On the Map

Here are the wonderful artist trading cards I received back in the On the Map Swap.  There are several techniques that I love in these cards.  First, they are all stiff cardboard or card stock.  I have been experimenting wit ATC backgrounds, and a thicker base paper really makes a difference in the professional appearance of the final artwork.  Second, I like the way that each artist did a final edge detail on their card.  It really pulls the piece together and finishes the composition. Whether it is an inked line, rubbing the card against an ink pad, or some paint or crayon, framing in the ATC is a nice technique and adds an extra layering effect.  Thanks to everyone who made these beautiful cards!

These artist trading cards were created for a swap called On the Map, in which you needed to incorporate a map into your card.  I glued the map to the card and then trimmed it. Then I ripped out some text from a book and glued that.  I rubber stamped two stars on separate text, and colored them.  Then I glued them on.  When the glue was dry, I sketched around the plain text.  Looking at the card now, I think that it could have used a dark green border around it to bring it all together. I created an extra card on theme to keep for my album.

Book Review: Rubber Stamping Artist Trading Cards

If you are like me, then you may have trouble integrating your rubber stamping and artist trading card creations. It is often difficult to integrate rubber stamps into artist trading cards while maintaining artistic integrity and originality. This book, Rubber Stamping Artist Trading Cards is a great compendium of artistic techniques that will help you to do just that. In addition to having tons of inspiring photos of original artist trading cards, the book has many techniques on how to layer rubber stamps with unique background techniques to create stunning artist trading cards. I bought this book and studied it for several weeks before I lost it. It was good enough that I am buying another copy!! Here is a look at the review and product description from Amazon:

Review
Being a die-hard rubber stamper I was wondering the value of this book --BUT once I got it - I devoured it and pour over the pages with new ideas for Rubber stamping mini art works. Whenever I need inspiration or have a yearning to create a little "art". It fills the gap. --email

THANKS THANKS THANKS! Whoever created this book. I love it! I am HOOKED on making ATCs; IFinally I understand other artists addiction because now I caught it too. --web email

WOW!! TAlk about AWESOME!! I ahve been waiting for this book ever since I heard about Artist Trading Cards. This biook tells it all. You will love stamping out these little gems once you get this read in your hands! --email

Product Description
Artists Trading Cards or ATCs are miniature works of art the craft world is totally JAZZED about! This new hot trend is all the rage for crafters of every sort -- mixed media, paper or fabric artists and stampers! These little canvases are like a "calling card" for artists. The main idea is to network with other artists by joining swaps and online Clubs and TRADE the ATCs--thus the name "Artists Trading Card". They are usually created following a theme the 'host' of the swap or trade decides upon and usually in a series of 4-6 cards at a time. This book has a special twist -- ATCs made with rubber stamps! The reason for this is to allow the possibly intimidated crafter to feel free to jump on board the ATC wagon and have fun -- as EVERYONE knows how to stamp!

Alien Trade

Here is a card that I made for an alien themed trade.  It is colored pencil and markers on bristol board.  The scan washed out some of the details and blending, but you can still get the gist of it.   I am still working on figuring out the settings on my scanner.

What are ATC's?

Artist trading cards have become a popular phenomena. They allow artists and non-artists from a variety of backgrounds to create and trade original works of art. There are only two criteria which artist trading cards must conform to. They must be 2.5 by 3.5 inches, and they should be created for trade rather than for sale. There are many art and craft stores on the internet that sell artist trading card supplies, but if you want to get started, you should just use what you have. Found items are part of the fun when it comes to creating cards. Just use a sturdy cardstock and cut it to size on a paper cutter. Some artists are even creating fabric art trading cards, but that is a topic for another time.

If you are interested in trading art cards, it is easy to search for a group. Beginners can sign up for artist trading card groups on Yahoo, such as ATC Connection, and Artist Trading Cards. This was how I originally started trading cards. I am now trading on ATC's for All, and really like that site. I find that the website is just easier to use, and I like the format of it. And, there are artist trading cards displayed all over the website, which are irresistible. They make you want to rush home and make art.

I encourage everyone to join an artist trading card group. You sign up for themed swaps, which are great in giving you a starting point. Most trades specify what media are acceptable, although drawing, painting, and collage are widely accepted. Digital and three-dimensional artist trading card swaps are a little rarer. So, if you like to make art, and have some supplies sitting around at home that aren't getting used, make artist trading cards! They allow you to make small-scale art, and you get to trade them and receive original art in the mail. It is great fun.