For Newbies to the ATC scene...?

[Mary Corbet]

I was thinking, for newbies to the whole idea of ATCs, it would be great if someone could post the basic "how to" on making an Artist's Trading Card.... what do you reckon?

I've seen a lot of pictures of ATCs and I've read a little bit about them, but I've never made one. Does anyone have any "nutshell" directions for those of us who haven't ventured into the ATC realm?

Thanks!

[Christine McKenna]

I've been making ATC's since March 2008, and have traded about 120 since then, including several overseas. I've picked up tips from various good sources over that time, it would be good to have it all in one place. They're very addictive little pieces of work I must say. I belong to an online quilting group that started swapping as a cheer-up for people unable to attend a face to face retreat, and it just grew from there. We have 87 people in the group, with about 25 swapping regularly and a few jumping in now and then. We suggest themes and sign up for swaps of 6 people, so we make 6 identical cards (well almost identical!) and swap out 5 after keeping one for ourselves. I could post a little tutorial on my blog and link to it, if people wanted it.
Hooroo,
Christine
http://missmuffettwo.blogspot.com/

[Mary Corbet]

Oh, yes, do, Christine - I think it would be handy!!

Best,
Mary

[Gina E.]

Mary, there are quite a few websites about the history of ATCs and how to make them. I found this one very helpful when I started out on my ATC journey: http://www.cedarseed.com/air/atc.html

[MichelleMermaid]

An ATC tutorial is a great idea. When I arrived here not long ago I had to ask what an ATC was! I've since made three just using my own ideas for construction. It will be interesting to read some more experienced techniques.

[Christine McKenna]

I've finally put together a tutorial of how I've been making my cards, sorry it took so long to get around to it! It's been a busy couple of weeks at my place. Hope it's helpful.

See it at my blog called Lady Jane's Journal
Hooroo,
Christine

[Mary Corbet]

Hi, Christine!

I looked over your tutorial today - thanks so much for posting it and the link here. It came up in my feedreader before I realized you had posted a reply here, too. The neat thing about the ATCs is that they're a nice small project, doable in a relatively short amount of time. I like this whole idea of a "sample" of one's work.

I've put ATCs on my "to do" list - among about 6 million other things I want to do! But I have a feeling I'll try this before lots of the other, larger project plans....

Thanks again!
Mary

[MichelleMermaid]

Hi Mary,

You're right about the ATCs being quick work. I can do one in about a day and my first few gave me a great sense of accomplishment because I could do them so quickly. Not to mention the freedom of expression they allow, being just a little snapshot of work, so to speak.

I'm looking forward to making more, especially now that I know what size to make them! Lol, I made mine a bit too small, I found out, thanks to the info posted here! :)

[Ivana]

I am new in ATC and collected some links about ATC. Hope that my list will be useful: http://rupr.info/patterns/atc/atc.htm