Artist Trading Cards

I needed to get interested in a new craft like I needed a hole in the head...but it's happened.

ARTIST TRADING CARDS

What are they, you ask? Artist trading cards (or ATCs) are miniature works of art the same size as modern trading cards (2.5' X 3.5"). They are small enough to fit inside standard card-collector pockets, sleeves or sheets.  

Cards are produced in various media, including dry media (pencils, pens, markers, etc.), wet media (watercolor, acrylic paints, etc.), paper media (in the form of collage, papercuts, rubber stamps, found objects, etc.) or even metals or fiber. 

The cards are traded or exchanged with others via snail mail. The ATC movement developed out of the mail art movement and has its origins in Switzerland. There's a number of online groups where those who wish to swap cards can connect.

They are not typically created to be sold, but when they are, they would be referred to as Art Card Editions and Originals (ACEOs).

There are lots of online tutorials to help you get started. They are fun to make and fun to share. I'm addicted.

Here are some of my first card creations...

Halloween Prototype For An Upcoming Swap

Prototype foe an Upcoming Owl Lovers Swap