Artist trading cards can be made with multiple different materials in a variety of art and / or craft techniques. In addition, these can be as simple or complicated as you choose. ATCs are an excellent activity for kids and a great way for you to get rid of scraps and leftovers from other projects.
Steps
1. Size.
Artist trading cards have only one rule — they must be 2.5″ x 3.5″. This is 64mm x 89mm. The size is the same as a standard trading card. This also allows you to place them into trading card plastic sleeves, the same as baseball cards. Keep this in mind as you read through the following steps.
2. One sheet.
You can easily cut out nine cards from a standard sheet of paper (7.5″ wide x 10.5″ high).
- US letter — 8.5″ x 11″ (215.9mm x 279.4mm)
- A4 — 8.27″ x 11.69″ (210mm x 297mm)
To save paper, you can get 10 out, but trimming is a bit more complex. You can find templates on the Web showing you how to cut them or check out the Enrichment Project supplements. Cut a sheet of each and decide which way you prefer.
3. Pieces.
For an ATC, you’ll need a base and the elements you want to fit the theme of your card. This might be as simple as stamping an image on a pre-cut card or using a colored card and adding some stickers. The reason this craft is so popular is that you can tailor it to your abilities and the crafts you enjoy doing. Collect the items you want to include and play with assembling your own ATCs with items you already have.
NOTE: If you’ve made a vagabond box or you have scraps laying around from other projects, these pieces are perfect for your ATCs.
4. Simple.
Simple paper craft techniques to try with ATCs include:
- Coloring
- Decoupage
- Drawing
- Layering
- Punching
- Rubber stamping
- Stickers
Try one or more of these simple craft techniques on a card.
5. Step up.
While still looking at paper crafts, try one or more of these to add to your ATC.
- Ephemera
- Paper flowers
- Quilling
- Spirelli
- Teabag folding
In case you didn’t realize, many of these techniques have either badge programs or supplement sheets available to help you within the Enrichment Project.
6. Beyond.
ATC cards can be made with any art or craft technique. Try making a card with canvas, clay, fabric, fiber, wood or other material. You can also make embellishments to attach to the card with a non-paper product. Explore your favorite crafts while conforming to the idea and size of ATCs.
7. Photos.
Starting your ATC with a photo can give your card a completely different look. You might add a crown sticker to your favorite princess or make a dozen featuring your favorite pet. Photos help you personalize your ATCs. Try incorporating a photo into your ATC.
8. Series.
Your ATCs do not have to be a “one and done” piece of art. A series entices people to collect them. While this might not be such a big deal if you’re trading cards, it is if you decide to sell them. If you want to do a series, make an original for each in the set first. That way, you know how many will be in your series. Think of a theme and how you might be able to create a series of cards.
9. Identify.
You need to identify your card as one you made. While there are rubber stamps that you can put on the back of the card, you can simply write your name and email. If you’re looking for a pen pal or some new friends, this allows others to connect with you. They’ll also know who made it so they can ask you questions about what you did to make such a cool card!
10. Collection.
As you start making your own ATCs, create a collection of your designs. This will give you something to draw from when you want to show others what can be done. You may want to keep your favorites in specially made envelopes or paper protectors designed for ATCs. You may choose to put some on the side that you don’t care as much for that you can trade with others. Remember, the time and attention you put into your ATC can take your card from good to great.
11. Kids.
Kids love to craft ATCs as well. Most art and craft projects they make at school start with an example from the teacher and the same materials for each person so they can all duplicate what the teacher does. Creating artist trading cards is an open-ended project. Each child can add their individuality. Remember to keep the tools and supplies available for the kids to things they can handle. I would not put my good, sharp paper craft scissors anywhere near the kids. However, rounded edge scissors and paper punches allow kids to “cut” paper without hurting each other (we hope).
Badge and Supplement Files
Member Level
- EP_Badge List_ATC Basics_larajla — list of badge items
- EP_Badge Set_ATC Basics_larajla — list of badge set and related badges
- EP_Supp_List_ATC Basics_larajla — list of supplements for the badge
- SUPP_BPG_ATC Basics_2in_12up_larajla — generic badge printable
- SUPP_ATC Basics_Journal_larajla — badge journal
- SUPP_ATC Basics_Planner_larajla — badge planner
Supplement Fun
- SUPP_Printable_ATC_Inst Handout_larajla — Printable instructions for ATCs, at ATC-size
- SUPP_Temp Fun_ATC_US Letter Sheet_09_larajla — Template for 9 cards on a US letter sheet
- SUPP_Temp Fun_ATC_US Letter Sheet_10_larajla — Template for 10 cards on a US letter sheet
Sites to Explore
- www.swap-bot.com
- www.wikihow.com/Make-Artist-Trading-Cards
- gomakesomething.com/category/ht/atcs
- www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/artist_trading_cards_atc
- thekeytomyart.wordpress.com/2010/04/12/artist-trading-card-atc-swap-and-tutorial
- theartofeducation.edu/2015/07/08/4-practical-tips-for-a-successful-artist-trading-card-experience
- www.altered-art.net/make-artist-trading-cards-2.html
- www.diyplanner.com/node/5293
- www.thedigitalpress.co/tutorial-tuesday-digital-artist-trading-cards
- idreporter.net/v/atc-cards-using-old-book-pages-diy-artist-trading-card-tutorial-yennystorytale-4ysQ5PrpmZU.html
Get the infographic here > larajla blog post
Get the PDFs of the badge program / supplements here