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

HE CRAFTS SHE CRAFTS.......IT'S IN THE CARDS!

I can't resist a deck of cards. I love the patterns, the waxy coating and how many variations in design there are.  I also can't resist when I find decks for 25 cents each!  This was the perfect item to send  Stephenie (www.mycraftyadventures.com) for our He Crafts She Crafts blog because cards are cheap and available.  At first I was thinking I would invent a new card game, but I racked my brain and shuffled around (get it!) and couldn't come up with anything.  Finally, BOOM!  I used them to mat some art pieces. Stephenie ROCKED this challenge with her GAME TIME PARTY by creating a chandelier up style, an invitation, a utinsil holder AND a banner!  I officially fold (see what I did there!)  Just a heads up, it can be tricky gluing waxy cards down but I found spray adhesive works really well.  I was actually able to try a NEW spray adhesive from one of my favorite companies that you can use INSIDE! Yes, you heard it here first.  Spray adhesive for use INSIDE...NO FUMES!  It's out in January and it's made by.........well, you'll have to wait, won't you.  

(LEAVE A COMMENT and you're entered to win some goodies from both me and Stephenie)

He Crafts:  My playing card art matting.  Try gluing them at an angle!

SHE CRAFTS:  I love this banner and utensil jar!  Easy and stylish! 

She Crafts:  Amazing chandelier up style! 

She Crafts:  The perfect invitation!  You GO Stephenie!

Make sure to check out her site and give her some love:  www.mycraftyadventures.com

Thought it would be fun to photograph these with a HAND!  Get it?!  Hand! 

YOU'LL NEED

Cardboard

Spray adhesive

Cards

Scissors

Double stick tape or glue stick

Small piece of art

Colorful paper or card stock 

Frames

Spray your cards and arrange them on your cardboard.

Lay something flat on top, weight them down so that they dry perfectly flat. 

Cut out your art and cut a small frame around it using some contrasting paper or card stock.

Double stick tape it or glue stick it to the contrasting paper. 

 Adhere it to the cards

 Arrange in your frame

 Finish up and hang!

Make sure to leave a comment for me and Stephenie and we'll pick a winner
to enjoy a gift box of goodies!  I'm including a BIG ASS BOOK OF BLING and Steph has the hookup for some fabulous cutting tools as well.  Good luck!