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Artist Trading Card Workshop: Create. Collect. Swap.

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Create and swap mini works of art!

The simple act of sharing 21/2 x 31/2 pieces of art, known as Artist Trading Cards, knows no boundaries and brings like-souls together like no other form of communication can. Unique statements, passionate emotions and favorite interests can all be expressed in these miniature works of art that are always traded, never sold.

"Artist Trading Cards Workshop" will not only teach you how to create your own cards, combining one or more of the 25+ techniques demonstrated in step-by-step photos, it will also share the ins and outs of trading, finding and organizing card swaps and how to trade with others across the miles or even the continents.

Discover ways to create colorful collage backgrounds, make cards from fabric, incorporate painting, stamping, phone book pages, tissue paper, string, stencils and much moreall is revealed in step-by-step photos, but that's not all. You'll also: Learn the ins and outs of tradingwhere to look, what to swap.Find creative ways to store the cards you'll soon be collecting.Be inspired by the cards from 60 talented contributors and over 200 beautiful cards.

Become a part of the world-wide phenomenon that starts with "Artist Trading Cards Workshop," and share a piece of yourself today! Create. Collect. Swap."

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

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About the author

Bernie Berlin

1 book1 follower

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5 stars
855 (29%)
4 stars
1,560 (53%)
3 stars
331 (11%)
2 stars
123 (4%)
1 star
54 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Marion.
24 reviews12 followers
April 20, 2009
If I'd had this book years ago, I could toss out all my other books on collage, altered books, decoupage, etc. This book describes in detail every technique you need to collage, decoupage, and decorate on paper or whatever medium you choose. It also discusses the various mediums and paints used and has excellent instructions for each card pictured. And, yes, the pictures are exquisite eye candy, as another viewer mentioned. They also inspire and get you motivated to make your own cards.

I have to add a warning, though: making these art cards is highly addictive and can make a total mess of your living space and lead to harder core projects, like decorated boxes and journals. In my little corner of the den at home I now have containers of paint, glue, paint brushes, cut-up magazines, 2 T.V. trays full of projects. So consider yourself warned!
Profile Image for Charla Wilson.
292 reviews36 followers
April 19, 2011
A beautiful technique book dedicated to making artist trading cards. Artist trading cards, most often referred to as ATC's are little works of art that are usually only 2 1/2" X 3 1/2". They can be painted, sewn, stamped, embossed, fused, etc., really there is no limit to what can be incorporated into these tiny bits of art. This book covers most of the popular techniques. It will ell you what you need for each project, and take you step by step in the process, and it shows photographs of most of the steps. It covers a wide range of techniques, including, but not limited to the following: Paint on Paper Towels, Watercolor on Baby Wipes, Leafing Pen Resist, Stencils, Magazine Paper, Phone Book Paper, Transfers, Resin, Stitching, and Digital. There are many more techniques included that I have not listed here. If you have an interest in this style of art, you will not be disappointed with this book!
Profile Image for Lorraine.
112 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2012
One of the very best books on ATC's! This book has so many great project ideas. I've not only used the book as is and made many cards, but also have expanded the ideas for use in collages. Very informative and enjoyable!
Profile Image for Virginia Pulver.
308 reviews33 followers
November 25, 2018
This book prompted me to a frenzy of creating tiny art pieces (2.5" X 3.0"). It was an introduction to this art form and I responded well to the author's suggestions.
298 reviews6 followers
September 4, 2019
Good book

Although most of the cards in the book are in a similar style, the techniques described will work for many styles. A treasure trove of ideas!
Profile Image for frogfairie.
425 reviews10 followers
September 18, 2019
This book is full of inspiration, beautiful photos, and step-by-step instructions for trying a wide range of techniques. I'm adding this to my list of books I need to buy.
636 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2021
ARTIST TRADING CARD WORKSHOP is a fascinating book filled with lots of examples and instruction of making Artist Trading Cards.

The beginning also includes the history of Artist Trading Cards -- the back cover says "CREATE AND SWAP MINI WORKS OF ART" -- because that is what Artist Trading Cards are.

Measuring 2.5" x 3.5" in size the unique Artist Trading Card displays a sample of the artist work and then usually has the artists contact information on the back side. The concept was started in 1997 by m. vanci stirnemann who told people attending a conference in Zurich that if they wanted one of the 1200 cards on display that they had to create one of their own and trade it for one on display.

There are only two rules -- the first steadfast rule is Artist Trading Cards are never to be sold -- only traded. The second rule is one of etiquette -- ATC's acquired in trace should also never be sold.

Pair this book with 1000 ARTIST TRADING CARDS : INNOVATIVE AND INSPIRED MIXED-MEDIA ATCs while will offer much inspiration for your own cards.
Profile Image for Denise Spicer.
Author 18 books70 followers
September 28, 2017
This book shows how to make all kinds of ATCs (21/2” X 31/2” artist trading cards) and discusses the history of this art form. The author explores the use of all kinds of materials: tissue paper, paper towels, baby wipes, magazines, phone books, stencils, pen and ink, photo transfers, foam, embossing powder, resin, metal tape, fabric.

Profile Image for Marcie Lovett.
Author 1 book8 followers
February 21, 2020
Multiple techniques demonstrated, lots of inspiration from the author and contributing artists.
Profile Image for Melanie Cook.
335 reviews5 followers
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April 2, 2012
This is a fabulous book. There are so many wonderful examples of many many different artists work, giving so much inspiration!

The techniques described are easy and uncomplicated, without the need for many specialised tools or supplies. If you're at all into paper crafts you're likely to have a lot of what's required for just about all of the techniques documented. And oh, what fun!

Even my sister, with not an artistic bone in her body was oohing and aahing over this book! This would have to be the nicest book of this type that I've seen. And my library does have quite a few!
Profile Image for Christel.
86 reviews6 followers
April 26, 2013
Although this books doesn't cover every technique you can use with mixed media be it on ATCs or larger paper, it does give a great overview of the most basic ones and enough fancier ones to make this book a worthwhile choice. You don't need to have a lot of expensive and odd supplies to do a lot of what's shown which I like. I learned about how to use some easy to use and affordable supplies, too, like a metallic leafing pen for a cool resist technique. I'm giving it a 4 instead of a 5 because there are some things which could have been in here and aren't such as best ways to cut paper into ATC size without wasting it.
Profile Image for Melissa Shmish.
246 reviews24 followers
May 18, 2014
Provides a brief history of the craft genre, practice of making and trading these tiny pieces of art. Also gives the specs of the cards and numerous step-by-step tutorials of techniques which could be used in art journaling and making altered books, as well as making these art cards. Like a craft store workshop series in book form.
Profile Image for Laura Salas.
Author 124 books163 followers
May 27, 2017
I confess I don't care for much of the ATCs displayed here. But I love the clear directions and step-by-step illos. If I move forward with trying to create some of my own, even though my style would be completely different, I will come back to this book, as I noted lots of cool-looking techniques to try.
Profile Image for Robin.
2,190 reviews25 followers
January 7, 2009
This book was introduced to me at a Young Adult Round Table meeting last month and I immediately wanted to look at it more closely. Even if I never make artist trading cards, I still like seeing the techniques used because it can translate into card making, which I enjoy doing!
Profile Image for Deborah.
263 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2009
A great source for techniques and inspirations for those who want to create and swap Artist Trading Cards. Even if you are not interested in ATCs, there are plenty of pages of inspiration to use in the art and crafts of your choice.
Profile Image for Recynd.
236 reviews27 followers
September 12, 2010
Next to Totally Tangled, this is the best art book I own. Each technique that the author chose to highlight has its own step by step instructions, and can be adapted to nearly any format...they're not ATC specific.

Ooooh, how I love this book!! It could inspire a ROCK to rock 'n' roll!
Profile Image for Lindy.
172 reviews14 followers
September 2, 2011
ATC enthusiasts find these mini forms of artistic expression are fun to collect and to give as gifts. Each card can become a small part of a self portrait and can also become a type of business card expressing your love for handmade and mixed media genres.
Profile Image for Robyn.
309 reviews7 followers
May 7, 2012
Awesome book, full of tons of neat ideas for ATC making ... and I'm sure these same techniques could be used for art journals. Easy step by step instructions. Very easy to follow and understand, with tons of examples. Chalk full of inspiration and ideas!
Profile Image for Natalie.
237 reviews21 followers
November 30, 2015
I checked this book out because I only found out last week that ATCs even exist and I wasn't quite sure what they were. Good quality book and instructions, but I didn't get too deep as the art style didn't seem like something I want to try right now.
Profile Image for Zoe Blue.
8 reviews
July 7, 2008
Cool idea. Tiny paintings that you make and then trade for other tiny paintings. Good for those of us who would love to collect art, but have no space or money. Let's Trade!!!
Profile Image for Slynne.
313 reviews26 followers
February 25, 2008
Excellent book on making ATC's with lots of different techniques, good instructions and lots of awesome examples.
Profile Image for Swirl Girl.
8 reviews
October 22, 2009
I've used many of the techniques from this book in my own art and have shared methods with my students, as well.
Profile Image for Leaon Star.
38 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2009
This book will make you go dig out your paints, markers, bits of ephemera, ... and will give you inspiration and the dare to try anything!
6 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2009
This book has wonderful visual inspiration. There is some how to with pictures and limited writing. The book covers using multiple materials. There is a gallery of visual artist works.
Profile Image for Constance.
12 reviews8 followers
August 29, 2009
Lots of fun art techniques not just for ATC's! Terrific eye candy and inspiration.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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