Sunday 30 December 2018

Basic Grey ATC




This ATC was made for the second Basic Grey challenge (now defunct, very sadly).

What is an ATC?

ATC stands for Artist's Trading Card. Originally, these were used by fine artists to produce miniature versions of their paintings to promote their work. This still happens, but their use has been expanded to cardcraft. Cardmakers use them as another avenue for their creativity, and ~ rather than selling them ~ the idea is to swap them with other enthusiasts to build a library of ATCs displaying different techniques.

Most people who produced (still produce?) ATCs swapped them through clubs, at craft events and internet forums. Personally, I found it hard to part with them. My focus has always been on card-making, but I did enjoy the few ATCs I made. They all ended up as card toppers or fridge magnets, though!

The size of an ATC is 2½ x 3½ ins (or a standard playing card size). You can purchase blanks, or make your own. (Make up a template, and use it as the ‘master’ to save you measuring out every time.)

On the back, put your name, address and/or email address, and the title of your miniature piece of art, or a reference code. If you are going to use your ATCs for swapping, it might be helpful to keep notes on how you made each one, so that if anyone contacts you for details, you will have them handy.

Any kind of artwork goes.. have fun and be expressive!

Here is my ATC for that challenge...

I used beautiful blue paper from the Basic Grey Cupcake 6"x6" pad. The main image is a cropped section of a stamped image I received in a swap. To echo the butterfly in the image, I stamped another one separately, and mounted it on the ATC, wings akimbo. The button is also BG. from the Archaic range. The 'Hope' sentiment is actually a metal embellishment for extra dimension, although that's not clear in the photo. The scroll stamp used in the corner is by Rhonna Farrer from her 'Elegant Flourishes' set in the Autumn Leaves collection.

15 comments:

Anne said...

Ooh Chris, you've just reminded me I have this stamp - I love what you've done with it!!! I haven't made an ATC for yonks!! This is absolutely gorgeous! xx

Anonymous said...

Stunning ATC....love the layering and that stamped image is one of my faves.

Leanne said...

Gorgeous, anything with butterflies always wins me over!

Lena Katrine said...

I have never made an ATC, but this is my chance...I`ll definitly try this week`s challenge out!
I`ll be back:)

Kath Stewart said...

gorgeous creation Chris...love those papers and what a beautiful image....great work
love
Kath
xxxx

Paula's ponderings said...

That's so gorgeous and classy!! I must start doing some ATCs!! X

BPB said...

Hi Chris !!!

I thank for your visits on my blog

and for honorable mention


Unfortunately, I do not know english.

I thank for nice words about my works.

Your cards and another works are amazing !!!

I was on your blog many time !!!!

Your projects are beautiful and very intresting.

God bless You and Your Family !!!

Salute !!!!

Carol said...

Hi Chris, This is very elegant, and i have never ever made an ATC! I think i should have a go at one this week! :)

Hugs
Carol x

Rosette said...

Stunning ATC Chris! I love blue and black together, it gives a classical feel.XX Take care hun :)

Ann said...

Beautiful! Love the sparkly blue butteflies! :D

Shirley said...

She is lovely. I really like how your highlighted the background behind her and then tied it in with the butterflies! and oh, the flower was a great add to tie the word into the light collage. The touch of black is perfect.

Olga Pope said...

What can I say? Stunning, as always!

Pejtoon said...

great job :) this card is brilliant :) I love it :D
and thank you for this text about ATC it help me a lot :D

Macpurp said...

this is beautiful....i am just starting ATC's.

xxx

Unknown said...

Just beautiful! Love the cmobo of blue and brown! Love the image too!

Jorunn
xxx