Artist Trading Card Hands

It's time for my annual ATC SWAP!  This year we're doing something less traditional and creating mixed media hands instead of rectangular cards.  Why not try something different, right?!  I had such a blast making these and I can't wait to see what you come up with.  This is a wonderful way to share your work with other artists from around the world.

RULES for the swap are HERE

Below are some of the hands I made using DecoArt paints and a Gel Press and if you use either of those products to make your hands, let me know and you'll be entered to win a set of Americana Multi-Surface Satin paints and a Gel Press!  Go crazy with color, fabric, beads, paper, paint, glitter and whatever else you have in your crafty arsenal. No rules other than that they can't be more than 1/4" thick or longer than 7".  

I really hope you join our swap!

Gotta hand it to you!

I went wax seal crazy!

 Watch how to make them here!

STUFF I USED

Americana Multi-Surface Satin Paints

Gel Press and Impressables

Paper images

Card Stock

Stencils

Cosmetic Sponges

Book pages

White Glue

Sewing Machine

 HERE'S HOW

1st layer

1.  Dot rows of yellow and orange on your Gel Press

2.  Using a brayer, spread the paint in rows to create stripes

3.  Press the paper to reveal your perfectly blended stripes

2nd layer

4.  Spread a mint green on the Impressables Retro Leaves Plate

5.  Press the Retro leaves on the striped page

3rd layer

6.  Add blue and gold to the Gel Press

7. & 8.  Place a stencil on top of the Gel Press (I used stars) and transfer the stars to your page

4th layer

9. & 10. Stencil (I used leaves) over your page in hot pink and white

11.  Trace and cut a hand pattern from card stock

12.  Trace it on your newly pressed pages (and your stash of other papers) and cut them out

*I used old Gel Pressed pages, scrapbook paper, paper bags & whatever I can find!

5th layer

13.  Glue your favorite images to the hands

*I like faces, birds, butterflies and loteria cards

14.  Try adding a cityscape cut from book pages

6th layer

15.  Dab more color around the hand

7th layer

16.  Stencil another pattern in another color on top of everything

17.  Glue several hands together to create some thickness

18.  Optional:  Stitch around the hand on a sewing machine

19.  Glue on beads, buttons, keys or whatever you want

20. I added a wax seal with ribbons to finish mine off!

*Now it's time to add your information on the back and send them off!

Everyone can use a hand...Don't you think?

Let's Make ATCs!

When I want to relax, I make ATCs.....Artist Trading Cards.  ATCs are 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" in size or the size of an average playing card.  They're super fun to make and a terrific way to share and trade your art with other artists from around the world.  This month I'm  hosting a SWAP and I hope you join us!  Click HERE for rules on how to enter.  Since they are due on February 10th (right before V'day) I thought it would be fun to have a LOVE theme.  Seems like we all need a little more of that these days.  Remember, make art, trade it with friends and always Make Your Mark!

A few of the new pieces I'm swapping!

Big fan of this vintage strong man image

Watch how to make them here

STUFF I USED

Playing cards

Lace

Americana Acrylic in any yellow

DecoArt Decoupage

DecoArt Dazzling Metallics in Bright Brass

DecoArt Media in Cobalt, Red and Interference in Gold

DecoArt Craft Twinkles in Gold

Therm•o•web Deco Foil (for gold leaf accents)

Stick on rhinestones

Optional:  Sewing machine

 1. 2. & 3.  Paint the card in yellow, then gold

3. & 4. Cut lace squares the size of each card and decoupage over the gold

5.  Paint over your images with a nice red

6. Cut out hearts, rip book pages and cut more images for your cards

*Try the GraphicsFairy.com for some amazing images to print out and use

7. & 8.  Decoupage the ripped pages, hearts and images over the lace

9.  For more texture I stitched around the cards with my sewing machine

*You could hand stitch with some bold thread if you wanted

10.  Add a word or phrase

11.  Paint with Interference in Gold to add a beautiful metallic shimmer to the surface

12.  Edge with a bright color

13.  Add gold leaf accents with Therm•o•web Deco Foil

14.  Glitterize with Craft Twinkles

15.  Add even more sparkle with stick on rhinestones

Download and print these out for the back of your cards

Join My ATC Swap!

Thanks for your interest in participating in my ATC SWAP!  We have lots of amazing artists participating so far and I'm going to make this as easy as possible for you.  Guidelines below!

Here's how it works:

CARDS ARE DUE BY FEBRUARY 10TH

(See mine for some ideas HERE)

GUIDELINES

*Create 5 cards with a LOVE theme for this trade

*Must be 2.5" x 3.5" in size and no thicker than 1/4".   Playing cards work very well as a base. You're also welcome to use heavyweight card stock or chipboard cut to size as long as it's heavy.

*Entries should use a DecoArt product and be layered with other papers, buttons, embellishments or fabrics.  Think layers and texture!  If you live out of the country and have no access to DecoArt products you can still join us!

*The back of your trading cards should have your name , the title of the work, signature and date.  You can include contact information or your social media info if you want to, it's up to you.  This is a terrific way to make new friends, so I would do it.  

I'm including an example of what I'm using on the back of my cards and you're more than welcome to print it out and use this for the back of your cards.  

PLEASE SEND CARDS TO:

Mark Montano ATC

2126 Cove Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90039

*Place your ATCs in a clear baggie with your name clearly written on the baggie.

*Include in your package a self-addressed stamped envelope/mailer with the same amount of 

postage that cost to mail them...(usually about $2.60 for a bubble mailer)

Please make sure to PRINT your return address on the empty mailer that will be returned to you.  You are addressing your own return envelope

*Write your RETURN ADDRESS on the left corner of this return mailer too!

*If you live in another country, please make a small donation for postage on my YouTube page to cover the cost of your package from the U.S.  Usually about $4
You can do this with the SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL button on the right side of the home page.
If you don't have that button, you can contribute via PayPal at MarkMontanoNYC@aol.com

Thanks so much and I hope you join us!