For a while now I have been mulling over some ideas to make stuff with greyboard – aka construction board/chipboard.
So, after twenty-five 12″ sheets got thumped onto my doormat the other week, I thought I’d best put some of those ideas to use…
The first of these ideas was Artist Trading Coins.
Artist trading coins are a recent creative trend and were born from the same concept as artist trading cards however they are 2.5″ circles.
To create my coins I cut two circles of 1mm thick greyboard and glued them together with some tacky glue in order to make a nice firm base.
From there it was all about the preparation and decoration, which I will share in a mo.
Before then, if you are interested in getting your hands on some of this thick cardstock for your own projects then I can highly recommend the team at PaperCutz
They have a range of sizes and thicknesses available and the product comes well packaged.
Other stockists of this type of cardstock in the UK include Create and Craft TV although the range of sizes and thicknesses at the time of writing this post were a little limited.
Ok, let’s take a closer look at the first of the ATCs that I made.
Hello. Defo a suck it and see experiment here with a whole bunch of stuff chucked on.
Here is a little more detail on the what and the how…
Stuff Used
- 1mm Thick Greyboard,
- White Gesso,
- Tacky Glue,
- Ranger Crackle Accents,
- Simon Says Stamp Ornate Background Cling Stamp,
- Pigment Powder,
- Olive Arhival Inkpad,
- White Nuvo Drops,
- ‘Hello’ Sentiment Die,
How much stuff can you put on a 2.5 inch circle?!
Anyway, I used the Brother Scan N Cut to cut the circles however you could, of course, cut these with an appropriate steel rule die.
Method
- After cutting the two circles of greyboard I glued them together and let them dry.
- Although you can’t see it too well, I first stamped out the ornate background and then used some watercolour powders to create the background.
- After this dried, I applied a layer of crackle accent and let that dry too.
- I made the white drops by applying some Nuvo Drops to my silicone craft sheet and letting them dry before using tweezers and PVA glue to apply them to the ATC.
- Finally, I die cut the sentiment from black and white cardstock and glued this with a drop shadow effect.
Et voila! My first artist trading coin!
What do you think? Are artist trading coins something you could see yourself getting into? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Anyway, that’s it for this one. I will see you again soon for more.
Bye for now.
J :)
GENTLEMAN CRAFTER 
Hi John I love these coins and have been doing something similar as toppers for my cards. I’m so glad that I’m ‘on trend’. I’ve even got my hubby involved making discs using his 3D printer. Thank you for your regular posts because you keep me inspired. Karen x
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A pleasure :)
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Ooooh! And little n round n cute…ahem! Was talking about the coin!!
Cheers
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Now I’m being tempted once more by you John. đŸ˜‰. Really like what you’ve done (again!) Love it that you keep coming up with all these great ideas. Thank you. XX
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Thank you :)
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Love it! Can I really consider another craft….YES! Always room for more :)
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I like to think of it as an extension to an existing craft, therefore it already has space in my life :)
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I belong to one of the ATC Groups on Facebook. I love making and receiving them. Your coins look brilliant but then everything you make looks brilliant ha ha x
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Thank you Margaret :)
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Not sure I will participate in the coins but love seeing what you do with them. They are gorgeous xx Hazel
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I wasn’t sure myself but was surprised how much I enjoyed them.
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very nice. i’m thinking door number plates for houses, displayed from the inside.
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Could be!
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I’m trying to resist, as I already try and fit too many things into my time, but……. xx
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I know the feeling …
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I’ve only ever done the atcards before but been thinking about doing some of these, I only have the cm300 machine would I be able to cut them on this and if so what setting would you use please? Alternatively do you know if anyone still make a 2 1/2 inch steel die?
I love your hello one too, of course!
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Thanks Pearl. Yep, no problem with the CM300. Settings will depend on the thickness of the greyboard. I should think that Sizzix do a steel rule die that size or near enough.
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John. Moe fantastic ideas thank you
I was lucky enough to be given greyboard at 1200 mm 1500mm and 2000mm
I have a cm700 and and unfortunately getting very frustrated trying to work out settings.
The test cut is variable but when larger and doing the second cut the blade seems to snag then jump to a new position and carries on until I switch it off manually.
Any suggestions. Keep up the good work
Catriona
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I’ve done ATCs in the past, but not tried these coins. Think I may have a go after seeing these. I’m thinking making your own embellishments for scrapbooking etc. Brain is running now and no chance to play until later!
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Good idea :)
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I’ve never seen these before John , think they’re really cool x
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Thank you :)
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