Shadow Box Artist Trading Block

There are many cool things about Eileen Hull's 3D Box dies, but one of my favorites is that the 3" Block die is also a Movers and Shapers die. That means that any individual Movers and Shapers that will fit in the opening can be used to add even more versatility and interest to your ATB.

I'd been eyeing that opening, just waiting for the perfect idea to pop into my head. After looking through my dies, I settled on the medium-sized circle from Tim Holtz's Sized Circles die set. There are so many different ways you could use this opening! I decided to go with a vintage shadow box look, but I'm already planning a pretty spring block - how cute would a little bird nest be in there?

The top is decorated with some coffee filter flowers cut using Tim's Tattered Flowers die. I added some Film Strip Ribbon, and other idea-ology bits and pieces.

I absolutely love this new Motif Kraft Resist paper. Gorgeous patterns and the Archival inks really work well with it. I was really happy with how my 3D kids came out too. That extra dimension adds so much.

Here's a quick tutorial for how I made my ATB:

Begin by cutting two box panels from medium weight chipboard. When cutting the second panel, insert one of the circles from Tim Holtz's Sized Circles Movers and Shapers into the die. Paint the box with black paint, sand the edges, and assemble.

Cut five panels of Motif Kraft Resist and cut them down to just under 3". Ink with various colors of Archival ink. Adhere panels to box.

Cut out the kids from one of the Found Relatives playing cards. Very carefully cut the two little boys out separately. Ink all cut edges and reassemble using foam dots to add depth.

Line inside of box with decorative paper. To hold the photo panel in place, adhere a small foam block (I use the blocks that come in the Sizzix embossing folder packaging) to the bottom of the box. Adhere the photo panel to the front of the block.

To finish your block, embellish as shown. I also added little painted wooden spools from the craft store for feet.

Most everything I used can be found at Inspiration Emporium via the links below. Remember to use my coupon code - stamptramp - to save 10% on your entire order!

Sizzix 3D Block Die Sizzix Tattered Flower Garland Sizzix Mini Clock Key and Pocketwatch idea-ology Resist Paper Stash - Motif idea-ology Adornments - Charm Pack Idea-ology Locket Keys idea-ology Ring Fasteners Idea-ology Foliage idea-ology Heart Charms idea-ology Label Pull idea-ology Jump Rings Ephemera Pack - Expedition Idea-ology Timepieces idea-ology Ephemera - Thrift Shop idea-ology Jute String Idea-ology Chit Chat Stickers idea-ology Film Strip Ribbon idea-ology Paper String - Solids Idea-ology Pen Nibs Inkssentials Blending Tool Archival Ink - Red Geranium Archival Ink - Fern Green Archival Ink - Forget-Me-Not Distress Paint - Black Soot Liquid Pearls - Buttercup Tim Holtz Paper Distresser

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Thanks so much for stopping by today - have a wonderful week!