Imagine a fully figured ATC - dimensional, "chubby; you have come up with an ATB (Artist Trading Block). I learned about Artist Trading Blocks from Aileen Roberts and decided to try the Valentine ATB swap Aileen organized. My swap partner is Christy Grant, who requested red ATBs (we're supposed to send two to our swap partner) with vintage valentines. I started with chunky wood blocks (2.5 inches by 3.5 inches by 1.5 inches), which I bought from Outside The Margins. I made the two for Christy and then made two more (I think they'll make cool valentines, but I'm tempted to keep them).
I started out with the basic wood block, which I then gessoed and painted red.
Here's the first block I made for Christy.
And, here's her second block.
Below are the two blocks with uncertain futures (I'm torn between keeping them or sending them out into the world).
This was a fun project. I think having a theme helped me explore using ATBs.
Love the crystal things on top. Beautiful!
Posted by: jeanie | January 14, 2011 at 10:08 AM
very cool. might be a fun Mavens project.
Posted by: last minute lynn | January 10, 2011 at 08:24 PM
I bet it's fun to embellish such a sturdy substrate - you did a fabulous job!
Posted by: Jackie Smith | January 10, 2011 at 03:46 AM
I like these way better than ATCs and yours are wonderful, as usual!
Posted by: martha brown | January 09, 2011 at 08:08 PM
Very Valentiney. Looks like you had a lot of fun with these.
Posted by: Kathy Mc | January 09, 2011 at 07:49 PM
Holy COW! I thought you said you were making "matchboxes". I am still going to make you a matchbox and you can quite calling me an idiot in your mind. DUH! I love your blocks. One of them will look great in my Joanne Thieme Huffman collection. Right up there with my crown!
Ann
Posted by: ann | January 09, 2011 at 07:32 PM
OmG these are so jam packed with glitz and love! So great Joanne!
Posted by: Kris | January 09, 2011 at 07:22 PM
ohh what fun Joanne, I just love all the chunky texture and jewels especially the crystals you used on the top very cool!!
Posted by: Aileen | January 09, 2011 at 06:53 PM
The first one is so romantic, and the second is so sweet with those little clowns. Christy is sure to love these! Oh, and I love the wire and crystal beads on the 2nd one.
Posted by: Karen Owen | January 09, 2011 at 06:38 PM