I am completely thrilled and very excited to have been invited to join Team ATB at THE ARTISTS ON THE BLOCK - by Eileen and the fantastic designer Amy Bowerman, who leads Team ATB! How fabulous is that! I have had to keep it under my hat for a little while now and I cannot wait to get started...
The very talented Design Team create ATBs using Eileen's fantastic dies, which I have had the pleasure of using for a few months now. One of my loves is creating 3D projects - the dies are so versatile and can be adapted in different ways, as the Design Team and many others have shown. As Amy says, 'ATBs are the building blocks of creativity' and she is so right. If you want to be totally blown away by some examples of ATBs have a look at the Pinterest page, there are some fabulous ideas there.
In honour of joining this amazing team I have made a special project, dedicated to Eileen, which in my own small way shows the versatility of the blocks. If you have not tried using these blocks, please do, they are such fun.... and very addictive. So, on to my first official creation for Team ATB:
From this (can you see what it might be?)
To this - a steam train.... quirky and lots of fun to make!
I used a mix of dies, obviously Eileen Hull's ATB, other Sizzix dies for the windows and doors, Tim Holtz sized circles for the wheels (along with Brushed Pewter Distress Paint) and I added a few Prima embellishments for lights, wheel nuts and bumpers - the rest is simply strong black card, with a little red thrown in.
My lovely DH is very keen on steam trains and he lent me his rail track to stand it on, he has since claimed the steam train as his own...
As I said, I wanted to show the versatility of the ATBs here but there is no need to create elaborate pieces - but it is great fun and I have lots more ideas in my head! If you pop over to The Artists on the Block HERE you will see lots of innovative ATBs that the inspirational Design Team created during this past month alone.
Eileen also has a monthly challenge called Art With Heart where you can express your creativity (not just with ATBs either) based on a challenge theme and there are wonderful prizes on offer. It is definitely worth a look there too, if you have the time (the May challenge has now finished).
Amy has asked me to show a few of my favourite projects from the past few months. Click on the photos for a larger view.
One of my most favourite projects is the beach hut I created, details of which you can find here. This showcases the versatility of Eileen's ATB die beautifully and also my love of 3D objects. The hut now lives with my lovely friend Mo in her seaside themed guest room.
Another favourite project is my Mini Storage Box, a 3D project that showcases my love of all things Tim Holtz, I used Tim's beautiful Wallflower papers, Remnant Rubs and Idea-ology, the details are here.
One of my most favourite projects is the beach hut I created, details of which you can find here. This showcases the versatility of Eileen's ATB die beautifully and also my love of 3D objects. The hut now lives with my lovely friend Mo in her seaside themed guest room.
Another favourite project is my Mini Storage Box, a 3D project that showcases my love of all things Tim Holtz, I used Tim's beautiful Wallflower papers, Remnant Rubs and Idea-ology, the details are here.
My third project is a favourite from last year - an altered clock base, another of Tim Holtz's Idea-ology pieces - full details here.
Well, I think I have kept you long enough. Thank you for looking, I hope you like my steam train and I hope you will follow my adventures with ATBs and maybe even make some yourselves! Take care and I hope to see you soon. Hugs, Anne xx
You are amazing and we are sooo lucky and thrilled to bits to have you joining us Anne! I just did a Snoopy dance (that's how excited I am). The train is amazing with a capital A and I can't wait to see what you come up with next. The sky's the limit with you my friend :)
ReplyDeleteAmy*
AMAZING Anne , I love your 3D projects and your train is fantastic. Wonderful detail as always. Love all the projects you have showcased here and you have shown just how versatile the dies can be. It is a pleasure to be on the same team with you and I hope you enjoy your creative journey. Tracy x
ReplyDeleteyou are so freakin talented!!! amazing train... love love love that you are on the team!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this! I'd never have thought of making a steam train out of a box - my husband would love it too as he's into steam trains too!! Congratulations on your inclusion in the team and i can't wait to see what you come up with next!! Elaine x
ReplyDeleteCongratulation Anne! So excited for you. I love seeing your ATB Creations now that I'm a newbie with them. I look forward to all the Block a inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI am completely excited for you too - they are honored to have such a talent and sweet lady Anne. Your makes are amazing and just think I knew you when ...... You better not forget me oh famous one!
ReplyDeleteSandy xx CONGRATULTIONS
Okay - here I am again - I remember when you told me that you two were going to look at steam trains. Anne this train is delightful and David has to be thrilled!
ReplyDeleteAll of your 3-D projects are wonderful and I do think this is your first love!!!!
Sandy xx
Well-deserved! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteAnne, my husband is a model railroad buff and I cannot wait to show him this project! He will be so jealous that I have my own line! I can't think of a better addition to the team- you are so talented and we are honored that you have agreed to join us. looking forward to many more jaw-dropping projects :-) Hugs- eileen
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Anne, so well deserved and I just love your train, it's just great x
ReplyDeleteSuch a great talent, welcome to the team. Your ATBs are out of this world and beyond!!
ReplyDeleteWell done Anne! It's so good when someone else appreciates what you're doing, makes all the work worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteLove the train, a real fun project.
Happy crafting, Angela x
What an asset you will be to Eileen, Annie!! She is so very, very lucky to have you on the team!! Congratulations to you for the compliment and honor of having your extraordinary talent recognized!!
ReplyDeleteEach on of these is amazing to me. I totally adore the steam engine and my how proud and happy he looks on those tracks! Bonus for DH!! I have to agree with you about the incredible beach house; that's my favorite, too. I'm just so happy that I found your blog a couple of years ago so I've been able to witness your talent and your sensational works of art and inspiration!! Love and hugs, Darnell
Oh my, Anne ... where will all that lead to? Such a steep career for you those past months :-D My sincerest congrats, it's so very well deserved. You know how much I love and adore your artwork and your versatility, this locomotive is no exception, really ... BIG hugs, Suzanne xxx
ReplyDeleteSuch a great addition to the team Anne! This steamtrain is fantastic!!! What a great idea! I think I want to make something similar myself - we share the interest in constructing things. Thank you so much for your sweet comments on my blog!
ReplyDeleteAnne, we've been out all day and I read this over a Costa coffee when you only had three comments, but there was just too much going on around me to comment back then..however I couldn't wait to get home to do so!!! This is wonderful news my dear blog friend and so well deserved. Your steam engine is amazing, truly stunning and it was lovely to review your other projects...do you know I have had one of Tim's clocks on the shelf waiting to be loved for over a year and yesterday I finally came up with some inspiration! I have also been wanting to try the artists blocks for ages, so I think I will have to get on with it...I am now over to ATB's to look and follow. I too have admired Eileen's Sissix designs for a while now...congrats Anne, I will be watching closely and hopefully joining in! Lots of hugs, Carole Z XX
ReplyDeleteBIG congratulations Anne, I am so pleased for you and know you will be such a great asset to the team.
ReplyDeleteYour steam train is fantastic, a fabulous and clever design and it's so nice to see your other stunning creations again too.
hugs Sue xx
Such an amazing project Anne and what absolutely fantastic news, you will be a real asset to them. I always think of you when I see bloggers post these boxes and as I said before on a previous post, they need renamed to Anne's Talented Blocks.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, you deserve this so much, Julie x
Great news Anne - Congratulations - I may have to start doing ATB's! Nikki xx
ReplyDeleteCongratulations my dear friend, I am so pleased for you joining the design team at AOTB. I know how much you love your 3d crafting with the atb's, and I thought you may not be able to better your beach hut, how wrong was I. I was completly blown away by the construction of your train, what a beauty, I wish everyone could see it in the flesh because believe me folks it is even better than it looks. I don't know how you managed to pick 3 projects from all the amazing pieces you have created, I am glad you had that job and not me. Mo x (proud beach hut owner)
ReplyDeleteOh my! I am over the moon excited that you are now on the ATB team Anne! after seeing your little cottage I knew you would inspire me with anything you create - and this steam engine is positive proof of that! I just can't believe how wonderfully designed this is and I'm going to print it out so I can just keep looking at it and reading how you did it! Huge congrats (they are lucky to have you!) and can't wait to see more!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Anne!!! The steam engine is amazing no wonder hubby took it LOL I can't wait to see what you make!! lots of huggles Sue xxx
ReplyDeleteYou really are a creative genius and your joining the ATB team is such a perfect fit. Your train is superb - I love the way you've taken the basic structure and added all those shapes to make a wonderful replica model. No wonder your DH has claimed this as his own! Huge congratulations Anne. I'm so excited for you. Jenny xxx
ReplyDeletesuch wonderful news Anne and so well deserved - you really are a creative genius! Awesome train - no wonder it got claimed!!!! I loved seeing all those other awesome pieces too - brilliant! Big hugs rachel xx
ReplyDeleteOh wow Anne, that is such exciting news and so well deserved!!! All of your blocks have been completely amazing and your latest one the incredible steam train is no exception! Wow, such an inventive and out of the box (sorry for the pun) idea, utterly brilliant!! Clever, clever you and I am so happy for you!!!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS!!!! You must be thrilled ..... you deserve it though, your designs are just brilliant, and the train is absolute genius ..... I love it! Can't wait to see what you come up with next ...... big hugs Linda xx
ReplyDeleteGreat news Anne - and so very well deserved! I can't wait to play along with the boxes when I get my ATB dies and I'm sure there's going to be plenty of inspiration from you. I chuckled about the steam train being claimed though - that's just the sort of thing my hubby would do. Wonder if I can make him a 3D camera - now there's a challenge for you to come up with! Love, Margie x
ReplyDeleteOh, Anne - what a thrill - how absolutely brilliant! Couldn't be more chuffed for you, and it's so so well deserved... your ATBs are outstanding, and you'll be a huge asset to the team - huge congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteAlison xx
So excited I completely forgot to say that your train is a fabulous example of why this is a perfect match!!
ReplyDeleteAlison xx
And this special run of the EHR premier will be calling at: Astounding, Brilliant, Cutting Edge, Delightful, Excellent, Fantastic, Great, and all other stations to Worthy, Xceptional(hehe), Yummy and Zany!! Enjoy the ride ~ there's more to come from this incredible artist!! <3 :D
ReplyDeleteMo you have said it all.
DeleteCongratulations Anne, I think you have a real talent for this type of crafting xxx
All lovely, Anne, but I think the clock is my favourite! I might have to try something like that for myself. Enjoy the rest of the weekend xx
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Anne. It is lovely that your interesting and unique projects will be out there to inspire even more crafters. You are so right when you say that dies are versatile and you certainly have a wonderful ability to look beyond the obvious.
ReplyDeleteHave fun!
Congratulations Anne & wow! this is a fabulous project. No wonder your DH has claimed it! Now I'm off to check out other creations with the ATB dies.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of your weekend.
Amy x
Totally awesome projects Anne and huge congratulations on your news! All of your projects are amazing! Sue C x
ReplyDeletehi Anne....this is the most fabulous news and very well deserved. youwill be a fabulous asset to the team. Its no wonder that David has claimed this amazing train for his own
ReplyDeletei just cant wait to see your amazing projects as the ones to date are FANTASTIC
ReplyDeletecrafty hugs
annie x
I like how you made it look like the wheels are in motion. Wonderful train! Congratulations on the DT appointment.
ReplyDeleteJust love the ATB and what you have done with them. Your work is just wonderful and fun to look at. Thanks for sharing your great news and Congrats!!
ReplyDeleteWoo hoo Anne. such wonderful news and so deserved, I am so pleased for you. I love your train and how creatively you have used the blocks, dies and embellishments to create something so authentic looking. Thanks also for sharing some of your other creative makes. A great post. xxxx
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Love the train!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, well deserved!!
ReplyDeleteOh Miss Anne, you show of your love of 3D projects with your AMAZING creation, you can build anything, that is why they asked you, I would have :), your train FREAKING AMAZING, full stop, I knew since the first time I visited you, you were going to de designing, once you got all the tools you were going to blow us away. everyone writes you deserve this :). That beach house looks real excellent miniature, that storage box was ***THE BOMB ***, just o gorgeous, the clocl stunning, I'll be looking forward to all your new creations, HUGE CONGRATULATIONS, and ((( BIG HUGS ))), have a wonderful week..
ReplyDeleteOh My! These folks are showing a great deal of wisdom adding your skills to the DT. Love your train (and can see why DH appropriated it for himself). Enjoyed seeing the other past projects, can't wait to see what new ideas you are developing to share with us. I know whatever it is, will be just as wonderful as always. Well done, and well deserved too. TFS & Hugs
ReplyDeleteYour steam train is amazing and huge huge congratulations for the place on this fab team, so well deserved xx hugs x trace x
ReplyDeleteWow, beautiful projects Anne and they serve to demonstrate just what an asset you'll be to the team - many CONGRAT'S !!!! >:o) Chris xxx
ReplyDeleteI am absolutely delighted for you Anne - what a perfect fit with you and Eileen. You truly have been rockin the ATBs from the get go! Many congratulations. As for your train, well I think I am converted now to be a train 'anorak'!!! It is so GORGEOUS and CLEVER! Love its clean lines and sheer creativity. I'm looking forward to all the other ideas you have for ATBs. Well done again and I'm so pleased for you. Nicola x
ReplyDeleteWow... all these creations are so creative and gorgeous, Anne. I love your train. So creative and awesome! :)
ReplyDeleteLoved the choo-choo and the mini-folder storage box also loved the beach hut.....actually I loved everything - I cant make a choice of what I liked best. I am so late in coming by to say thanks for leaving sweet comments on my blog - I always forget to go back to the blog now that we have that FB connection.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely amazing news Anne so happy for you. I can feel the excitement from here. Such clever projects they look stunning. Off to have a look at your pinterest link. Again you are one very talented lady.
ReplyDeleteWarm hugs from Shirl x x
That train ..... what a tribute to Eileen. It is just fantastic.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Neet xx
Congratulations Anne. Fabulous projects but my favourite has to be the cute beach house. Love all the details. I look forward to seeing what you get up to. Wishing you lots and lots of fun. Hugs Helen x
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your fantastic news, that is incredible - you must be over the moon! Your steam train is absolutely stunning.
ReplyDeleteRebecca.
I am over the moon for you!!! This is such fabulous news and so well deserved because you have been creating such astonishing ATB artwork.
ReplyDeleteThe train is amazing. You mentioned that you might make a train and I was always hoping you would actually follow through and create one. Oh my goodness, this is so original.
So happy for you.
Wishes
Lynne
Congratulations Anne! Your steam train is awesome, my grandson would love it, I shall have to have a go! Very pleased for you. Love Barb xx
ReplyDeleteBelated Congratulations Anne, you will be very much an asset on the team over at The Artist on the Block. I am sure you will be inspiring many crafters with your wonderful ideas. Your steam train is brilliant, my favourite piece is the mini storage box, that is so up my street! Have fun and I will be looking forward to seeing more of your beautiful creations.
ReplyDeleteHugs Lottie x
Hi Anne congratulations on joining the ATB team ! These projects prove just what an asset you will be to the team. They are all beautiful and have such a professional finish. I really thought your train had been constructed from some sort of kit.!! All the different dies you have used go together so well. Very clever ! Apologies for my late comment best wishes Toni xx
ReplyDelete