Artist Trading Block - Sewing Tower

I have been having so much fun lately making ATBs! I had another idea for "tower style" ATB using a sewing theme. I love vintage sewing notions and themed supplies. I'm always on the lookout for them when we go to garage and estate sales. This is a special project that I have made for a friend to commemorate her late mother's love of sewing. I hope it will spark many fond memories for her!

I used the main ATB block die and the die that cuts a set of three smaller blocks. (I did not use the smallest block in this tower.) Here's a peek into the little shadowbox on the bottom, largest block (construction details later):

And here is a closer look of the four sides:

 

This is a pretty straightforward build but I did get a little tricky with the bottom block. After cutting out the panels using matboard, I glued on pieces of actual pattern paper tissue using Multi Medium. 

When that was dry and trimmed, I also put on a thin layer of Iced Spruce paint. Then it was time to build the little shadow box. I wasn't super precise and neat because I knew it would be hidden. I glued all the items in before gluing it to the ATB panel. It's much easier to arrange it without reaching through the oval frame! 

For the pincushion side I used the middle sized oval from the Movers & Shapers oval set to cut an oval out of scrap matboard. I cut off the tips so it would fit the ATB  panel. A small wad of batting covered with a swatch of fabric did the trick for making a "puff". I wrapped the margin of the fabric (trim to shape) around the back of the matboard and glued it in place. (Clothespins work great to hold it in place while it dries.) 

Once that was all dry, I pressed it behind the second ATB panel so the puff pushed through the smaller oval. More glue and clothespin clamps held everything in place. Then I put the whole box together when it was dry.

I hope I've inspired you to try your own ATB creation! They are quite addictive, I can assure you. ;-) Be sure to check out The Artists On the Block for even more inspiration. The projects there will knock your socks off!

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! 

Artistic Outpost - Birds of a Feather	Tim Holtz Collection - Haberdashery	Sizzix - Movers & Shapers - Magnetic Dies - Sized Ovals	Sizzix On the Edge Die - Sewing Edge	Sizzix Texture Fades Embossing Folders 2PK - Courtyard & Trellis Set by Tim Holtz	Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Grungepaper - 6" x 12" Sheets
Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Paper Stash - Crowded Attic	Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Ephemera Pack - Thrift Shop	Claudine Hellmuth Studio - Multi Medium - Matte 4 oz	Tim Holtz - Distress Paints - Iced Spruce	Tim Holtz - Idea-ology - Memo Pins	Tim Holtz Distress Stains - Antique Linen
Tim Holtz - Distress Stains - Iced Spruce	Tim Holtz - Distress Ink Pads - Brushed Corduroy	Tim Holtz - Distress Ink Pads - Antique Linen	Tim Holtz - Distress Ink Pads - Wild Honey	Tim Holtz - Distress Ink Pads - Vintage Photo	Tim Holtz - Distress Ink Pads - Scattered Straw
Tim Holtz - Distress Ink Pads - Stormy Sky	Archival #0 Pad - Jet Black	Archival #0 Pad - Pale Ochre	Archival #0 Pad - Coffee	Archival Ink Pad Designer Series: Wendy Vecchi - Tree Branch	Archival Ink Pad Designer Series: Wendy Vecchi - Orange Blossom

InLinkz.com