On the day, we concentrated on the Artist Trading Block dies (ATBs) and Jenny had the brilliant idea to use the ATBs as wedding favours and so we spent the next few hours designing and making up blocks. We made too many to show you all today so I am going to show a few today and then some more next week.
The first couple of samples just show how Tim Holtz inks, stains and stencils and dies can be used to create items suitable for weddings as well as his normal 'grungy' style. I just love the versatility of that man! The base of the boxes we used are cut from a product called 'mat board' in the US, I think it is much the same as mount board here in the UK, it is a lovely thickness and takes inks, stains and paints really well.
The one above is the first one that I did, using an idea that Jenny wanted me to try. Using Tim's lattice stencil and embossing ink I covered all of the sides and then heat embossed with clear embossing powder. After this had cooled Tarnished Pewter Distress Stain was applied as well as a little Tarnished Pewter Distress Paint. This caused some of the card to rub off a little, but it created the wonderful aged look. A couple of simple corrugated hearts cut from a Movers and Shapers die and the box was finished with a Tattered Floral in plain cream card.
This is the largest size of box, just over 3 inches square and could hold a gift for the Bridesmaids, or to hold confetti or even a piece of wedding cake for the guests to take home. The die for this particular size of box is sold separately to the three smaller boxes which you will see below.
I do love seeing the three sizes together, the largest of these is about 2.1/2 inches square, just to give you an idea of size.
This photo shows the smallest box filled with heart confetti but it could equally be used to house something more precious to be used on the day - but you will have to come back next week to see what that is!
And then, just for fun, I though I would try making some of the boxes out of heavy acetate and I was so pleased that it worked. Sadly neither Jenny nor I, have the Block/Scoreboard die as yet so these were cut by hand using my own measurements. This is not something I recommend because the fit is nowhere near as good as Eileen's dies but I wanted to see if it would work.
I filled one with sugared almonds (a commonly used wedding favour in the UK), one with truffles (which could be used for a dinner party or a wedding) and one with mini easter eggs, all these needed to finish them off was just a little ribbon.
Next week I will show you some more of the designs we came up with, I think you will love what Jenny did and I tried my hand at a little origami too. The boxes are a dream to put together (I will show you that next week too) and are really sturdy.
Jenny and I certainly had a fun day and we cannot wait until our dies arrive now, they are due to arrive in the UK at the end of April. I hope if any of you are anticipating weddings in the family this year that you will find some inspiration in some of the boxes that we created between us.
Thanks for looking and I hope to see you again soon. Hugs, Anne xx
wonderful boxes Anne - looks like a great die - I especially love the set of three - those garden greens are on my list of must haves! And I love those rolled flowers - they're fabulous. Looking forward to catching up with you at the weekend - really excited to be going to Port Sunlight - its such a great show xx
ReplyDeleteGorgeous Anne, lovely idea to use for weddings . Love your designs and the flowers are stunning. The acetate boxes are wonderful. Tracy x
ReplyDeleteAnne- these are soooo beautiful! Love the wedding blocks. You and Jenny are brilliant! I can't wait to see what else the two of you created. Thanks for sharing your ATB's!
ReplyDeleteWe really did have such a great time using these fabulously easy to use die cuts and more ideas between us than hours in a day!! Thank you Anne for organising the photos, etc. You are a star and I can't wait until next time (better make it a whole weekend :) Jenny xxx
ReplyDeletethese dies are going to be such fun. absolutely love what you've done with them.
ReplyDeleteWow Anne they are all gorgeous...what a fun day you both had xxx
ReplyDeleteThe boxes are fabulous Anne. Such a good idea for weddings or parties of any description I think. I also like your acetate boxes. So simple with the ribbon decor. I love sugared almonds too, haha :o) Mo x
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! Fabulous looks!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun you two had!
They look fabulous!! Such a great idea, - they are all so different, but each one just looks stunning!! Can't wait to see the rest now! (Funnily enough I have spent the last two days making a set), - so wished I could have been with you!
ReplyDeleteOh my Anne these are FAB-U-LOUS! The sets of three must be so dinky - they look adorable and as you say could be customised for so different occasions. (H'mmm I'm thinking of Christmas already!) Really like the Tim sort of vintaged effects too. Thank-you so much for the shout out (though I only gifted a small portion of those flowers). As for those candied eggs - they bring back memories lol - make sure you don't start up your heat gun! I'm not surprised you had such a wonderful day with Jenny and the fruits of your ideas and efforts look tremendous. Looking forward to next week. Nicola x
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fantastic fun day.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely LOVE these boxes, the fact you have different sizes is really good.
Happy crafting
Patricia xx
It sounds (and looks!) as though you both had a fabulous day. The blocks are wonderful and you have inspired me to add them to my list of things to have a go at! They all look stunning x
ReplyDeleteSo, so elegant, and what a clever twist to use the ATBs as wedding favours. I love the Pewter finish on the first one, and those springtime leafy ones, and the acetate is another stroke of genius! If I'm right the Scoreboard dies need soft crease pads and extra long cutting pads and all sorts, don't they? Just making my list ready for Christmas...!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you'd been featured on the ATB blog - how brilliant - congratulations!
Alison xx
What an absolutely fabulous idea Ann! I love them all but for a wedding I really like the acetate ones....they look so elegant! I've made one ATB only to date, 'by hand' as I don't have any of the dies. I think the dies would be a must if you were making multiples though, lol! The pewter one has a wonderful shabby chic look and I too love the effect from the rubbed off card. The leafy ones look beautifully fresh and clean and I wish I'd had these when making things for my Daughter's wedding as this design would have worked perfectly with her summer garden party theme.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Lesley Xx
Anne
ReplyDeleteWhat you and Jenny created are supremely elegant and divine. You both hit upon a fabulous idea, you should both go into business!
Adore the embellishments and I so love those rolled flowers.
Wishes
Lynne
WOW! These are all so beautiful Anne and the look like they were great fun to make too. I love the detailing you have added to each one and gorgeous colour schemes.
ReplyDeletehugs Sue xx
These are stunning Anne.and looks like you had a great time with Jenny. Love them all, especially the three little cute ones. X
ReplyDeleteSounds like someone had a nice busy day .... these boxes are just gorgeous I love the first one, so elegant. and the different sizes makes them really useful .... I'm going to have to keep my eyes open for the dies I think. Hugs .... Linda x
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely day you two had. The boxes are fabulous and as everyone says, a great idea to do them for weddings. I can't wait to see the next ones! Hugs barb xx
ReplyDeleteWow, seems you were very creative. Wonderful sets.
ReplyDeleteThese are really gorgeous Anne sounds like you had a fab day:) huggles Sue xx
ReplyDeleteWow... these all are so elegant and unique, Anne. Love your beautiful design! :)
ReplyDeleteI never read other people's comments because they knock my own thoughts out of my head, but this time I was REALLY tempted to take someone else's words and just change them a little to make them mine. All that to say I'm speechless! You always blow my socks off, my friend! You and Jenny make a formidable and delightful crafting couple!! And SO productive! These are all, simply, sensational!! I wish I knew someone with a wedding coming up. I think they would also be so sweet as little favors at the Easter dinner table filled with wee chocolate eggs or Jordan almonds. You make Tim so proud, Annie!! Can't wait to see Part 2! Love and hugs, Darnell
ReplyDeleteThese are so pretty. I just love them!
ReplyDeleteThese look gorgeous! What a great time you two had. They look perfect for wedding favours. Love the Stencilling and decoration with 3d flowers. I think the acetate is also a really brilliant idea. Both styles look beautifully crafted, very professional. I think that die will have to be added to your wish list ! X
ReplyDeleteWhat fun you had Anne and I wish I lived nearer and could have joined in. Very inspiring and I think I may just have a use for this die.
ReplyDeleteTFS and huge hugs Annie x
How fun, it's great to get together with fellow crafters and creatives isn't it? These are fabulous and such a good idea, so versatile too. Chris xxx
ReplyDeleteThe set of three boxes are wonderful Anne. I specially like how the leaves drape over the box
ReplyDeleteLynn xx
These are so gorgeous Anne. I am very jealous of your friend. You are so lucky to have someone to craft with.
ReplyDeleteSending big hugs, Angela xxx
Brilliant boxes Anne. Love the green ones with the leaves falling down the sides. Looks like you had a fun day creating and maybe eating the leftover bonbons!!
ReplyDeleteI am seriously impressed with these boxes and could quite easily be tempted to buy the die when available
ReplyDeleteAnne I knew you and Jenny would knock the ATBs out of the park but thiese gorgeous creations are beyond my expectations and then some! These are so beautiful you two will have blushing brides clamoring for you to make their wedding favors...wow! Each one is so unique...you two have showcased the unlimited possibilities of creating ATBs beautifully! I love the idea of using plastic...I have not tried this with the die but it is now on my list! A previous commenter mentioned needing a crease pad for Eileen's dies...you don't need one just extended cutting pads.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for Rockin' the block!
Amy*
They are lovely Anne, The large box would also be great for selling my felt flowers in, have to investigate ;) Elizabeth xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Anne, these are fabulous and a great idea, beautifully decorated. I'll have to check out this die when it comes out. When Tom and I got married and being that his family is Italian, we had Favors (or Confetti as it is called there) from Italy and I had never heard of them before! Now of course, they are all part of the wedding day here too! Hugs Carole Z X
ReplyDeleteThose are just lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of your support, Anne!
I truly appreciate it :)
Goodness gracious sakes alive Anne - these boxes are fantastic. I do not have a favorite as I love them all! WOW!!
ReplyDeleteSandy xx
Anne...oh how I wish I lived closer to you and Jenny so we could all have a play day together! Your ATBs turned into wedding favors are gorgeous! I love all of them. The stenciling you've done on them really looks wonderful and those flowers.....so sweet and very wedding-ish! <3 Candy
ReplyDeleteHello Miss Anne,nothing better then to craft with a friend, it made your creativity soar, the first Tim box is absolutely gorgeous, your wedding boxes are gorgeous and perfect gifts to give, now those acetate ones are brilliant, koodoos to you for hand making them, I can't wait to see the rest, I want to make one too, when I can figure out how, lol, thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day, ((( BIG HUGS)))..
ReplyDeleteYou certainly had a very productive day while having friendly fun. Each of these designs is so uniquely "You" and so very beautiful. I'll confess that #2 with the greenery is my favorite, but #1 is so elegant. Hard to associate with 'grunge', so you really used TH's techniques to the max on that one. Didn't know that EP could be done over the paints - so something to file away in the brain cells. Ditto with the acetate boxes. How clever to think to try that. Anne, these are all just as gorgeous as can be...what a lovely thing to do as favors at any occasion. TFS & as always, Hugs too.
ReplyDeleteYou nailed the wedding favor boxes! I'd love to receive these at any event! The acetate was brilliant. You definitely need these dies!!!!
ReplyDeleteThese look stunning Anne, such beautiful designs and embellishments, it looks like you and Jenny had a fabulous day xx
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous! Each design is as perfect as the next! They would be so useful for so many different occasions too. xx
ReplyDeleteYou are so creative, putting these together and getting the boxes measured up is great! I love them, love the finishes and the embellishing you did. They are going to look so beautiful for a wedding. So glad you were able to create with Jenny, so nice to have company!! Have a great day,
ReplyDeleteKelly
Anne, this would be such a treasured keepsake at any wedding! Love the designs and that stencil was made for that block! Italians also give the candied almonds at weddings! So glad Jenny and you had such a great time being beautifully creative and can't wait to see more. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHi Anne, These are stunning, Fabulous idea for gifts or favors ..Love all the fabulous designs... so glad to hear you & Jenny had a fab day crafting together....you both are so creative... Hugs May x x
ReplyDeleteLovely boxes, I too am a fan of that grey board from the USA - so sturdy and so good for the back of books etc.
ReplyDeleteI think the first one is my favourite although I shouldn't really have one as they are all so nice.
See you Saturday.
Hugs, Neet xx
Sounds like you and Jenny had a wonderful creative time making all these lovely boxes! Something that I really want to try myself soon. I really like what you did with these and I love those fab rolled flowers. Enjoy yourselves on Saturday - wish I could be there too. Margie xxx
ReplyDeleteYou sure are rocking out the ATBs! What a fun time you and Jenny must have had together. I love all the texture of the vines and the corrugated heart. These are really fabulous 3D creations... the favor boxes, too!
ReplyDelete