Autumn ATC Swap - the rest of the story...

Every so often I post an ATC (Artist Trading Card) that I have created for a swap.  I used to be in several active groups but now there is only one that is holding a swap each month.  The members can choose whether to participate each month so the number of cards to make can vary.  Lately it has only been about five or six for each swap.  I posted my card a while ago (here) and today I received all of the others in the mail (we mail to one person who swaps the cards and sends them back out to us).

This was my card.  I wove autumn colors of ribbon from our nephew's wedding celebration in a frame covered with leaf patterned paper.  I thought you might be curious to see what the others in the group made.  I am always amazed at how many ways the same theme can be interpreted and very impressed by the little works of art I receive at the end of a swap.  I need to get some of my more recent groups of cards into albums so they will be easier to look at from time to time.

The colors are great on this card and the font works very well - it makes me think of crunchy leaves.

 The drippy goo glitter strip at the top sets the mood for this Halloween card.  The pumpkins at the bottom are extremely sparkly and very pretty.

In our group of six people, three chose to make the card vertical and three made horizontal cards (technically, mine would work in either direction but I thought of it as a vertical card when I made it).

This stamped images is very cute and the flocking (or flower soft?) at the bottom adds texture like actual leaves.

The distressing on the edges of this photo give a slightly ghostly impression and I like the way it is placed on an angle.  The photo looks very similar to the scenery in our area.

I thought this card was very clever.  On the back it says "Winter? Spring...  No, Summer.  Wait!  Fall in Arizona."  I have always lived in areas that have four seasons but I suppose there isn't a lot of seasonal difference in Arizona.  If you look carefully you can see the the photo is punched with a leaf shape and layered for a very interesting 3D effect.

Thanks to all of my fellow swappers - I think you all did a great job (as always) and I look forward to the next swap with you.

The cards are fun to make because they are so small.  They are an easy way to experiment with new techniques and don't require a huge time commitment.  Keeping a group to ten or less helps prevent burn out from making multiples of the same card.


Have you ever made an Artist Trading Card?  The only rules are that the size must be 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches, they should be signed, numbered and dated and they are never sold - only traded.  There is usually but not always an agreed theme for each swap when you do a trading group.

If a lot of readers are interested in making an ATC, I could do a linkup party - I might even have a prize to offer (if I look around a bit!).  Please leave a comment on this post to let me know if you'd like to try this.  It wouldn't be a physical swap - just make a card and post a link so we could all be inspired by your work!

Have a great weekend!  The time sure is flying by - I hear Christmas music all over already...

Subscribe to Capadia Designs