Expanding File Folder with Eileen Hull Designs

Hi everyone and welcome. This year has already started with a bang as Eileen launched her new Chapter 1 2023 Sizzix Die and Embossing designs. Now Eileen's design teams are sharing tutorials for some of the samples shown during her FB Live and as part of the blog hop.

I've got a tutorial to share with you today for the Expanding File Folder which is made using the new Sizzix ScoreBoards Plus Frame Pocket Journal Die. It's the perfect place to store all those leftover die cuts, embossed pieces, extra stamped images and other scraps from previous Eileen projects. More importantly you'll know where to find them when you need things to create new pieces (including perhaps some ATC's!!)

Let's get started, beginning with the construction of the main body of the folder; cut two of the large panels (they are scored/hinged at one end) and one of the triangular wrap over closure sections from stiff card. I chose to use a 350gsm kraft card as it is still flexible but is also sturdy (I believe this is around 130lbs). Join the two main panels and closure section as shown below.

You will have spotted that I covered the hole punched scored spine sections with strips of card (6 1/2" x 1 1/8") - this is to add strength to the top and bottom of the folder.

Cut two strips of the same weight of card 8" x 4" and score/fold them at 1/2" intervals to create two concertinas (see the example shown below). You will see in the finished example I added washi tape to the top of each concertina piece - I recommend you do this at this stage to make the process easier.

Cut three inserts from the same weight card measuring 6 1/2" x 4". Stick the 4" short sides of the inserts onto the one of the concertina pieces as shown below - make sure to only stick the inserts to one side of the mountain folds so that the concertina can continue to open to its fullest extent.

Now stick the other sides of the inserts to the second concertina following the same spacing. You'll see below that I've clamped these together whilst the glue dries; note that I have repeated the process of only gluing the inserts to one side of the mountain folds as shown on the dry side.

Whilst the concertina insert section dries decorate the outside of the body of the file folder with decorative paper. I created some by using Eileen's new Sizzix 3D Tablecloth Embossing Folder, layering ink and paint over the embossed surface to create a mottled pattern. Once decorated add your closure of choice to the file folder; this could include ribbon ties, magnets or as in this case a folio tie closure.

Here's how that works to keep the folder contents secure when complete;

It's now time to attach the concertina structure to the main body of the file folder. Start by sticking the edge of one end of the concertina to the inside of the folder at the back as shown below. You'll see the bottom edges are aligned and there's a gap at the top.

Stick the second concertina piece to the other side of the folder to mirror what you've done with the first. When the two concertina pieces are secure at the back of the file folder add adhesive to the front of them and bring the folder front up to meet them and secure in place. It should look like this;

And from the side it will look like this;

And there's your finished expanding file folder, all ready to hold your scraps, die cuts etc. You'll be pleased to hear it can hold a lot!

Thank you for joining me today. Make sure to check out all the fantastic projects and tutorials from the rest of Eileen's team members - links to their posts can be found on Eileen's blog throughout the month.

For now thanks for visiting,

Jenny xxx

Eileen Hull Designs Chapter 1 2023 Release Party and Blog Hop

Hi everyone and welcome. Thanks for joining the Eileen Hull Chapter 1 2023 Release Party and Blog Hop where you will find team members sharing projects created with the new dies and embossing folder. There will also be a giveaway too so make sure to watch the live show on the Eileen Hull Designs Facebook Live/YouTube Livestream. Comment in the chat and tell us what you would create with these dies, then you will be eligible to win a Chapter 1 die/embossing folder!

And now it's time to introduce the Chapter 1 2023 Eileen Hull/Sizzix collection!

Here's what Eileen has to say about the collection;

"Let's start with the ScoreBoards Frame Pocket Journal - this is a Bigz Plus die so you will need a 9” cutting machine. The Journal measures 4 1/2” x 6 1/2” x 1 1/4” with an adjustable spine. What makes this die special are the additional pieces on the die, a pocket to hold ephemera, a frame and flap! These extra pieces may be used in many of my other journals or they can be used independently. The die may also be configured in a few different ways so watch the blog and Facebook live shows for ideas.

There are two Thinlits sets that coordinate with the Journal. You asked for a new alphabet - you got it - and I added numbers too! The Tiled Alphanumeric is very versatile because you can use both the positive and negative shapes. Each letter is perforated which makes it easy to create and line up words.

The other Thinlits set is the Library Pocket, ATC Card and Tab die - a journal essential! Use the ATC card die to knock out a bunch of Artist Trading Card bases and add the library pocket to package it up to swap. The Tab die is perfect to add to the Journal pages or on the ATC.

The last item is a 3D embossing folder called Tablecloth which was inspired by a crocheted cotton piece from my Mom. This adds beautiful texture and dimension to card backgrounds, book pages or tags!"

A couple of projects I've made with the new collection;

First up is an expanding file folder, perfect for storing those smaller Eileen Hull Designs die cuts, stamped ephemera and embossed pieces that have been left over from previous projects.

This has been made using the Frame Pocket Journal Scoreboards Plus Die whilst the decorated front has been embossed with the Tablecloth 3D Embossing Folder.

There will be a full tutorial on my blog for this one later in January.

I've also made a mixed media art journal using the Frame Pocket Journal Scoreboards Plus Die. More of this one will be shown on the Live broadcast.

I hope you've enjoyed seeing the first of my projects using Eileen's latest die releases. I'll be back in the middle of this month to share a tutorial for the expanding file folder. Meantime make sure to tune in to the Eileen Hull Designs Facebook Live/YouTube Livestream and also head on over to see the rest of the project peeks in the blog hop.

Blog Hop Stops;

Eileen Hull Designs
Pam Bray
Jennie Atkinson
Sarah Lizzie
Lisa Hoel
Susie Bentz
Tonya Trantham
Elizabeth Robinson
Jenny Marples - you are here

Maggi Harding
Karen Bearse
Sue Eldred