I’ve recently come across a wonderful craft that goes by the name ATC. ATC stands for artist trading card and all that means is that it’s a 2.5″x3.5″ piece of art that is traded. That is the size of a standard playing card or trading card. True ATCs are only obtainable through trading and they are as unique as the artists they come from. Other than the size limit (and the fact that it should be able to fit into a baseball card sleeve) there is not right or wrong way make one.  If you are a painter then paint, if you collage then pull out the Mod Podge. Clay stamping, charcoal, ribbon, didgital design, photography — if you can fit it then you can make it — just try to make it sturdy enough to withstand mailing.

ATCs can be used as cavases for mini masterpieces or they can be used to showcase samples of your work. On the back of each ATC should be the title of the piece (if it has a title) the artist’s name and hopefully some contact information. If identical ATCs were made then they should include an edition number (ie. 1 of or if there are similar ATCs that are part of a series they may include the series name or number.

These mini canvases are a great place to explore new techniques in an instant gratification sort of way. And when you trade it away, you will receive in its place, a card made with love and care (hopefully) from another artist.

The following little tutorial is just to give you an example of the process I go through to create one of these little pieces of art. This is in no way a must or a have to kind of tutorial. The joy of ATCs is that you can use whatever you like and are comfortable with. I try to limit my paper materials to scrapbook quality paper because I like to use quality materials when I’m making one of these.

Materials:

2.5″x3.5″ piece of thick cardstock (to use as the base for the card)
2.5″x3.5″ piece of colored paper
piece of vellum
Pens
Focal image or item
collage adhesive or glue, and brushes

1) take your vellum and pen and start writing something that is relevant to the card. For this specific card I chose to copy Philippians Chapter 2 because that’s where my quote came from. For other cards I’ve used quotes and music lyrics.

2) trim down the vellum to 2.5″x3.5″ by using your base as a guide and tilting or off setting the words a bit.

3) adhere the colored or pattered paper to your base.

4) adhere the vellum, words side down, to the colored paper. I really use the vellum for my own personal pleasure because, in all reality, the person receiving the card won’t be able to read it seeing as how it is upsidedown and backwards.

5) adhere your focal points and emelishments. This card is being used for my own enjoyment as a reminder for myself but below you can see other’s that I have completed using this same basic technique.

Other ATCs:
Iron Woman

Deep Thoughts

1. Printing Services Says:
   May 18th, 2010 at 7:29 pm

   The verse is very inspiring and applicable in my present situation. The card is very creative too!