Steampunk ATB with Marion Smith Timekeeper and Graphic 45 Papers

Using the quick ATB tutorial below I made another Artist Trading Block - this one opens so that you can store a few fun items inside.  Everyone loves secret hiding spots!

Sturdy Chipboard ATB (Artist Trading Block) Cube - Quick Picture Tutorial

Frustrated at those Chunky ATC's (also called ATB- Artist Trading Blocks) that bend, crush easy or don't hold up to heavy embellishing?  Here's a quick cube you can put together in about 30 minutes.  There are more detailed ways and ways to paper them without the little corner pieces, but for a quick cube this is the way I've found the most simple and easy. Most ATB's are 2.5"x2.5", 3" x 3", or 4" x 4" -- for my tastes I prefer 4" x 4" because I love a bigger area to embellish.

You will need:
6 squares out of medium / heavy weight chipboard (I used 4" squares in the pictures)
7 - 8 strips of cardstock 1" x size of square" (1" x 4") - folded in half lengthwise (if you make 3" cubes your strips will be 1" x 3") (7 strips if you want a lid that opens 8 strips if you want a box that is closed)
Adhesive (I used ScorPal tape - Sookwang tape)

Connect the squares with the strips of cardstock. I put my strips for the cube on the interior (but exterior is fine also)  Only connect 1 side of lid if you want a box that opens.

Now decorate, embellish, paint, give it feet, and fill it however you wish - here's an ATB I made using this technique a little while ago:  Steampunk Victorian ATB Night Light

Here's some photos to help you on your cube making journey.