Ok, so I recently picked up a few discount ($1!!!) vintage clip art books, one of which was of “Naughty French Spot Illustrations“. It’s very tasteful, and I just love the images, but I wasn’t initially sure what to do with them.
If you’re not hip to Artist Trading Cards, or ATC’s, yet you really are in for a treat. Essentially, it’s a 2.5″ x 3.5″ card. That’s it - anything else goes. You can collage it, stitch it, paint it, stamp it, scrunch it, punch it, press it…. you get the idea, right? Add your artist details to the back and voila! you have an ATC. The next step is of course to trade them!
There are lots of ATC “swaps” out there you can participate in. You’re matched up with one or several partners and you mail each other an ATC. That’s it - and that’s why they’re popular! Anything goes (did I say that already?)!
Anyway, I’ve finally signed up for my first swap on Swap-Bot, “Vintage Nude/Adult ATC Swap”, and I am psyched!!
Oh, and here are my ATC links on Del.icio.us if you want more ATC inspirations.
January 25, 2007 at 2:17 pm | Crafting
My sis and I are workin’ on some Valentine’s cards and we wanted some creative embellishments. I had just picked up some red tissue paper on clearance for $.25 (woo-hoo!) and when she saw it on my craft table, she snatched it up immediately.
First, she worked up a basic paper heart (you know the kind, right? - fold the paper in half and cut 1/2 heart) and glued it to a piece of cardstock. Then she balled up some tissue paper and stuck it in a little cup of glue.
Here’s what we did from here:
It didn’t stop there with the tissue paper! Next, I twisted a piece of wire into a heart shape and wrapped a piece of tissue paper around it. Then, I used a small paintbrush to apply watered-down glue to adhere the tissue paper to the wire frame.
I was hoping for a smoother finish, but now I think I like the imperfections.
For the second try, I deliberately plumped it up.
Ok, so now that we’ve got some embellishments and supplies, our next mission is to finish the cards themselves!
January 17, 2007 at 9:39 pm | Crafting
On the About page of this site, I mentioned that I’ve kept creative journals most of my life. Well, in my 2006 book, I wrote a podcast program most every week, ending up with 43 total. It was my intention that entire time to publish the programs as podcasts, but I ran into excuse after excuse why I couldn’t do it yet. Well, in 2007 I’m out of excuses. I’ve got a decent headphone mic to record with, I’ve got software and know how to use it, and I’ve even got a complete script and photos for one of them.
So, this morning, I went through one last set of Audacity tutorials, imported my background music from my bf’s band, Why Are You Hitting Yourself, and actually recorded. I do believe I’m closer to getting my podcast online! If only I felt more comfortable with the sound of my voice, it sure would make the editing go faster!
January 14, 2007 at 11:39 am | Repeating Myself Podcast
Since I don’t have any other content on the site at the moment, I thought I’d share a few of my favorites when it comes to craft. I should preface the following by saying that I dabble in most every kind of craft, and so big variety in projects particularly appeals to me. I’m also completely addicted to podcasts, blogs, and magazines filled with projects.
I just love the CraftyPod! I just love the CraftyPod! (If you’re not into podcasts yet, it’s simple. Download and play the mp3. That’s it. Google it if you still don’t get it!) You should go to CraftyPod.com and check it out right now if you haven’t already. It’s a web site and podcast by the craft world’s infamous Sister Diane, and she does the most wonderful job of describing various accessible projects and ideas. She also does a nice job interviewing other notable crafters. Should I say it again? I love the CraftyPod!
The new Craft: magazine is almost here! I absolutely fell in love with this magazine as soon as I saw it online, and eventually at Joann’s. It has lots of oddball stuff that I couldn’t resist showing to everyone at work, along with a whole bunch of ideas and projects I’d actually use. Oh, and the new issue is due out January 23rd! Git you some!
Finally, I’ve been following CutOutAndKeep.net by Cat Morley for a while now, and I just really dig this chick’s style. She does a pretty good job of keeping her site updated and it’s fun to read about her various crafty/arty adventures. That, and she’s got an extensive list of some pretty cool projects on her site.
Anyway, I could go on about this stuff all night, but I don’t imagine you came back after clicking those links, did ya? ;0) It’s all good though - thanks for stopping by. Toodle-ooo!
January 13, 2007 at 10:45 pm | The Craft-o-Sphere
I’ve finally put together my blog, on which I’ll be repeating myself about the crafty adventures I have while talking to myself. Hang out for a while… you’ll have fun!
January 13, 2007 at 4:31 pm | Crafting
