Be Still - Beeswax Artist Trading Block

 Working with beeswax on an ATB has been on my list of things to do for a long time. I love the soft, vintage look it gives to collaged pieces and knew it would be amazing on a block. This week, I wanted to make a special gift for one of my best friends and thought it was the perfect time to experiment! I pulled out my 3D Block die from Eileen Hull, some of my favorite papers and embellishments from Tim Holtz, heated up my craft iron, and started playing. Here's how it all came together:

I cut my box pieces from medium weight chipboard using Eileen Hull's 3D Block die. I assembled the block, using Beacon 3-in-1 glue on all the tabs. I wanted this to be very durable and wet glue tends to be better than tape for a long-lasting hold.

Next, I covered the box with various papers from Tim Holtz's Menagerie collection, as well as Remnant Rubs, Tissue Tape, and Chit Chat stickers. After I was happy with the look, I sanded and inked all the edges.

Now for the fun part! There are lots of ways to apply the beeswax, but this way is the easiest and most simple for me. First, I sprinkled a few beeswax pellets over the surface. Next, I used a hot craft iron to melt them and spread them over the block. I worked my way around the block adding more beeswax when needed. Make sure you're careful around the rub-ons; if you overheat them, they can break apart.

To adhere metal elements, allow beeswax to puddle in the area you'd like to apply your embellishment and push it into the puddle. Let cool.

For this side, I covered the block with paper, then fussy cut the bird and adhered it on top. I added a bit of lace and some Chit Chat stickers.

This side might just be my favorite! After covering it with paper, I cut out the eggs and adhered them, smudging around the edges with a black Distress marker and a blending pen. I added the Remnant Rubs and then covered the panel with beeswax. The Adornments piece was adhered with wax.

On this panel I added Remnant Rubs and Chit Chat stickers. I love the way the beeswax changes the color of the stickers. I also used a little strip of Tissue Tape, which looks very cool after it's been covered with wax.

For the last side, I added lots of different papers - both fussy cut from the pad and also from the Thrift Shop Ephemera collection. The Philosophy Tag is held in place by wax - I'd already glued the box shut so I couldn't get the brad through (oops!).

To finish my block I added little feet made from mini spools that were inked with Gathered Twigs Distress ink.

I love how this turned out - I think I might just need to make one to keep! :) All the supplies (other than the chipboard & iron) I used can be found at Inspiration Emporium via the links below. Remember to  use my coupon code - stamptramp - to save 10% on your order!

Sizzix 3D Block Die Grafix Medium Weight Chipboard Sheets, 12-Inch by 12-Inch, Natural, 25-Pack Melt Art Beeswax Darice 1204-59 Mini Crafting Iron Assorted Colors idea-ology Collage Stash - Menagerie Remnant Rubs - Botanical idea-ology Ephemera - Thrift Shop idea-ology Adornments - Nature Idea-ology Philosophy Tags Idea-ology Chit Chat Stickers idea-ology Tissue Tape - Symphony Idea-ology Long Fasteners Gathered Twigs Distress Ink Inkssentials Blending Tool Idea-ology Sanding Grip Vagabond

InLinkz.com

Thanks for much for stopping by - have a great week!