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Tuesday 3 February 2015

A Valentine Artist Trading Block

Thanks so much to my latest followers, it is lovely to have you along on my crafty journey.

This month, for my Design Team piece for The Artists on the Block I have used an Andy Skinner technique - Faux Letter Press.  You can find Andy's tutorial HERE.

I am very lucky as I received a box of paint and other mediums from DecoArt, as part of Eileen Hull's Inspiration Team.  The new Media Range of paints from DecoArt are my latest love, you can create soft colours with them or vibrant or grungy colours, as you will see in my piece today.
I have not done step by step photos because Andy explains them really well in his tutorial - and to be honest, I got a bit carried away and forgot!
Andy did use a variety of colours and sizes for his blocks but I used similar sized pieces so that I could add whole words, (Love You, Be Mine) rather than random letters.

The base is one of Eileen Hull for Sizzix Artist Trading Blocks, this is the largest one and measures 3" on all sides.  I painted the whole of the base block with black Gesso so that it would not soak up too much paint and then painted over with Raw Umber DecoArt paint. It only needed one coat.
The letters are from Tim Holtz - Ideaology Kraft Resist Chipboard Alphabet.  It is quite an old set, I simply sanded the shiny top, applied Gesso and then painted them the same way Andy did.  I used  Pyrrole Red paint for the letters, then flicked Carbon black paint over and then covered each letter with Quinacridone Red paint (it is transparent) which gives the letter a slight sheen.  The punched hearts were done in exactly the same way and then stamped with some latin type script.  The base for each letter is painted with Raw Umber and edged with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.
The flower was created using Tim Holtz's Tattered Floral die.  I used two of each design on the die, except for the spiky one.  It is years since I made one of these flowers but you can see how I did it in my blog post HERE - yes it is VERY old, but the technique works beautifully with any of Tim's Tattered Floral dies.

To finish off I added some wooden beads, as feet, also painted with Raw Umber.  I also tied some lovely red jute twine around the middle of the block.

I would like to enter my block into Pamellia's first challenge over at Frilly and Funkie, which you can find HERE.   The challenge is called Valen-twine and you must use twine, jute, cord or string. There is a $25 prize for one lucky winner to spend at the Funkie Junkie online shop.

I would also like enter Julia's challenge at the Artist Trading Post Exchange which is Flower Power! I hope my single big flower qualifies. There is a £10 voucher for the winner to spend at the Artist Trading Post on-line or bricks and mortar shop.

Thanks so much for looking, I will be back on Friday when we have a new challenge beginning over at A Vintage Journey, I hope you will join us then.  Hugs, Anne xx

56 comments:

  1. Great block Anne, good choice of colours and I love the flower. Thanks for the visit to mine and hope you have a good week. Your crafty friend, Angela x

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  2. Wow Anne. This looks marvellous. The colours are very complimentary to each other as only you can do. What a great piece you have created with this. Well Done. Hugs Rita xxx

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  3. This is gorgeous Anne ..... fab colours, and I love that stunning bloom on the top! Hugs Linda xx

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  4. I adore black and red combos, I love how striking you've made this. It's so clean, yet vintage!! Such a professional design, and those matching feet - what a fabulous idea xx

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  5. Fabulous box Anne - I love the symmetry of the box, squares and colours. And such a fabulous flower - just a gorgeous Valentine's piece. I hope you are keeping warm - lots of snow here! Jennie x

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  6. That is very very beautiful Anne. It's amazing how like leather it actually looks. Amazing creativity ((hugs)) xx

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  7. So, so striking, gorgeous distressed effect on the letters with the black splattering, such a beautiful red shade and your flower is a stunner!! I do love your boxes Anne. Thanks so much for joining us at ATP Exchange. Hugs Ruth x

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  8. So lovely, Anne! Love your colors, and the letter technique. I love seeing what people are doing with all the new DecoArt mixed media product as well - will be bookmarking this one for sure! xx Lynn

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  9. Gorgeous Ann, I love the colours, so eye catching and striking . The letters look fabulous and that flower is a delight. X x x x

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  10. I just visiting your page Anne...simple yet striking projects! The traditional colors of LOVE are just stunning and the flower tops it all! Hugs.

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  11. Just live this Anne, wish you were a bit nearer to me, we could spend the days crafting x

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  12. Wonderful Atb Anne, love these colors!!! BArbarayaya

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  13. A great AT love the striking colour contrast x

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  14. Stunning Anne! Love the bold colour contast and faux letter press technique! Must check out Andy's tutorial. Your flower is wonderful too. Thank you for joining in the fun at the ATP Exchange toni x

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  15. This is stunning Anne. I love your design and wonderful colours. Your beautiful flower is the perfect finishing touch.
    hugs Sue xx

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  16. What a fabulous make Anne - it looks absolutely wonderful.
    Toni xx

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  17. Anne this is adoringly gorgeous just might have to make one for hubby for Valentine's day. Thanks for the inspiration sweets.

    Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x x
    ShirlsCards.

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  18. This is fabulous Anne, I love the faux letter press and am going to check it out...the colours are fabulous and I adore the flower on top, hugs Carole Z X

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  19. Stunning design Anne, this is striking and so effective. Nikki xx

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  20. WOW Anne! I am loving this!! The wonderful contrast of the red and the black is amazing and that flower...wowsers! I love the amazing texture on your letters and your twine is such a perfect accent! What a fabulous ATB project!

    Thank you so very very much for joining us at Frilly and Funkie for my 'Valen-Twine' challenge! Hugs, Pamellia DT :)

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  21. Anne I never tire of seeing your creation. I'm looking forward to doing more crafting together xx

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  22. Brilliant, absolutely stunning, I love it.
    Love seeing all your fantastic creations you are so talented.
    Off to view the flower tutorial.
    Hugs

    Patricia x

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  23. A great box and striking in red and black. I like that you have words on all the sides!! Elaine x

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  24. Me again Anne,
    My card holder is actually a Candle Holder. If you are in a Gander Centre or similar you will find a selection of them in the Candel Department.
    John cut and bent a couple of bits so the cards would sit in for photographing.
    Hope this helps.

    Patricia x

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  25. Beautiful ATB Anne ! Your bloom on top is gorgeous ! Thanks for joining us at ATP Exchange. Sue C x

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  26. Gorgeous colours and I so love that flower - it's beautiful! Great to see the DecoArt paints in your hands too - can't wait to see what else you do with them. Love that die you've used for the block but it seems to be sold out everywhere - I shall keep looking!
    Hugs Juliaxx

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  27. Oops I forgot: Thanks so much for joining my challenge at ATP Exchange too! xx

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  28. absolutely stunning anne - your attention to detail is - as ever- perfect. I love this! What a clever lady you are! Can't wait to see you on Friday! Hugs rachel x

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  29. A stunning project. love the colour combination and the beautiful bloom. Thank you for joining us at ATP Exchange this time
    Yvonne

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  30. So beautiful and bold! A real statement piece, Anne! Hugs, xx

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  31. Wow Anne! Love the dramatic contrast that completely grabbed my attention. Gorgeously clean and beautifully designed as always. The flower on top is a terrific finisher. Nicola x

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  32. Love your Valentine ATB piece Anne, it is very dramatic and Burlesque like in those colours. Beautiful flower adornment too. Just perfect ! Hugs Lottie x
    Thank you for taking the time to visit and leave a comment today much appreciated x

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  33. A fabulous Valentines piece Anne, wow, love those dramatic colours! I love also how you used Andy's techniques with stunning results. Thatfabulous flower is just the perfect finishing touch!! A truly stunning block!!!

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  34. It hasn't taken you long to master these paints Anne! LOVE the whole letterpress look and the drama of these colours. More outstanding work my friend! Jenny x

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  35. Wow that is so cool! Your decor pieces are so professional!

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  36. Stunning Valentine gift with the dramatic black & red. Love this red in the different shades you've achieved with this paint. I like the way you've added the script stamping to the letters and hearts too. It's easy to see you had both 'grunge' and 'vivid' in the shades on your letters. Each box you share is always the one I love the best! And of course that magnificent flower topper...awesome! TFS & Hugs (enjoy the craft outing too).

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  37. So striking in the black and red Anne! I love the letters and your gorgeous flower! I just have to find time to sit down and try to make one! A wonderful Valentine box -love the feet on it!

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  38. Stunning block, love it, love the top oh so beautiful!! This is so fun and I bet looks fabulous sitting on your table!
    Have a great day,
    Hugs Kelly

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  39. wonderful project with all the explanations. congrats
    bibiana

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  40. Darling, Darling, Darling Anne!! Love the black ATB with the bright red words & heart that adorns the top!! Soooooo Awesome!! XOXO-Shari

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  41. Oh I thought I had already been for a visit and then realized only on FB! Anne, I just love this Valentine ATB! The red and black is so amazing and I love how you finished it off with that wonderful flower on top! Gorgeous! Hugs!

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  42. Wow - funky red and black, this is so cool! And the flower is a stunning finishing touch.
    Alison xx

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  43. Sorry I'm so late seeing this one, Annie. I just found it in my inbox. I think I might have hurt my jaw when I saw it! It's exquisite in every way, from every angle, in every detail. This is SO a winner in these challenges!! Hugs, Darnell xxoo

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  44. As you already know Anne, I love this ! Just popping back to say thanks for joining us at Frilly and Funkie. Sue C x

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  45. What a beautiful and fun Valentine. I guess I know who will be getting this fancy cube!
    Sandy xx

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  46. What a cool Valentine! Something to leave out year round, I think! congratulations on your well deserved win at ATP!

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  47. What a cool Valentine! Something to leave out year round, I think! congratulations on your well deserved win at ATP!

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  48. So elegant and stunning! Love the leather treatment and that beautiful flower.

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  49. OMG Anne this is amazing! I love the ATB and your letters all tucked around! The big tattered flower on top is awesome! I just love all this detail! Sorry, I've taken soooo long to stop by and leave some love! Thank you for joining us at Frilly and Funkie! Hugs, Nicole

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  50. Back again to say thank you for joining us at Frilly and Funkie! Jenny x

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  51. Stunning contrasts with the colours Anne, love this. xxx

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  52. Stunning contrasts with the colours Anne, love this. xxx

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