Postage Stamp Swap

This set of cards was created for a swap. The theme of the swap was that every card had to have at least on postage stamp on it. I grew up in a family of stamp collectors so I had no trouble finding some awesome stamps. The swap was a 7/6 which means that I had to make seven cards and the swap moderator will send 6 cards to me. They will all be made by different artists. I think that I have had the most fun with this swap. It has definitely been my favorite so far.

A Miniature Scrapbook

Now that I have have been making ATC's for awhile I'm finding it difficult going back to the 12x12 or 8.5 x 11 size format. I have found that "less is more". It's compact and will fit into your purse. It's a great way to use all of those photos that do not seem to fit in anywhere else. I managed to fit my family, my cat and even my favorite hockey player onto 9 little cards.

Using Fabric

Fabric cards have become very popular, especially the quilted ones. I had not thought about hitting the fabric collection. I've been a quilter for sometime and I have a large collection of fabric to choose from. The first card on the scan is my only quilt so far. I had a lot of fun and I do want to try it again. I have glued small bits of fabric to create the first card in the second row. They are not actually sewn. I used a permanent maker to suggest the stitches. I experimented with embossing on fabric on the 5th card and I like the effect that it gave me. I'm anxious to try it again. I used a product called, "Paper Glaze" and it also worked well.

Altered Art

One of the more popular items to work with are old photographs or reproductions of famous works of art. These are a collection of photos, paintings, creative papers and some really fun techniques. The first card is one of my favorites and will stay in my collection. I printed the photo on cream color card stock. When I cut it out, I bent it, rubbed brown chalk into the creases and went over the edges with sandpaper. Using this technique (it is also known as distressing) you can make a photo look like you just found it in an old chest. I used the same distressing on the next card. The 3rd card is a copy of an old cigar box lid. the simplicity of this card makes it attractive. The blue color of the card stock is picked up in the painting and I added a decorative punch to the corners. The others speak for them selves and show that there is no limit to this hobby. I have used ribbon, lace, embossed felt, feathers, bamboo, seashells, rhinestones and very fine glass beads.