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Thursday 6 February 2014

Artist Trading Block - All About Hearts

Since I saw Amy Bowerman take this concept by Eileen Hull to the CHA I have wanted to make one of these Artist Trading Blocks (ATB's) so when my lovely friend Astrid blogged hers and gave us a link to the instructions , I just had to have a go.  Thank you for the inspiration Astrid!

I love making things for my DH and since Valentine's Day is just around the corner, I made him an ATB.


The ATB was made up using heavyweight cardstock (I used an extra heavy 480 gsm card from Rymans in the UK) in black, using the instructions that Astrid mentioned.

I started off by making a Master Board on an A4 piece of card, a technique Hels taught us last weekend, a technique also frequently used by my lovely friends Mo and Angela.  I covered the card with Peacock Feathers Distress Stain, adding a layer of Distress Ink over the top.  I spritzed this with water, dried it with my heat tool and then put pieces of torn book pages (German book pages, a gift from my friend Suzanne) on top.  The book page pieces were also coloured with Peacock Feathers Distress Ink.  To add lots more interest I added Wendy Vecchi Black Embossing Paste through a Crafters Workshop Mini Squircle stencil.

I cut the Master Board into suitable sized squares, finishing the edges with Black Soot Distress Ink and added these to the block.  Click on any of the photos for a better view.


The hearts are cut with Tim Holtz dies, cut in Tim Holtz red Coredinations card stock, overstamped with a PaperArtsy script stamp and edged with Black Soot Distress Ink.


For the top I curled some black jewellery wire, attached the hearts, pushed these through a large bead and attached these to the top of the block.  The hearts wobble -I love that!



The words on the hearts are Tim Holtz chit chat stickers, also edged with Black Soot Distress Ink.


The feet are made from wooden beads which I have painted in black

So there you have it, my first ATB, I think I could become quite addicted to these and I am really looking forward to getting the die now.

I would like to enter this ATB into Simon Says Monday Challenge where the challenge is 'Love Notes'.  My ATB has love words on all sides and lots of romantic hearts.

Edited:  I am also sharing this over at Inspiration Emporium where the challenge is to show it with words - mine are all loving words, so I hope it qualifies.

Thanks for looking, I hope you like it.  See you soon.  Hugs, Anne xx

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66 comments:

  1. Sue6 February 2014 at 21:44

    WOW! This is amazing Anne. Such a wonderful design and beautiful detailing. I especially love how you have attached the hearts to the top so that they wobble!
    Hugs Sue xx

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  2. Words and Pictures6 February 2014 at 21:52

    Simply brilliant, Anne - those vivid red hearts just sing out against the blue-greens and dramatic black of the backgrounds. And the springy hearts on top are beyond fabulous. I can see ATBs ousting the chunky ATCs in your affections!! Fantastic make... hope your husband will be properly appreciative!
    Alison xx

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  3. Anonymous6 February 2014 at 21:53

    Anne, this is a wonderfully contemporary ATB.
    I so love the addition of the springs for the hearts, such a fun idea. In fact the ATB as a whole is pure joy.
    Your husband will treasure this.
    Wishes
    Lynne

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  4. Paper Profusion6 February 2014 at 22:23

    I absolutely love it Anne, David will too for sure. Love the fab bright colours and gorgeous clean lines. The mix of vintagey book text against modern black stenciling is brilliant. As for those fun wobbly hearts, (talk about tugging at heart strings), bet they will be a great source of laughter in your house!! This is a joyous, love laden piece, so pleased your mojo is back n rockin'. Hope u blow their socks off at SSS Monday! Nicola xx

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  5. Joan6 February 2014 at 22:30

    Wow, it's fabulous!

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  6. Astrid Maclean6 February 2014 at 22:40

    Oh wow Anne, totally fabulous!! Those hearts on the curled wire (that looks just like proper springs) are such a brilliant idea, wished I could touch them and see them wobble lol. I also love the idea of a master board, - I've often considered that and never done it, it sounds like such an efficient idea. Love the vivid peacock with the red from the hearts and the book pages, a brilliant make all round. You should post it on the Artist on the Block page, I think Eileen is really happy for people to do that!

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  7. rachel6 February 2014 at 22:54

    Oh my Anne - this is just amazing - I love it all - the masterboard technique and the finished block - the wobbly hearts are a fabulous idea - I hope your DH loves this - but I'm sure he will. I love these colours too - great contrast - its all brilliant! Love it xx

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  8. Rita6 February 2014 at 23:00

    Wow. What a fabulous ATB Anne. I'm sure David will treasure it too. I've never heard of a Masterboard, do I need one. X. I now feel inspired to have a go at one of these. Hugs Rita xxx

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  9. JoZart Designs6 February 2014 at 23:02

    Oh, wow! that is fantastic.... who's the lucky recipient then? I do hope it's DH!
    It was great to meet up today and have a chat. I really enjoyed our little meet up with Chris too.
    Hope you (or your purse) weren't too shattered when you got home.
    Love Jo x

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  10. Anneke6 February 2014 at 23:11

    Great work. Love the colors you have used.
    And then the sweet hearts on top. Love it.
    Anneke.

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  11. Sue6 February 2014 at 23:28

    Stunning piece of art Anne.

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  12. MaryH7 February 2014 at 01:05

    Anne, as usual...another stunner. I love reading how you create these lovely art pieces. I am so lovin' that embossed stencil...it really sparks up that Peacock color. Your DH is going to give you a big MWAH & hug when you present this to him. It's gorgeous..love those tiny little feet too! TFS & Hugs.

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  13. Mona Pendleton7 February 2014 at 05:04

    So very cute! Love all the hearts!

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  14. Jacky7 February 2014 at 06:44

    Brilliant idea - love it! Might have to have a go for my hubby - I have some chocolate baroque stamps which would look great. Your projects get better each day. Hugs, Jacky xx

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  15. Jenny Marples7 February 2014 at 07:55

    Superb Anne! This concept is made for you and I love the way you've done this one. The strong peacock feathers base with those red hearts and black stencilling is so dramatic and I love the way you've made the hearts on top wobble. Can't wait to see more of these. Jenny x

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  16. Jennie Atkinson7 February 2014 at 09:18

    Anne this is fabulous! I love the wonderful strong colours and the black stencilling - and of course those hearts! I think this might be the new craze - I shall have to have a go myself!! Have a lovely weekend Jennie x

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  17. Emma Williams7 February 2014 at 09:36

    I'm a huge fan of ATB and this one is so wonderful...it's is fabulous Anne and I love the colours you've chosen to use and the little hearts at the top are perfect. Thank you for joining us over at the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog... :) x

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  18. Inkypinkycraft7 February 2014 at 09:56

    this is gorgeous and what a cool idea! Love all those hearts x hugs xtrace x

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  19. Felix the Crafty Cat7 February 2014 at 11:07

    Hi Anne, love the ATB, gorgeous colours and images.
    Have a great weekend, sending big hugs, Angela x

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  20. Almo7 February 2014 at 11:38

    Hi Anne, playing catch up here as you know:) I really love your ATB the colours compliment each other so well, and I think the little hearts on springs on the top of the box are adorable. I will be having a go at one of these for sure. I really like the stencil you have used for the black embossing paste. This is a lovely way of using the techniques we did with Hels last week in another form. See you soon. Hugs Mo xx

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  21. Carole Z7 February 2014 at 12:55

    Hi Ann, this is fabulous and I'm bowled over with the gorgeous colours you have used! This is such a brilliant idea and your DH will love love love it! Carole Z X

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  22. Linda7 February 2014 at 13:29

    This is fabulous Anne, love the colours. What a lovely gift. xx

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  23. Kelly 7 February 2014 at 14:53

    Oh do I love the colors and the hearts on top like that! I love the dimension from the black stencil and the little round feet! Your husband will feel the love and excitement of this artistic block! So cool.
    Have a great day,
    Kelly

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  24. Elaine7 February 2014 at 15:25

    You've nailed the colour scheme on this one - peacock and red look stunning together. Your wobbly hearts are so cute too!! Elaine x

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  25. Julie S7 February 2014 at 17:10

    OMG, I love this! The color scheme is beautiful with those vivid colors. Oh no. Are you going to get me addicted to a new project??

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  26. Lucy Edmondson7 February 2014 at 17:25

    I love this Anne, its so striking,

    Lucy x

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  27. Sandy7 February 2014 at 17:39

    This is really glorious! What a good soul mate you are for a very special man! My favorite color is red. Idea "Sandy you must make something with black embossing paste." Another idea " Sandy you must make something on or with bouncy springy wires'! Everything is fantastic Anne - will save this post and go to the links.
    Sandy xx

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  28. Margie7 February 2014 at 18:40

    Yep, I really want to make one of these now! When I saw Astrid's, that was the first time I'd heard of ATBs but I can't wait to have a go. Yours is brilliant Anne and I love the wibbly wobbly hearts. Margie x

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  29. Amy*7 February 2014 at 19:12

    Oh my Anne my heart is all a flutter over this creative ATB! I LOVE it! Guess who the next featured artist on the block is going to be? You my dearest :). Fab ATB I knew you would rock the block with your creative magic!

    Amy*

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  30. Carol Q7 February 2014 at 19:17

    beautiful. such gorgeous colours. these are going to be so popular this year!

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  31. Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans7 February 2014 at 19:22

    Hi Anne this is gorgeous, wonderful design and I love the hearts the colours are very striking. Thanks so much for joining in the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. Great to have you joining in Anne. Tracy x

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  32. Barb Cady7 February 2014 at 21:32

    This is so exciting, I'm off to investigate these ATB's right now! A beautiful project and and very cleverly executed, thank you for sharing it! Big hugs, barb xx

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  33. May7 February 2014 at 21:39

    Hi Anne,...WOW This is gorgeous... I saw the one that Astrid made I love when we share inspiration... I must look out for the die too....Beautiful detail your DH will treasure this piece made with so much love...Hugs May x x x

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  34. TwinkleToes2day7 February 2014 at 22:30

    Completely & utterly fabulous. What a wonderful & inspirational project, Anne. I bet you had lots of fun creating it too. :o) xx

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  35. Brenda Brown7 February 2014 at 23:32

    Absolutely fabulous Anne, I just love the colour combination, the textures and those gorgeous hearts. Hubby is gonna really love this too I am sure. Have a great weekend xx

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  36. Terry8 February 2014 at 04:19

    Astrid is so inspiring and your block is gorgeous! I so love the popping hearts! What a wonderful gift for your hubby! The wooden feet is so clever as well! Love this. Have a great weekend! Hugs!

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  37. Darnell8 February 2014 at 06:16

    Well, you've knocked me off my chair again, my friend Annie! At this rate, I'll have to have the Mister put the computer down on the floor for me! I think your ATB is just brilliant! I love the vibrant peacock and red and black! Well done undertaking and NAILING this new concept from the sweet feet to the tops of the hearts!! David must be over the moon! Your love just radiates from all sides!! Love and hugs, Darnell

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  38. Mary Jo 8 February 2014 at 13:49

    That is just simply amazing!!!

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  39. Craftychris8 February 2014 at 17:15

    Fabulous! What a lovely Valentines gift for your hubby, he will love it! xx

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  40. Claudia N.8 February 2014 at 20:35

    Your ATB is soo adorable, Anne! LOVE the vivid colours and the lovely but also striking design! Have to try one of these too now I have seen yours!

    Hugs,
    Claudia x

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  41. Miriam9 February 2014 at 10:42

    Your ATB is just wonderful....so pretty!

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  42. Patricia9 February 2014 at 14:47

    What a "fantastic" project I love what you have done. I do not do Hel`s sort of crafting.....yet!! If it was not so far away I would really love to do one of her Workshops it looks so much fun.
    Hugs

    Patricia xx

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  43. Maura9 February 2014 at 18:39

    What a fun project! I like the hearts on springs :)

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  44. Marjie Kemper9 February 2014 at 21:06

    It's so vibrant and fun, Anne! Love your rich colors and the 3D black paste. The feet are a wonderful finishing touch, too. Love springs eternal, eh?

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  45. Annie10 February 2014 at 10:46

    So fab Anne and David will adore it. Great textures and colours. I love it !!!! Hugs Annie x

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  46. Chris10 February 2014 at 11:48

    Fantastic ATBS Anne and such glorious colours and design too! Love the gorgeous background and the wonderful hearts on top too. Chris xx

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  47. Juliz Design Post10 February 2014 at 19:18

    What a striking little box. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
    Julie x

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  48. Unknown10 February 2014 at 23:04

    fabulous project!! love the colours

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  49. dottielottie10 February 2014 at 23:19

    Just love your fantastic ATB Anne. Those colours really pop against the black, love the quirky hearts on the top too. Bet your hubby will be delighted with this gorgeous and fun piece of Valentine art.
    Hugs x

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  50. toni11 February 2014 at 07:52

    Fabulous ATB ! What a lucky DH you have . Love those strong colours with the black tying them all together, the little hearts springing out of the top are so sweet ! I 've got a catalogue from a company called Great Art. They stock some little canvas cubes 8x8x8 cms they are in packs of 9 priced at £24.50 they look like good fun. Might keep you going till you get your hands on that die here's the web addy. www.greatart.co.uk! I thought I might give them a try . Have a happy crafty week x

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  51. toni11 February 2014 at 07:56

    Me again, just checked and they're out of stock ! Seems like cubes are the way to go, hey ho ! X

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  52. Sophie12 February 2014 at 08:29

    Was für eine süße Schachtel.
    Eine tolle Idee. Und die Herzen oben können sogar wippen :-)
    Die Farben sind fantastisch mit dem Schwarz darüber.
    Die kleinen Kugelfüße machen diese schöne Box perfekt.
    Eine tolle Arbeit!
    Liebe Grüße
    Sophie

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  53. Anita Houston The Artful Maven12 February 2014 at 19:50

    So happy you jumped on Amy and Eileen's wagon!!! Love your Heart ATB, and the topper is just fabulous! Gorgeous work!

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  54. Sherry13 February 2014 at 06:51

    Hi Anne, thanks for your comment on my blog 😃. I love your ATB too - stunning colours and layers, the springy hearts are fab and it's even got feet! Lots of inspiration here - thanks x

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  55. Create Beauty with Laurajo13 February 2014 at 07:31

    Hello Anne, Your Coil Spring Hearts are darling and such a great idea to embellish the ATBs. Love the colors too. Fabulous job!!

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  56. Neet13 February 2014 at 11:59

    Well, I am seeing something for the first time and I went to CHA. Must have walked around in a daze.
    Fabulous! Am sure DH will be delighted and once more so glad he has such a talented wife.
    Hugs, Neet xx

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  57. Candy C13 February 2014 at 14:09

    Anne...your ATB is darling! I love the bright colors and the hearts popping out of the top as well as the bright, colorful hearts on every side. Such a cute design! <3 Candy

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  58. wendy vecchi14 February 2014 at 13:43

    this is a beauty & the perfect example of using the black paste!
    LOVE IT!

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  59. Lynn Holland14 February 2014 at 17:12

    I knew you would have to have a go at this and as always it's beautifully made, I get David loves it, xx

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  60. Stamping With Bibiana14 February 2014 at 17:17

    so beautiful.
    Happy Valentine's Day!
    Warmly,
    Bibiana

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  61. Michelle 15 February 2014 at 01:06

    Beautiful blocks! I love those whimsical hearts! I've been wanting to make those myself, so thank you for posting that link. Happy Valentines Day! ~Michelle

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  62. Michelle 15 February 2014 at 01:10

    Oh goodness...
    I got so excited about your block that I forgot to thank you properly! Thank you for sharing your project with us for the Simon Says Stamp Monday challenge. I really did enjoy seeing it. :)

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  63. Lisa H20 February 2014 at 07:02

    I'm very intrigued by these ATBs! Yours is very fun and cheerful. Thanks for joining in our challenge at Inspiration Journal. =)

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  64. Ana K.23 February 2014 at 18:01

    Gorgeous project Anne! I always admire your work at Occ and I am sorry that I didn’t come earlier here…beautiful work! Thank you very much for nice comment!
    Greetings from Slovenia

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  65. Sue from Oregon25 February 2014 at 02:30

    Thanks so much for joining our Inspiration Emporium February Show It With Words Challenge!

    Your love creations and bright colors make my heart pitter patter...I love fun bright colors!!

    ♥ Sue Kment

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  66. Sandy25 March 2014 at 18:34

    Ahhh yes - I remember this!! Now don't go getting too big for your britches now that you are famous and hitting the big time and forget about your friends from way back!!
    sandy xx

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