Artist Trading Block

I'd never heard of an 'artist trading block'

until I saw the one Deb had made on her blog

The Rusty Cage.

There is a Sizzix die available to create the block

(if you don't want to cut your own).

The completed block is 3" square.

I used the die with some corrugated cardboard

which I retrieved from my recycling bag.

It is really easy to put together, then I decorated

the block by sticking on some squares cut from scrap paper

I'd previously used to protect my craft table.

As the squares of paper didn't completely

cover the box, I edged it with gold pen.

I rubber stamped some swirls on areas of the

paper that looked a little plain.

I decorated the top with a 'Heart Wings'

die cut (from Tim Holtz/Alterations/Sizzix)

I used 3 layers of mountboard for the heart

so it's nice and sturdy.

The swirl on top of the heart is a scrap of

glossy paper coloured with alcohol inks - from

my scrap box.  I like all the bright clashes of colour.

(sorry about out of focus pic!)

I know it's supposed to be a block, but

I couldn't resist keeping it as a box -

 I just didn't stick down one of the sides.

The corrugated cardboard was a bit flimsy on two 

of the sides,so I re-inforced inside 

with more of the cardboard.

I really enjoyed making this 'artist trading block'

- although I prefer to think of it as just a box.

It'd be lovely to put a gift inside and the box

itself could be a keepsake too -

 not this one though, as it's staying with me!

There is a blog dedicated to Artist Trading Blocks

The Artists on the Block

well worth a look if you're interested.

Thanks for looking at mine :)