ATC Swap

So... I mentioned in an earlier post that I was invited to join an ATC swap. I received over 50 different cards from several talented SCS artists. I'll post some of them over the next few weeks.

ATC's are really addicting. With their little size (standard ATC's are 3.5"x2.5"), they are quick to make and fun to trade. Artist Trading Cards were used as a calling card / business card for artists... first as a small canvas showcasing a painter's abilities which evolved to the paper-crafted cards we know today. They are like Baseball cards for grown-ups!

In the recent trade, I received a few ATC's that I thought I'd try to duplicate myself - the technique at least.

The first one is a card to highlight Faux Stitching. I love the new 'Bundle of Joy' set in the Spring mini from SU! It's so sweet! The design tie-in is the Aida cloth background stamped on the main card and the faux cross-stitching on the main image. Fun, right?!?!

Supplies: Stamps: Bundle of Joy, Aida Cloth BG; Cardstock: Barely Banana, Certainly Celery, Apricot Appeal, Natural white CS; Ink: Whisper white craft ink, Black Stazon, Certainly Celery (ink and marker); Accessories: Mat pack and piercing tool, tab punch.

The next ATC I tried was one that was a surprising technique. I've always liked the look of the Spectrum (multi-colored ink pads), but have never owned one. The Baby Wipe Technique is perfect for this! Using a few baby wipes and three coordinating colored re-inkers, I was able to make a quick spectrum pad. This was a fun card to make!

Supplies: Stamps: Love Ya! (SU retired set); Cardstock: Glossy white cardstock, Pink Passion, Brocade Blue; Ink: Pink Passion, Brocade Blue, Lavender Lace; Accessories: silver cord, silver eyelets, crop-a-dile.

The last ATC I made was the simplest one! What have I been waiting for??? I should have tried this technique ages ago!!!

The card is made using glossy cardstock again (loving it!) to create a Spotted Background. Using the Stampin' Spots that I had on hand, gathering dust... I was able to make a really easy background. Stamp / press the spots onto the glossy cardstock in a random pattern. I used a tissue and my fingertip to blend the colors. Fun!

Supplies: Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks and Warm Words; Cardstock: Kraft paper, Night of Navy, Glossy cardstock; Ink: Night of Navy, Brocade Blue, Taken with teal (spots), Black stazon, Handsome hunter and night of navy markers; Accessories: Stitched ribbon, white gel pen, and tissues (to blend / smear color).

With all these new ATC cards, I HAD to make an album to showcase the talented artists that sent me their work. I love the ATC albums and covered one with some Designer Series Paper. I love how it turned out!

Thanks for looking!

Lisa