Will this ATC be ok ???

What a great ideal.. I know the few atc's I made were very basic...I may have to join and see if I can improve:)

I want a couple of swaps before this stage in the process. I've never made an ATC, and I don't have any blanks, so I want a swap where we just send each other blanks--like in the colors we prefer. And then another swap where we're supposed to just "slap it together" any ol' way. Only then would I feel ready for this swap.

I'm serious. And I may host one or both of them. But not until 2011--eeeek, over-committed!

--baby steps, baby steps,

Fiona

I'm jumping in. I've made about 4 ATC's before but what the heck. lol. I'm going to have to cut my own blanks. I had some but they've disappeared somewhere in my craft stash. lol

I've fallen in love with the fire atc in the swap picture..

I usually use old food boxes- cereal, KD etc- and cut the base card at 2-1/2 inches X 3-1/2 inches. Then you can cut a colour (2nd step) base at an 8th or a quarter inch less and glueit onto the sturdy base. Then add your images and embellishments to create your art. And don't forget your personal info on the back.

standard playing cards are the correct size too..if you have an old deck missing a card or 2 throw them in your craft box...they make great blanks!

Some notes for Newbies to ATCs:

Not all playing cards are the right size--you really need to measure to be sure--they may look "standard" but they can be off by 1/8-1/4" in either dimension.

Also Using chipboard from cereal boxes and the like is one way to do it, but if you want your ATC to be "real" art, that will stay art, and not discolor and fall apart over time, you should use an acid-free substrate (base) and materials. If you need to use cereal boxes and other recycled materials, if you gesso it first, that will protect the piece from the acid in the cardboard.

And, please keep in mind that ATCs are not all mixed media-you can make a little painting, a fabric/textile/embroidered piece, draw a lovely picture (or not so lovely if that's your style), or make something out of wood, polymer clay, glass, yarn, paper mache, a photograph or digital painting, etc--they are meant to be examples of whatever Art form you are best at! So do your best 'whatever' at 2.5 x 3.5" and you're good to go!

@cakebomb the Fire ATC, was called Heart on Fire and was one of my first ones....Thanks for the feed back!

@twobluecrows thanks for your notes!!

I always do my own blanks. I haven't seen ready ones in Sweden to buy.

I don't know if it would be a real big deal if your playing card "blanks" were a little smaller than the standard size. You could always cut your background paper to the exact size and rely on the playing card for strength (put a piece of paper on either side or gesso it, although I've had trouble getting gesso to really cover up printed playing cards. That's my usual blank, though, since I've picked up quite a few discarded decks in thrift stores/garage sales.

Im brand new to the ATC world...I have never made an ATC but it seems like something really cool. I hope mine are good enough.

@Cole Creation - then this swap is for you!! My ATC's aren't that great either, but they are fun to make!!