Artist Trading Blocks

I hope you all are ready for the holidays!

Just a quick post here to let you know of an exciting new trend here in the US- Artist Trading Block or ATB's! Similar to Artist Trading Cards, but better, because now you can craft in 3D! Instead of two sides there are six to decorate. The largest one is 3 1/4" so the size is manageable- if you make a mistake, no problem- go on to the next side and put the mistake at the bottom of the block- no worries!  Everyone can be an artist on the ATB's.



The blocks are made with ScoreBoards dies- this means they are specially designed to cut and score thick materials like matboard and chipboard . With matboard, your block will be rigid and not tear or wrinkle like paper would when you apply layers of embellishments. There are five different sizes of blocks ranging from 3.25" down to 1.5". Imagine the possibilities!  The dies will be released in February and are part of my Cherished collection, an adorable selection of dies for the wee ones. As you can see, these blocks just aren't for babies! Craft in 3D and customize the blocks to fit the occasion or person that the blocks celebrate.

Here is a Tribute to Tie-Dye- a tower that I made from the blocks using all different techniques and supplies. I will share full instructions next week on the Artist Trading Block blog so please stop by.

Gather supplies and die cut the blocks using Sizzix ScoreBoards 658983 Block/Bank/Cube and 656491 Cream Matboard.

Paint the blocks with regular acrylic paint using a stencil brush, then blended the colors together, adding layer on top of layer. Start with light layers- you can always get darker. 

 I used white Wendy Vecchi Embossing Paste and StencilGirl stencils for the next step. Place the stencil on the block and position medallion where desired. Use post-it notes or paper to mask off surrounding areas. Take a small amount of the embossing paste and spread it over the stencil so it covers the area of the stencil, then lift up carefully. Try not to smudge the paste until it has dried.

I will share instructions for the other blocks next week on our The Artists on the Block blog. Check out some of the amazing projects our community has been sharing! We will have fabulous samples set up in the Sizzix booth at CHA so if you will be there please come by and say hi! Would you like to be featured as an Artist on the Block? Please like us on Facebook and follow on Twitter to see the latest new inspiration.

Happy Holidays and thanks so much for your support of my dies. See you in 2014!

Eileen