An artist trading card, or ATC  is an original piece of art created for swapping or trading with another. The cards can be decorated and embellished with a variety of materials, including paint, paper, fabric, rubber stamps, buttons, bling, found items...whatever the artist can imagine. A wide range of techniques can be used as well - painting, drawing, collage, decoupage, sewing...again, anything goes! A great benefit of these pint size projects is that you can try something new with little commitment.

The one rule an artist trading card must adhere to is the size. Since ATCs were originally inspired by sports trading cards, they are the same size: 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. Many artists use standard playing cards as a base for their creations, while others cut theirs from cardstock or chipboard. Ready-cut chipboard ATC bases can be found here.

The ATC can be a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork, part of a series, or a limited edition. On the back of the cards the artist typically puts information like their name, contact details, title of the ATC, number if it's a limited edition, and the date the card was created.

Some artists make ATCs simply for their own enjoyment. An example of this would be the "daily card" idea, in which a card is made every day as a type of journal or just for fun. Many people enjoy making a little something on a daily basis. If this seems intimidating to you, consider doing a weekly card instead.

Want to trade your cards? Many online scrapbooking communties, such as Scrap In Style TV have organized ATC swaps. There is also a yahoo group devoted to all things ATC.

There are many different ways to display your collection of ATCs. Punch a hole in the top of the cards and hang them from a book ring, mount several in a photo frame, or keep in a binder designed for baseball cards. They are sure to be enjoyed for years to come.

In Reno, check out Treasured Memories and Scrapbook Paradise for supplies to use in your cards, or take a class and incorporate a new technique into your ATCs. Good things really do come in small packages!