Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Blog Hop Time with Prizes and... ATBs !!!

It's BLOG HOP Time for StencilGirl/Sizzix Artists!

 I am so excited about the New Thing on the BlockATBs or Artist Trading Blocks! They are so easy to make and the sky is the limit with what you can create.

So here we were asked to use Eileen Hull's soon-to-be realeased Block/Cubes 3D die with StencilGirl Stencils. Perfect!

Of course, I had to go CRAZY with mine. It's a sickness. But I have to say, it was extremely rewarding!
 
 
So come along, I'll lead you through mine. AND make sure you leave a comment.  It will enter you into the drawings for PRIZES from StencilGirls and Eileen Hulls 3-D Scoreboard Block Die plus Matboard!.
 
This is how ATBs have been described....
 
Unlike Tags and ATC’s Artist trading blocks allow you to create in 3-D! Why show only one side of your creativity when you can express yourself with multidimensional style? With Eileen Hull’s (soon to be released) Scoreboards Block dies you can showcase your creative side inside and out on an ATB! "

 
This is a picture of the Block/Cube 3D .... cute, eh? Check your local craft stores in February.

 
 
 I used the 9x12 Gears Stencil by Mary Beth Shaw L030

  
and the 6x6 Layered Salad S111 stencil by Terri Stegmiller.
 
 
This Block is cut from White Mat Board.

The 2 pieces of mat board are shown with the one flap under the left section. This is how you put it together using double stick tape after it's decorated.

 
When you're done decorating, you simply fold it up on the score lines, tuck in the flaps, and glue it together. Simple!
 
 
So, I started by laying down color onto white Stamping Paper with Fresco Acrylic Paints and Cut-n-Dry Foam.
 
 
I added the Gears stencil with Vintage Photo Distress Ink and a Blending Tool.
 
Then, since Distress Ink can be used as an Embossing Ink, I added Clear Embossing Powder over it and melted with a heat tool.

 
(You'll have to use your imagination here since I forget to take a picture before I glued the pieces on.)
 
I laid the Gears stencil back over the embossed area and STAMPED with Jet Black Archival Ink and an Artful Tools Stamp. The Archival Ink will dry on the embossing and the stencil will block the stamp from the non-embossed area.
 
 
Then I "roll stamped" the Steampunk stamp carefully in the non-embossed areas of the paper, and added markers. I also used white paint in the Word Bands.

 
Lay it out and see what you want to move around.
 
 
Next I wanted to raise the Box off the table, so I found wooden pedestals at Hobby Lobby. But how to decorate???
 
I used white Tissue Paper and traced the Gears with a permanent black Micro Pen.
 
 
I also wanted a Topper, so I used Fresco Paints, Foam, and the Layered Salad Stencil to create an image large enough to go around the wooden top.

 

I like to outline the stencils with black permanent pen to make the colors pop.
 
 
 
I base coat the 2 wooden pieces white first.
 
Then cut or tear pieces of the stenciled Tissue Paper and add to the top with Glue-n-Seal.
 
I added hand painted designs here and there to fill in the holes in my design.
 
The black trim covers any irregular painting of lines and just looks cool...
 
 
 I used Finnabair's Small Vintage Clock Face on the top and added some more hand painted areas.
 
 
The base is done the same way with a black pen and paints to finish it off. I added a layer of Gloss Multi-Medium to both to seal and add shine.
 
 
I've shown steps for making these numbers before, but here's a short version...
 
Push the metal Numerals into embossing ink. Carefully remove them and push into an open jar of Ultra Thick Embossing Powder. This way the UTEE stays in the jar.
 
Then on a craft sheet, heat until it's melted with a heat tool. It won't look like it's going to cover the number, but it spreads out.
 
 I used Platinum, and sprinkled on a bit of Bronze while it's still hot.
 
 
So all that is left is to add the sections to the box. Here's side Number 1....

 
...then side Number 2. Each has a Number, layered up Mini Gears, and an Observation Word Band.

 
Side 3 has a Small Brass Steampunk Charm from Retro Cafe Art.....

 
....and the Brass Watch Movement Charm is on Number 4. All the smaller gears are glued onto larger gears that I got somewhere in my travels.
 
All that's left is adding Wonder Tape to the flaps and putting it together!
 
Give it a go, or at least leave a comment for a chance to WIN A PRIZE, and HOP on to the next Blog for another take on ATBs and another chance to win!!!
  
 All comments on the hop are eligible for the giveaway. The more blogs you comment on, the more chances you have to win.

Giveaway will close on Friday, December 13th at 11:59PM Central Time.
 
Just a Note: One Winner on the last Hop I was on came from my Blog! Just sayin'.
 
Linda
Linda Cain YOU ARE HERE
Maria McGuire

And here is the link to The Artists on the Block website.



UPDATE: If you only want to cut a larger block (3 1/4x 3 1/4) then this die is in stock here.
 
 The new one that cuts all 3 sizes uses a 3x3 block as shown in the tutorial

85 comments:

eileen hull said...

Linda- you are amazing! I have your project up on my kitchen counter and look at it whenever possible. I have been wondering how you stenciled the pedestal- finally I can sleep :-) Tissue paper- brilliant! Thanks you so much for working with the Block- you rock!

Vic said...

Fabulous creation! I put the die on my wish/want/need list!

Unknown said...

I loved your ATB, especially the embossing and the added numbers, beautifully made!

Helen said...

Wow, the ATB''s sound a great thing - and yours is beautiful. Will catch some of the others after work, but for now, I have to go!

Crazydi said...

This is SO fabulous - love the colours and the steampunk look! Your work is brilliant and I've learned so much following your blog. ATC's were great but the ATB's are so much more exciting with all the 3D possibilities - can't wait to get mine and get started!
Thanks for all the amazing tutorials Linda :) x

Bernice Hopper said...

Thanks for showing us how you made it. Beautiful

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

You are so creative! I love this.

Unknown said...

Linda your work always, always amazes and inspires me...I need to run out to my room and play! Thanks for sharing

Lynda said...

Love your ATB!! Thanks for the picture of the block before arting.

Candy said...

The wooden topper really adds a special touch. You are inspiring.

stamping sue said...

Great ATB! can see this be made into a lamp base...what do you think?
stamping sue
http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

Theresa said...

First time I saw an ATB. Love the concept and yours is delightful. thanks as always for sharing.

Amy* said...

Linda this is crazy amazing! I must admit I knew you would create a stellar project but THIiS is other worldly, beyond my wildest dreams awesome! My jaw dropped to the ground when Eileen forwarded me a photo and I sat in awe wondering "How'd she do that?!?!" What a fantastic ATB tutorial. Thanks so much for all the steps and for being sooo Creatively Inspiring!

Amy*

MB Shaw said...

Linda, so amazing! This is beyond gorgeous. And so clever how you stenciled those 3D parts. Thank you for a great post v

Carol Moore said...

Really appreciate your blog post about ATBs. This is an amazing new product and your art is very inspirational. Thank you!

Mary Ellen said...

How cool is this? Not only is the art fabulous, but your descriptions were clear & complete without being wordy.

Maria said...

Tissue paper!!! LOVE! You never disappoint LInda! Incredible :) :)

froebelsternchen said...

extraordinary idea for thos block! amazing!

Words and Pictures said...

Fantastically creative use of the ATB - but then I'd expect that here!! Fabulous!
Alison x

Carolyn Dube said...

What a bright and colorful box of creativity!

Mary C. Nasser said...

Linda, I love the rich colors and patterns and embellishments of this!! Wow! Fantastic!

Jamie Fingal said...

If this is a sickness, I want it. What an amazing imagination you have! I absolutely love what you created with the box, your embellishments, colors, textures. The piece on the top and part on the bottom. All brilliant!

Unknown said...

WOW, that's all I can say. You are amazing.

Claudine said...

Wow, this is just beautiful!

Judy Shea said...

You really took this outside the "box"... sorry. Just beautiful!!!

Marjie Kemper said...

Holy Mackerel! Love it, Linda... LOVE it.

Christine Kiehl said...

WOW! This is fantastic block! So much detail! I like your style!! Thank you for sharing!

Lorrie Jonas' creations said...

love your page,thank you for the chance to win! love your page..

Anonymous said...

Wonderful, love your work

Unknown said...

Reading this with my jaw dropped open. Stunning creation. You have truly taken this to another level. Love the additions of the top and pedestal too.

Anonymous said...

Love your free standing block sculptural piece. xox

Disco Queen said...

Wow Linda! I love how you have transformed the ATC block. It is definitely a work of art worthy of a place in any craft room. Simply inspirational. Theresa x

IndigoEarth said...

Such an amazing idea!! Love it!

steffi said...

That looks brilliant! I shall have to keep an eye open for that die :) Really like how you've embossed the numbers and love the word bands - not seen the observation ones before. Thanks for sharing

Anonymous said...

This might be my favorite ATB yet. Simply beautiful.

BlackDamaskDesigns said...

Linda, this is so fab...I saw this first thing this am and wanted to run out to HL for supplies! Except I don't have the die!

Elaine A said...

HOLY MOLY!! GORGEOUS Linda! Leave it to you to hit it out of the park. I really love this piece, way to go! I can't wait for Eileen's die to come out.

Elaine Allem

Kitchen Guy said...

Gorgeous, I had no idea that you could make something so awesome so easily!

Joyce said...

I love your style and you did wonders with this block. Looking forward to snatching up this new die. Lots of possibilities!

Linda Kittmer said...

Wow Linda! I just love what you did. Brilliant idea to add the pedestal and topper.

Cindy Rescorl said...

I've always loved your artwork! Thanks for sharing.

Pamela Jane said...

So creative, Linda! What a fun ATB!

Marlene Moore said...

Wow! your block is so cool and kind of steampunk-y. Love how you incorporated all your elements on this.

Linda M. Cain said...

That's what I was going for! Thanks!

Linda M. Cain said...

Thanks for letting me "play" with everyone!

Linda M. Cain said...

It's been a BLAST Eileen. Thanks for letting me "play" with everyone!

Vickie Kammerer said...

ATB's are soon to be my "new obsession" thanks to you Linda. Your work never ceases to amaze and entice me :) I MUST have this die asap.

Beachsidelynn said...

Love what you did with the ATB. It's on my must have list now.
Thanks for sharing.

Scrapthat said...

Love all the bits and pieces!! TFS

embellishstudios said...

Stunning project! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Amazing project. So colorful. I love the blocks because you have smaller areas to decorate. Great idea.

Susie Bentz: My Time to Play said...

Gorgeous! The white tissue paper trick is fabulous!

The Mindful Spirit said...

Oh yes yes yes yes!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jackie said...

Linda- are you kidding me?! I LOVE your steampunk block- so very totally cool!!!! Your art is awesome!

Renee said...

Amazing block! I NEED one of these so bad!!

Monica said...

Fantastic wow!

Dee Spillane said...

Oh my gosh this is so fabulous. What a wonderful piece. I think I have to have that die to play. I have the stencils so I am going to play

Unknown said...

HOLY HIT A HOMERUN BATMAN!!! This piece is just ahh-maaazing!!!! I love it and WOW.

Caroline D. said...

Wowzers!!! <3 <3

sue said...

Wow i love, love, love this piece its absolutely amazing keep up the good work xx sue

wwilloww said...

Thanks so much for the tutorial and I love the new die!!!

Bibliofil said...

Oh my word!!! This is absolutely stunning!

peggymcd said...

Love what you created, thank you so much for the chance to win

Rebecca said...

Yes stunning. I took a class earlier this year from Mary Jane Chadwick in which we did collage techniques on charming wooden house shapes. The techniques I learned in her wonderful class would work well with ATBs.
Thank you for sharing!

Shawn said...

This is awesome! Love how you stenciled the top and base. So clever!

Shawn said...

This is awesome! Love how you stenciled the top and base. So clever!

MONICA said...

omgosh...I am amazed...inspired...blown away...just WOW...love every bit of it...

Edie said...

I think I love this die! I can see lots of cool options and I already have a Vagbond, so I am ready to rock it!

Raine said...

This is wonderful! I love how you "stenciled" on the wood by using tissue paper. Brilliant!

Saranne Valentine said...

Love your colorful block!

Marsha said...

GORGEOUS!!! You have done a beautiful, creative job. Original idea, great use of colors and materials...a mixed media masterpiece! Thank you for sharing.

Chandra Merod said...

Wow! I love how you made this block so 3D it's beautiful base and top are a nice touch creating a sculpture. Great colors and the gears and numbers are a nice touch. Very well done!!!

Jane Martin said...

Linda, love the details of your box... beautiful!

funkycrafter said...

very cool.

Anonymous said...

Now I really need that sizziz machine! I must do these blocks! Please Santa, read my list!

Lura said...

OMG!!! you did an amazing job, i love, love, love what you did, so much talent and inspiration. i want them to keep. i want to make them and you gave great directions. thanks for the chance to win. i love stencil girl and love the idea of a new wave of atb's. cant wait to see where everyone takes them. sure would love to win and play with all this fun stuff. thanks for the chance. xoxo

MaRyKaY said...

That is awesome. Ive got to get my hands on some of that fresco paint. Love the colors of all your projects.

Tanya said...

Very cool!!

Debby said...

That is a cool project. Again you did a fantastic job Linda!

EmmaJane said...

Wow!! You've really shown us the possibilities.

Sharon Lynn Williams Fine Art said...


wow! This is incredible :)

Christy said...

So cool and fun! Wow - great art!

S@ndy Diller said...

Thanks for sharing your great talent, just lovely.

RaNae Ellett said...

I always love to see your designs Linda, you do such a fantastic job.....I would love to win this contest, What a wonderful give-away.....Hope it's my turn!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.