Crafty Moods and Artist Trading Cards

Recently my crafty mood has just wanted to play.

I think this stemmed from watching too much create and craft when I was ill and off work for a few days. I was itching to get out my craft supplies and watercolours! When this sort of mood takes hold, I generally end up creating Artist Trading Cards.

Artist Trading Cards or ATCs are tiny 2.5 x 3.5 inch card featuring original art work on one side and the artist name and date of creation on the other. The only rules with an ATC is its size, after that you are free to use any media, technique or materials you desire to create little masterpieces. I find creating these are great if you want to experiment with different ideas or use different materials.

Here are a few that I've done recently...

I generally start off with a particular stamp in mind.

 Then create some sort of background using craft papers.

The image is then, either stamped directly onto the background or onto another piece of paper and added to the background.

Colour is added by way of different craft papers or watercolour.

And then, I usually add something else as a finishing touch. e.g. the button to the dress makers dummy, pearls to the blossom and even a glossy varnish to the ladybird's shell.

Because of their size ATCs do not take long to create and a few can be done in an afternoon, giving you chance to try a few different ideas and satisfy that crafty mood!