Inkandescent Public Relations

"The Queen of Crafts:" Eileen Hull

Eileen Hull grew up in a large family where there was always an art project in the works.

“Learning to think creatively has been a huge benefit throughout my life: from 13 military moves and raising four children to developing product lines for craft manufacturers,” says the artful crafter who started her creative journey by designing a line of military artwork that she sold at craft shows, online and in shops. “Eventually I realized that instead of making hundreds of one item and keeping inventory on hand, I could create just one of something and sell the design! So I started submitting projects for books and magazines. In 2008, I wrote two books (that was one crazy year!)—“Matboard Magic” and “Foamboard Magic“—featuring three-dimensional projects.”

Matboard was one of her favorite materials to work with. As she started exploring its qualities, she discovered strategic scoring, folding, and cutting enabled her to create boxes, books, and folders that were sturdy—and quite addicting.

“The only problem was if I made one tiny miscalculation, the project was ruined and it was back to square one,” she explains. “I started thinking that a die-cut manufacturer should make a die that could cut and score thick materials like mat board.”

Hull approached Sizzix at the Craft and Hobby Association show, and they agreed that her idea was interesting enough to pursue.

“My signature line of ScoreBoards™ dies were launched in 2009, and my 10th Sizzix collection will be released in February 2014,” shares Hull, who is currently vice-chair of the Designer Council for the Craft and Hobby Association. “It was almost like having a baby when they finally became available to buy in stores!”