Floral Artist Trading Block

Hello! I am very happy to share my very first (and certainly not last) ATB or Artist Trading Block. These blocks are so much fun to make. I thought ATCs were cool, but these are even better! More sides for embellishing and you can get so creative by stacking etc. with the block forms. You can easily join in on the new craze. Eileen Hull's block Scoreboards dies (here and here) make it really easy to create the base blocks and then you can go crazy from there. I wanted to try a monochromatic piece that would focus on texture and form:

To begin I built my block after cutting it out of matboard with the large box die. Usually it's easier to decorate the sections while it's still flat and then glue the box together, but that wouldn't work for what I wanted to do.

I knew I was going to glue the flower die cuts in the center of each panel and I wanted to cover up the seams on the edges of the box. I did this by punching out strips using a Martha Stewart Double Edge Punch and folding them in half to fit over the edge. I mitered the corners too for a more finished look.

Once the box was ready it was time to diecut many, many, many flowers out of white cardstock. I used the Tattered Flower Garland, Tattered Florals, and Spring Greenery Tim Holtz dies. I gave them dimension by using a rounded burnishing tool and a foam pad to bend the paper into shape. Then I could easily glue the layers together and fit them onto each box panel.

It took A LOT  of diecutting to make all the flowers I needed but I think it was worth it. =) The feet of the box are four pearl beads I had in my stash of jewelry making supplies (one of my other neglected hobbies lol). I wanted to add a little pop of color in the midst of all the white. What better than a bee?

There are many ways to color stamped images using Distress products. One of the easiest is to "watercolor" using your ink pads. Simply swipe the pads onto your craft sheet and then use a water brush to pick up color and paint on your image. After drying the ink I fussy cut the bee and glued it to the top of the block.

I hope you've found my ATB inspiring! Check out The Artists on the Block for even more ATB inspiration. These things really are addicting - I can't wait to make some more. My head is bursting with ideas for them! Also be sure to check out Eileen's Art With Heart April Challenge. You have until Friday to link up a project and have a chance to win the April prize.

Most of the supplies I used for this project can be found at Inspiration Emporium. Follow the links below and use my code JUICE to save 10% if you go shopping. I will also point out that US shipping is always $5 and international shipping is just $10! ;-)

Sizzix ScoreBoards XL Die - Box, Square	Sizzix Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die - Tattered Flower Garland	Sizzix - Sizzlits Decorative Strip Dies - Spring Greenery	Sizzix Bigz Die - Tattered Florals	Liquid Pearls - White Opal	Tim Holtz - Distress Ink Pads - Stormy Sky
Tim Holtz - Distress Ink Pads - Wild Honey	Tim Holtz - Distress Ink Pads - Vintage Photo	Tim Holtz - Distress Ink Pads - Pumice Stone	Tim Holtz Water Brush - Detailer Tip

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