiration!
• Here is a link to Jennie's YouTube video showing the process - VIDEO LINK
• For the small version, the measurements are:  6 x 6 patterned card stock scored at 1.75” all around and then cut as per the original tag book. Final size is 2.5” square.
• The two inside folder folios begin with paper cut to 9 3/4" square, scored at 2 3/4" on all four sides. One folder was cut in the same way as the original instruction. One was cut with the corner square cut diagonally and folded over. (Refer to photo)
• Inserts were made with the bookbinding die three of the folders, for placement in the center of them.  
• Use the new thinlit die to create a waterfall insert in the fourth folder.  

Front cover small folder folio/open

Back cover large folder folio/closed

           

Back cover large folder folio/open

                   

Inside Right folder folio/closed

Open folder folio

Inside Left folder folio

                                     

Open folder folio

Materials

Eileen Hull Sizzix die, Folio Journal

Eileen Hull Sizzix thinlit, Bookbinding & Label

Eileen Hull Sizzix thinlit, card, Waterfall & Tags

Big Shot

Padded mailing envelope

Adhesive tape

Glue

Decorative papers (I selected papers from Simple Stories, Simple Vintage Farmhouse Garden collection)

Assorted embellishments from the same collection

Various other decorative papers 

Various others embellishments

Woven edge seam binding

Distress ink and applicator

Decorative edge scissors, pinking

Velcro, thin clear fasteners, 5/8”, 3/8”

Folio Fun

Ideas using this new Folio die designed by Eileen Hull for Sizzix gives us loads of possibilities to create with. The idea I will be sharing here is a “white on white” album using a canvas type of material. It is embellished with cuts from a thinlit set of dies using the same material and layered to create the patterned motif on the front and back covers. 

I cut the folio covers from a product called Kreative Kanvas  (which is unfortunately no longer available) but is VERY similar to a product called Kraft Tex. This material can be cut, sewn, glued and colored. Since it does not have the thickness of mat board it will leave a faint score line at the necessary places.  NOTE: If Kraft Tex is unavailable, a thick artist canvas could likely be substituted.

Cut 2 pieces for the folio front and back covers. Cut design elements for layering using desired thinlit dies and the same material.

Back cover design 

***Refer to the photos that show the folding and stitching to create the album. NOTE: I stitched around the covers on 3 sides, leaving the top open to insert tags or other elements. It can also be completely stitched closed around all 4 sides. ***If no sewing machine is available, a fabric glue would work in place of stitching. It would be suggested to glue and clamp with binder clips till glue dries well.  

TIP: A closure for the album is made with a strip of the the canvas-like material, cut approximately 1” x 7 or 8” long. It was sewn to the back, inside cover before sewing the folded inside back flap together. Glue one or two clear Velcro 5/8” circles or a strip to the end of the closure strip and inside the front cover.  

Finished inside back cover with pen holder and closure

Placement for closure strip

Visual guide for inside back cover

To make a pen holder - Cut two of the extra pieces, from the same material. Fold over the edges on both and glue them together. Glue to the inside of the back cover and add a pen.

To form the binding - 

Line up the holes of the binding with the front cover over the back, matching the holes and grooves. The binding can either be glued together or sewn. Follow the lines between the holes if stitching (2 lines) and finish with another stitched line about 1/8” or 1/16” from the edge closest to the back cover.  

Lay the decorative designs in any desired pattern. Glue the elements in place on the covers . Set aside till glue dries. 

Once the album is together I gave it a coat of a shimmery gesso. NOTE: Any clear finish of choice can used. Try a glitter brush from Scrapbook.com, Link

Lace elastic either through the holes or over the grooves to hold 3 album inserts inside the album. 

Finish with a organza bow tied around the binding or any other decorative finish. 

Make inserts for the inside using any choice of decorative papers for covers for the inside signatures and copy paper for for journaling. 

Materials

Eileen Hull Folio die by Sizzix

Folk Art Elements Set of thinlits by Sizzix

Kraft Tex, white

Sewing machine/white thread

Glue

Shimmery Gesso

Brush

Elastic, white

Ribbon

Velcro circles, 5/8" clear

Pen

Decorative papers 

Copy paper

Sharing two more ideas with the Folio die, each from different materials. 

Made from the plastic packaging from the die and decorated with Washi Tape

 

Made from a plastic folder from the Dollar Store

New Dies, More Ideas with Folio Die

 A new release of Eileen Hull dies for Sizzix is here once again. This latest project here is made by combining the two new dies that were designed to coordinate with the FOLIO die and the other thinlit sets. 

The combination of all the dies gave me the opportunity to create a sweet little booklet to give as a gift. 

It began with a collection of coordinating decorative patterned  papers and card stock.  Die-cutting and layering the pieces and altering the folio as the base can create some fun projects. With this collection, the versatility and the ease of using these dies can result in so many interesting combinations. The Folio covers are cut without the fold and extra flap. All but one binding strip was removed for the spine to make the booklet. A single folder/page was constructed for placing in the middle of the booklet. The inside page contains the waterfall cuts.. The outside, front and back folder covers has the corner pocket attached to hold tags. The inside covers (front & back) of the main booklet have the binding die with tags attached. The booklet is finished off front and back with the Mandala die. The front shows a white shiny mandala adorned with flowers and leaves. The back cover has a black foil mandala cut and adhered with a button at the center for part of the closure. 

This blog hop will show ideas of all types to help with inspiration to start creating. This post will not be sharing a step by step tutorial of the process I used, but will be at another time.  Use this link from Eileen Hull Designs to see the post and read about the projects or use the individual links to each participant of the blog view each individual post here. 

Additional Photos of Folio Booklet

Material List

Dies: Folio journal, scoreboard die

         Mandala, thinlit die

         Folio Page, Pocket & Flowers, thinlit dies

         Card, Waterfall & Tags, thnlit dies 

         Bookbinding & Label, thinlit dies

Decorative patterned paper, several coordinating sheets

Card stock, coordinating solid colors

Double sided adhesive tape, various widths 

Spray adhesive or adhesive sheets

Ribbon, to cover spine

Seam binding

Cording, thin black leather

Elastic hair band

Button, flat for closure

Gel medium, matte 

Brush 

Embellishments 

IDEAS

Mother's Day is soon approaching and this little booklet would make a special small, personal gift card or keepsake for any mother, a new mother and grandmother.  Add photos, quotes, memories, gift cards onto or into pockets, the various tags or folded binding.  (NOTE: I have made my own folded accordian style binding for projects, and I'm really liking this new design.)

Think beyond Mother's Day to upcoming graduations, weddings, special birthdays or celebrations. This is basically a four page booklet made from coordinating decorative papers and some basic card stock. It can go from simple to extravagant as anyone likes. Any combination of the Folio Die with the other elements are a great start to very personalized projects.

***A MESSAGE FROM EILEEN***

Welcome to our Chapter 2 Release Party! Today we are sharing Folio Journal accessory dies- the Waterfall & Tags and Book Binding dies and the new Bigz L Camper ScoreBoards die! Use these elements in different size journals, cards and layouts!

Check out all the different ways to use these dies on our Blog Hop. Click through and leave a comment on each of the designers' posts and be eligible to win a $25 gift certificate in Eileen's Etsy Shop! 

Join us on Facebook Live and YouTube Live for an up close and personal look at the team's projects. I will also demo how to use the dies during the show. Really hope you can join us for this fun event- prepare to be surprised! Thanks for joining us!

NOTE: There is also another Eileen Hull die design in this latest collection being released.  It is a 3D Camper on a Scoreboard die to allow the use of heavier materials.  A new project coming soon using this die in a special way. 

Here are images of the three newly released dies from Eileen Hull -

List of Blog Hop Participants

Julia Aston

Madeline Arendt

Jennie Atkinson

Karen Bearse

Susie Bentz

Sarah Lizzie Dodd

Sue Eldred

Maggi Harding

Lisa Hoel

Jenny Marples

Elizabeth Robinson

Tonya Trantham

Mitsyana Wright

Cheryl Waters

Spring Foward with Cheery Ideas

Spring brings with it more sun, more daylight, longer days, green grass, budding trees and plants ... what's not to love! 

Here are a few little projects, old and new, to show the versatility of Eileen Hull's dies and other Sizzix dies. 

I'll begin with the basket created with the older LOAF PAN die. The die-cut piece was then  embossed and filled with little felt flowers made from another Eileen Hull thinlit die.  Wire handles are added that are made by using the TWIST & STYLE tool by Eileen also. You can find a link to the older blog post here (LINK).

Next comes one of my very favorite dies, the GIFT BOX! This die makes a great square box that can be refigured in so many ways.  Here I used it to create a square basket to hold some spring flowers. I covered poster board with fabric before cutting the shapes. The scalloped edge is also from the die and made with more poster board covered with white fabric.  The basket handle is twisted strips of torn, green fabric, again made using the TWIST& STYLE tool. 

The second piece in this photo used the Eileen Hull 3D VASE die-cut to hold the handmade, paper mache primitive bunny. 

Here is the latest little projects made using Sizzix dies.  The little bunny pins are made using the oval shape from Eileen Hull's TINY BOOK die.  The ears are cut from a leaf die-cut from the FOLIO PAGE & FLOWER thinlit die set.  The tiny felt flowers, leaves, bow and hearts are other various Sizzix dies.  Again I layered a muslin fabric to a sheet of kraft colored card stock to cut the oval and ears. I sealed the edges of the fabric shapes with some clear gesso to keep the edges from fraying too much.  A pin tack was glued to the back side of the oval.

Also the TULIP were made from a different Sizzix die and the sculpture foam. All placed on a TAG cut from another SIzzix die. These were made as little gifts to give to a few friends that I was recently able to finally see, actually in person, in a safe setting after months and months of FaceTime or Zoom meetups!

NOTE: Some of the dies used in these projects are not available through Sizzix any longer. They may possibly be found by searching online.

New Die Release - Folio Fun My Way

 It’s always fun creating with Eileen Hull dies, but really exciting, interesting and fun when there are brand new designs.  

The newest Eileen Hull dies released by Sizzix are the Folio, Mandala and Folio Page, Pocket and Flowers. I will be showing how I combined these dies for my creation. 

Though I will not be giving step-by-step instructions, this post will give a description of the process I used. 

When creating projects with Sizzix dies I have a tendency to try to combine a variety of materials and also play around with with the designs of the dies by altering them or combining them with others.  

The folio die will likely become another favorite! I think you will see that with the creations by the  others participating in this blog hop.  It’s always inspiring to see the ideas shared. This project begins of course with the folio die-cut design. It does have a old, shabby distressed look because of the materials used, plus the surface techniques used. The addition of the mandala design, the red, wool hearts and ribbon each add a little touch of warmth to the finished project.

• This version has a spine that extends as far as possible. This gave me the opportunity to include several sections inside.
• The outside of the folio was painted with a metallic copper paint. Brushed over with a wash of brown paint. Old dictionary pages are torn and applied to the inside of the folio cover with gel medium.
• Corrugated board is cut to fit the front and back covers, as well as the front and back inner flaps.  
• Apply adhesive for foiling sheets randomly into the corrugated pieces. Press foiling sheets of choice to add bits of the metallic foil on the covers. 
• Use glue or adhesive sheets cut to size to add the covers and flaps to the folio.  
• Cut a mandala design from a copper colored paper, backed with adhesive for the front cover. 
• Cut the same mandala design from another type of paper for the back cover.  Gel medium was used to apply the design to the back. Heart shapes were cut from a felted wool sweater. Two are layered to the front cover, one to the back. A ribbon tie is added for a closure.

The inside has a variety of sections

• The first section is enclosed as a holder. A couple folders were made to be inserts into the holder. Each folder has a tab added to the edge for removing and inserting them into the holder. 
• The next insert is a folder made from card stock cut from an older Eileen Hull scoreboard die (Album). Pockets are added in two different directions from coordinating decorative paper.

• The next insert is made with the older album die, cut from a acrylic folder and altered to create a narrow album insert.  The covers are embellished with the mandala cut from white copy paper. Use a gel medium to adhere them. Pages are made from copy or newsprint paper. 
  
  
  
• The next two inserts are small lined notebooks. Each is covered with coordinating decorative papers. 
  
  
  
• The last folded section also hold a small covered notebook and has a pen holder. The pen holder shape is from the Journal die. TIP: One or more pocket folder could be added to this section too. 
  
  
  

Finishing the folio

• Black elastic hair bands are used to hold all the inserts in the folio. The bands are placed in the notches instead of using the holes.
• A pen is attached to the inside back flap using a cut from EH Journal die as a holder. It is held in place with a paper brad.
• The elastic bands are gather together and held in place with a pin, with the charm holder piece attached.
• A variety of ephemera can hang from the holder.
• 
  
• 
  
  
• Follow along from each blog to the next with this list 
• Eileen Hull Designs
• Julia Aston
• Madeline Arendt
• Jennie Atkinson
• Karen Bearse
• Susie Bentz
• Sarah Lizzie Dodd
• Sue Eldred
• Maggi Harding
• Lisa Hoel
• Jenny Marples
• Elizabeth Robinson
• Betsy Skagen
• Tonya Trantham
• 
  

Follow along the list of participants to see a wonderful variety of ideas and styles. 

***A NOTE FROM EILEEN ***

Welcome to the Chapter 1 Eileen Hull/Sizzix Release Party Blog Hop! Just wait till you see all of the fun options the new ScoreBoards Folio Journal die has in store for you! You will also love the Mandala and Folio Page, Pockets and Flower Thinlits dies that coordinate 

Please hop through the blogs and be inspired by the work of the talented Inspiration and Educator teams! Leave a comment for each designer and you could win a Folio Journal die (as soon as it arrives!)

Join me and specials guests for a Facebook Live on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at noon Eastern. Comment on our Facebook Live and be eligible to win either the Mandela die or the Folio Pages, Pockets and Flowers die- two winners! 

Winners will be announced on the Facebook Live show on February 9 at 6:00 EST. 

We appreciate your love and support, friends!

Making Bells and Candle Holders With Sizzix Dies By Eileen Hull

Tutorials for Making Bells and Tea-Light Holders with Eileen Hull Dies

Bells, bells and more bells ... Bells will be ringing everywhere. One of my favorite Christmas songs is the "Carol of the Bells", thought I would share it here in this post about bells for a little sound of the holiday! 

Now, on with some making! I dont know why but I almost always look passed the original use of the designs of dies to find other ways to use them.  This happened with the new die teacup design by Eileen Hull for Sizzix.  

This tutorial will walk you through the way to use the teacup die in two different ways to create bells.  

TIPS

These tips given, are for both type of bells and should be helpful in constructing them. They are given as a starting point, adjust the procedure to suit your own making style.

• The first thing is to cut a template from a piece of chip board (something sturdy). This is to mark where to cut the cup shapes to create the bells.
• The handles need to be removed to form both the bell designs.

• This cut edge may not be completely smooth as the opposite side of the cup. No problem! Marking with the template, then removing the handle with sharp scissors on those marks will be fine.
• Another template can be cut from plain paper to mark the center fold for the three-dimensional bell. This will help in folding and construction.

• Fold this paper template carefully in half and crease well.  
• For either bell design, color the edges with ink using the technique you prefer.
• The 3-dimensional bell can be made from most types of paper. If using a heavy card stock, it may be helpful to mark the fold line and then use a score board to crease the center fold.
• Refer to the NOTES given in the instructions.
• Add any embellishments of choice to the lower edge of the single bell shapes, paper or other. A simple bow may be all it needs if using a paper with lots of pattern.
• Roll the two shapes to curve slightly before joining together with the clapper/spoon if desired. 
• To adhere paper for clapper/spoon I used double-sided adhesive. This type of adhesive may be helpful to use for some of the embellishments also. 
• If thinner paper warps from gluing, placing the folded pieces under something heavy may help or carefully press with a dry iron along the edges. 

3D Bell

• Cut 6 bell shapes from paper of choice. (NOTE: The amount of pieces can vary if desired, but I would use as few as 5 or no more then 7.)
• Place the folding template on each cut shape and line up edges well. 
• With a pencil, draw a line down the center of each to fold on.
• Fold each in half, matching edges well and crease with a bone folder.  
• Glue the folded shapes together, one at a time. Again, line up the edges of each well. (NOTE: Thinner papers may warp slightly when using a liquid glue.)
• Before the final two sides are glued together create the center for the bell. 

• Thread a jingle bell onto a ribbon or cord or wire, long enough to be folded in half to hold the bell and also become the hanger.  
• Glue or adhere with double-sided tape, the center hanger and string with bel, along the center of the folded bell shapes. If gluing, let the glue set up. 

• Glue/adhere the last two sides together. Adjust the center hanger if needed.
• Make one or two bows from ribbon and glue to the top of bell on one or both sides of the hanger if desired.

Single Bell for Ornament or Banner

 

• Cut two shapes for each bell from card stock. 
• Use template to mark and remove the handles from each cup shape (NOTE: Use decorative or plain papers. Plain papers can be embossed with embossing folders after cut and handles removed if desired.) 
• The bell clapper is cut from the spoon shape for each bell. (NOTE: Two pieces of metallic paper are fused together with double sided adhesive before die-cutting the spoon shape.)
• Line up two bell shapes with the clapper (spoon) in between. 

•  Adjust the spoon so the handle sticks out the top slightly and the bowl of the spoon shows at the bottom slightly.  
• Mark with a dot a spot to punch a small hole to place a paper brad to hold the three layers together.  

• Embellish the front of the bell if desired. Use other die-cut shapes or other embellishments. 

• For single ornament - cut a length of thin ribbon or cording for a hanger.  Thread through the top of the bell, placing the hanger (cord) behind the spoon shape where it catches below the paper brad used to hold the layers together. Form a knot at the top of the hanger.  

• For banner design, thread a longer length of cord through each bell so it lies under each paper brad.  (NOTE: To keep each bell in place, apply a small amount glue where the cord lies.)

Another seasonal favorite song to share with you, by John Williams, from Home Alone ... A Candle in the Windows.

The house ornament die was easily adapted to create a simple holder for battery style tea lights.  

As with instructions on adapting the tea cup die into bells, I will include some helpful TIPS.

TIPS

• They can be made of a kraft colored card stock for a gingerbread look.
• Because this is a steel rule die, they can also be cut from a thin corrugated board.
• Each holder will need 4 cut pieces. 
• Practice simple doodles, lines, dashes and dots before decorating. The use of white ink looks like icing.

Instructions

• Cut 4 sides from paper of choice.
• Refer to template to remove specific areas and areas to crease.

• Mark each with pencil lines before cutting.
• Use a ruler and craft knife to remove the unused areas.
• Score the two crease lines.
• Decorate each house piece with doodles in white ink. 
• Add double-faced tape to the flap along the side of each house piece.
• Some epsom salt can be sprinkled inside before inserting the candle. Use another type of fake snow if desired. 

• Remove the backing from tape and align the other edge of the second house piece onto the adhesive strip. Continue till all four sides are connected.

• Apply double-sided adhesive tape to  bottom flaps as shown.  NOTE: Notice the top flap in the photo has the adhesive on the outside edge of the flap. The remaining 3, it's positioned on the inside of the flaps.  
• Begin folding in the flaps with the one with adhesive along the outside edge and alternate each flap till all four are folded onto each other. 

• Use the handle of a wooden spoon or another device to push down onto the bottom from the inside of the holder, making sure the taped edges hold.
• Insert a battery tea light inside.