Monday, August 22, 2022

Extra Space Storage Caddy

One of the newest dies designed by Eileen Hull for the latest Chapter 3 collection is one called the Card Caddy.  It is a scoreboard die that, makes it possible to create substantial holders with many purposes.  Here is a version with extra storage to be used on a desk or craft table.





View inside storage caddy 


The very first project I created was a mail caddy. It’s constructed by making three caddies and connecting them together. The design of this die is open to many combinations for books, albums and various holders.  

The project for this post uses my original idea but taken to an expanded look. 



By connecting finished caddies together, you are able to configure some lovely decorative containers for many different storage needs.  Make them to fit you color scheme for a crafting area.  The side pieces that close the caddy sides, can be used to make dividers; add one or more or none.  A handle can easily be added for carrying if desired.  


Let the making begin...

  • It all starts with choosing papers for covering the mat board. 
  • Cover each side of the mat board with coordinated papers of choice with double sided adhesive. (NOTE: it is possible to cover the mat board with papers or using napkins and collage medium. This process may cause the mat board to warp but it can be straightened by pressing between parchment paper and heavy books.)


  • Cover 5 pieces of mat board for each of the 5 caddies. One extra piece of mat board may be needed for the side pieces for each caddy, or extra dividers if desired. 
  • Die-cut the caddy shape  and sides from covered mat boards.




  • Construct the caddy boxes, adding the two sides to each. (NOTE: Some of the paper layers on the tabs can be carefully removed, if desired.)


  • Complete the construction of FIVE caddies. (NOTE: three for the center section, two more that will be the end caddies on each side.)



The 3 center caddies. Add one more on each side. 

Finishing the storage caddy

  • (Refer to top view photo for caddy alignment and handles.)
  • Add twisted wire handles, if desired.


  • Add embellishments of choice, such as fibers, ribbon, trims, flowers, etc.
  • Add feet to the bottom corners, if desired. 

IDEAS:

Instead of covering the mat board with decorative papers on each side, try napkin collage, old magazine page collage, painted mat boards with stencil designs, texture paint on the outside facing side, gel print the boards, fabric cover the boards boards on one side. Cover one side of mat boards with vinyl contact sheets  to give a protective surface to the inner side of the caddy boxes.  

The width of one finished caddy is slightly wider then the width of three caddies glued together. When connecting them, as in the project shown, then extra width is not really noticeable because of the embellishments wrapped around the entire piece,  if desired, trim a scant 1/8” from each side of the die-cut piece before creating the caddy box.  


Materials Used

  • Mat board 
  • Coordinated Decorative papers
  • Double-sided adhesive sheets or roll 
  • Heavy duty glue (Beacon 3-in-1)
  • Extras for embellishments 
  • Ink
  • Wire



Monday, August 1, 2022

Chapter 3 Release Time - Let The Ideas Flow



It’s that time again!  Eileen has new Sizzix products out and let the creativity begin!  There are two scoreboard dies, one intricate thinlit die and a 3D embossing folder in this release.  Here are images of each new item!


Now to share ideas, that I had the so much fun creating with the new Chapter 3 collection. 


Starting with the card caddy die, here are four ways I used this die.

Card Caddy x 3



Card Caddy & More




Card Caddy Banners



The skinny mini book box die is another versatile die and here are three ways I used it.  

Skinny Mini Sewing Box



Skinny Mini Double Card Box




Skinny Mini With Shadow Box Frames


After making these seven initial projects as samples for Eileen’s new release, I continued with a few more ideas.  

Skinny Mini Thinlit Candle Surround


Card Caddy Holiday Idea Box

Skinny Mini Folder Holder


In the next few weeks I’ll share more details on a couple of these projects. NOTE: Most if not all of the projects created, I have used new and older design elements from various collections of  Eileen Hull's for Sizzix. Some projects also have various other components from all from Sizzix added for embellishments. 


Link to Eileen Hull’s Sizzix Hub: LINK

Link to Eileen Hull Designs blog: LINK