Security Envelope Flowers

 I have been using the inside of security envelopes to make things.  I took the few paper punches I have had and punched out shapes.  My favorite is the "flowers."  I like to use them for my return address, accent pieces on mail art or when making friendship books.  Also look great on ATC's. And of course, postcards!!!

Artist Trading Cards

Artist Trading Cards (or ATCs) are miniature works of art about the same size as modern baseball cards,^[1] or 2 ½ X 3 ½ inches (63 mm X 89 mm),^[2] small enough to fit inside standard card-collector pockets, sleeves or sheets.^[3] The ATC movement developed out of the mail art movement and has its origins in Switzerland.^[4] Cards are produced in various media, including dry media (pencils, pens, markers, etc.), wet media (watercolor, acrylic paints, etc.), paper media (in the form of collage, papercuts, found objects, etc.) or even metals or cloth. The cards are usually traded or exchanged rather than sold. (Wikipedia)


This is one I made for a swap that was one in a series of each of the 50 states.  I just happened to come in as they were doing the state of Idaho!


I have made two Paris themed cards, but in my excitement to send them out I forgot to get pix.  :(

France Inspired ATC

These were some extras from my swapping buddy Pat.  Stamps, Eiffel Tower Ribbon, and some Hello Kitty Paper.

This is the actual item/reason for the swap.  This is called an ATC or Artist Trading Card.  These are cards that artistic people make to swap with others as a sample of their artwork.  They are to be traded not sold.  The only rule is that they be 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches.  You can paint on them, draw, stamp, glue, whatever suits you.  And, the great part is, you don't have to be a full blown artist (pronounced arteest) to make/trade them.  I actually made two French inspired ATC's but forgot to get a picture of them.  Dang it!