See what artist trading cards swap supplies I used to make my atcs

Recently an instagram ad caught my eye – an artist was advertising for an ‘artist trading card swap’! Now, I have horrible luck with swaps. I’ve participated in some penpal ones, a handmade ornament swap, a mending patch swap, so many things and either got nothing back or something that did not match the swap at all. However, it’s been a few years and I’m ready to roll the dice again! Sharing what I made and the supplies I used to make them.

Here are all 9 cards – I saved one for myself and mailed the other 8 to the organizer, who is then mixing them up and mailing 8 back from other artists. I ended up going with something of a theme and played with different compositions and colors instead of making something brand new for each one.

If you like this post, check these others out while you’re here!

• 35+ easy crafts with old books
• How to make bookmarks from old books
• Try Something New Every Month – A 2 Year Creative Challenge

My first set in closer detail!

Second set in closer detail!

Third set in closer detail!

Here is what I put on the back!

Updating this post to share the cards I got! Starting with the top row, left to right and then working down, I’ll link the makers:

• @artfulsalvation– @teddybearnecktattoo – @drartteacher – @letterpress_lady

• @parabolicmuse – @samanthapellegrinoart –   @41crow 

• @access23art –@abbypainterart (who organized) –@stephlikespaint –@market.415

I’d love to hear about your experience with artist trading cards or swaps in the comments – I know some places have in person swaps for these or there are some Facebook groups to individually trade too. I’ve really enjoyed collage lately but struggle when I have lots of pieces I love but don’t know what to do with. This was the perfect motivation to make tiny pieces of art and send them off! I’ll update this post with what I got back whenever I get them.

Pin this post about artist trading cards swap supplies with this photo or link:

Artist trading cards swap supplies

Sharing some of the things that I used! One thing you won’t see on here is my new vintage typewriter. I got a coronet super 12 typewriter off facebook marketplace, and used it to type directly on the magazine pages, it was great fun. Also be sure to read this post about ways to use up thread scraps, and see thread used in an ATC!

Adhesives

• Plain old Scotch permanent glue stick is my main tool,
• The Tombow glue runner is
• Tombow liquid glue was

Cutting tools

• Lots of paper punches! All different styles and shapes – and also a corner rounder was key
• Craft knifes- pictured are a generic one and an ergonomic Fiskars one
• My favorite for all sewing & crafts, Fiskars micro-tip scissors are perfect for persnickety small cuts

Materials

• Lots of vintage books – landscape, floral, and animal guide books are my favorite to thrift and cut up
• Vintage stamps, you can buy them in big lots
• Literal playing cards are the right size to be upcycled into artist trading cards, or you can cut your own 3″ X 2″ cards, or you can buy premade blanks
• I also added little plastic sleeves to protect my projects!