What are ATCs, you ask? Well, I got educated this week by reading all about the 1997 origin of the ATC over on the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog; and you can read all about it there as well. According to the article, the ATC (or Artist Trading Card) is 2 1/2" x 3 1/2".
I had a lot of fun creating mine. I used cardboard and painted them with layers of acrylic paints and some Tim Holtz Distress Ink. Once I had my ATCs painted and dried, I added some Tim Holtz ephemera and metal pieces. I also attached some (very old) Making Memories inked tags, and some Petaloo flowers. I was also able to use some (also very old) metal accent pieces.
I wanted to give these ATCs a grungy look because I'm linking up my cards in the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge, which is more that style. I had a lot of fun making these fun little ATCs. I added a Prima wooden tag to the ATC above, and also added some bundled Navy Burlap String. I just LOVE those miniature rusty paper clips...they're the cutest!
You'll also notice that I tied some Blueberry Baker's Twine around the Petaloo flower bundle. And yes, I do realize that the Petaloo flowers/berries are green. I just didn't want everything to be all matchy matchy too much, so I thought I'd bring in some green. I thought it went well with the metal touches and earthy tones.
The close-up photos are cool because it allows you to see all the cool textures those acrylic paints gave my ATC background. I love textures SO much, and always enjoy working with paints and other mediums that give my cards and projects such great dimension.
Well friends....I realize that's a whole lot of photos, but I was kind of excited at how cool these turned out...especially since it was my first real attempt at this sort of thing. I really enjoyed it, and I'm so glad that SSS Monday Challenge Blog put this out there this week cuz it really did inspire me. I hope YOU are staying creative this week. I look forward to seeing what you've created.
Blessings,
Karen
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - ATC: Artist Trading Cards - As I mentioned above, I really had fun with this. It's new to me, but I sure enjoyed myself and will definitely make more ATCs.
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Midsummer Blues - This was FUN!
Your ATC's are so Pretty Karen! I heard about them years ago... I think they're to small for me to work with but my sister LOVED making them and mailing them out to fellow crafters! For your first time, I gotta say you ROCKED It!!! Beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteTheresa
Nice ATCs! It does look like grunge is the way to go with SSS Monday Challenge, doesn't it? Oh, well... I like it. I just haven't DONE it. Maybe I'll get a chance to try this week.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, these are amazing - love all the texture and details you have incorporated - I have made a few ATC's, but nothing like this - your next challenge will be an ATC Coin :)
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Maxine
Fantastic job, Karen. I've never made an ATC either. I'm still scratching my head wondering what to do with something so small. [Bunny]`
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab creations on your ATC - love!
ReplyDeleteWonderful ATC's- very pretty and love all of the goodies you added to your background!!! I love to make ATC's!
ReplyDeleteGreat ATC's! I love your backgrounds and all the dimension! Congratulations on your well deserved spotlight at SSS! Yippee!
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