Artist Trading Cards

ATC Traded - Embroidered Unicorn
Originally uploaded by Pictures by Ann

I've been working on Artist Trading Cards recently which has been so much fun. This is my first embroidered card. There are two...one went to Australia for a swap for fantasy creatures (for Flickr's ATC Beginners group); and the other one went to my oldest daughter who loves unicorns.

This card is embroidered, and is the standard ATC size (2 1/2" x 3 1/2"). The unicorn pattern is a free one that I found on the internet. Thought it was a cute one.

Other cards I've done include collage and needlefelted. Visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/picturesbyann and look under "ATC Cards - Available and Traded" for what I've made so far.

If you trade cards, there are generally always some available. I've been making cards weekly so new ones are always being added.

Having two daughters who I homeschool, I'm always looking at things from an educational standpoint. ATCs are great in terms of learning about a variety of things.

The most obvious benefit is creating art and seeing art made by various artists. Both Sophia and Olivia are learning more about collage and how to combine different elements to make them work together in a eye-pleasing collage. They see such a wide range of artistic styles by looking at the cards I've received.

ATCs are an excellent way to learn about geography - U.S. and world. I've sent and received cards from many different states as well as countries (including Finland, U.K., Switzerland, Germany, and Australia).

They're a great way to connect with others who you would never connect with otherwise. I've met other women who homeschool, have children with special needs (both my daughters have special needs), have visited or live in countries I've been to, who live in the same state as I do, or enjoy the same types of crafts.

Off to make some more cards now!