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Nordic Rune Card Set (ATC's)

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Nordic Rune Card Set (ATC's)
Group:Keepers of Avalon
Swap Coordinator:NaughtyElf (contact)
Swap categories: Artist Trading Card (ATC) 
Number of people in swap:15
Location:International
Type:Type 3: Package or craft
Last day to signup/drop:July 27, 2009
Date items must be sent by:December 31, 2009
Number of swap partners:1
Description:

This swap is labor intensive but fun! Please read the entire swap criteria before signing up!

Runes are beautiful, they can predict the future, bring insight for the day and help us focus our thoughts and minds for meditation. But runes are typically thought of as being made of clay, stone, wood, etc. So, I thought of doing a set of ATC's based off of the Nordic tradition, that way our partners will have a lightweight set of runes they can take anywhere, shuffle through and draw from to either read or get a card that day for focus.

For this swap you will be creating a set of 24 cards each representing a letter/symbol from the Elder Futhark or Germanic Futhark, please see link, Nordic runes for this swap. These are the runes that most people are familiar with and were used by the Germanic tribes in Norway, Sweden, etc. These are the runes before the commonly accepted 25th rune or Wyrd was added. (I have left Wyrd out for this swap as it is a blank symbol and would be a little silly to make a blank ATC in my opinion. However, should enough people disagree I will add it and we can think of something creative for it, just maybe say a background only sort of thing).

I was thinking of doing each rune individually in a swap of it's own, but then I thought a deck or set should be more uniformed especially for those who may wish to actually cast from this deck.

So here are the specifics: Please make a set of 24 cards (ATC size 2.5 x 3.5 inches) depicting in your own artistic interpretation the Nordic runes (this is sender's choice, you can list preferences or strong dislikes for colours only, but it is still ultimately up to your partner as to what they create for you, so please be open).

This next part is a little different: like a deck of tarot cards the backs of the cards should all be the same, (for example, use the same colour/design of paper or paint the backs the same color, etc - just try to make them as uniform as possible) and please do not write your info like you normally would on the back. Instead make a separate ATC style card or note card to be put with the deck with all your information on it. (If you draw your ATC's it is fine to put your artist signature or mark on the front of card somewhere as most artists do).

Otherwise the backgrounds, artistic style of the symbols, and whatever embellishments you wish to add are up to you (although I probably wouldn't embellish with anything that would make the deck too lumpy or uneven, flatter type embellishments would most likely work better for this project).

You may draw, paint, collage, stamp do whatever your creative little heart desires, just please do your best work as this project is something special, something you would truly love to receive. It can be a simple but beautiful style or more intricate, have unifying theme throughout the deck or each card can be totally different (as long as the backs are the same). Please make sure they are made well and are sturdy, these should last for a while if not a long while.

Also, please put the cards in a box or pouch so your partner has something to keep them in! The box or pouch can be homemade or store bought, your choice.

I understand this is a labor intensive, time consuming project so I am giving until the end of the year to complete and send. That is about 6 months, if you want to pace yourself that is about 1 ATC a week, so if you do it that way it shouldn't be too stressful. Since this is sender's choice you may start now if you like during these summer months and get a head start on them.

I will be looking over everyone's profile for this one, to make sure we have no recent no sends/1's as anyone who flakes on this swap will be very wickedly looked upon by me and their partner and booted from the group! But I will angel this for anyone who flakes as no one who makes a set of 24 cards will go without receiving a set in return, you would just have to give me some time to get them to you is all.

If there are any questions please pm me, if I have left something out please pm me or comment below as I will be checking this swap often as we go. I hope this swap has piqued interests and that many of you will participate!

Happy swapping!!!

Discussion

tinnuwen 06/25/2009 #

This is a wonderful swap-idea. I'm watching this swap for now but am somewhat sure I'll join. :)

NaughtyElf 06/25/2009 #

Awesome! I hope you do! I would love to have you in this swap!

lilychouchou 06/25/2009 #

What a great idea! On my watchlist for now, but I'm sure I'll join. :)

Ogma 06/25/2009 #

Cool idea! Love the thought of a deck of cards to read runes. And great idea to have a theme throughout the deck, too. I'll watch this one for now as it'll take awhile and I'm easing back into swaps.

NaughtyElf 06/25/2009 #

Oh thanks guys! I know I like the theme idea too...like a deck could have a nature theme maybe, or just the use of say a strong colour scheme of red, black and white. Maybe it's Thor's runic deck and there are hammer's in the corners on front, it's really up to the sender. Glad you guys like the idea!

stitchinwitch 06/25/2009 #

Almost certain I'll be joining. I love runes

BastCrystal 06/27/2009 #

This is a wonderful idea! I'm not swapping much anymore, however, I just HAD to join this one. :-)

Trinket 06/28/2009 #

I love this idea. I cannot put words to describe how much i love this idea, but I love it. Im signing up right away!

mojo09226 06/29/2009 #

I love love love my tarot cards and I love love love my runes, this is like a happy mix. I'm going to do mine to help the reader tell what it means when they cast these cards. FUN. I have a black tarot deck, for when I do tarot ATCs...might be a good idea for getting the backs the same, 5 bucks at my local eclectic store.

NaughtyElf 06/29/2009 #

Nice idea! mojo! And I am honored to have you fine swappers join up, Bast, thank you so much for joining this swap and you too Trinket, you're awesome! Yay, this is going to be sooo good! I am excited!

NaughtyElf 07/ 2/2009 #

Wow! 8 people so far! I am so happy that this swap is getting such a great response, thank you to all who have signed up! It makes me smile! :-)

NaughtyElf 07/ 6/2009 #

9 people total now..whoohoo! You guys make me smile! :-)

LavenderLizard 07/ 8/2009 #

Watching too! Great idea.

NaughtyElf 07/10/2009 #

Thanks guys! 11 now in the swap! This is awesome!

NaughtyElf 07/17/2009 #

I think we lost 2 people, but I hope more sign up before the 27th, I am really happy with the turn out so far! Thank you!

Katimi 07/22/2009 #

A brilliant idea, the simple angular shapes of runes are pleasing to me. Count me in!

Charon 07/24/2009 #

I think this is a great idea for a swap. Any ideas on what would be strong enought for backing? But not to thick?

NaughtyElf 07/27/2009 #

For my base I use cereal boxes, that thin type cardboard. I was going to cover the backs in either a sturdy type craft paper and either paint or draw symbols in the corners or use a paper with a random pattern, that sort of thing so they all looked alike. I recycle any cardboard cereal, snack cake, pop tart or granola type box in my house for ATC backings they work really well! I hope that helped out @Charon Thanks again everyone for joining!

Kugusch 08/ 7/2009 #

Ok, I'll post a suggestion, if my partner hasn't started yet or has a very specific idea, then you always have me happy with earth tones..chocolate brown, lively bright mossy green etc....of course if you already have a design in mind then i'll take it, whatever it may be.LOL

Kugusch 08/ 7/2009 #

Ugh! I ALWAYS work in duplicates...one for me, one for the swap..makes things a bit more time consuming, but I always have one of whatever I send of for myself, too. My backs are cut. 48 for the swap plus 2 for a possible Wyrd idea plus 6 more as backups for any goofs or accidents. So glad I rescued that very large bit of heavy duty cardboard! An idea is also brewing, I think I'll be starting on creating the backgrounds very soon.

Katimi 09/ 9/2009 #

I had a rummage round researching for information to send off with my runes and found this website: http://www.sunnyway.com/runes/meanings.html

If you scroll around on the side arrows there's also a page about using a deck of runes for casting.

Perhaps it will be useful to some of you other swappers!

NaughtyElf 11/19/2009 #

Thanks for that info! How awesome!

NaughtyElf 12/19/2009 #

I am still here and working on them. I may need a bit more time for mine to get out due to my circumstances, if anyone else needs more time let me know and I can move the send date. If not, then I will keep it as is and just let my partner know.

Thanks everyone!

LavenderLizard 01/ 2/2010 #

I will be a couple days late, as well, due to a materials mishap--dimensional medium, origami, and washi paper did not mesh well...

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