What's an ATC then?

An ATC is a small card that represents your chosen art and craft and is designed to be traded with other artists.

The cards are 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches.

You can do absoloutly anything to the card provided it remains the standard size. I have even seen polymer clay cards.

The cards are mostly made to a pre-determined theme but this is not always the case and cards you make as a one off can be traded in a free trade. (like pay it forward or swap tag in the forums.

On the back of each card is written the date it was made, the artists name, the srtists contact details, the title of the theme and whether it is a series or an edition.

If you make more than one card that are in the same theme, but the cards are different, these are said to be a series and the cards are marked 1 of 4 (if this is the first card in a series of four.)

If you make more than one identical card then these are editions and are marked: edition 4 (if this is the 4th card).

You can find more info on ATC's here:

ATC info

I've read where you can use playing cards that you no longer need to make a ATC, Is that true? and if so do you cover both sides with card stock?

greanfreak40 You can use a playingcard as they are the same size as an ATC. The general consensus is that if you leave some of the image on the front (is you can see the number and suit) then it is an altered playing card, not an ATC (but I keep all mine together anyway). If you wanted to use them as bases instead of card stock, just cover the entire front with paper and work on that. You can leave the back as long as you can see your details clearly.

Here are some cool sites for ATC stuff:

A great site for templates

Good for backgrounds

Proof that sometimes simple really is more attractive!

I'm so excited about this particular swap! I've done scrapbooking and handmade greeting/note cards and just recently came across altered book art. I wondered about ATC's for a while and am SO grateful for the info you (Cloverst) have shared about how to make them and where to find addt'l info. I've never made an ATC before, but I'm joining this swap to test my skills.

One question: In ATC's, do you have to stick to the "acid-free" rule like you do in scrapbooking?

Thanks for setting up the swap to help us newbie ATC'ers learn and get our feet wet!!! Can't wait to see what I get in the mail! =)

Hi eve, good to have you on board! There are no rules when it comes to ATC's! You'll find that most people use anything they can get their hands on when making an ATC and so acid free doesn't really come into it. Personally I have used magazine pictures, oil pastels, realllly old maps and book pages and I bet some of theme aren't acid free.

You should store your ATC's well and away from photos and out of the light. (unless you are displaying them but they should be out of direct light). I store mine in a photo album with a place for notes. I mount them on paper cut to 6x4 by slitting 2 lines for the corners to poke through. I'll try to get some pictures.

As a rule the whole acid free precatution is for those things that you would like to pass down through many generations. That is why scrapbooking requires it. Stored well, most ATC collections will live through more than one lifetime anyway!

I don't want anyone dropping out at the last minute worried about what people will think of their first attempt!

Here are some good pictures of sketch ATC's:

Sketch ATC's

They start about halfway down the page.

If you are skilled in photoshop or similar you could try your hand at:

Digital ATC's

And here are some:

Altered playing cards

About 3 down.

I've been wanting to try to do ATC's but I'm not really good at drawing or painting. Can I use some of my photos or rubber stamping? Do I need to alter them - like for the sea add sand or say change the colors? On the Digital ATC link it looked like photos or altered photos may be ok.

ive always wanted to try out the ATC thing, but collaging that small is a little intimidating. oh well, ill giver 'er a go!

Like most here, I've been wanting to try my hand at ATCs, but I've been afraid of dipping my non-artsy hands in. I'm do more sewing than anything else. I would love to see more swaps such at this one!

mnsqb - you can do what you like! Altering the images is always welcome but some of the intircate stamps these days are beutiful in their own right.

I've seen a few experianced ATC'ers in here too. That is good as it will give newcomers an insight into ATC progression as you become more experianced. If you aren't an ATC newbie and you are joining for practice, please put in your package how long you have been doing atc's that way those newbies receiveing ATC's from an experianced partner will not feel intimidated.

Penny arcade collaging on a small scale comes with practice but another technique I have seen is making a big collage and then cutting it down to the right size.

Dixie Witch - do these sewn ATC's inspire you!

Ladies, just jump in!!!! I am no artist and I have been swapping ATCs since last August. I cut and paste all of my cards..you can look at examples at my Flickr account; http://www.flickr.com/photos/iowascrapmouse There are over 100 cards that I have done. One thing, be sure to put your name,user name, and swap on the back of your card. It is a good idea to put the swap name on the envelope. Some people are in a LOT of swaps. Just have fun!!! The ratings are based on whether you followed the rules, not on how good your artwork is.... Good luck!!!

I store my cards in the plastic baseball card sleeves. Nine to a page, then you can see the front and back of the cards. I have them in a 3 ring binder, started a new one for 2007...

I am not a "skilled" artist. I can't draw a person that you would recognize, nor can I paint a flower that looks like a flower. All that matters is that you enjoyed doing it, and that someone else on earth appreciates it, lots of people on earth, bound to be at least one person that appreciates whatever you come up with. It's art then, regardless of the media.

I'm with you, Moody Tuner. I can't draw a stick figure that looks good, let alone anythign else. That is why I like rubber stamps, die cuts and photographs! I use a combination of these on mine, depending upon my mood and topic. Sometimes a nice rubberstamped image, Well stamped with no smudges, without any embellishment, makes a fantastic ATC. Sometimes a picture with a funny comment or a quote... with ATC's anything goes, as long as they are the right size!

I am looking forward to this swap as it is my second one. I know I need the practice. I took an altered art course this winter and was introducted to ATCS. I also like altering playing cards and would like to get into a swap using the cards. I would prefer not receving dark fantasy cards,but realize I might not have a choice. Thanks for the swap. Cocoa

For those who are wanting to give altered playing cards a try but are nervous, I just created a swap along the same lines as this one:

What's an altered playing cards then?

Cloverst, thank you for the link to the sewn cards! Hmm can you actually use a sewing machine to sew on paper/cards?

Yep! You can produce some great effects using one. I used to have a machine that did little flowers and swans. I bet that would have been cool!

I just want to say that ATCs are the best way to get over the idea that you aren't artistic! Anything really does go with this artform.
I've seen them made of polymer clay, small sheets of embossed copper, pieces of glass taped around the edges like a stained glass piece, plastic from milk jugs, cardboard, plywood, fabric, burlap, laminated leaves, crochet, knitting, and the list goes on infinitely. In the outer larger world of ATC trading, there are no rules other than the 2.5 x 3.5" dinensions. I've seen some that have parts attached by brads that you can pivot and unfold to show a person with arms and legs and wings, that all fold back up into the 2.5 x 3.5 size. There are little houses that are three-dinemsional when unfolded, but they still comply. There are little ATC zines and books that are accordian folded with many pages, or folded in a certian way to be an 8 page book made form one sheet of paper. They come with strings and fibers and ribbons and beads and tags and stars and feathers and bones and playing cards, watch parts, optical glass, scrapbooking die-cuts, rubberstamps, linoleum prints, woodcuts, etchings, pen and ink drawings, acrylic paintings, oil paintings, pastels, pencils--graphite and colored, watercolors and crayons.

Don't let anything limit you in this terrific art form, let your imagination fly free and make it small!! I particularly like doing a sheet of cardstock all over with ink doodling then cut it up using the ten-card template into ten cards. Even if you photocopy the whole sheet and turn it upside down, you can get ten different cards off the same design! Then color it, ten more, then cut them into pieces and glue them onto a sheet of colored stock--ten more!
The world is your oyster--eat it up!

Cyn

I was excited to see this swap and it looks like I got in just under the wire. I could echo the words of so many people here, as they have stated exactly how I feel about ATCs. So thank you for giving me a chance to try my first ATCs. Newbie question: Do ATCs have a finished back side? Thanks. Terry

Thanx, Cloverst, for hosting this for us ATC greenhorns. :) Even though I have done a few (VERY few), this is still all new to me.

I have a question: In the ATCs I have created where I needed to adhere something (i.e., decorative scrapbooking paper, fabric, etc) to a stiff, card stock backing, I have used regular craft glue. The problem, predictably, is that bubbles form between the two layers, and the card curls up. Am I doing something wrong? If there is a better glue to use for this sort of thing, what is it?

I welcome any and all feedback.

To answer back.roards question the back side of the ATC isn't finished. There is written the information of the ATC (your name or screen name, your email, the name of the card and the series/edition number).

Triviumlady the best stuff to use is either the stick glue (it's called prittstick over here) or you can get something called spray mount, which is basically spray on glue. This comes in varying strengths. I use repositionable as if you don't get it right first time you can peel it off and try again, for a while. The trouble with this is if you aren't really careful and use new paper underneath to spray on, you'll end up wih a sticky finished card!

I'm just waiting for a few replies from those with sparse profiles and then well be off. You should have partners by the morning. I trimmed the discussion to keep it short and to the point, sorry if i upset anyone but I wanted people to be able to find the links and stuff easialy.

I have just crated a Flickr group where ATC beginners can post their ATC photos for friendly comments. I thoought it would be good for everyone to see how other beginners start off and evolve:

ATC Beginners

Here are a last few points to remember:

This is an ATC swap so please make sure your ATC is exactly 2.5 by 3.5 inches. If you are using a playing card base make sure the dimensions are correct, some playing cards are not the standard size.

Make sure your lines are straight (torn is fine if that is what youa re aiming for but make sure the card remains the right size.

Make sure the glue you are using is sufficient for any embellishments you are using. People at your craft store can help with glue matters.glue sticks are good for card and paper but may not work on a glossy finish like a playing card. If the embellishmnt is heavy (or in the case of meatls) use super glue. Be careful though I stuck my fingers together yesterday!

Package well. Use envelopes or plastic sleves to protect from collages ripping or if you have heavy embellishments use bubble wrap. It is easy for chunky cards to rip envelopes.

Other than that have fun!

You can also look at mine http://www.flickr.com/photos/gypsyrover2006/

Joan

rockymtmama, uhskee, and darlingfluff your ATC's will go out in the mail thursday morning. I hope you enjoy. They are coming from Dayton, Ohio.

Such a good idea swap with many hints. Good way to go. Have fun, I do.

This has been really fun. glad to find a newbie area to try some ATC's- and thanks for all the links and hints and encouragement.

lshannon

eyeswideshut, pooh and star of song your cards will be mailed on Monday, May 14. Enjoy AZBOOKLADY

Katherine from Canada. I received your envelop today. It had been opened and retaped. Was that from you or the post office. I think somethings were removed from the Indian. AZBOOKLADY

Marigold, jstubbs, and nytesong ,your cards are ready to go and will be mailed out tomorrow!

This was lots of fun! I learned a ton. Thank you, cloverst! :-)

twobluecrows, back.roads, and BleakOptimism, I mailed your ATCs today. Hope you like them! kellypuffs

I feel like a numbskull and hate to even ask this because I have a feeling the answer is staring me right in the face. I loved Cloverst's idea of a Flickr page to upload our ATCs. Thank you!! I found the Group Photo Pool page and even downloaded my ATCs but they went to a page that appeared to be my account. How do I get my photos to the Group Photo page? Thanks!

Lucinda, Jo and Anne your ATCS are on the way

ladydy5, cakes and jstubbs..your atcs are on their way. nervous about how they fair through the mail and i hope they get to you okay.

back.roads you need to go to your account. Select organize. Select groups and drag the pictures there. Or you can click on the individual pictures and select add to group :)

Cloverst, thanks for taking the time to help me with this! I appreciate it! Flickr is not exactly the easiest program to figure out, but maybe it's just me. The bottom line is, I did get my first ATCs posted to the Beginner group. So cool!! Thanks! Terry

joanandemma, sparky, and lshannon, your cards got mailed today! Hope you like them

awww... I wish I would have seen the flikr thing before I mailed mine, now I don't have any pics of them. :( oh well, maybe next time!

sacratomato ----i got your atcs today. they are beautiful..the shades of blue are so pretty.

TriviumLady, AngieB and Penny Arcade: your cards are on their way.

I'll put pics of what I receive in the gallery and on my flickr.

:) Joan

Besty G. I received your two wonderful ATC's today. I love the snowman one! :) Thank you so much! Anna

monstermansmum05, joanandemma, Sparky my atc's are headed your way, I am really a newbie- so be gentle... I hope you like them :) very influenced by my life here in japan! lshannon

barefoot gypsy when I get your cards I will scan them and send you back photos! so you can upload them to flickr

lshannon

Cooan, Gypsy Song, Penny Arcade~~ Your ATCs will be in the mail today. I really hope you like them. I had a blast learning how to make them.

Womentrip, thank you!! I received your ATCs today - not just my first in this swap but the first 2 I have ever seen in real life. I love them both, but particularly the flowers & butterflies. Also, a special thank you for the 'extra', a beautiful beaded bracelet.

I took ATC's to the post office today for MARIGOLD, spinjenny, & sacratomato

ATC's went out today for cdclocks and vivca 9 :)

Cloverst - yours will go out on Mon - the line at the PO was way too long :)

Also, received from azbooklady - thank you!

nytesong, you did very nicely. Loved both, would think you have been doing this for awhile. Ive only being doing them for about 6 months, love it. Thank you or the lovely note.

Sparky Thank you for the neat ATCs.

I've been working on mine, and keep making new ones!lol! I think I finally got the ones I'm going to send, hopeing they are good enough!

back.roads--you can finish the back a little to make it not too plain, but just be sure to leave room for the title, date, your name and swap-bot id, and any other appropriate info, such at the medium you worked in.

Triviumlady--I find acrylic medium &varnish to be an excellent adhesive as well as a sealer for my collages. It doesn't have enough water in it to wrinkle the paper if you use magazine clippings, and it dries very quickly. I even use it to glue on some of the thinner, lighter embellishments. For heavier things like thick yarn and jewels, or other metal or plastic bits, etc., I use tacky glue (Aleene's) or thicker acrylic gel medium. You can also make inkjet and copier picture transfers with it. It's very versatile stuff and on my top ten list of things I can't do without!

There are several companies that make all levels of thickness of the medium, and it comes in glossy and matte finish. Liquitex is the one I use, and there are Golden and Creatix as well.

You can find it at most large craft stores, art supply stores and online art supplies like jerrysartarama.com and dickblick.com, misterart.com, etc.

Pictures: We also have a Gallery right here in the Swap that you can upload pictures to so we can all see them. It's easy to do, but make sure you resize your pics to no larger than 200x200 pixels at 72 dpi resolution so it fits on the screen.

Cyn

Tried to upload pics but didn't work (I uploaded to other swaps this evening, don't know what the glitch is here). You can see pics on my flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/gypsyrover2006

:) Joan

ATCs - my very first! - are on their way to ddmaree, doodledoodle and spoonergregory today.

Thanks for a great opportunity, Cloverst, and the support you and others have offered through the discussion posted here. It's been fantastic!

Recieved Atcs from Lauren in Japan! I think they are great! Thanks:)

What have you been doing on the back of your ATCs? I just left mine raw, and added the info needed (I think I got it all), now I'm wondering if that was a mistake.

I need guidance!! :)

Got my cards from Gypsy Song today. I loved them. Thanks.

ack. i just made my first round, and they are less than stellar, back to the drawing boards. be patient, my partners, i just want my cards to be good.

also, i got all of my atcs from my partners already. thank you so much, hopefully they will be my guidance!!!

I mailed out my cards on the 17th, and I'm starting to worry that not all of them have made it. Sparky and joanandemma let me know if you don't get yours and I will resend.

I received the motherlode in my mailbox today! Cards arrived from Barefoot Gypsy and lshannon - beautiful cards!

:)Joan

Cloverst - if what I received is an example of beginner ATC creators, we have much wonder to look forward to! There has been some real talent hiding their lights under bushels! It makes me look forward even more to upcoming ATC swaps. Happy happy!

:) Joan

Oh - and Barefoor Gypsy, thanks for the extra little butterflies!

2 days ago I was browsing the ATC beginners group on Flickr and I saw 2 ATCs by pjlane which really caught my eye. One was obviously for another swap, the other was just entitled kitty. Well, today, 2 cards arrived and, as you have probably guessed, my swap partner was pj and one of the cards was kitty, which was already on its way when I left my comment on Flickr. I am so over the moon!!!

Go look at pj's cards on Flickr. It's so hard to believe they are by a beginner!

I love my second card (Dig It) too, by the way. :-)

OrcaSong, Starwatcher, and AngieB, your packages went out today; enjoy!

joanandemma glad to hear we have some ATC undiscovered talent in the group. If you receive outstanding ATC's don't forget to give cgood comments when rating, we want to keep these geniuses going lol!

pinkie I just write on the back my name, email, card title (and if different swap), and the edition series number. That's it nothing fancy.

In the themes, does "words" mean just one or more single words, or does it also cover the use of text in general? and I assume it is OK to combine the words with images?

In the themes, does "words" mean just one or more single words, or does it also cover the use of text in general? and I assume it is OK to combine the words with images?

spinjenny - I think you are safe to interpret it either way. I sometimes use text as a background, or a poem as a jumping off point, or depict something relating to just one word, and put the word on the card also.
:) Joan

Little packages are flying over the Atlantic to ddmaree, azbooklady and mnsqb!

Liseanne27 received your ATC's. Thanks.

Manatee Lover, received your ATC's. Thanks.

Hi swappers! I'm mailing cards to Veggiemommie, Manatee Lover and Sewing Spoon today. I hope you like them! Carmen

SpinJenny as Joanandemma said how you interperate the theme is up to you but as with any theme the person receiving it should be able to understand the association, if you get my meaning!

I sent ATCs out in the mail today for SaraH, heidec and Barefoot Gypsy.

I received ATCs yesterday from joanandemma. They are wonderful! Thanks so much.

ATCs went out in today's mail for liseanne27, jox, and blawgalicious. I think I'm hooked! :0)

MARIGOLD, nytesong, sacratomato, yours are ready to take to the PO in the morning. They could take 2 weeks from here in the UK.

Betsy G, Inga,and BabaKatya, don't worry haven't forgotten about you three, your ATC's will be mailed off Monday:) Since this is my first time Iam nervse and was trying to make up my mind on which ones to send to who! I hope you all will like them:)

Happy Swapping

Inga, I received your atcs today. Thank you so much. I liked the extra - postcard. Have a good day.

PlasticLove/Crys, Pinkie/Alanna, and Virginia....I've received all your ATCs....awesome.

Cloverst, Cooan and Vivica9 - Your ATCs are on their way.

Sherry aka cdclocks

Cooan, Vivica9 and GypsySong your cards are out in the morning!

Nevada, received your swap today. Loved the envie you made and you did an awesome job protecting your embellishments. I loved your designs and feel inspired. Thank you!

Hi Jox! I received your cards today. They are excellent! You have a great 'career' ahead of you making ATCs. I love that you added the little squiggle of fiber to the orange one. That must have been tough to glue down, but what neat texture! _ Nevada

Your cards arrived today, hisbrat, thankyou! The bubble wrap on the card was a great idea and fitted within your theme - I can really relate to that. 'Flower Garden' was such a contrast to the other ATC, well done.

I received cards today from Blawgalicious. What great work! I love the sea one with the little ticket - and Closer is one of my favorite songs, so there's no going wrong! A+ effort!

okay okay. I sent my cards on the deadline, but just hadn't gotten around to clicking the "I sent it" button... (computer troubles have kept me away from this beast of a machine for a few days now). Sorry!

Spoonergregory, got your cards today. They are truly beautiful. Thank you

ddmaree, I have not receivedy yours yet.
When did you mail?

DixieWitch, uhshee, darlingfluff:

I have just sent your cards; I found them on my desk yesterday under some other papers...my preschoolers have recently developed an uncontrollable urge to bring in anything -and everything- they find in the mail box -whether it be going out or coming in!!! LOL!!! Guess the post office will be seeing alot more of me in person until the littles get the hang of outgoing v/s incoming :)

I just uploaded three pics to the gallery of ATCs by Gypsy song that came int he mail yesterday. Let's see some others! Cyn