We had so much fun in January, let’s do it again! I am hosting a Stampin’ Up! ATC (Artist Trading Card) Swap April 2020!
An ATC measures 2-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ and is the same size as collectors cards (ie. baseball cards and some playing cards). I introduced ATCs in a prior post (see that POST here) and you can go there for more information and background. You can use a playing card as a base or just cardstock cut to the appropriate measurements. ATCs are a fun way of creating mini-masterpieces to be traded and collected! Now for the rules of this swap.
THEME: ‘SUMMER FUN’
TIMEFRAME
You have until April 30th, to get your 9 ATCs in my hands. I will repackage and send 9 back to you the following week.
GET STARTED
- Sign up by filling in the form linked here.
- Create 10 identical ATCs—1 to keep, 9 to swap.
- Send 9 ATC to Swap Host.
- Watch this handy packing VIDEO from thefrolickingfairy.com
- Remember to include postage, 2 regular First Class stamps should be enough, I will supply the return envelope
- Mail the ATCs, allowing sufficient time for them to reach the host by the due date. (DUE DATE: APRIL 30, 2019)
LABELING
The FRONT
ATCs can be flat, folded, shaker, whatever you want them to be. Keep in mind, they need to be on the thinner side for ease of shipping and to enable them to be stored in a plastic card sleeve. For the purpose of our swap, ATC’s should not be thicker than 1/4″. Please use Stampin’ Up! products only and at least 75% should be from current Stampin’ Up! catalogs.
The BACK
Notate the following information on the back of your ATCs. To make it easy I have included an ATC Label file in both PDF and WORD. Please print, complete and add to the back of your ATC
ATC Label file in PDF Format ATC Label file in WORD Format
Date of Swap and Swap Host
Artist’s Name
Social media (ex. website, Instagram, email) Links
Title of Artwork
Edition number (each card should be individually numbered, ex. 1 of 9 or 1/9)
Name of Stamp Set(s) & Designer Series Paper (if any) used
Optional, any special techniques or notes you wish to include (ex. glow in the dark)
HERE ARE SOME ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
When all swaps are received, the ATCs will be swapped, packaged, and you receive happy mail with ATCs made by other artists!
What if mine aren’t good enough?
This is a common worry that a lot of crafters have when entering a swap (especially for the first time). My best recommendation is a simple design executed well beats a complicated design executed poorly every single time. Keep it simple, and make sure your workmanship is top-notch. There will be stampers at all different levels in this swap.
What happens if I have to drop out?
My first recommendation is to start your swap ASAP, that way if life throws you a curveball, your swap will already be done! However, life isn’t always so accommodating around the fun stuff, so if you need to drop out, please notify me ASAP via email to let me know that you are unable to meet the deadline.
What happens if all the swaps arrive early?
I swap out and return everyone’s envelopes early! (Yay!)
Do I have to create an arty custom background?
Short answer, no. Feel free to use pattern paper! If you want to create a custom background though, go for it!
What happens if I don’t like the pieces I receive in return?
Unfortunately, it’s luck of the draw; that’s what swaps are all about! ATCs are art for trade. You could trade it with a friend, use it on a card, or learn new techniques from it!
Will I get one of my own ATC’s in return?
If there are more than 9 people signed up for this swap, then no. If you specifically want one of your own pieces returned to you, pop in a note to let me know, and I’ll make sure you get one of your own back.
Can I sign up twice?
Not this time. But perhaps in the future, this will be an option.
Is there a limit to the number of people who can join this swap?
No. We need a minimum of 8 to go ahead, but there’s no limit to the number of people who can join. Feel free to tell your stamping friends & acquaintances (in real life and online) … the more the merrier!
How do I pack and post?
You can mail your completed ATCs in a standard business envelope. Please include 2 Forever Stamps for return postage. Swap Host will provide the return envelope. Watch the VIDEO for the best way to mail.
WORKMANSHIP
Good workmanship is important, and the ATC should be something that you would be delighted to receive in the mail. Here are a few suggestions…
* Keep your cutting lines straight
* Keep your cutting lines clean (no fuzz – unless it’s part of the design)
* Clean up any oozing glue and hide your adhesive
* Choose your colors carefully
* Stamp with care and precision
* Handwriting is usually not a great idea as part of the design (unless you have amazing brush-script skills!).
* Do not use bulky embellishments, as they can be difficult to fit into collector sleeves. (Sequins, enamel dots, smaller pearls, single layer foam adhesive are all perfectly fine.) For the purpose of our swap, ATC’s should not be thicker than 1/4″ (for ease and cost of mailing).
If you have any questions before signing up, please email me at ann@murraystampsink.com with ‘Swap Question’ in the subject line. I will get back to you ASAP with an answer. And just so we are clear …. there are no silly questions!
I am very excited to see your Artist Trading Cards!
Placing an order today? If you are placing an order for $150 or more, I want you to enjoy all of the Host Rewards you have earned. If your order is less than $150, Please add the Host Code for the month when prompted. I use the accumulated Stampin’ Rewards to purchase gifts for my customers and team.
Thank you! If you do not currently have a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator, I would love to work with you. Contact me.
Do Something Creative Every Day,
