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The Birds and The Bees on the Block

Happy Tuesday to everyone.   It's Jean her and it's time for another ATB (Artist Trading Block).  Each Tuesday and Thursday in May is shared with the Eileen Hull ATB Design Team.  Make sure to see what they are doing too!



After seeing all the FAN-TAS-TIC blocks being created I have to admit I was intimidated!   We all know that thing called inspiration, well it came went over the last week until I found two pieces of ephemera in my stash.


I knew I had Glitz 8x8 paper pad Sunshine in my Soul and the colors were a perfect match!  Voila, the idea was born.


I did learn that while the blocks are 3x3 inches square, it is a good idea to cut the papers at 2 7/8 inches to get a clean edge for the folds of the box.
Cutting and placing the papers should have your direct attention.  If not you could wind up with patterns upside down or on the wrong squares. Cut EACH square individually, I found it worked better for me than wrapping the papers due to the folds of the boxes.

I used Nori Paste to adhere the papers to the box.  I used one paper for the sides and another for the top and bottom, both Glitz.



I wanted the block to have height and feet.   I had a wooden finial from my stash (I paint FUNKY chairs and have things like finials and beads that I add to them) and made feet from our Wooden Hearts.   I was going to paint them with acrylic paint but had my Maya Mist Charcoal Spray Ink handy and used that instead.  It gave the exact matte finish I wanted!   AND it was not absorbed too much into the wood, easy squeezy!



Next comes the assembling and embellishing.   I used double side tape to attach the block tabs.  Laying the block flat on the workspace helps to rub the tape in place once you remove the protective film from each tab.   AGAIN, remember which side is up or down in case you want your box to be opened.  I used Dimensional Adhesives to adhere the metal plates to two sides of the block.  

Since I was using bird accents, I also glued twill ribbon with stately bees on it.  I felt this did two things, added visual & textural interest and supported the structure of the block.   I also used my Delicata Ink Pad Gold Glitz, from Tsukineko, to touch up the folds on the box and on the finial and feet for a little pizzazz.  I added the 'feet' with Aleen's glue allowing them to dry overnight.   AND THEN the crowning touch of the wood final for my Birds & Bees Block.  I ruffled a few more feathers too!



As a little surprise upon opening the block, I filled it with feathers just in case a birdie wanted to nest!

I may use Duo adhesive and some gold Leafing to the finial and random spots of it on the block, I'm undecided on that so far.  


Hoping you enjoyed this project.   

See more on Thursday at...

http://theartistsontheblock.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TheArtistsOnTheBlock




Comments

  1. Awww, how sweet! I love the colors you used and those feathers inside...precious! I'll bet any little bird would be proud to make a nest in such a sweet ATB!

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  2. Your ATB is lovely! I like the finial on top. It's decorative and functional. Great idea!

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  3. what a clever way to use the ATB! Love the way your box looks - and am a big fan of the feathers, too! Great job, Jean!

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  4. Beautiful Jean It really came out nice!

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  5. What a fab box and I love the idea of the feathers inside! A great colour combination too. Margie
    mdavidsonmail@gmail.com

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  6. I can't wait to see more!

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  7. Love this. Thanks for the tip about cutting the paper a little bit smaller. Love the Glitz paper!

    Cindy
    dragonfly52@sbcglobal.net

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  8. Absolutely fabulous ATB. Love the bird theme, the feathers inside is brilliant, and if I were a bird, I would love to call it home. Great tips about the paper, too.

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  9. Awesome, I couldn't picture it when you were telLing me about it. But now I can say WOW!

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  10. I love this idea! I especially like the the heart legs.
    Anita
    spynr2@gmail.com

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  11. Beautiful. I love the muted tones and those cabochons...perfect together.

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  12. What a great ATB! Love the theme and the way you brought it all together. Super!!! Anne, yourmainestamper

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  13. Adorable!!! I don't know why I was thinking wooden blocks. These are very creative.

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  14. Gorgeous Jean! So fun and feathery...love your ATB!

    Amy*

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  15. AWESOME... love the colors... the paper is perfect for your theme!!!! The team is off to great start!!

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  16. Jean- great ATB! I especially love the feathers- looks so soft! Thanks for rocking the block!

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  17. Beautiful ATB. Love all the fabulous details.

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  18. Beautiful ATB. Love all the fabulous details.

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  19. I love your ATB, the finial on the top is gorgeous and I love the heart feet. The little bees are the perfect finishing touch.

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  20. What a great block to kick start our month of ATB's Jean, I really love the beautiful feathers and heart feet. A wonderful combination of papers too! xx

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