Eileen Hull

Here’s a photo of an art case that I designed for my calligraphy samples when I was teaching a class. The glossy paper I was using was great for using on my demo board in class. However the problem with glossy paper is that it is very slippery and sometimes hard to handle. So I designed a case for it that it fit the paper perfectly and kept it contained. It’s basically a big rectangle with score lines where the folds are.

You will need:
a piece of matboard for your project (this is 18″ x 27″)
scrap foamboard strips equal to length of sides and depth of fold
ribbon
magnet pieces
craft knife
metal straightedge
tape gun

1. Cut matboard to size of desired folio. Score to create bends where box will fold. Use craft knife to cut down about halfway through the matboard to make a clean score line. Make sure you score on the RIGHT side of the project.
2. Fold box into folder shape.
3. Measure and cut strips of foamboard and layer to create sides to the folder. Adhere layers to each other with tape gun. Adhere to sides of folio.
4. Cut slits in sides to allow ribbon through. Thread ribbon around box and tie in front.
5. Adhere magnets to folder flap and front.
6. Punch two holes with Crop-a-dile on top of folder. Add eyelets if desired. Thread ribbon through for handle and knot.
7. Insert artwork and take it in style!

It would be very easy to go to town embellishing this, but I loved the pattern and colors of the matboard and didn’t want to add too much. Plus I probably decided to make this about 10 minutes before class! Hope you can use this idea to create your own art case.

A super quick post here. I have three daughters and they are constantly buying hair care products and tools. The other day I was working on a project and needed to iron some ribbon that had gotten wrinkled. Do I hear laughing? Hey, who told that I have not ironed a piece of clothing in 5 years?

ANYway, I remembered that my youngest daughter had gotten a super duper straightener at the mall at Christmas and left her old one in her bathroom. It occurred to me to use that to de-wrinkle the ribbon instead of taking out the iron! And what do you know, it worked! I would imagine all straighteners are different so you may have to play around with the heat settings and also take into account the material you are working with (i.e. silk vs. cotton). Now I keep it here in my studio with the rest of my tool arsenal: the heat gun, glue gun, and power screwdriver, ready for the next craft adventure. OK, that’s all folks!

Yesterday, my friend Lorine and I took a mini-road trip out to the Eastern shore of Maryland to visit our friends, Tiffany Windsor and Candace Liccione. What a treat! Candace has a beautiful home overlooking the Wye River and the day began with some creative talk by a warm fire. Then we sat down to a delicious meal of quiche and salad followed by yummy warm apple cake. After MORE creative chat, we headed over to Candace’s studio- the ultimate in crafting heaven! There were beautiful projects all over the walls including mosaics, jewelry, wall hangings, frames, you name it… Jars of colorful embellishments lined the walls and windows-tiles, beads, charms. Another nook was dedicated to tea and various herbal items. Several work tables were set up for classes and workshops. I found it difficult to stop looking around surrounded by all of the cool stuff.

Over tea, we discussed the state of the craft industry, where we see our talents and goals fitting in and shared ideas and fellowship. We got on the road and talked the whole way home about our visit- such a great day. Thanks to our creative friends, for sharing your time with us!

The weather dudes are in their glory. Last night I was very disturbed to find that the storm coverage preempted “Shark Tank”, my new favorite show. I am not and never will be a weather channel watcher- the weather basically does what ever it wants and you just have to deal it. But this snow is worthy of writing about.

My job is to take a broom and whack as much snow as I can off the trees and bushes in the yard so they don’t break from the weight of it. I went out at 1:00 and came in at 1:40 encrusted with snow and tired from trying to make my way around to the various vegetation that needed attention. I don’t like to wear hats. This is a problem when you are standing under a tree poking the branch that is laden with 50 pounds of snow, hence “encrusted” 🙂 I still like snow. For lunch, we had grilled cheese with a side of Spaghettios and mini-meatballs. It’s that kind of day.

Word has come down that taxes must be completed ASAP so last night I assembled the paperwork, spread it out on a table in the family room and busily started making notations and piles of receipts. When the CFO fell asleep on the couch, I came downstairs and got started on several really cool projects. The fun thing is they are a little different than what I normally make. Stay tuned- will share some when they are finished.

Stay warm and cozy wherever you are!