Altered Trading Block {with Lynne Perrella and Ink&Dog Stamps by Linda Cain}

Hi everyone, Linda Cain here! I am so thrilled to be back again with all you peeps!

I recently was asked to contribute to a group called Artists on the Block where we used a Sizzix  Die to cut mat board pieces that end up going together as a block. But, the cool part about these new Trading Blocks, is that you can easily decorate them while they're flat! Then mail them easily if you prefer, not put together, for a cheap and easy way to share.

This is what we're going to end up with today using my all-time favorite Fresco Paints as a base, and Lynne Perrella stamps to decorate!



I cut 6 pieces of Smoothy White Stamping Card into 2 3/4 inch squares. I then added Stone and Pumpkin Soup in the middle trying to keep in mind that I will be stamping a face in this area and I'll want it lighter.

Next I  added Mermaid, Beach Hut and Inky Pool with a foam square to the edges building light-to-dark as I go. 

The block looks like this when it's cut. There are 2 pieces that you decorate and glue together. The finished block is a 3" cube.



I added Smoked Paprika and Blood Orange creating a "frame" area for each block section.

Then I stamped the Ink and the Dog Mini #28 all around the edges with Coffee Archival Ink just to break up the bright colour of the Orange. (not showing stamped images here)



Then the fun begins! I used the Lynne Perrella LPC001,LPC017, and LPC018stamps and Jet Black Archival Inks. 

I stamped the 6 images I liked best for the block. Try to make sure you're getting the face over the lighter area of the painted paper.



Next I used the Smoked Paprika and Pumpkin Soup to paint in highlights of each block section. That's what I LOVE about the these Translucent paints! You can paint OVER the stamped images and not loose the detail. It's perfection!!!

Pay careful attention to how you glue your papers to the block pieces. You can see here the 2 sections slightly folded before I put them together. The top section wraps around the lower section, so it's a bit tricky making sure the images go in the right direction.

(The tab section on each end is folded under and not visible in this shot.These 4 tabs are where you add the Wonder Tape or ScorTape.)



I wanted to raise the block up, so I found 4 little wooden knobs in my stash and added Bora Bora and Inky Pool to them.

I also painted a wooden star black, and a wooden ball gold. Then I added glue to the ball and rolled it in Tarnished Brass Distress Glitter.

  

Fold on your score lines, add your adhesive tape, and put it together! Then glue your wooden pieces on for finishing touches.

Hope you enjoyed this project.

See you back here again on the PaperArtsy blog!!!

Your Friend in ART,

Linda

A huge thank you to Linda from PaperArtsy HQ. This is a fantastic new twist on art to swap. I have never seen one before but after seeing this example I really want to make one. I can see all kinds of possibilities with these decorated cubes. 

If you would like to join in our weekly challenge with any of this week's guests who have blogged since Sunday night, then join in to link up your creativity HERE. You will go in the draw to win PA stamps of your choice! You need to link your entry by 17:00 (London time) Sunday January 26th 2014