Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Self Portrait Cubed...a StencilGirl / Sizzix Blog Hop

Have you heard of the new ATBs?  That stands for Artist Trading Blocks and I've been invited to play along in another fun blog hop, this time using StencilGirls stencils and the latest Sizzix die cuts (dies will be available soon).  You can also see more about ATBs on the Artist on the Block website here and Facebook page here.

Unlike tags and ATC’s, Artist Trading Blocks allow you to create in 3-D!  

Let's get started: Using the blank die cuts, I masked of sections so I could spray Dylusions ink onto one 'face' of the cube at a time.  I ended up starting with a make-shift stencil which is actually the bottom of a little strawberry basket from the supermarket (saved from the summer!)



As you can see, I used six different bright colours of Dylusions sprays.
The added bonus is some great over spray that I'll find some other use for, as well as the beginnings of a journal page in which I blotted off the excess stray left on the back of the stencil!
The next step was to use a variety of StencilGirl stencils (I used Eddy Rose 6, Swatton Grid, Mimosa 6, Gears, Greek Key and Bubbles) and over spraying with a different colour.

A while back I found some wonderful tissue paper that has script on it.  I cut pieces out to fit into the centre square on each 'face' and used mat medium to adhere it. I like how it lets the stencilled pattern show through!

Since my idea was to create a self portrait, I went through an old magazine to find text that would allow me to create messages that are meaningful to me.

Then I added some doodles using a black Micron, a white Signo, and various colours of paint pen.

I love texture, both visual and tactile, and one of my favourite ways to achieve it is with Glass Bead Gel.  It goes on somewhat white, but dries clear, leaving wonderful clear glass beads that allow the colours underneath to shine through.  It's best applied with a palette knife.


For obvious reasons, the top of "Self Portrait Cubed" includes my name, picture, Q code and blog address, which I cut out of one of my business cards.  The final addition was a line of Pearl Paint around the edge of each of the sides.














Here are close up images of each of the six sides:
StencilGirl and Sizzix will both be giving away prizes! All comments left on the hop are eligible for the giveaways so the more blogs you comment on, the more chances you will have to win. Have fun and GOOD LUCK!

The giveaway will close on Friday, December 13th at 11:59PM Central Time. 


Blog Hop Order:
StencilGirl Talk
Eileen Hull
Mary Beth Shaw
Linda Cain
Janet Joehlin
Pam Carriker
Carolyn Dube
Johnnie Lanier
Linda Kittmer-YOU ARE HERE!
Leslie Tucker Jenison-YOUR NEXT STOP
Kirsten Reed
Marjie Kemper
Mary C. Nasser
Amy Bowerman
Maria McGuire
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124 comments:

  1. eileen hullDecember 11, 2013 at 1:41 AM

    Linda your block is beautiful! I love seeing how you made it- great tip on that Glass Bead Gel- the texture is so cool. I love how you used this as a self-portrait block and picked your favorite quotes. The block is so fun and colorful- it must reflect you! Thanks for hopping!

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  2. UnknownDecember 11, 2013 at 2:50 AM

    Great ATB, I loved your messages...

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  3. Bernice HopperDecember 11, 2013 at 4:44 AM

    Fabulous

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  4. Daryl @ Patchouli Moon StudioDecember 11, 2013 at 6:59 AM

    Wow that's beautiful! Looks like fun to create too.

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  5. LyndaDecember 11, 2013 at 7:07 AM

    ATBs? What a great idea! Love your designs, as always!

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    1. Linda KittmerDecember 11, 2013 at 1:29 PM

      Thanks Lynda. I thought it was a fun idea too. I'm glad I was invited to play along with this new 3D idea.

      Delete
  6. CandyDecember 11, 2013 at 7:15 AM

    What a fun way to express yourself. I have done boxes using Timtex and fabric but not stenciled to add the personal touch.

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    1. Linda KittmerDecember 11, 2013 at 1:30 PM

      Thanks Candy. I've done fabric boxes too, but this is a fun new idea too!

      Delete
  7. UnknownDecember 11, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    Wow so cool, I need to make one of these for my art room to inspire me - this whole blog hop has made me want to forget cooking, cleaning and shopping and just create THANK YOU

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  8. stamping sueDecember 11, 2013 at 7:46 AM

    I like that you continued the block stencil all around the ATB. another stencil I am liking is the bubbles or maybe it called circles whatever the name it's terrific.
    stamping sue
    http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

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    1. Linda KittmerDecember 11, 2013 at 1:31 PM

      Thanks Sue. That stencil you're referring to is called Bubbles. I really like that one too.

      Delete
  9. elleDecember 11, 2013 at 8:15 AM

    Great process shots!

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  10. froebelsternchenDecember 11, 2013 at 9:12 AM

    stunning - wonderful block !

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  11. MariaDecember 11, 2013 at 9:16 AM

    LOVE how your used that strawberry basket and the BEAD Gel!!! Fantastic!!!!

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    1. Linda KittmerDecember 11, 2013 at 1:33 PM

      Thanks Maria. That might be why artists also have to be part hoarder. :o)

      Delete
  12. Carolyn DubeDecember 11, 2013 at 9:28 AM

    What fun, bright, and playful blocks you've made! Love them!

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  13. Words and PicturesDecember 11, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    Such fabulous colours and positivity radiating from your ATB - it's fabulous!
    Alison x

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  14. MB ShawDecember 11, 2013 at 9:36 AM

    That Glass Bead Gel really brings it up a notch, I have never thought to use it this way, kind of like a framing device. Brilliant idea :)

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  15. Amy*December 11, 2013 at 9:39 AM

    Oh my my Linda! So many layers of fabulous color and creativity! I must say adding the QR code to your signature side was a stroke if creative genius indeed! Such a happy, colorful ATB chock full of I artful inspiration!

    Amy*

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  16. Jamie FingalDecember 11, 2013 at 10:09 AM

    I love your positive affirmation box! Great colors, texture and patterns. Great box die from Sizzix. So many possibilities!

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    1. Linda KittmerDecember 11, 2013 at 1:36 PM

      Thanks Jamie. It does have a lot of fun possibilities!

      Delete
  17. Mary C. NasserDecember 11, 2013 at 10:14 AM

    Love the combination of colors, stencils, doodles, and the glass beads are FABULOUS, too, Linda! Love it!!

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  18. Judy SheaDecember 11, 2013 at 10:44 AM

    WOWIE ZOWIE!!!! Linda, really.. this box and each side is gorgeous. I don't use my glass bead gel enough; thanks for making me realize that i need to again.

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    Replies
    1. Linda KittmerDecember 11, 2013 at 1:36 PM

      Thanks Judy. It's such a fun gel to use. Have fun with it!

      Delete
  19. Marjie KemperDecember 11, 2013 at 11:18 AM

    Super fun and bright, Linda!

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  20. Lorrie Jonas' creationsDecember 11, 2013 at 11:25 AM

    love your page,thank you for the chance to win! love your page..

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  21. UnknownDecember 11, 2013 at 11:26 AM

    Cute idea. You could make one with a child's picture on it and gill with a price of candy or maybe a shiny coin.

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    1. Linda KittmerDecember 11, 2013 at 1:38 PM

      Thanks Susan. The possibilities are endless with this fun die.

      Delete
  22. Bernice HopperDecember 11, 2013 at 11:33 AM

    I love your block. It has been great to go round the whole block hop and see how different everyone's response has been

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    1. Linda KittmerDecember 11, 2013 at 1:39 PM

      Thanks Bernice. That's what I find so much fun about these hops. Everyone's interpretation is unique.

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  23. Linda M. CainDecember 11, 2013 at 11:36 AM

    This just makes me happy! Love the colors.

    ~Linda

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  24. AnonymousDecember 11, 2013 at 12:02 PM

    So festive! xox

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  25. Christine KiehlDecember 11, 2013 at 12:09 PM

    Very cool texture that you added! Love all the embellishments too!

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  26. BlackDamaskDesignsDecember 11, 2013 at 12:45 PM

    I love your block! The glass bead gel looks amazing with the bright colors!

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    1. Linda KittmerDecember 11, 2013 at 1:40 PM

      Thank you Sarah. I love playing with glass bead gel!

      Delete
  27. JoyceDecember 11, 2013 at 1:28 PM

    How colorful! Love what you did and the use of the glass beads. Lovely! I'm so ready for this die to come out.

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    1. Linda KittmerDecember 11, 2013 at 4:40 PM

      Thanks Joyce. These blocks are a lot of fun to play with!

      Delete
  28. Marlene MooreDecember 11, 2013 at 2:02 PM

    What a great idea for a stencil, a strawberry basket! Love your art block, very creative :)

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  29. Cindy RescorlDecember 11, 2013 at 2:04 PM

    Love the colors, quotes and inspiration!

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  30. Pamela JaneDecember 11, 2013 at 2:24 PM

    Love all your sparkle with the Glass Bead Gel and your inspiring personalized messages and doodles!

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  31. Vickie KammererDecember 11, 2013 at 2:38 PM

    The added texture of the beads is an awesome touch. Really looks fabulous. Can't wait to play !

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  32. BeachsidelynnDecember 11, 2013 at 2:44 PM

    Great self portrait. Glass bead gel - my favorite.

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  33. Disco QueenDecember 11, 2013 at 2:47 PM

    Gorgeous! I too love Glass Bead Gel. Theresa x

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    1. Linda KittmerDecember 11, 2013 at 4:46 PM

      Thanks Theresa. It's such fun to play with and the sparkle is just added bonus!

      Delete
  34. embellishstudiosDecember 11, 2013 at 2:47 PM

    This is awesome, I love the texture too! Great job!

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  35. AnonymousDecember 11, 2013 at 3:23 PM

    All of the boxes have been amazing. Everybody takes a different approach. I love your "self portrait". It's a good way to express yourself in many ways. Love it. I think I could do this. Much more freeing.

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  36. The Mindful SpiritDecember 11, 2013 at 3:47 PM

    Too much fun, I want to play!!!!!!!!

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  37. Chandra MerodDecember 11, 2013 at 3:52 PM

    This is beautiful! I love how your block came out and the use of the pearl makes it so sparkly!

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  38. JackieDecember 11, 2013 at 4:04 PM

    Linda! I so love your block!! The textures and colors are gorgeous!!! and the sayings- perfect! Thank you for sharing ")

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  39. Susie Bentz: My Time to PlayDecember 11, 2013 at 4:04 PM

    All kinds of cool! I love the way you kept adding layers! Awesome project!

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  40. ReneeDecember 11, 2013 at 4:27 PM

    These turned out beautiful, I like the little phrases too.

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  41. steffiDecember 11, 2013 at 4:31 PM

    Wow! love your take on the blocks!! I so enjoy playing the text and yours works so well :) love your textile art too - you have a new follower!

    http://steamfairiecraft.blogspot.co.uk/

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  42. MonicaDecember 11, 2013 at 4:51 PM

    whew love it!!! you did a great job.

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  43. UnknownDecember 11, 2013 at 5:11 PM

    Linda, I love all your uplifting sayings! Perfect ~ and your signature side is too cute!

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  44. Caroline D.December 11, 2013 at 5:21 PM

    So gorgeous!! The glass bead gel gave it an awesome look! Love your bright and fun colors!

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    1. Linda KittmerDecember 11, 2013 at 6:09 PM

      Thank you Caroline. I don't usually do a lot of sparkle, but I love the glass bead gel.

      Delete
  45. BibliofilDecember 11, 2013 at 5:35 PM

    I love it - all the colours and sparkle make me think of jewels -so a jewel box of maybe a jewel of a box!

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  46. Kelly BoothDecember 11, 2013 at 6:23 PM

    GORGEOUS!!!

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  47. peggymcdDecember 11, 2013 at 6:27 PM

    Really like this, would love that dye. Thank you for the chance to win.

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  48. VicDecember 11, 2013 at 7:38 PM

    I love your ATB! The bead gel is a fabulous addition.

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    Replies
    1. Linda KittmerDecember 11, 2013 at 9:35 PM

      Thanks Vic. The glass bead gel is great to work with.

      Delete
  49. RebeccaDecember 11, 2013 at 8:01 PM

    Love your use of quotes and thanks for the close-up shots. It was so nice to get such a close-up look at your work.

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  50. EdieDecember 11, 2013 at 8:14 PM

    Those colors plus the bead paste are awesome! Love!

    Edie

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  51. RaineDecember 11, 2013 at 8:22 PM

    Your ATB is awesome! I love the bright colors. Mostly, I love the glass beads. They really make the colors underneath them POP!

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    Replies
    1. Linda KittmerDecember 11, 2013 at 9:37 PM

      Thanks Raine. I agree...that's what I love about the glass bead gel.

      Delete
  52. Rita MontgomeryDecember 11, 2013 at 10:16 PM

    Your blocks are so fun to look at. I'm going to get some beads. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  53. Saranne ValentineDecember 11, 2013 at 10:47 PM

    Bravo! Beautiful! Love it!

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  54. Leslie Tucker JenisonDecember 12, 2013 at 2:01 AM

    Linda, I love everything about your ATB's! Your post gave me so many new ideas. Thanks!

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  55. KarenDecember 12, 2013 at 5:39 AM

    What a great idea for a self portrait! I loved the way you expressed who you are and what you want to be. The bright colours on the block are great and the glass beads really make the colours pop.

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  56. kliaksaDecember 12, 2013 at 8:53 AM

    Your Artist Trading Block is amazing! I have never tried Glass Bead Gel - must figure out of it is available here, in Ukraine - thank you for great tutorial and introducing glass bead gel for me ))! Helen

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    1. Linda KittmerDecember 12, 2013 at 9:50 AM

      Thanks Helen. The glass bead gel is so much fun. Check the art stores. I have Golden, but I know other companies make it too. Good luck...I hope you find some.

      Delete
  57. MarshaDecember 12, 2013 at 9:11 AM

    I just love your block, as well as the idea of incorporating my artwork into a three dimensional piece. It is so much fun to see how everyone has personalized the cube! Thanks!

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  58. Little City FarmDecember 12, 2013 at 11:57 AM

    Okay, I adore the effect of that glass bead gel. I also love that you used the overspray and blotting of colours from the strawberry basket spraying for other pieces. Kind of gave me the chills, lol.

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  59. Jane MartinDecember 12, 2013 at 2:10 PM

    Linda, I love all the texture and color.. wonderful!

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  60. funkycrafterDecember 12, 2013 at 5:42 PM

    Wow! The glass bead gel really takes this to the next level. Fantastic.

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  61. MaRyKaYDecember 12, 2013 at 7:59 PM

    Ewww that clear balls gel stuff is amazing. Im gonna have to check into that stuff sometime. Looks like alot of fun

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  62. EmmaJaneDecember 13, 2013 at 12:20 AM

    Great inspiration block! The bead gel gives lots of cool texture.

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    Replies
    1. Linda KittmerDecember 13, 2013 at 6:28 AM

      Thanks EmmaJane. It really is a great product to work with. I love the texture and sparkle it gives.

      Delete
  63. LuraDecember 13, 2013 at 12:31 AM

    just loved what you did. i love the glass beads so much, will have to find that product. thank you for the inspiration. xoxo

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    Replies
    1. Linda KittmerDecember 13, 2013 at 6:28 AM

      Thanks Lura. I'm glad to have been able to inspire you with something new to you. Have fun with it.

      Delete
  64. Sharon Lynn Williams Fine ArtDecember 13, 2013 at 12:44 AM

    Never used the glass bead gel before -Merry Christmas from a fellow Canuk!

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  65. AnonymousDecember 13, 2013 at 10:53 AM

    Linda, I love the idea of the Golden glass Bead Gel! Must go shopping!

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  66. Miriam PrantnerDecember 13, 2013 at 7:10 PM

    Loving all the layers and that glass bead gel is really cool!

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I love to hear what you think . Thanks for your comment .

I've had to add moderation because of a lot of spam, but your message will be posted soon. Thank you!
Linda

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