Recycled ATCs

Every so often I like to just create art panels. Sometimes I'll just break out the Color Bursts or the Gelli plates and get messy! When I do make a mess with these art mediums, I tend to make lots and lots of panels. Some good, some not so good. Unfortunately those panels start to pile up and I have to do something with them. I decided to let go of formalities and just start using up items being neglected. That led me to creating ATCs with these orphans. Sometimes art work looks better in a 2.5 x 3.5 format!

 

This first set was created using Color Burst panels that didn't make it into a project.

I simply added some rub-ons or stamp, sequins, charms and staples.

This second set was created with Gelli print panels I originally created for the Boardwalk collection but didn't make the cut.

I was able to use up remaining tags with just a simple ribbon behind them. 

 

Don't be surprised if you see these floating around Retreat next month!

 

Artist Team Blog Hop

Welcome to the Club Scrap Artist Team blog hop! If you've arrived here from the super talented Donna you're in the right spot. If you would like to start from the beginning to see what Karen has created, start at Club Scrap. I had this mastermind idea of ATCs and an ATC holder planned, implemented and written up before I discovered that the two blog were actually in reverse. So Wednesday's blog had the holder. Oops. 

Karen has challenged us with creating Artist Trading Cards (ATC's). ATC's are the "in" thing right now. They're 2.5" x 3.5" pieces of artwork that are traded among artists. Pocket letters came about by creating 9 ATC's fitting into a Pocket Trading Card Protector and mailing them to a friend. I haven't tried that myself. I just don't want to get addicted to something else ;-) 

Last year at Club Scrap retreat we learned how to make our own paper. So I thought...what the heck let's break out that kit I haven't even used it yet! I had to watch the video again to refresh some concepts but I had a blast once I got going!  Now...the papers that were created will never compare to the handmade paper made at retreat with some "acquired" grass clippings from our outing at Lambeau Field the day before.

Anyways...let's get started. I've saved envelopes from Christmas in preparation of making homemade paper one day. Tear them up and add to blender with water. I didn't mix colors, I tried to keep like colors together so I didn't end up with brown icky paper. 

Pour blender into screened paper-making box in large container of water. Add your botanicals, glitter or mica if you'd like. Drain.

Using a screen and large sponge, sponge off excess water.

Don't use a towel underneath. It was just for photography purposes. 

Using the compressed block and paper included in the kit, press more water from paper. 

Use an iron to help the drying process.

(I haven't used this many home appliances in one day in a long time!)

I purchased a used paper and flower press at my local thrift store for 5$.

Place sheets of paper in press as the directions indicate. 

Lock press. Let sit for 24 hours.

Here's my finished papers.  Time to start cutting and stamping!

Here are my finished ATC's. I was able to get four cards from each sheet of paper.

You can trade your ATC's by putting your info on the back. Here's a digital template that I print out, trim and adhere to the back of my ATC's.

 I actually like to use mine and those I receive on cards or layouts.



Club Scrap papers, tags, stamps, charms and ribbon. 7Gypsies word strip.

Thanks for hopping by today.  

Please continue on to see what the amazing Tina has created with ATC's for you.

Lambeau outing with Tracey, Cindy and Cathy.

Office Space ATC Holder

Welcome to the Club Scrap Office Space Blog Hop!  If you've arrived from the talented Tina's blog, you are in the right spot. If you'd like to start from the beginning, please head over to Club Scrap to see what wonderful project Karen has created for you.  

With all the Artist Trading Cards (ATC) swaps I've belonged to I needed a way to organize some of them. So I created one from scratch using bookboard scraps. By using bookboard the holder would be a little more sturdy so I could keep it in my purse. 

I started out with a simple box type design with a fold over lid. I used paper pieces as a trial before cutting down the bookboard. Using the Club Scrap wrapping technique used in making most books and boxes I covered the bookboard. 
 

Disregard the messy desk...that's how I scrap. Once I've abused a kit I'll clean it up.

Next step is to create the pockets for the ATC cards to go into. I cut roughly 20 pieces at 4.25"x 9" and scored at 3" and 6". Fold on score lines and place adhesive along the bottom and side. I then punched a half circle on the top of each pocket. 

Next, adhere all the pockets together at the bottom with a thin line of adhesive.
 

Adhere top half of front pocket and top half of back pocket to the sides of the box. 

You don't want to adhere the whole pocket, I found it pulled on the bottom of the pockets too much.
 

Decorate as you'd like. I made a tie enclosure around a button. 

In the past I've added a Velcro circle to keep the lid closed. 

Thank you for stopping by and for leaving the kind comments. 

Please continue on the hop to see what the amazing Donna has created for you.