ATC crazy

So, I was on Circle of Crafters and normally I stay within the "General Card Making" category where you can see beautiful cards created by those around the world. Last week, when I was sick, I started browsing the ATC section of the forum. I had forgotten where I started my love of paper crafts. Back in 2004, I went from crazy quilting with fabric, to making fabric ATC's, then onto paper ATC's. I remember loving the tiny art treasures that I had made and exchanged in yahoo groups.

Needless to say, I decided to test the waters and joined the International ATC Swap. Instantly, 6 ladies asked to trade with me, so of course, I started making them right away. Below are the fruits of my labors!


The first ATC was done with a stamped floral background from Stampin' Up (I love that stamp). I stamped it in black ink onto glossy cardstock, then with a paintbrush, I painted the flowers with ink. I punched the edges, added a glittery oval peel-off sticker from Pop Ups by Plane Class and glittered a sticker dragonfly. I mounted that piece to a shimmery soft lavender cardstock, added some pretty rhinestones on the corners and was done! All ATC's are sized 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches.

The second ATC uses a floral background that my daughter made for me (she's the true artist)! I then punched a pretty border strip, added it to the background and topped it off with a glittered peel-off butterfly sticker.

This third ATC was from an unfinished greeting card. I had punched the white background using various hand punches from a pattern I made, but never finished the card. I dug in my stash and found the floral basket sticker, and mounted that to the background card. Then I sliced it in half! I was able to make 2 ATC's from that background piece! I backed it with a pretty teal foil cardstock, added a gingham bow and some rhinestones and was pleased with the results.

ATC #4 uses the other half of the stamped image of ATC #2. I used the same techniques for that card as well.

ATC #5 uses Copic Sketch Markers, a Thomas Kinkade stamp and two Stampscapes rubber stamps. I made the early morning background by taking the markers and adding colors for the sky. I used Pale Blue (B32), Heath (V01), Powder Pink (YR00), and Mauve Shadow (BV00). I then stamped the Pine Tree with Marvy Inks in Salvia Blue, Pale Lilac, Gray, and Blue #3. I used Salvia Blue and Blue #3 ink for the birds, and Black for the sentiment.

The last ATC, I decided to do a tiny version of Paper Embroidery. This was a fun and quick card to make and you don't necessarily have to use it for just ATC's. It works perfect as a miniature to mount to a regular card. You could back it with a pretty cardstock, then adhere it to a Cuttlebug embossed background. The pattern is below for your pleasure.

On a final note, I've also been doing my glass work and below is a picture of my latest beads! I'm having a blast and learning so much! I'm making very pretty bookmarks with my beads, and if you're interested in seeing some, just drop me an email and I'll show them!