NH: Bird ATC

This is a very easy, uncomplicated ATC swap for people who want to learn how to create artist trading cards.

Before you begin, it would be a good idea to read the thread about ATCs in the Newbie Helper group. It's here.

1. Start with your ATC base. This needs to be a sturdy card stock, water color paper, or even thin cardboard that you've upcycled from a cereal box. You can glue together two layers if you like it to be more firm. Do NOT use computer printer paper, construction paper, notebook paper, or other "thin" paper. Think of it this way: Could the recipient display your card on a small easel without the card curling or bending?

2. Cut your base to the required size: 2.5 x 3.5 inches. (64mm x 89 mm) Trim your edges neatly and evenly. Corners can be square or rounded.

3. If you're using upcycled cardboard, this would be the time to cover that background with paint or gesso or glued-on paper.

4. Feature a bird on your card. You do not have to be a professional artist to do this! You can draw or doodle a bird, or rubber stamp, or collage, or paint. Please don't use a bird sticker.

5. Add color if you haven't done that yet. You can use markers, watercolors, colored pencils, paints, inks... whatever medium you like.

6. If your background is still plain white, consider adding something to it - color, text, some decorative stickers, glitter, a frame, etc.

7. When the front is dry, turn your ATC over and add some info to the back. At the very least, you should include your name and the date. Any additional info (contact info, your website, the title of the card, etc) is optional. Congratulations! You have created an artist trading card!

8. Put your ATC in a protective plastic trading card sleeve or a small envelope, to protect it within your larger envelope for mailing.

9. Send ON TIME. This is one of the requirements of the swap and your partner can rate you a 3 if you send late.

10. When you receive an ATC, rate your partner promptly and accurately. If she followed all the above guidelines, she earned a 5 rating.

11. Communicate with your partner and me, the swap host, if you have problems.

Experienced ATC artists, please note: If you join this swap, you may be paired with someone much less experienced.

ATC in the swap photo was found on Flickr.