A chunky ATC featuring Mermaids!

With an AIRs theme challenge like "bigger is better" I had to really put on my thinking cap.  Who doesn't love ATCs?  I thought a "bigger/better" ATC would be a Chunky ATC.  In order to create this type of Artist Trading Card I used a block of wood that measures 2 1/2" by 3 1/2" and is 1 1/2" wide.  When it's decorated and has tiny feet on it, it becomes the perfect little shelf decoration or paper weight.  Most of you know by now what a major art crush I have on Jane Davenport's supplies; this project demonstrates a fun use for her washi tape featuring, what else, mermaids!

Description:

ATCs, Artist Trading Cards, have been around for a few years now. They traditionally measure 2 ½” by    3 ½”, they can be collaged, stamped, matted, left plain, attached to greeting cards or put into albums. They’re quick and fun to make but you might wonder what other uses are there for this tiny work of art or are they only to trade with fellow artists? There are times when you love an ATC so much you can’t bear to trade it, you just want to look at it yourself and not share it with others. We don’t have to hide them away in an album, we can keep them on display by making them bigger and better, turning them into a free standing CHUNKY ATC. It’s very satisfying to create an ATC with whatever subject matter you choose; many times the subject matter is determined by a new set of stamps or paper. When you’re happy with the ATC mount it on a wooden block, add ephemera and four delicate feet. Now you can look at your favorite one on a shelf or turn it around to change the view with a second ATC.

Skill: All levels

Time: 2 hours or more, it depends on the artist

Instructions:

Step 1: Buy or cut a wooden block that measures 2 ½” by 3 ½” by 1 ½”.

Step 2: Decide the placement of the handle on top and the clock key on the side, make a hole to insert these items, remove, they will be glued on later.  Paint the wooden block any color desired; when dry apply a thin coat of white gesso, dry.

Step 3: Make two ATCs using stamps, ink, Washi tape, whatever scraps are on hand.  Make the ATCs on gessoed water color paper cut to measure 2 ½” by 3 ½”.  When the stamped images are dry, adhere to the wooden block. The faces on these ATCs are made from Washi Tape.  Ink the edges of the ATCs using a Jumbo Dauber.

Step 4: Glue feet onto the bottom of the block, these feet can be beads or small wooden embellishments.  Apply On Point Glue to the feet and then dip each one in glitter or micro beads.  Attach the knob on the top of the block, keys to the sides; decorate the ATC images with sequins and glitter.  Tie twine and baker’s twine to the handle/knob on the top.

Supply List

Imagine Supplies

StazOn ink –St. Valentine, Jet Black and Midnight Blue

Memento Luxe – Bahama Blue, Nautical Blue

On Point Glue

Jumbo Dauber

Craft Mat

Other Supplies

Stamps – Diamond Pattern, Clam Shell design, Phrase and Mermaid tail ALL by Graphic 45

Prima - Foil, Glitter, Micro beads, Foil Glue Stick, Metal Ephemera

Idea-ology - handle

Michael’s - Baker’s twine, brown twine, sequins, white gesso, watercolor paper

Paper Trimmer

Strong adhesive

Jane Davenport Mermaid Washi Tape

G45 “Voyage beneath the Sea” Collection paper

Wooden block measuring 3 ½” by 2 ½”by 1 ½”

Dark blue acrylic paint by Americana

Paint brush

If you pop on over to the Imagine Blog you can find other great examples of projects by many different and unique artists.  We can all use a little inspiration from others, it keeps our work fresh when we discover new ways to use products that are languishing on the shelves of our studio spaces.

Thanks for stopping by!  Hugs ~ Renee

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