After I finish scrapbooking layouts, I always have a lot of paper left over. I've gotten into the habit of trying to make a few cards with the scraps. Inevitably, I still have little bits even after I make the cards. So now I've begun making Artist Trading Cards.
Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) are mini works of art. They've been around for a long time and recently scrapbookers have started making them.
ATCs, measuring 2 ½" x 3 ½" are generally created for trading (hence the name), but a lot of crafters create them for themselves.
They're easy to make–you can use the same materials as you do for paper crafting which is why they're perfect for using up scraps. Here are some that I've made from scraps and leftover stickers:
I showcase them in the 7gypsies ATC holder.
You can learn more about ATCs here.
Have you made any ATCs?
I have yet to make an altered book, but I’ve seen people do amazing things with them. I leave the power tools to my husband. Not good with stuff like that!
I haven’t scrapbooked yet, but I do buy scrapbook paper once in a while to use for ATCs.
I found a friends of the library book sale the uses a bandsaw to cut unwanted discards (the ones they can’t sell at a whole paper bag full for a quarter!) into shapes, like a Scottie dog or a cat. The spine still holds it together in book form, but people can use the shaped book as the base for a scrapbook or altered book.
I wish I had a bandsaw to make some of my own, but bandsaws are expensive… and I’m not that handy with tools! Probably better than I stay away from power tools….