Blog - Eileen Hull

#PaperTrail- Day 20-22

8 Aug

I just realized that I never posted the last installment of my last trip. What happened was my husband’s step-dad Ray passed away while I was in CT and I had to come back early for his funeral.

So here’s where I left off…

Day 20

Enjoyed another delicious breakfast at the Hampton Inn and headed over to Mary’s Scrapden for class. We worked with the Sizzix Mini-Album die.

Pam Latham, who I have been chatting with on Facebook but had never met in person, came to o class. She drove in from Kentucky and I was very surprised and happy to meet her!

She brought some interesting chipboard purse bottoms for me to experiment with. They work great with ScoreBoards dies and fit perfectly through the Big Shot! Thanks Pam 🙂

We had a fun afternoon crafting, then Kimberly and I headed over to Applebee’s for a Chicken Oriental Salad- my fave!

We got to catch up on our family happenings and do a little Show and Tell. I am very blessed that Kim and I somehow managed to meet up while stationed many miles apart, often with kids in tow, to talk crafts, art, computers, PhotoShop, buy paper and generally have a crafty getaway.

Day 21

I woke up bright and early after a refreshing sleep. (apologies to Kim for falling asleep the minute my head hit the pillow!) Teaching on the road really tires you out! I don’t know how people who do it all the time handle that- or maybe you just get used to it? I do know that for a few weeks after I got home, I would wake up in the morning thinking, “AHHH! Where am I and where do I have to be???” Then realize I was in my OWN BED and be so relieved… there’s no place like home 🙂

It was a beautiful Sunday morning and Kimberly and I headed off to Newburgh, IN for some Ken Oliver time! I met Ken at the National Stationery Show several years ago. He was working for Uni-Bind and Sizzix had a booth which I was helping out in. We were across the aisle from each other, struck up a conversation and the rest is history!

Thankfully there was room for me to park Scotty and Big Daddy right across the street from where Ken lives.

Mary Shepherd, owner of Mary’s Scrapden, joined us for a morning selfie.

Ken has this amazing place right on the Ohio River. The old building he lives in is the perfect backdrop to showcase Ken’s style- lots of room and very unique. We took a tour of the apartment-…

A great little deck out back. Here’s Kimberly resting – she matches Ken’s furniture…

everywhere you looked were cool vignettes and vintage pieces

artwork done by friends of his

and then there was his studio!

Wow- great display pieces…

I asked Ken to touch up my roots with Prima Color-Bloom spray. Does’t he look excited?

Check out the storage pieces in the background- to die for…

After we stopped drooling over Ken’s amazing place, we realized it was almost noon and we had not eaten yet!

So it was off to brunch at the Edgewater Grill. We ate outside (it was HOT I’m not gonna lie!) but so pretty because looking out over the water, we got to see all of the barges and boats going by.

After we ate Ken took us around to all of the thrift and antique stores in town (even though he had just done it the day before for ladies who came down from St. Louis to visit!). Such a good host!

It’s about 100 degrees here. Yuck- I’m a northern girl!

Along the way I found this adorable little desk and chair or $100.

A happy memory of the PaperTrail trip- it now sits next to my recliner at home and holds my stitching.

I stopped in a Wal-Mart on the way home- and look who’s name is on the bottom.

and who is on page 74!

After a great day, it was time to say good-bye to Ken, Kim and my adventure. I had lots of time to reflect on the people I had met, places I had been and sights seen along the way. I’m talking 900 miles worth!

I stopped outside of Cincinnati for a quick rest. You don’t want to know where I stayed… but it was only for about 8 hours. When I got to NJ, I had a quick rest and then went to church to say goodbye to Ray Sullivan, my husband’s step-dad.

He was 94 1/2 when he died. He spent the last 4 years down in VA- a year and a half with us and two years in assisted living when we just couldn’t take care of him any longer. Rest well Ray…

Many thanks for letting me share my journey with you. Thanks to the stores along the way for welcoming me and letting me spend some time with you. And most of all, thanks to my awesome sponsors – Sizzix, ThermoWeb, Craft Attitude, Clearsnap, Craffiti Direct ,Where Women Create, and Be Inkandescent– who helped make it all happen!

And that ends my #PaperTrail journey for now… stay tuned…

#PaprTrail3 Update

7 Aug

Hi everyone!

I have been busy making plans for my next trip in my vintage camper Scotty- this is the BIG ONE! I will drive from VA to CA via Florida starting in September and be on the road for 2 months till the end of October!

Today I am so excited to announce- one of my events will take place at the Prima Outlet Store! I can hardly believe it and have to thank my buddy Ken Oliver- I think he put in a good word for me 🙂

So here’s the deal…

We’ll be making the two projects pictured above- all supplies included- for only $65. You will have the opportunity to see how nicely your Sizzix and Prima products play together! Just call (703-283-2012) or email me at eileenhull@aol.com to sign up. You can Paypal me your payment or send me a check – it’s that easy!

Learn the basics of how my ScoreBoards die designs work and learn lots of tips and techniques. We’ll use my ScoreBoards Mini- Album die to create the Journey Album. You’ll learn a quick and easy binding method and lots more. Stack three of the Candy Box dies to make the Dresser Drawers project- so cute and holds so many things! And to top it all off we will have time in between classes to check out the outlet! That’s right- I am loading up my camper with Prima goodness!

Hope to see you there!

Vintage Kitchen Sneak Peek

5 Aug

Hello everyone! I couldn’t be happier to share the news of my soon to be released new Sizzix collection Vintage Kitchen! I’ve had to keep mum about my new collection until after the Paper Arts show and am over the moon excited to share a Vintage Kitchen Sneak Peek with you today!

Thanks to my talented designers from the Inspiration Team and Team ATB I have tons of gorgeous samples to share! Far too many for just one post so be sure to check back next week for more. I can’t believe all the creative ways my girls used the Vintage Kitchen collection. I for one am amazed and I just know you will be too. Vintage Kitchen will be available for purchase in December (just in time for the holidays). In the meantime you can preview all of the new dies in the Vintage Kitchen Collection HERE

Now let’s check out what the Inspiration Team has in store for us shall we?

Tracy Evans starts our sneak preview off with this amazing and creative use of my new canister Dies!

I don’t know about you but I need a cuppa’ something to sip as I take in all of the creative details Tracy put into this project! Tracy created a second project using my new Cookie Jar die that is oh soooo “Sweet”…don’t you think?

You can see more lovely details on these Vintage Kitchen projects on Tracy’s Blog.

Rina Gonzales created an adorable lip gloss holder using the new Cookie Jar die! Don’t you just love that Mindy Kaling quote? Truer words have never been spoken!

Stop by Rina’s blog for more on this cute and clever project!

Michelle Zerull created two projects using the Cookie Jar die and the Recipe Card Box. Michelle’s creativity knows no bounds! I love how she used the cookie jar die to create a pin cushion out of a vintage hankie!

This clever gal didn’t stop there…she also used my recipe card box die to pay tribute to her grandmother in her own vintage kitchen with a secret family recipe box! How cool is that?

Be sure and check out Michelle’s blog for more details on these great projects!

Stay tuned next week for more projects featuring my new Vintage Kitchen collection created by the super talented Eileen Hull Inspiration Team and Team ATB designers!

This month our Art with Heart Challenge is “Anything Goes”. The winner will receive a die of their choice from the Vintage Kitchen collection when it is released in December. Are you ready to share YOUR Art with Heart? Link up your projects below!

I’ll see you next Tuesday with more inspiring projects featuring the Vintage Kitchen collection!

Eileen

Lake Placid Ironman

3 Aug

I have been on the go for a week or so and so glad to be at home!

Last week, my family (all except my nurse daughter who could not take off work) drove up to Lake Placid, NY to see my youngest compete in her first Ironman triathlon.

I was not prepared for how inspiring and emotional it was! Thankfully, Maryanne finished with 24 minutes to spare! The race begins in Mirror Lake for a 2.4 mi. swim, then they get on the bike for 112 mi, THEN they finish off with a full marathon- 26.2 mi. The race must be completed in 17 hours or you don’t get a medal. Can you IMAGINE? Here is the new Ironman…

after 110 mi or so…

Starting the marathon…

halfway done with the run…

getting ready to enter the stadium.

My niece Maura and her boyfriend Aaron were allowed to run with her…

had to get the high fives!

Searched all over for her after the race and finally found her in the medical tent getting fluids…

dehydrated but proudly wearing her medal!

Maryanne Hull, you are an IRONMAN!

A great experience…also relieved it’s over and she made it out of there alive! You can read more about Maryanne’s training and experiences on her blog, This Journey begins Here.

UPDATE: Here is a video taken by my son Chris at the finish. I love this and so glad my kids support each other…

Doodled Watering Can

2 Aug

This Doodled Sizzix Watering Can was really quick and easy to make. The best part was I went into it with a new attitude. One where I got wrapped up in the process of creating, rather than caring about it being perfect- not that anything I make ever comes out perfect, but I admit I do try! 🙂

Visit the Sizzix UK blog today to see how I made it.

This Watering Can would make a great wedding or baby shower favor, or even a customized place card for each seat. Use as a mini-centerpiece or put it on your desk at work and bring a fresh wildflower from home every day to brighten your workday. I could see bringing it to a sick friend, for a quick congrats or happy birthday gift. So versatile! You need this!

Thanks for stopping by…

Red, White and Beautiful Project Recap and Winners!

25 Jul

Hey everyone! Wow, has this summer flown by or what? I can’t believe we are moving into the last month of summer! It’s been a fun summer so far filled with creative adventures and loads of Inspiration from the Inspiration Team, Team ATB and all of you sharing your art with us in the Art with Heart Challenges. Today I’ll be recapping all of the amazing Sizzix projects created for the Red, White and Beautiful Challenge and announcing the winner and Top 3! There’s lot’s to see so let’s get started.

The Inspiration Team never ceases to amaze when it comes to creativity! These gals are constantly coming up with new and innovative ways to create with my Sizzix dies. Check out the links below for all of the Red, White and Beautiful Sizzix projects created by my Inspiration Team this month.

Canning Jar Banner by Rina Gonzales

Candy Drawer Mail Box by Michelle Zerull

Red, White and Blue Floral Centerpiece by Donna Budzynski

Garden Tote by Shelly Hickox

Window Box Mini-Album by Anna-Karin Evaldsson

Jubilee Artist Trading Block by Tracy Evans

And now for a few never-before seen projects from the Inspiration Team!

Amy Bowerman created this fun Coaster Cocktail Banner using my Cupcake Stand Die. How clever and cute to boot!

Stop by Plucking Daisies for a step by step tutorial on how to create one yourself!

Shelly Hickox is sharing a BEAUTIFUL bees-wax Artist Trading Block. It’s quite breathtaking isn’t it?

Stop by Shelly’s blog to see more of this lovely ATB!

It’s “Time” for more amazing ATB’s like this magnificent Time Piece Artist Trading Block by Tracy Evans.

You will definitely want to make time to visit Tracy’s Blog for more details on this charming ATB.

While we are on the subject of Amazing Artist Trading Blocks our sister team Team ATB has REALLY outdone themselves this month! Prepare yourself for an ATB extravaganza! Wow! Such creativity and innovation here!

Follow the links to see all of the amazing Artist Trading Blocks created by Team ATB…

Hot Air Balloon Party Favor Artist Trading Block by Pam Bray

Wedding Cake Artist Trading Block by Pam Bray

Patriotic ATB Tower by Lisa Hoel

Sewing Themed ATB Tower by Lisa Hoel

Money Box Artist Trading Block by Anne Redfern

Alice in Wonderland Tea Box ATB by Oxana Moupasiridou

Red, White and Beautiful Artist Trading Block by Claudine Criner

And the winner of the Art with Heart Red, White and Beautiful Challenge is…

Julia Aston who created this stunning “Star Student” Artist Trading Block! Isn’t it a beauty?

Stop by Julia’s blog for more details on this fabulous Artist Trading Block.

Congratulations Julia! Please email amy (at) pluckingdaisies (dot) com with your shipping info.

As always, ALL of the challenge entries were fantastic you are a talented bunch! This is the hardest thing I do each month…choosing only 3. It gets harder and harder with each passing challenge…whew! Here’s the Top 3 in no particular order…

JP Scraps created this “Red, White and BEAUTIFUL” mixed media canvas.

Stop by JP Scraps blog to learn more about this lovely project!

I love a clever upcycling project and Noreen Doll delivers with this fun dimensional star created from a Soda can!

You won’t want to miss Noreen’s easy to follow tutorial on how to create your own!

Be still my heart! This tag by Manila Guerilla is just bursting with creative dimension!

If you enjoy inspirational Tag Art run don’t walk on over to Manilla Guerilla to see this gorgeous tag and more!

A big thank you to all who shared their Art with Heart this month, the Inspiration Team and Team ATB! We have some fun surprises in store for you in August so stay tuned for our next challenge starting Tuesday August 5th.

Eileen

#PaperTrail Day 19

16 Jul

Since I was staying in the Hampton Inn and there was a magnificent breakfast to be had, I went for it! Good way to start the day…

I packed up, checked out and was on my way to The Doodlebug where I was to teach the Memories Mini. This is a mini-album made with just one section of the Sizzix Shopping Bag die.

I think they all came out really great- everyone added their own special touches to make them fit the person they were giving their book to.

Meanwhile the entries for the big giveaway were growing… I could hardly take the suspense!

Then it was time for another demo- I showed everyone how to use Craft Attitude. This is a product that I like to use because it gives the illusion that you printed directly on matboard . This isn’t really possible because it’s too thick to go through the rollers. Craft Attitude is a film- you print your image on an inkjet printer, cut it out and adhere to the matboard and then peel off the release paper- very simple and easy! I made an Artist Trading Block using pics and text from my visit to the Doodlebug. I left it there so they remember me 🙂

After the demo, I started packing up to get down to Mary’s Scrapden to teach the Chunky Book at 6. I got in the truck to pull up closer to the store to load up and heard someone yelling, “Eileen Hull- don’t leave!!!” I got out and turns out they were some ladies that had come all the way from St. Louis to see me and say hi 🙂 I felt very special. Turns out they have a scrapbook store called For Keeps Sake there so maybe I will see them on my next #Papertrail journey!

After a nice visit with my new friends, I drove on down to Mary’s Scrapden and was very excited to see my friends Ken and Linda Oliver signed up for class!

We had a nice relaxed time and partway through class, my friend Kim arrived from Tulsa, OK- she drove 550 miles! Crazy girl!

I have known Kim for almost 20 years- we were stationed together at Ft. Drum, NY with little kids and got to be good friends and crafting buddies.

We made quite the mess but isn’t that what creating is all about?

Kim and I checked into another Hampton Inn (two nights in a row I lived in luxury!). We got ready for bed, and we were talking and catching up on our families and next thing I knew it was morning! Time for a new day…

Inspiration Team Tuesday: Red, White and Beautiful Projects

15 Jul

Hello Everyone! It’s Inspiration Team Tuesday! My super talented designers have created such innovative and inspiring “Red, White and Beautiful” projects to share with you. I keep asking myself “How did I get so lucky to have such an amazing team working with my Sizzix dies?” The Inspiration Team never ceases to amaze me and I think you’ll agree once you see what the girls have created this week for the Art with Heart Red, White and Beautiful Challenge. Let’s have a look shall we?

Michelle Zerull created a fabulous Stamp Box using my Candy Drawer Scoreboards die. Michelle’s attention to detail shines throughout this lovely little project. I can’t get over all of the fun Red, white and BEAUTIFUL details she has added to this creation!

Stop by Michelle’s Blog for more on this inspiring project.

Shelly Hickox our reigning queen of Artist Trading Block innovations has a never-before-seen ATB design to help your garden grow! I’m still in awe of the fact that Shelly has created this gorgeous garden tote using my Square Box die…wow! Talk about a fun AND functional design!

Be sure to visit Shelly’s Blog to find out how to create this amazing Garden Tote!

Anna-Karin Evaldsson is back to wow you with yet another innovative design. She’s taken my Window Box die and turned it into a beautiful beach themed Mini-Album! Isn’t the texture on this piece to die for? I love how she used my fringe flower die with nautical papers and fabric!

Visit Anna-Karin’s Blog for more breathtaking details on this “Beachy” keen creation!

Ready to share YOUR Red, White and Beautiful creations? Link them up HERE and you could win a one of a kind Red, White, and Blue Artist Trading Block set and other fun goodies. Stay tuned next Tuesday for more inspired creations from the Inspiration Team!

Eileen

#PaperTrail Day 18

14 Jul

Please excuse the break in the #PaperTrail blog posts. After I arrived home, I had to quickly finish up the next Sizzix collection that will be debuting at the CHA 2015 Megashow which is now finished- hooray! I think you are really going to like this new collection!

So back to the trip… last time I wrote, I was at the home of my high school friends., Kathy and Bill. I said a fond farewell and got on the road bright and early, thinking that my first class was at 10:30 AM. However, when I checked, saw that I had some extra time and didn’t have to be at The Doodlebug until 2 PM. That actually was a good thing, even though I would have loved some extra time with my friends and more sleep.

I pulled into a McDonald’s and cleaned out the camper. I also went in and used the free wi-fi to catch up on some email. After getting myself organized, I got back in Scotty and continued on my way…

I arrived in Jasper in time to get my hotel room before heading over to the store. You will be happy to know I splurged and checked into a Hampton Inn- quite fancy.

Check out the bathroom!

I pulled up to The Doodlebug and was impressed to see my visit was scrolling on their marquee! movie

Scotty was quickly unloaded, the display and demo area was set up and and we were off and running with a demo of the Mini-Album and Artist Trading Blocks. There was a great crowd and the dies were flying off the shelf!

After the demo, I set up for the evening class, the Chunky Book. This was one of the most popular classes and it was interesting seeing how different each book came out even though we all used the same techniques and supplies. There was one little glitch. For class we use dictionary pages to cover our book pages. I looked through Scotty about 10 times and just could not find that dictionary! We finally wound up substituting tissue paper which worked out great because it is almost transparent and people got some really nice effects with it. Of course two days later I found the dictionary… it had slipped off the bench seat and behind some suitcases…

A few people were not able to make class- here’s Hanna holding the kit they got.

Everyone finished their books- whew… they were beautiful!

By the time I left the store, I was hungry. There was nothing I wanted more than a Subway Tuna on wheat. I got there right as it was closing but they made one and I went back to the hotel, turned on NCIS and ate my sandwich.

Heaven!

More soon…

Art with Heart June Challenge Winner and Top 3 (in July)

9 Jul

Hello friends! Hope everyone had a fun Fourth of July weekend! After a nice holiday spent with friends and family I am starting to get back on track. Without further delay it is time to announce the Art with Heart June Challenge Winner and Top 3…in July! 🙂

Our Art with Heart Challenge winner for the June Summer Celebrations theme is none other than Jenny Marples! Jenny shares a delicious new take on Artist Trading Block design and functionality with this fabulous cupcake box! What a fun way to celebrate summer time creativity with a sweet treat.

Stop by Jenny’s blog for more on this fun and functional ATB design. You won’t want to miss Jenny’s tutorial on how she created those gorgeous flowers!

While we are on the subject of gorgeous flowers on Artist Trading Blocks check out this magnificent ATB from Kath’s Blog. Kath’s Distress Watercolor Artist Trading Block is blooming with creativity in every which way!

Stop by Kath’s blog for more on this beautiful Summer Celebrations project!

Next, we have a Summer fun project that you can wear! How cool is this Hummingbird Game piece necklace by Serafeena? Talk about fabulous summer time style!

Fly on over to Serafeena’s Blog for tips on how to create your own pretty pendant.

Last but certainly not least we have Lula who shared a summer time upcycling project perfect for commemorating lazy days by the shore! Lula’s project will make you want to dig your toes into the sands of creativity and create your own beach themed tea box.

Stop by Lula’s blog for more details on this Summer Celebrations project!

Congrats to Jenny and the Top 3! A big huge thank-you to all for sharing your Art with Heart in our June Summer Celebrations Challenge! I do hope you will join us again for our current challenge for July “Red, White and Beautiful”!

You can link up your creations to our current challenge HERE. Stay tuned for more creative projects from the Inspiration Team next Tuesday!

Eileen