Tiger ATCs

The theme for one of my Artist Trading Card (ATC) groups this month was "tigers" (or "lions and tigers" - but definitely not "lions and tigers and bears - oh my!").  My thoughts turned to travels to exotic lands and I started to look for some images I could use to make the card.

I found some great vintage luggage labels at Twisted Papers.com.  This tiger image is on a collage sheet with twenty five labels so I will be able to do many more projects with these.  Here is a LINK to the information page for the label collage sheet (a great value for only $2).

I imported the image sheet into my Creative Memories StoryBook software and started creating my ATC front.  I really enjoy manipulating images and using all of the special effects.

The original image is a flat paper image.  I wanted it to have a raised effect so I applied  a filter for a 3D edge.  The program contains all sorts of filters and effects and it is fun to try them out to alter your results.  At this point, I was thinking of my card as a piece of luggage.

I decided to add some background color and texture.  I chose a burlap weave and a light orange/tan shade to simulate a suitcase.  I also added a black frame to give a strong defined edge. I set up the file to print the ATCs in the correct size (2.5 x 3.5 inches).  After I printed my cards, I got a bit more ambitious and decided to try using Paper Glaze to make the label shiny and glossy.

I had never tried using the Paper Glaze on such a large area and I really made a mess of it!  It was difficult to get a smooth layer and I ended up with air bubbles, smudges, and actually started to lift the print from the matte photo paper.  So I abandoned that idea and convinced myself that the label didn't need to be shiny after all!

I thought I needed something else to convey the idea of luggage and travel,  I decided to add some brads to give the impression of rivets in old fashioned luggage.  I punched the holes with my Cropadile and inserted the brads.  Then I layered the card fronts on brown Bazzill textured cardstock and added my details on the back.

ATCs are fun to make - you can do so many different things and I often do them digitally so I can explore new ways to alter images.  The only rule is that they must be 2.5 x 3.5 inches.  Do you make ATCs?  If you have never tried one, you can find lots of information and inspiration online.  If you want to see other ATCs I have created and shared, here is a LINK to all of the posts for ATCs.