Let's Make An ATC!! Free Theme

For our first swap of the group, we're going to try something very simple!

We'll make an ATC!

What the heck is an ATC you ask? ATC stands for Artist Trading Card! An ATC is a 2.5" x 3.5" size card. Like a baseball card! And is normally decorated in some way. Collaged, drawn, painted, etc.

This ATC swap is free theme. So you can make it any theme you want to! You can even look off your partner's profile and get inspiration there.

Please spend some time on your ATC! When I make ATCs, I normally end up spending over an hour just making one, and that's on a collaged one! Sometimes it can take me a couple of days just to get one made!

There are so many different techniques out there, and I've listed some links below. Maybe you want to try some of these. Get some inspiration from the pictures.

You want to make an ATC that your partner will be thrilled to receive. Please no just stickers on a background or card and calling it done! That is not spending time on your work. You could even draw a card, or Zentangle it!

Even if you are new to making ATCs you are welcome to join! Just go over the links and the pictures and the techniques and get some ideas!

I've given us a long sign up date and then about 3 weeks to make an ATC and send it to your partner. This should only cost a stamp or two to send! This is open to international so please be aware of that. Also if you do end up with an international partner, please remember that mail to get to you or them could take up to a month or more sometimes! So don't rate too hastily as it still may be on it's way to you/them!

Here are some ideas:

• Link 1

• Link 2

• Link 3

• Link 4

You will want to use a sturdy card for your ATC. Chipboard, thick watercolor paper, even cereal boxes work well! Make sure they are cut to the right size the cards need to be: 2.5" x 3.5"

Please do not use plain or flimsy paper for your ATC backing.

Also when you are finished with your ATC, you will want to turn the card over the back (if it's colored from a cereal box, then write your info on a white bit of paper and glue that to it). You will want to write what your card's name is. Say if I make a floral themed card, I may name it Daisy or Springtime, you'll want to write your name and your user name on the back and maybe a date when it was created. Here's an example of what I put on my cards.

• Springtime ATC
• By: Jenn
• weeatcrayons
• 3/17/11

Since I only trade ATCs in swap-bot I normally don't include other information, you are more than welcome to put your email down as well.

Make sure to wrap your atc in another sheet of paper to protect it, or put it in a small envelope or a clear ATC sleeve (google ATC sleeves and you can normally find out where to buy them at). Then make sure to include a note on what swap this is for and who it is from! And send off before the mail off deadline to your partner.

Take your time! You have a full 3 weeks to create a gorgeous piece of work for your partner! Practice makes perfect! Make several if you want then pick out the one you like best! Try different techniques and styles out!

Overall, have fun!!