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ATC cards

Something I like doing when I have the time, is to make Artist Trading Cards. In the few months, I have hosted 2 swaps and made many cards for swapping individually. They are quick and easy to make and are lots of fun to collect. Maybe you would like to make one for Beth's swap that I mentioned a few days ago.

What is an Artist Trading Card?


Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are mini works of art that artists collect and trade among themselves. By definition, ATCs are made in limited numbers, often no more than one of a kind. Unique ATCs are called originals. The general public have started collecting them, which has started to put a dollar value on cards, but they are meant to be traded ATC for ATC.

Artists often participate in international exhibitions of these cards (often with a simple theme, such as “purple”) to cheaply show their work and self promote. For the most part, they are art for art’s sake.


Guidelines for ATC cards:
1. They are always 3 1/2" X 2 ½.


2. Vertical format is the usual format, but not mandatory. If your creative juices say landscape - go for it!

3. Medium is open; card, glass, cloth, wood….anything that appeals. Our stamps from project 3 lend themselves well to this project. Try and keep the ATC thin enough for collectors to place into a business card type holder and sturdy enough that they will not flop. Playing cards make a good base as long as they are 3 ½ X 2 ½.

4. On the back of each handcrafted ATC, the artist writes or types part, or all of the following information: name, contact information, title of the ATC and number e.g.1/8, 2/8 if it's part of an edition or series of 8 similar cards or just “original”.


Video Demonstration:


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