Wednesday 5 February 2014

ATB and a give away

Hello dear visitors and lovely to have you drop by here, - a warm welcome to you all.

A few days ago I showed a sneak peek of a project, created for the Artistic Stamper's February Challenge with the promise to show more here soon. Well, today is the day I want to share my new addiction with you, - ATBs!! (As many of you will know already, this is short for Artist Trading Blocks). If you want to know more about them, there is a special blog, Artists on the Block. There you can find out all about them and see loads of wonderful examples in many different styles.

Here is my version. Now Sizzix has made a special die designed by Eileen Hull to make these blocks in different sizes, It is supposed to become available in the UK in February. However, as I have not yet managed to get one, I decided I would just cut my own. Being a teacher I have often made these with kids in the past, and it's not too hard. HERE is a link to where you can download a template. Mine is 3 x 3" and I made it out of one piece of 12 by 12 card, it will have to be one though, that has an extra little bit that names the brand (I used Black Core'dinations). This is so you can cut the glue strip. After I had scored and cut my template, I cut 6 squares of 2 3/4", and then decorated to my heart's content with Distress Inks, stencils, various stamps, word stickers etc.
Here are some close ups:
I used some Artistic Stamper stamps and embossed one of the sides with a folder. I used the same 6 colours or so for most of my sides: Wild Honey, Scattered Straw, Aged Mahogany, Broken China, Iced Spruce and Walnut Stain. Stamping was mostly Black Archival.



This is the top. I'll tell you more about the little art doll in a moment. Here again, more embossing, inking and embellishing with various bits and pieces.

As you can see, this whole project was very much inspired by Tim Holtz, another embossing folder, some tissue tape, a heart (this is after all Valentine's month), and a little cut out from one of Tim's papers.

An ornate plate, treated with various paints and Antiquities Rust embossing powder

And finally, some remnant rubs and a home made embellishment made from black shrink plastic and stamped in Brilliance gold ink.

Ok, now the the doll: This was a Paper Whimsy collage sheet, called Gothic Fairy (it's quite an old one). It has various dolls parts that I put together digitally and then printed twice on card stock, glued together (so she would look nice from both sides, - you will need to turn her horizontally on the second one), and then adhered to the top of my block.

Right, finally we come to the bit you have all been waiting for, - the give away!!

As you can see from my side bar, I have nearly reached 2000 followers (quite a humbling thought). Not in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever have that many followers. Anyway, here is the give away:

Two Paper Artsy JOFY stamps
5 colours of Distress Paints: Wild Honey, Ripe Persimmon, Aged Mahogany, Salty Ocean, Iced Spruce
1 Wendy Vecchi Archival Ink Potting Soil
A Tim Holtz On the Edge die
Plus the Artist Trading Block above for those of you that would like to get a little art piece.

And here is what you need to do to be in with a chance to win this candy:
1. Leave a comment on this post with a way for me to contact you
2. Become a follower if you are not following already
Finally and this is just if you want to:
3. Link this give away on your own blog in the side bar with a picture.

I will pick a random winner on the day I reach 2000 followers and will announce it here.

I want to end by thanking all of you for your wonderful support over the years, your lovely comments and emails always make my day and make blogging so worthwhile. THANK YOU!!!

**PLEASE NOTE THIS GIVE-AWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!!**


87 comments:

Scrumplescrunch said...

Hello Astrid
As usual you have inspired me with not only the palette of each side of the Box, but each individual design, it relates a rich tactile feel, which a box should have, because as you pick it up and turn it around you are rewarded with wonder and surprise, and you have just got to run your fingers over it. Superb!
Smiles:)
Sue

maria's knutselplezier said...

Wwow Astrid what a beautiful project again, I really love it, and congrats with your almost 2000 followers , I have olmost 200, and I 'm already very satisfite, I can imagine how you must feel!! I would very much like to participate with the candy , but I have to put your logo on my sideboard, its a long time agao since I did this , I hope I can still do it!!!

Have a great week!!!

Maria

Brenda Brown said...

Loved your block when I saw it on the AS blog and to see it in more detail gives me a whole new look at it. The doll is fabulous, she sits beautifully on the top and the textures, colours and embellishing all the way round are stunning. I just love your mixed media style Astrid and know that every time I come over I will be drawn in and inspired by your creative projects. I am not surprised at the number if people who follow you, I am sure you will soon reach the 2000 mark. Thanks for sharing your ideas and fir a great giveaway. Big hugs xx

Алла АА said...

Какая замечательная конфетка!
http://aaalla.blogspot.com
Картинка на панельке справа.

Rita said...

Good Morning Astrid. Wow Wow Wow. This block is absolutely stunning. The fabulous colours and the textures make it so special. Like Brenda, I do love that little doll. What a great inspiration you are, its no wonder you are nearly at 2000 followers. Wonderful give-away and its so generous too. Fingers Crossed. Hugs Rita xxxxx

brenda said...

ATB's are a new one to me Astrid, but the lovely thing about crafting is it's a constant learning curve.

Your little box is amazing, I can't begin to imagine how long it took but every moment so worthwhile.

I am off to pop your candy on my sidebar.

B x

Suzi B said...

I well understand why you have so many followers Astrid... your art work is always inspirational.
Suzi B xx

Heather Jacob said...

Astrid, I know I say this every time but you are so amazing and do such awesome work, love it all x

Maryann Laursen said...

I´m certainly surprised, that you don´t have 20.000 followers with all the gorgeous and amazing work and wonderful ideas, that you´re always sharing here. I´m in total awe about your gorgeous block here, and will cross everything possible to be lucky enough to win that one, it´s a fabulous piece of art. And I´ll add it to my sidebar in a minute, that´s a promisse. Have a great day filled with more amazing work like this.

Redanne said...

I really thought you had managed to get one of Eileen's dies! Your own version is absolutely stunning Astrid, you are such an inspirational crafter and your work is always fantastic but I think you have gone to another level with this piece! It really is superb, I love all the detail and the doll on top is such a perfect finishing touch. Thank you for sharing the template. Thank you too, for the chance to win the give-away and many congratulations on reaching nearly 2000. Hugs, Anne x

georgina said...

Well Astrids you have brought another new aspect to craft. And as usual it is wonderful,I come on your blog every day without fail and you never fail lol I can't link to my blog as I'm a technophobe and don't have a clue but I do follow you,keep on crafting,luv Georgina.

Deborah said...

Your ATB looks absolutely brilliant, Astrid. I love the art doll perched on top too. I can't do these things without dies (Country View Crafts)so I am doubly impressed you created it from scratch.

Viv said...

Oh wow Astrid - a fab project - full of delicious detail. Would love it!
Thanks for the chance to win this scrummy give away too!

el said...

wow , ja jeszcze z mediami mam niewiele wspólnego ale chętni spróbuję . Może dzięki Tobie .... jak uda mi się upolować Twoje cukierki

Ginger said...

I must admit I thought I already followed your blog, but I wasn't, but I am now. Not heard of the ATB before. nice example. Carol x

Maryanne said...

Thanks so much for the tutorial on your ATB, Astrid! It's really fantastic and I love the little art doll on the top. I've never been much into ATCs, but I love the blocks, so that may change!

Cathy A said...

Stride I have never heard of ATB,s before so I learnt a lot today from your blog! They make sense though as you have so much more room to show your art and yours as always IS amazing!

Renee Stien said...

I've never heard of these Artist Trading Blocks before - what a fun project! This is gorgeous. Congratulations on the 2000 followers!

Margaret Mifsud said...

I actually had never heard of an ATB until you shared this one Astrid and I think they are gorgeous! It would be so lovely to just pick it up and feel all the textures you have created on it and the colours as well are simply stunning. Absolutely love this piece!! Love the give-away too ... I'm sure it won't take long for you to reach the 2000!! Your work is awesome!!! ox

Paper Profusion said...

Truly superb artistry Astrid. No way can I choose a favourite from the various sides and I love the quirky doll on top!

What a fab achievement in followers - not at all surprised though given your abilities. Thank-you so much for chance to win - even if I dont win I am glad to see those bright paint colours today as respite from the dark skied deluge here. Nicola x

roc said...

wonderful atb astrid! congratulations on your pending milestone! i'm SO proud of you and your accomplishments!
what a wonderful give away!

Marianne said...

Love your ATB Astrid!! Learned something new, because I never heard of it before. What a beautiful project!!
And thanks for the chance on the lovely give-away. I have put it in my sidebar :-)
xxx Marianne

bockel24 said...

congrats on 2.000, Astrid - I know why there are so many of us who love your work!
this project is great, too (love the colours!) - but why is the post dated on Feb 17? strange ...
and finally, thanks for the opportunity to win your wonderful giveaway!

Meggymay said...

Wow, the details are awesome, I have spent ages looking at all the photos, its a fabulous piece. Congratulations on your followers total, and for the chance to win your give away.
Yvonne

Candy C said...

Astrid...huge congrats on nearly 2,000 followers! I am not surprised as your art is simply incredible and you so freely share your creative process. Your ATB is absolutely gorgeous! I so love all of the texture and blended colors you've managed to get onto one little block! Such a beautiful art piece! <3 Candy

Terry said...

Congratulations on reaching (and you will) 2,000 followers! Not only is your art inspiring and gorgeous, but you take time for blog visits! I have been blessed to find you in this blogging world and thank you! Now onto your ATB - FABULOUS in every detail. I just love all the elements and style that went into this block! Love it! Happy Monday!

Dee in N.H. said...

Wow! That is gorgeous! I love all the textures and the great details!
Someone will be very honored to have this piece to look at in their very own room. I'm a new follower and can't believe I hadn't stumbled across here before!

Unknown said...

Love your block. Thank you for sharing the template. I just found your site and cant wait to see more great projects.!
Debbie Hopkins

Dorthe said...

Dear Astrid, what can I say, but AMAZING!!!!!.... how fantastic the texture looks, and stunning colours,- the sweet girl having a ball on top of your gorgeous block.. I would ofcourse LOVE to win your masterpiece,- thank you for the chance !
Hugs from Dorthe

Dorthe said...

I totally forgot to congratulate you on you on your 2000 followers...wow Astrid, you deserve everyone of them !!! xoxo, Dorthe

eileen hull said...

Wow Astrid- congrats on all of it- creating a beautiful ATB and for 2000 followers! Every side is a treat. Beautiful- love this! Feel free post this or any other blocks you create on The Artists on the Block FB page- we love to see amazing projects like yours!

Lucy Edmondson said...

This is gorgeous, Astrid, so rich looking and of course I love the little doll on top!

Lucy x

Netty said...

An ATB is definitely a new one on me Astrid, but there again I do live a very sheltered life....... Loving the way you have designed it. Annette x

http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

Martina said...

Hi dear Astrid,
this ATC Cube is so cool! Thank you so much for the links. Sometime I want to try that too. A very clever idea!

OMG Astrid, nearly reached 2000 followers! Isn`t it fab? Congratulations my dear friend. How lovely to offer this wonderful giveaway:-)
Thank you, for all the inspiration you give to me. Wishing you even great success with your blog and may you celebrate many many many more followers :-)
Love and hugs
MARTINA xxx

Margie said...

Wow Astrid, I really like this idea and must admit, I hadn't heard of ATBs before. You have certainly made this one your own and how great to have so many surfaces to decorate. Now I'm wondering whether it would be possible to make the block "flat pack" to make it easy to post with the recipient having the fun of making it up on receipt - you've got me thinking now! Thanks also for the chance to win your lovely goodies. Margie x

May said...

Gorgeous work as always Astrid..I saw this over at AS and loved it... great to revisit & your tutorial is Fabulous... Congrats on your followers....Thank you for the chance to win your very generous candy... Hugs May x x

massofhair said...

I first saw ATBs on the Paper Artsy Blog & fell in love with them! Been looking around & like the wooden blocks too. Have got myself some wooden ones cut & am raring to go.

Love you are showing how to make the card ones, thank you for the template, most generous of you to share.

Beautiful colours Astrid, looks stunning & so many ideas in my head ...

Hope you reach 2000 Followers very soon, love your Blog, your style & your inspiration:-) xxx

Barbara Rankin said...

Beautiful ATB, Astrid. Congrats on reaching (almost, but soon) the 2,000 mark. You certainly deserve it. Your work is so fabulous!

Almo said...

Hi Astrid,
I shows how inspiring your lovely work is that you have so many followers, 2000 wow! congratulations! I am loving you atb and with the template I am looking forward to giving one a try. Thank your for the chance of winning that wonderful giveaway. Hugs Mo x

Dianne said...

Hello Miss Astrid, 200 followers you go Woman, not surprised, you are a fantastic artist and always so generous in sharing your process, I did'n realize it was a block, dah me, thanks so much for the link, I have been wanting to make one but no machines to die cut anything, now I can whoot, whoot, every side is is stunning your blending is gorgeous,that ornate plate, spectacular, your shrink wrap piece, fabulous, you blow me away with your outstanding makes,thanks for sharing and offering all those goodies, all on my wish list :O), ((( BIG HUGS)))..

itsazoo said...

Awesome project as always......

Barbara said...

I love all your projects. This is an awesome giveaway. I would love to win but even if I don't I wish I had your creativity. Thanks a bunch.
bgalyean2011(at)aol(dot)com

Rossella said...

This is wonderful Astrid, I am not surprised you have nearly 2000 followers as you work is always breathtakingly beautiful and inspirational.
Rosie x

Mary Elizabeth said...

Wow Astrid! 2000 followers is a serious achievement. No wonder though ... you are an incredible artist and I'm thrilled to be here to help you celebrate. Speaking of a being so very talented ... I love this ATB. I honestly have never heard of such a thing. How fun! Love the embossing and colors. And the Gothic Fairy on top is just adorable! I'm a teacher too and I have my student create these for my geometry course. I can't wait to make one like this for my next lesson on cubes!! Going over to Artist on the Block now. Thanks for the info. -- Mary Elizabeth

Steph Ackerman said...

This is stunning. Love this ATB with it's colors and techniques.

Unknown said...

Hi Astrid
I love your new ATB what a great idea, I love the design details. The casual way you talk about creating the digital doll, as if we all know how to do it.
Thanks for your inspiration,
Eliza

Claudia N. said...

Wow - what a gorgeous candy, Astrid! Thanks for the chance to win it and congrats on the large number of followers (which is no surprise to me honestly ;).

Image is added to the sidebar, linked to your post and comment is finished....now.

*lol
Hugs,
Claudia x

Claire said...

Hi Astrid, wow congrats on so many followers!! A massive achievement! Your ATB is really beautiful - love the Tim style to it and all the little finishing touches! Thanks for the chance to win some goodies! Love Claire xx

suzieq23 said...


first I want to thank you for the block template. I do not have the sizzix die either. The giveaway looks fantastic and I would love to have a chance to play with all of it! Your block is so creative and I might just have to use some of your ideas. thanks again.

Vicki Dutcher said...

Congrats for building your followers to so many! I have said in the past you are an amazing artist so I am sure you will hit 200o in a short period of time! I am glad I am already a follower!

Toni Stacey Simpson said...

oh goodness what a yummy giveaway! Congrats on your almost 2000! I just love your art! I am sharing on facebook too!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on 2000 Followers, such an achievement but not surprised as your Blog is a constant source of beauty and inspiration.
Your latest addiction is fabulous! Each face created with artistic flair and I love the gothic fairy perched on top.
Astrid, this is a generous Giveaway - I am a Follower and I will of course add to my sidebar.
Wishes
Lynne

Words and Pictures said...

Absolutely love your ATB - what glorious colours and so much fabulous grungy detailing... those embossed numbers are so cool!

And 2000 followers - gulp!! - what an amazing achievement... but easy to understand why they'd want to be here to see your wonderful work.

I'm pretty much set up so don't put me in the hat... though I'd love to win the ATB - but maybe we can swap one some day?!
Alison xx

Elly said...

Looks like a bigger size of a chunky atc. Love what you made. Stunning as always. Doesn't matter which size you are using.♥

rachel said...

this is fabulous Astrid - what an amazing piece of art. Such texture and depth - brilliant - I would love to go in the draw for your amazing candy too - I will add your details to my sidebar - I can be reached via email - my address is on my blog! Big Hugs rachel xx

Darlene G said...

Your work is beautiful as always. I would love to win, especially the distress paint. Thanks for your generosity.

berlykim37 said...

This is really cool. I've never seen that before. Tfs

Diane said...

This is a wonderful block and the colors are so pretty. Diane

Studio Susanne said...

Hi Astrid,
I've not heard of ATB's before you mentioned them today and shared with us your beautiful creation. You blog is always a treat to visit with so many great tips and techniques. Thanks for sharing the template to make one of these brilliant boxes. Another project to add to my 'must try' list. I'm an avid follower of yours already and will try to add you to the side bar of my blog.
Thank you too for this generous 'giveaway'.
Warmestbest wishes,
Susanne

RhianPennant said...

Your work is inspirational Astrid and thanks for the template. Just love your blog and thanks for the chance to win RhiN

Silvia(Barnie) said...

Wow Astrid this ATB is breathtaking, such wonderful colors (just my cup of tea), the texture and all the amazing details.
Congrats to nearly 2000 followers :) It's always a pleasure to visit your blog :) Great inspiration.

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

SO GLAD you moved to the BLOCK!!! They are addicting! Love each side Astrid, and the topper is too FUN!!!

Ros Crawford said...

Congrats on all those followers!! Beautiful block Astrid ... Love the transformation

Judy Rice said...

Amazing! I've never heard of the atb's before. An inspiration for sure. Thank you for a chance to win this great giveaway.

Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries said...

What a great box Astrid...so creative

Jennie Atkinson said...

ATBs are totally new to me Astrid - but I can see how they could become addictive! Your project is just amazingly beautiful and inspirational in terms of all the textures and techniques. And I love the colours too. Just fabulous.

And no surprise that you have so many followers x

artwolf2009 said...

what a great idea with the Blogs, seems to have quite an addictive potential.

Caroline D. said...

I was #1998... even though I've followed you for quite a while just cause I like your creations and style, but didn't realize I had not officially 'followed' for the counter. LOL Your ATB creation is gorgeous... love all the textures of it! Fab giveaway and of course I'd love the art piece with it! :) Congrats on your success!

shari said...

Well you now have one more follower. Love your project thanks for the great giveaway. Cricutrookie at AOL dot com

Val.S said...

Astrid,I love your blog,don't have one of my own,but follow yours avidly! I just love the ATB's & will be into them soon!
Val.S.
keithnval.s@gmail.com

Kate Yetter said...

Oooh! I am loving the colors on this TAB. Gorgeous texture & vibrant colors. These are so cool. Lovely work as always. And ab fabulous giveaway!

Michele said...

what a rich and incredible creation! full of subtlety and beauty. i've never heard of an ATB but you've made a lovely one. xo

Anonymous said...

Hello Astrid, thank you so much for the template. I really want to make one of these, but as I'm unable to cut a straight line, I'm more than a little trepidatious. :) Your ATB is completely gorgeous, I've been ooh-ing & aah-ing over every detail.
Congrats on the 2000 followers, it's very well deserved. That is an awesome giveaway, whoever wins will be thrilled.

Valerie-Jael said...

his is such a beautiful block, love all the embossing, and deatisl, so much to see! Great idea with the generous giveaway, too. Valerie

Valerie-Jael said...

I have put a link and the piccie on my side bar! Valerie

Berina RGA said...

Oh wow Astrid!! I'm your 2000th follower :) Congrats on reaching 2000 :) beautiful ATB... happy to follow your blog :)
-Berina
Moxie Craftie

Debbie said...

Your posts are always inspirational and beautiful! Congrats on reaching 2000 followers.
debsmeth@gmail.com

Mounika Reddy said...

Congratulations..You are successful in making 2000 people to follow and inspire from your creativity..

I loved the antique and rustic look of the box.

Thanks for giving us an opportunity to win this lovely candy

blogforanyone2013@gmail.com

Daniella said...

Hi Astrid! Sorry to be late getting here! My internet has been off and on all week! Tons of snow here, *sigh*
Your ATB is beautiful! I made a few ATB's that I bought, they were wood and rectangular. Super fun!
You are a very generous person to give away such a wonderful prize! I would have put it on my blog, but I see you have 2001 now! Congratulations!
xxDaniella

Dagmar said...

wow Astrid - I congratulate you on you on your 2000 followers and thanks for the chance to win <3
I love to visit your blog and I love your works so much!!!

XoXo Dagmar

Irina said...

I congratulate on 2000 Followers! You have very interesting blog, each work special and unique! It is a lot of inspiration, thanks!

Bärbel said...

Meinen Glückwunsch zu den vielen Bloglesern, liebe Astrid. Ihre Werke sind stets ganz außergewöhnlich gestaltet und man erkennt die Liebe, mit der sie geschaffen wurden.

Für die Nachricht hinsichtlich meines Blogs danke ich sehr, auch für die Geburtstagsglückwünsche. Ich werde mich noch melden, aber ich weiß nicht, ob ich es in dieser Woche noch schaffe, denn heute feiert mein Mann seinen Geburtstag und die Familienfeier steht noch am Wochenende an.
Liebe Grüße, Bärbel

AngelicaS said...

2005 already....guess I'm to late :)

Love your ATB, must give the ATB thing a try....as usual you inspired me to try something new. Keep up the great work...there is a lot of us out here who is looking forward to new amazing projects!!! XX

sara j said...

So glad to have found you! Such lovely projects...congrats on all the love....looks like you deserve it! Count me as a follower

New Creations said...

OOOH... Congratulations on reaching above 2000 beautiful people!!!! Happy to be a new follower, Just found your blog. It just proves how talented you are!!!! So generous of you to offer so much. Wow! Thanks for a chance to win!
Vinita

Unknown said...

What an amazingly generous giveaway!! congrats on reaching 2000+!!! And giving away that block :o That is so amazing!!! Thank you so much for the opportunity!!

- Susan
{Scrap A Thousand Words}
{Open-Minded Crafting Fun Challenges}

Debbie Adams said...

Oh my gosh, I have been a follower of yours for a while now and love all your art creations they are just beautiful. I am so bummed I missed this give away besides the wonderful Th items and paper I would have loved to receive one your art creations. I am definitely looking into the ATB's. This sounds so fun! :D Thanks for the link.
Deborah

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Just got a whole lot of new stamps from a brilliant place called the Stamp Smith. This is the image that I first saw on Docraft and really liked. I asked the friend who has used it in an ATC, where she got it. Well she borrowed it from a friend who got it from ebay as a one off. But.... it had a title. I googled the title, and hey presto found the site. They have great stamps and offer a really friendly fast service. I highly recommend them!

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