Oh, the possibilities!

We are all familiar with ATC's, or Artist Trading Cards, but what about ATB's? Artist Trading Blocks are a new one for me and I'm excited about the endless ways to use them.

These blocks were cut from an old piece of scrap wood my husband had in his bits and pieces box of wood he saves from old projects. I love that box of leftovers! It's fun to go poking around his shop and find a treasure or two to take back to my studio and play around with.
As with ATC's, these were cut to 2.5 x 3.5 and the thickness is a pretty standard 1.5 inches, which is the thickness of a 2x4. And the beauty of making ATB's is that scrap lumber is perfect!
2x4's are great because you only need to cut once.
I'm participating in a swap over at craftster where we are all creating ATB's for a partner.
It's going to be fun to see what everyone comes up with!

What will be most difficult for me is deciding what idea to settle on. Good thing I have
more than one block.........

Not a creature was stirring.......

I wish all the best for you and your families this holiday season. Merry Christmas!

It's comin' on Christmas.......

My tree is up, the mantle is decorated with garland and lights. All red, white and silver this year.

The whole house has that wonderful Christmas smell..........
Gingerbread!

I hope you are enjoying your Christmas preparation this year!

Magnificent

The big eighty year old maple tree in my back yard was in it's glory this November. The loveliness of this autumn in my garden was the best I've seen. Everywhere you looked, there was color and texture. My favorite autumn ritual this year was to sit on the steps of my front porch in the morning, sip my coffee and gaze at this magnificent tree.
There are many things to be thankful for. Beauty in any form is surely one.

A few pretty little baubles

My love affair with precious metal clay looks like it's turning into a permanent thing.
It's fun, easy to work with and extremely satisfying. Here are a few things that are on their way to being finished for the Christmas market here on December 7th.

Large Birdhouse Pendant (2"x1 1/4")

Sunflower earrings and pendant (1 1/4 " wide)

Leaf necklace (1 1/4" long x 3/4" wide)

These are silver coins ready for a necklace. (approx. 1' wide)

Halloween Banner!

I love Halloween!
Here's a little banner I made using stuff from Alpha Stamps. I really like how it turned out!

And a couple of detail shots......

If you want to see what the rest of the design team banners look like and/or want to get the kit, you
can go Here.