Bee ATCs

Hi! Thanks so much for dropping by.

Have you ever made artist trading cards or ATC’s? Do you know what they are? I first heard about them a few years ago and did a bit of investigation into what they are and what their purpose is. I made a few and swapped a couple times, but since my crafty friends weren’t swapping, my interest dwindled.

However, Elizabeth Craft Designs just came out with a new set, ECD ATC Special Kit. I don’t have it yet, but it has inspired me to revisit the small format. Here’s what I learned about ATCs:

The only “rule” for Artist Trading Cards is that they should be 3.5 inches tall by 2.5 inches wide – the same size as sports trading cards and playing cards. Swiss artist M. Vanci Stirnemann initiated ATCs in 1997. Now trading, known as swaps, can be found around the world. Creators use all types of art media as long as their cards can fit into a standard size trading sleeve because many collectors store their cards in sleeves. A trading card that is sold is called an ACEO for “Art Cards, Editions and Originals”, but otherwise it is the same as an ATC.

The back of an ATC will typically include the name of the artist, date created, title of the artwork, artist’s contact details, and series number. (sources: tinteddy.com and strathmoreartist.com)

Knowing those few limitations, I’m joining in on the fun.

For the base of my ATCs I used the Elizabeth Craft Designs Postage Stamps Dies. The second largest stamp-shaped die is 2.5 inches wide but about .25 inches too short. So, I used the partial die cutting technique to cut the die on three sides (left photo) then repositioned the die farther down but within the previously cut grooves adding .25″. I cut the die-cut again, cutting the fourth side and making it 3.5 inches long (middle photo). The photo on the right shows the extended length compared to the original die-cut size.

I stamped and embossed yellow 2.25″ x 3.25″ paper with the honeycomb stamp then cut it with the dripping Mason Jar die to create dripping honey. I popped that up onto a black 2.25″ x 3.25″ rectangle, added part of a gold honeycomb die-cut, a small bee, embellished it, and splattered with gold watercolor.

The second of my ATC designs has the honeycomb embossed on black paper and I used a large bee. A bit of flowing honey is “dripping” from the corner by using of a piece of the dripping Mason Jar die again. “Love is Sweet” is heat embossed with white and gold splatters represent pollen over these small cards. So, two fun designs using the same products.

Thanks for reading along. I hope you’re inspired to make some ATCs. Want to trade?

It would be great if you’d leave a message and I’m happy to answer questions.

Happy Crafting!

Di

• Supplies
• Postage Stamps dies, Elizabeth Craft Designs #2026
• Honeybee stamps, Elizabeth Craft Designs #CS300
• Layered Honeybee, Elizabeth Craft Designs #2024
• Mason Jar Special, Elizabeth Craft Designs #1862
• Journal Phrases 1, Elizabeth Craft Designs CS294
• Mason Jar Special Stamps, Elizabeth Craft Designs CS230
• Mini alphabet stamp set, hampton art
• Warm Diamond Silk Microfine Glitter, Elizabeth Craft Designs (on wings)
• Zing! Clear embossing powder
• Quickie Glue Pen, Sakura
• Metallic gold watercolor