Tuesday, April 25, 2023

New Ideas To Share With Chapter 2 Dies

With the release of the new chapter 2 dies by Eileen Hull Designs from Sizzix just a couple of weeks ago, I have continued to have fun with finding more ways to use them. 



On the day of the release I shared with the "live" audience two projects that I created for the purpose of sharing that day.  All other projects were sent off to Eileen before the release to share  at the Name/Creativation show in Columbus, Ohio that she was attending. 

I'll share the two projects here but will be including the instructions for making the little banner, Three Pocket Posey Holder. The pockets are so easy to make! It's what you put inside that may take up your time if you decide to all "handmade"! You can also go the easy way and use purchased flowers and greens.

When I work on new projects my first thought usually is what material will I use!  When it comes to making any banners I like to use varied materials. Many times I will include both paper and fabric. For the project here I'll show both a paper version and a fabric/paper version.

Materials

Fabric/Paper (for pockets)

Sculpting Foam, Paper, Felt (for flowers and greenery)

Envelope, Journaling Card & Window Die

Various Sizes dies for flowers and greenery

Glue

TIny stapler

Cording or ribbon for stringing banners

Fusible (such as Pellon Steam a Seam or Thermo Web Heat n Bond)

Iron

Pressing board

Purchased greenery (optional)


***The process for using either paper or fabric for the envelope pockets, to create a banner are the same in the construction, as are the making of the flowers and greenery. When using fabric I will use either Heat n Bond Lite by Thermoweb or Steam a Seam by Pellon. Both are a fusible and sewable. NOTE: ALWAYS check if a fusible can be machine sewn, otherwise you can gum up the sewing machine if sewing is included!

The fusing process:

  • Cut fabric, paper and fusible the same size. (Approimately 6"  9")
  • Cut enough of the 3 layers for each envelope pocket that you want for the banner.
  • Set iron at the temperature suggested in the instructions for the fusible used


  • Remove the backing paper from one side of the Steam a Seam fusible OR lay the fusible side of the Heat n Bond down on the wrong side of the fabric.  Press the fusible onto the fabric piece. (following product recommendations). 
  • Allow to cool before proceeding.
  • Remove the backing paper, align the fabric fused piece to the paper (or another piece of fabric, if desired). 
  • Press the layers together to fuse.
  • Die cut the envelope from each fused, layered piece.
Three Fused Layers (fabric. fusible, paper)
  • Create the envelopes by folding the top flap down to the inside. 
  • Run a bead of glue along the "V' shape of the flap. Press in place. NOTE: Don't add glue to the whole flap. Leave an opening to thread cord or ribbon through the envelope tops for stringing the together. 
  • Glue the small flaps on each side of the bottom in.
  • WIth a small stapler, staple at each tp, side of the lower flap. NOTE: Refer to photo. A small paper brad could also be used or a small amount of glue. 


Finishing:
  • Cut flower and greenery with deisred dies, from papers or other materials.
  • Arrange the die cut pieces into the banner envelope pockets and glue them into place. NOTE: I crinkled up a small piece of tissue paper and placed it into the lower pocket for added dimension before placing the greenery and flowers
  • Add something of your choice to string the pockets together. 

Two Versions of the Banner

Pocket Envelope Banner Made with Fabric

Pocket Envelope Banner Made with Kraft Card Stock




Pocket Accordian Book




Sunday, April 2, 2023

Spring Has Sprung, Plus A New Dies & New Ideas

Chapter 2, 2023 Eileen Hull/Sizzix collection has sprung!

The new set will work with so many of the other dies designed by Eileen.  

There are three dies in the set: the Card Case, Mini-Slimline & Tickets and Journaling Card, Envelope & Windows. NOTE: Buy all three dies and get FREE SHIPPING on your order in the US PLUS save an additional $10! Cost to buy dies individually is $122- buy the bundle and pay only $112. Outside US, I will deduct $10 from shipping.

The Card Case is a Bigz XL ScoreBoards die. This die is specially designed to cut and score thick material up to 1/16" like matboard, chipboard, leather, felt and fabric so your finished project is nice and sturdy. The finished Card Case die measures 4 1/2" x 3 1/2" and has an adjustable spine that goes from 1/2" to 2 1/2". This is the perfect size journal to hold your 3" x 4" journaling cards, as well as other small items like wallet photos, ATCs and ephemera. There is a swing out flap on each side where you can add pockets or small insert books- you decide what combination you want to do. Make the spine thick or thin- your choice!

Here are a few photos of how I used Eileen's new dies:

The projects below ae made from various materials that I enjoy incorporating in most projects I make with Eileen's dies. Though paper is a wonderful material to use, I guess the challenge of what other materials can do is something I enjoy! These projects use other dies for embellishments and other purposes from collections of Eileens's and others from Sizzix. They co-ordinate well and show the versatility of Sizzix dies.

Muslin covered and stenciled card case


Inside fabric card case

ATC cards and pockets


Card case made from acrylic package and rice paper

ATC cards and pockets



The Journaling Card, Envelope & Windows die has 6 pieces- an envelope, 3" x 4" Journaling Card, three window cutouts (use with envelope to remove and back with glassine like a window envelope) and a tab. The Envelope measures 4 1/2" x 3 1/2" and fits perfectly inside the Journal! Or use it by itself and add your favorite ephemera pieces.

Double Envelope Holder

Envelope Holder with Journaling Cards


Envelope Book

Journaling Cards for Envelope Book


The Mini-Slimline & Tickets die design is similar to the Snail Mail die, which was very popular for creating faux postage stamps. There are four dies in the set- one is the size of a mini slimline card and one is a mat that may be placed behind the perforated piece. The other two pieces are a row of tickers and mat that goes behind that. When you fold over each perforated piece and tear it, it creates individual faux postage stamps and tickets! Die cut the piece from patterned paper for an amazing background- just add a sentiment and let the paper do the work.

Birthday card set

Birthday card / Set of four


Thank you cards

Thank-you cards / Set of four





MORE INFORMATION 

****There's a giveaway too! Comment in the Facebook and YouTube streams and tell us which of Eileen's other dies would work well with this collection. You have until April 10 to post your comments.

****Watch my YouTube channel to see die assembly and project ideas! Eileen does two livestreams each week on Facebook and YouTube-sharing more ideas on how to to use these dies in lots of different ways. 

****You are invited to join the creative community Facebook group, the Eileen Hull Fan Club, where you'll find special events and exclusive content. Follow Eileen on Instagram at @eileenhull!

There are lots of samples so, make sure to read the blog and be watching social media to see all the makes! LIST OF HOP STOPS:

Eileen Hull Designs << you are here
Pam Bray
Jennie Atkinson
Sarah Lizzie
Lisa Hoel
Susie Bentz
Tonya Trantham
Jenny Marples
Maggi Harding
Karen Bearse
Sue Eldred
Sharon Curtis
Teresita Arvelo
Madeline Arendt
Cheryl Bodkin-Waters