Artist Trading Cards

Artist Trading Cards, like inchies are little miniture pieces of art.  But you can pack a lot of on these 2.5" x 3.5" cards.  I love that they are a quick easy creative fix.  Like inchies, sometimes they are created to swap with other artist.   Last year I purchased a couple of the 7 Gypsies Revolving ATC Holders to store them on.

Aren't these cool!

This week I created 3 ATC's.  I was totally inspired by a book I purchased a while back.  "Artist Trading Card Workshop". 

Not only was I inspired by the artistry / design of so many of the cards, but the book shares lots of background techniques as well. 

I spend alot of time listening to and singing along with Contemporary Christian / Praise and Worship music in my car and while I"m creating.  My heart fills with joy as I sing songs of praise to my Saviour.  I love finding music and lyrics that express exactly what my heart wants to say.  So what better inspiration for a new series of ATC's than my love for God!  So here is what I created.

I created this one using Layers of Color stamp sets "Royal Birds" and "Regal Wings" (crown in background).  The background is created using paper towels.  I dampened the paper towel and layed it out on wax paper.  Then I applied watered down acrylic paints.  After it was dry I lightened some of the area's by rubbing on some white pigment ink.  Then I stamped the crowns with black pigment ink.  The paper towel gives you this cool textured background.

I designed this one using "Gothic Crosses" and " "Acanthus Leaves".  I started with thick watercolor paper.  I brushed on watered down acrylic paint in two colors, purple and green.  After it's dry I stamped the swirlies with VersaMagic Ink, sprinkled clear embossing powder and heat embossed.  Next I brushed on brown ink here and there.  Don't worry about covering the embossed area's.  After it is dry, place it on an ironing board, cover it with 1 piece of printer paper.  Iron over it with a very hot iron (no steam).  Mine was so hot, I only had to move it over the piece for about 3 seconds.  I could see the paint bleeding onto the the paper.  As you peel it off, and it removes some of the paint creating a distressed look.  Then I sanded some more of the brown off as well, exposing the paint below, until I got the distressed look I wanted.  I LOVE this technique!! 

This is another version of the paper towel technique above.  I actually colored several paper towels with different color variations, so I have lots more left over to use in the future.  For this one, I used "Joyful Noise".

What do you think??  Are you ready to create and maybe even swap some ATC's??

There are alot of options for displaying your ATC's on the revolving holder.  The plain paper ones can sag a little.  I actually glue together when using them.  7 Gypsies sells alot of accessories which can be found at Your ATC Store.  I like the thicker chipboard refills best.  I don't have one of these yet, but may check them out - 7 Gypsies 2-ringed Chipboard Album.  Here is my idea for this cute little album:  Use it as a circle album.  Years ago "circle journals"  were the fad.  You joined a group of willing participates, purchased a small album, like a 6 x 6" and then mailed it around to one another.  You decided the theme of your album, and each participated created a page to go along with your theme.  Your album progressed through the group and eventually made it back to you (thus the circle).  It was so much fun to see all the wonderful art of the ladies in front of you as they mailed the albums to you one at a time.  It's one thing to see art online, but really wonderful to veiw it in person.  But it was even more fun when yours arrived back to you.   So contact some girlfriends and start your own Circle ATC Album Group today! 

I hope you were inspired to pull out those old acrylic paints and get messy with some background techniques.  If you have any questions, just email me!

May God bless you with a joy and peace that only He can give!

hugs,

Melisa

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You can view my other Artist Trading Cards  HERE.

You can view my other Faith Art projects HERE.

You can view more of my Collage / Mixed Media projects HERE.