This is a scheduled post because I am travelling around Scotland at the moment, visiting lots of my lovely crafty friends and attending a charity craft event, run by my lovely friend Kath Stewart. I apologise if I do not get round to visiting you, but hopefully I will catch up with many of you when I get home.
Over at (the designer of the ATB, and dozens of other fabulous dies) Eileen Hull's Art with Heart Challenge, the theme for June is Summer Celebrations. I have taken that theme quite literally for my ATB - as a child, the start of summer was heralded by the Circus coming to town and I loved it!
As luck would have it, Tim Holtz has recently added a Circus themed (Big Top) set of stamps to his wonderful repertoire so I was in my element making my ATB. Here is a view of one side of the finished block.
The project was started by creating an initial master board using Distress Inks in wonderful bright colours - Ripe Persimmon, Scattered Straw, Spiced Marmalade and Fired Brick and using Tim's wrinkle free distress and spritz and flick techniques. Love the glorious colours of this combination!
The block was cut from the largest of Eileen Hulls's block dies using Sizzix custom-made double-sided Mat Board and then painted with DecoArt's Americana Decor chalk paint.
The master board was cut to size, embossed with Tim Holtz's Drapery Embossing Folder, inked around the edges and then attached to the block. The word stamp from the set was stamped in black Archival and added to the top. The characters were stamped, coloured with Distress Inks, fussy cut (which took ages) and then triple embossed to give a nice gloss. The chevron on the edge die was cut in black card to form the decorative edge for the top of the block.
You can just about see in the right hand photo, below, the juggler with his colourful juggling balls - in order to fit them in, the chevron top was added to incorporate the balls. The chevron also creates a little drama, which is what the circus is all about, so I was more than happy with that solution.
To finish off the block, I thought it needed some height so I painted a large thread spool in the DecoArt black paint and added this to the bottom.
A final view - this is the top of the box with this wonderful sentiment.
I know that most of the travelling Circus companies now do not have animals (which I totally agree with), but it does not detract from my childhood pleasure of visiting the Circus to see them......
Don't forget, Eileen's June Challenge (Summer Celebrations) which you can find HERE is still open, it does not have to be an ATB. Eileen always has wonderful prizes on offer, I really hope you will join in!
I will be posting my blocks on the third Thursday of each month, although I will probably do blocks more often, as I love them so much. I am thrilled that many of you are loving the blocks too. Thanks for joining me and I hope to see you again soon. Hugs, Anne xx
Supplies:
Eileen Hull's Sizzix Scoreboard Die 658983 is available HERE for the UK and Europe and HERE for the USA.
fabulous project as always Anne...love those Circus Images...hope you are enjoying your visit to Scotland...can't wait to see you tomorrow and woohoo it's going to be a fun fun day on Saturday...hugs kath xxx
ReplyDeleteThis looks wonderful.love the orange and black together.
ReplyDeleteLove and happy crafting Anneke.
www.anNekescardart.blogspot.com
Fabulous ATB Anne - the colours are just stunning and I love the circus images. Waving to you from the north !!! xxx
ReplyDeleteThats a wowser of a master board you have started with there Anne, such fabulous colours and so perfect for the splender of the circus. Very clever idea of the chevron framework on the top of the block to accomodate the juggling balls, and yes it does add drama. I am a bit worried for that lady who has her head rather close to Mr Lions mouth - rather her than me. As usual your colouring and shading is lovely. Bravo! Anne yet another amazing project it has come together so well. Hope you are having fun in bonnie Scotland. Mo x
ReplyDeleteFabulous work of Art here Anne. Love it. See you tonight for dinner. No tiaras required.xxx. Hugs Rita xxx
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful circus block Anne! I just love the explosion of color on your background - perfect for the excitement of the traveling circus! I JUST ordered this set and expect it any moment in the mail - they are such fun stamps and you've colored them wonderfully! I'm sure you are having a lovely time traveling around Scotland and visiting crafty friends!
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying your time away Anne . Your ATB is glorious. I adore the vibrant colour palette and the circus imagery . The trim around he top looks fantastic and I love your stand . Tracy x
ReplyDeletefab project! It's absolutely stunning! All the colors and the stamps that you've used are beautiful !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Especially the Chevron on the top , wonderful touch! BArbarayaya
ReplyDeleteWOW! This is wonderful Anne. I love your circus theme with those fabulous images and the chevrons on the top look so effective. The sunny background colours look amazing.
ReplyDeletehugs Sue
Anne what a gorgeous ATB! Have a joyful visit to Scotland ! ^.^
ReplyDeleteI always love your use of colour and that master board is great - Ripe persimmon has to be a favourite. Great use of Tim's circus stamps ....and I know need to see whats inside!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your hols. Elaine x
This is so fab Anne! gorgeous bright colours ..have fun with Rita! lol huggles Sue xxx
ReplyDeleteThis is fabulous Anne. As ever you are a master of construction and colouring and I love the embossing on the panels for the sides of your Big Top. And the chevron topping is superb. A most impressive DT make. Hope you are having a great time in Scotland and have a ball at the lovely Kath's event. She's sure to make it a giggle. Jenny x
ReplyDeleteFantastic Anne!
ReplyDeleteI do hope you have a wonderful time in Scotland Anne - but I know you will! Wish I were there! I adore your ATB - the Circus images are amazing and I love the masterboard - just my colours. Enjoy Kaths charity day - I have my raffle tickets - here's hoping we have some luck between us! Big Hugs to you! rachel xx
ReplyDeleteLove this Anne, such a beautifully vibrant block with those fabulous new TH stamps. I also remember going to the circus as a child, my Grandad used to take me and he bought me a book of African wild animals which I loved to look at too. Glad you have got away and hoping you are having a wonderful time. Give my love to Kath xxx
ReplyDeleteSo, so clever Anne, love this wonderful colourful block, it so totally suits those particular stamps! The whole piece has a great circus feel to it, love it!!
ReplyDeleteHope you had a great time with the lovely Annie and Rita, have a wonderful time with Kath too and I'll see you Sunday!!!
I'm certainly loving watching you make them, Annie! This is another brilliant design! I just love how you thought to add that chevron (which is cool!) to the top in order to accommodate the juggler's balls! Genius! And I like the spool at the bottom to give it height! The riot of bright colors is perfect for circus drama, too!! I hope you are having a wonderful time in Scotland!! Love and hugs, Darnell
ReplyDeleteThis is fabulous Anne ..... I love the bright bold colour combination, a perfect match for the stamps.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time in Scotland ..... it's so long since we've been to that part of the world. And have a great time at the craft event .... say Hi to Kath from me won't you ..... hugs Linda xx
Hi Anne what a great project and the colours are so bright and exciting. It was worth all that cutting out, the images are wonderful, love the chevron too. Enjoy your time in Scotland and catching up with craft friends. Sure you will have a fantastic day on Saturday with Kath x
ReplyDeleteAnother gorgeous project Anne. I LOVE the bright colours. So attractive. I usd to enjoy going to the circus to see the animals. The only time many of us got to see wild animals. Thank goodness for the advances in animal welfare tho'. Love n hugs
ReplyDelete:o) xx
That is great Idea.It's really great post.
ReplyDeleteVeneer Manufacturer in India, Flush Door Manufacturer in India,Block Board Manufacturer in India
Gorgeous creation Anne, I have memories & excitement as a child of going to circus when it came to town...you have captured it all... love the stamps & fabulous blending of colours...Have a super time with the lovely Kath & your crafty friends tour of Scotland...Hugs May x x x
ReplyDeleteEin grandioses Werk, liebe Anne.
ReplyDeleteDas sieht nach ganz viel Arbeit aus, aber auch nach viel Spaß :-)
Und es ist dir perfekt gelungen.
Grade habe ich auch Elefanten-Zeit gehabt. Aber nun geht es schon wieder mit Christmas weiter.
Ganz liebe Grüße
Sophie
Anne you so deserve to be on the ATB design team! Love the circus theme and how clever you are with the chevron die! You certainly rock these blocks! Love it! Hugs and Happy Weekend!
ReplyDeleteHow fun to tour Scotland and visit your crafty friends! USA should be on your list also!! lol I love the orange tones, so rich and gorgeous with the circus characters. This is a fabulous block and we get to see more! very exciting. You are so good at creating blocks and other 3D items. Have a great time!
ReplyDeleteHugs Kelly
Love the colour Anne,and a wonderful way to record a favourite memory. Do love these blocks but mustn't be tempted into any more shopping, lol. Flora
ReplyDeleteHI Anne, love the orange, so bright just like a circus..it brought back memories of childhood visits to the circus as well. The elephants were my favourite (altho I am so pleased we no longer have wild animals in circus of course). I was always (and still am) terrified of clowns though! Hope you are enjoying your holiday, hugs Carole Z X
ReplyDeleteThis is such a fantastic creation! I love the decorative edge and the beautiful sentiment.
ReplyDeleteRebecca.
Hi Anne, What a fantastic inky background you made which blends beautifully to your circus theme.Great job. Hope your having a wonderful time here in Scotland.
ReplyDeleteJulie x
Stunning color and design. Love it!
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike, as you'll see in a few hours...lol!!! LOVE this Anne! The background with the texture is awesome, and love the colors!!!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous Anne, the colours are just right and show the animals off really well.
ReplyDeleteThe black edging and chevron really make the whole thing pop.
Love it to bits.
Hope you are both having a lovely holiday, Angela x
What an exceptional block! Super creative use of the Sizzix die, too, on top. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteA brilliant block, Anne - what sensational colours on those panels, perfect for those playful, bold circus images, and I love those chevrons around the top. Bit miffed that this didn't show up on my Blogger dashboard, but have just re-signed in so hopefully that will nudge it to send me your posts again. I've noticed sometimes it just seems to drop a blog for no reason.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, I've just seen such lovely pictures of you, Rita and Annie having a ball together - made me so happy! Hope you have a wonderful time at Kath's workshop and, of course, with Astrid tomorrow.
Much love,
Alison xx
Absolutely beautiful! What a fab ATB and such creative use of these new Big top icon stamps Anne. Fabulous colours, great design, love the use of the scrollworks on the top too! Chris xxx
ReplyDeleteJust had to say, I saw you having a great time with your friends today. Enjoy the rest of your holiday, look forward to seeing you soon.
ReplyDeleteBack to make more Masterboards lol! Angela x
Wow Anne!!!........Fabulous project with wonderful colours and fabulous stamping. Love the way you have used the chevron die. I look forward to viewing your ATB projects. Very inspiring
ReplyDeleteHugs Annie x
Hi Anne, this is Brilliant and such fun! I love your colours, they remind me of a lovely cool ice lolly. I think the child in you is still coming out to play, just as in summers of years ago. The black works fabulously with its clean sharp contrast. Stunning atb. Enjoy your trip, hope you have heaps of fun. Nicola x
ReplyDeleteOnce I knew you had these fab stamps, I knew that something marvellous was going to happen! The stamps and the ATB are a marriage made in heaven..... This is fabulous.! X
ReplyDeleteWow! Oh! Wow! Anne, I just love what you have done on this wonderful box.
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a good time in Scotland.
Look forward to seeing more if your fantastic creations.
Hugs
Patricia x
Love the striking colours on your new ATB Anne, against the black they really pop. good choice with the circus stamps, love that elephant ! Another mini masterpiece.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy (enjoyed? I am late catching up, tsk) your trip to Scotland.
Hugs Lottie x
Um...wow!
ReplyDeleteSimply amazing with beautiful colors.
I hope you are enjoying your trip!! :)
oh my, this is SO cool!!! love it! the background is wonderful and loooove the stamps you've used
ReplyDeleteOh Anne! I keep seeing what you do with these boxes and love them! This one is such a joy to see! Think I'm going to have to give in one of these days! I'm sure you are having a great time! Chrisx
ReplyDeleteHello Miss Anne this lock has a huge WOW FACTOR, you have wowed us all, those colors are simply stunning, great for your circus background, brilliant idea to use the chevrons to give it that height, your ATBs are rocking my world, koodoos to you for all that fussy cutting it was so worth it, thanks for sharing always inspiring us, have a wonderful day, ((( BIG HUGS )))..
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss commenting on this vibrant project? Love the fun colors- it really captures the feeling of the circus! Thanks Anne for your always beautiful and thoughtful designs!
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous Anne!! Love the vibrant colours, great backgrounds and beautiful colouring.
ReplyDelete