What Are Trading Cards?

As the name indicates, A.T.C's are collectibles.

The original concept was derived in Switzerland by M.Vanci Stirnemann.

In 1996 he produced 1200 handmade cards to hand out at an exhibition of his art.

Visitors to the gallery were encouraged to create their own cards to trade with Vanci and others at the close of the exhibit.

The Basics 

There are two simple rules to making an ATC.

Firstly they must not be sold, and second they must measure 2.5" x 3.5" and be flat enough to slide into a standard card sleeve.

The base can be made from any left over card stock.

Media, materials and techniques are totally up to the individual artist, so cards can be rubber stamped, painted, collaged,or created by any method imaginable.

ATCs are ideal for those who like small, quick inexpensive projects or new techniques or maybe just playing around they can be quite fun if you have a busy life style.

Artist tend to use materials they have left over from other project (crafters never waste anything!) and space can sometimes be an issue but ATC scraps can be kept in small containers.

When completed, on the back of the card the artist writes part or all of the following information.

Name, contact information, title of the card and number (1/3, 2/8 or 1 of 3, 2 of 8, etc...) if it's part of an edition.

By definition ATCs are made in limited numbers, often no more then one of a kind. Unique ATCs are called editions and are numbered, sets of ATCs that are based on a theme but that are different are called a series.

Don't be put off by the concept of small editions or originals - very few people worry over this.  What collectors really want are cards that are made with love and care, based on that numbers are meaningless.  Remember there is no right or wrong way to make an ATC and no one judges your work - the idea being we all share and admire each others talents.

Places To Swap 

The idea originally was to swap these small works of art face to face with fellow artists but now there are web sites and lots of trading is done on line.

Thanks to Caroline and Chris, Bubbly Funk now have their own swap, so to get started remember the cards must be 2.5" X 3.5", Sign your cards on the back and include your contact information, other than that the sky is the limit!!

WARNING

Once you get start trading, you'll be hooked ! ! !

Happy Crafting !

Copyright Bubbly Funk

June 2006