Another YouTube Video from Sara Evans

Here is a must see video as artist, Sara Evans, shows you in real time how she created her house-shaped artist trading card from our December ATC Kit of the Month.  Hers is totally different then mine, so let's see what you come up with.  Want to share email your photo to me and I will post it for you.

House Shaped Artist Trading Card for you!!

Everything I used to make this ATC is included in this month's kit, and I still had some pieces left over like the lace and Santa charm.  I would have loved to have added glitter and snow to my ATC, but I wanted to make one from just the kit contents.  So many possibilities with this month's kit.  Enjoy all!!

This is a photo with the front door closed.  But guess who is waiting inside??

This photo I have opened the door to show Santa inside the house.

December Artist Trading Card kit of the Month 2018

Here is the ATC kit for December which is a house shaped Christmas themed kit.  There are so many things inside this kit to come up with all kinds of unique Christmas ATCs.  Just use the house template included in the kit and use the embellishments included to create your Christmas house.  I even included a Santa image that when cut will fit perfectly inside of the door.  

This is what is included inside of this kit:

1 - 3 in. x 4 in. piece cut from Simple Stories double-sided Vintage Christmas Collection - Deck the Halls

1 - 3 in. x 4 in. piece cut from Simple Stories double-sided Vintage Christmas Collection - Jolly Holidays

1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. ATC cut from Darice cardstock in Jolly Green

1 - 1/8 in. to 1/4 in. x 4 in. piece of Core-dinations Opulant Opal glitter paper that has been cut on one side with zigzag scissors

1 - 1 in. x 4 in. piece of polka-dot embossed Bazzill cardstock in Red

1 - 1/2 in. x 4 in. piece of Americn Crafts green and red plaid paper #341344

1 - artist trading card size house shaped template (follow instructions on template for cutting and scoring)

1 - Santa image that has been professionally printed for you

1 - Merry Christmas red framed sign that has been professionally printed for you

1 - vintage inspired white lace

2 - pieces of wired light green tinsel garland

1 - piece of hunter green tinsel garland; This is perfect for the top of the chimney

1 - piece of felt pine tree ribbon in olive green; this can be used for the outside of your house

2 - tiny metallic brads; one green and one red

1 - Silver Santa Charm

1 - Silver Reindeer Charm 

1 - Merry Christmas and 1 tree sequin either in red or green (both colors are shown in the photo)

1 - Clear ATC sleeve (not shown in photo)

Simple Stories double-sided Vintage Christmas Collection - Deck the Halls

Simple Stories double-sided Vintage Christmas Collection - Jolly Holidays

Here is Sara Evans again!!

Please check out another video by artist, Sara Evans.  She will show you the ATCs that she made from our last three kits of the month.  She will also show you what is included in our Ephemera Pack.  I love her videos!!  Thank you Sara!!!

November Artist Trading Card Kit of the Month 2018

Here is the Kit of the Month for November; It's all about Mermaids!

Here is what is included in this month's kit:

1 - 3 in. x 4 in. piece cut from Authentique Paper Sea-Maiden Double-Sided Cardstock - Beach Sand

1 - 3 in. x 4 in. piece cut from Authentique Paper Sea-Maiden Double-Sided Cardstock - Seashells and Coral

1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. ATC cut from Bazzill smooth cardstock in Robin's Egg

1 - 2 in. x 4 in. piece cut from Core-dinations cardstock in Peach Fuzz

1 - 1 1/2 in. x 4 in. piece of cardstock with iridescent shimmer mermaid scales

1 - 1 in. x 4 in. piece cut from Bazzill polka-dot embossed cardstock in Mermaid

1 - 1/2 in. x 4 in. piece cut from Core'dinations striped cardstock in Light Aqua Stripe

1 - 1/4 in. x 4 in. piece cut from Core-dinations sandable cardstock in Vanilla Cream 

2 - collage images that have been professionally printed for you.  One a mermaid image and the other are the words Mermaid Cove.

1 - large piece of peach tulle (this is at the top of the photo, but is very hard to see in the photo)

1 - beautiful 1/2 inch resin circle that is iridescent and has a fish scale design

1 - a coordinating strip of 8 tiny adhesive gems in a row.  These can be cut and then separately adhered.

1 - ATC clear sleeve

Here is a view of the cardstock paper from Authentique Sea-Maiden Collection

Authentique Paper Sea-Maiden Double-Sided Cardstock - Beach Sand

Authentique Paper Sea-Maiden Double-Sided Cardstock - Seashells and Coral

October is all about Halloween!

Here is the free Artist Trading Card Kit for October 2018!  A Kewpie paper doll with a witch costume.  Cut out all the pieces, then cut the gate in the center and score where the hinge would be (you also need to glue down the hinge sides of the gate so the gate swings open and close).  Then poke 4 tiny holes at the top and bottom hinge on the gate and put the tiny brads there.  You can then put you Kewpie paper doll together, place him behind the open gate, with the moon in the background, and decorate with the embellishments included.  

Here is a listing of the kit contents:

1 - 3 in. x 4 in. piece cut from Authentique Paper 12" x 12" Double-Sided Nightfall Collection - #1 Harlequin Quilt 

1 - 3 in. x 4 in. piece cut from Authentique Paper 12" x 12" Double-Sided Nightfall Collection - Bats

1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. ATC cut from a piece of Bazzill Festive polks-dot embossed cardstock

1 - 1 in. x 4 in. piece of Bazzill black cardstock

1 - 1/4 in. x 4 in. piece of Bazzll Cartulina orange cardstock

1 - collage image of a nakie Kewpie doll, with it's two witch costume pieces, and a happy smiling moon, and the ornate iron gate.  All have been professionally printed for you.

1 - glittery pumpkin sticker.  This would be cut adhered to the outside or inside of the gate. 

1 - Gold German Foil Dresden French Mini Border piece in gold.  Here is the link if you would like to purchase this: 

https://youratcstore.com/german-foil-dresden-paperscrap-french-mini-borders-gold-p-1247.html

1 - piece of black Happy Halloween ribbon

4 - tiny brads - these are to be used for your gate.  Cut it out, score where the hinges would be (do this so your gate can open and close), and glue the gate post to your ATC back after you have made your background for your ATC.  There are 5 different colors of the tiny brads; you will get 4 of one of the colors. They are:  silver, gold, copper, antique copper and antique gold.

1 - clear ATC sleeve, not shown in the photo

Here are the Authentique Papers so you can see both sides:

 Authentique Paper 12" x 12" Double-Sided Cardstock - Nightfall Collection - #1 Harlequin Quilt

 Authentique Paper 12" x 12" Double-Sided Cardstock - Nightfall Collection - Bats

ATC made just for you!

Here is my "Oopsie Daisy" artist trading card for you.  I made this from this month's free ATC kit.  And I still have other embellishments left. Great to use for other craft projects too.  I try and also create a kit so that you will over have items left over.  Come by and make your purchase to get this kit for free this month.  Enjoy!  

September ATC Kit of the Month

"Oopsie Daisy" is the title for this month's Artist Trading Card kit.   It is a daisy themed kit.  

This is what is included in this months kit:
1 - 3 in. x 4 in. piece of Carta Bella double-sided Country Kitchen Collection - My Garden
1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. piece of Bazzill green cardstock - Lime Crush
1 - 2 1/4 in. x 3 1/4 in. piece of Bazzill yellow cardstock - Pineapple Bliss
1 - 1 in. x 4 in. piece of American Crafts yellow patterned paper 320473
1 - 1/4 in. x 4 in. piece of Bazzill cardstock - green
1 - collage image of a girl in a daisy patch
1 - collage phrase Oopsie Daisy
1 - piece of cream lace flower pot shaped
1 - silver daisy charm
1- flatback white resin daisy flower
1 - small yellow resin flower
1 - pinch of yellow seed beads and a pinch of some larger beads
1 - clear atc sleeve (not shown in photo)

Carta Bella double-sided Country Kitchen Collection - My Garden

2 Hot Air Balloon ATCs for you!

Here is an ATC that I created using this month's ATC Hot Air Balloon themed kit.

Here is another ATC made from the same kit.  This one was created by Jennifer McGinnis.  Thank you for letting me share your ATC!

Here is our August ATC Kit of the Month!

So sorry for the late post to our store blog.  It has been a crazy week for me, so I apologize for the delay!  

Up, Up and Away is the title for this month's Artist Trading Card Kit of the Month.  It, of course, is a hot air balloon themed kit using peach and wedgewood blue colors.  Get this kit free with orders throughout the month of August 2018.

Here is a list of the kit content:

1 - 3 in. x 4 in. piece of Graphic 45 double-sided cardstock from their Imagine Collection - Up & Away

1 - 3 in. x 4 in. piece of Graphic 45 double-sided cardstock from their Imagine Collection - Create You

1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. piece of peach cardstock cardstock

1 - 2 1/4 in. x 3 1/4 in. piece of wedgewood blue cardstock

1 - 1 in. x 4 in. piece of pale peach cardstock

1 - 1/2 in. x 4 in. piece of chocolate brown cardstock

1 - hot air balloon image that has been printed on ivory parchment paper

1 - Up, Up and Away phrase that has been printed on ivory parchment paper

1 - silver hot air balloon charm

1 - piece of orange shimmery wired ribbon

1 - silver and gold sparkle ribbon

1 - piece of yellow Waxed Linen Thread

1 - clear ATC sleeve

Here are the Graphic 45 papers so you can see both sides.  I have cut the 3 in. x 4 in. pieces from these papers.

Graphic 45 Create You

Graphic 45 Up & Away

July ATCKit of the Month

"Girls Gone Shopping" is our theme for this month's free Artist Trading Card Kit.  Dresses and shoes are a girls best friend.  Have fun with this coral and sage green kit!!

Here is what is included in this month's kit:

1 - 3 in. x 4 in. piece of double-sided paper from Echo Park Fashionista Collection - So Many Shoes

1 - 3 in. x 4 in. piece of double-sided paper from Echo Park's Fashionista Collection - Dress for Success

1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. ATC cut from Bazzill cardstock - Candy Hearts

1 - 2 in. x 4 in. piece of Bazzill cardstock - Aruba

1 - 1 in. x 4 in. piece of Bazzill cardstock - Lagoon

1 - 1/2 in. x 4 in. piece of Bazzill cardstock - Sugar N Spice

1 - 1/4 in. x 4 in. piece of Black Gloss cardstock

3 - collage images that have been professionally printed for you

1 - collage phrase, "Girls Gone Shopping"

1 - piece of 1/2 in. sage green ribbon

1 - 1/8 in. piece of coral ribbon

1 - silver shoe charm

1 - silver brad

1 - clear ATC sleeve (not shown in photo)

Here is the double-sided Echo Park paper - Dress for Success

Here is the double-sided Echo Park paper - So Many Shoes

YouTube video for you!!

Please check out this YouTube video from an amazing artist, Sara Evans. She does a fantastic job at creating this video for me!!  Watch and subscribe to her videos.  She is a very talented artist and does just beautiful work.

Cowgirls is our June theme!

This month's Artist Trading Card kit has so many pieces that the possibilities are endless with what you can create with it. So fun with a western theme!  I had fun putting this one together for you!!  You will receive this kit with any order placed throughout this month, so come by the online store to get yours for free.

Here is a close up of some of the pieces in the kit

This is what is included in this month's kit:
1 - 3 in. x 4 in. piece cut from Authentique Frontier Collection - Double - Sided Frontier One
1 - 3 in. x 4 in. piece cut from Authentique Frontier Collection - Double - Sided Frontier Two
1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. ATC cut from American Crafts Solid Cardstock - Clay
1 - 2 1/4 in. x 3 1/4 in. piece of American Crafts Solid Cardstock - Rust
1 - 2 1/2 in. x 2 in. piece of American Crafts - looks like wood paneling
1 - 1/2 in. x 4 in. Craft Brown Bag paper
1 - 1/2 in. x 4 in. Core-dinations - Red Honeycomb
1 - 1/4 in. x 4 in. piece of American Crafts Textured Cardstock - Rocky River
1 - piece of thicker twine and a piece of thin twine, these are great to make a lasso, or thread the charm through with the thinner piece.
4 - collage images; 1 larger image and 3 mini cowgirl images.  I couldn't decide which one to use so I included all 4, 3 of them in mini size, all that have been professionally printed for you.
1 - phrase "Boots, Class and a Li'l Sass that has been professionally printed for you.
1 - small piece of fabric that looks like a red bandana
1 - vintage horse playing card.  There are two in the photo, but only one is included in the kit, so you will receive one of the two.
3 - small sequins - one black cowboys hat, 1 red cowboy boot, and one gold sheriff badge
1 - raw brass charm in the shape of a cowboy hat; so cute!!
1 - clear ATC sleeve (not shown in photo)

Here are the two Authentique papers that I chose for this kit so you could see both sides.

Authentique Frontier Collection - Double - Sided Frontier Two

Authentique Frontier Collection - Double - Sided Frontier One

Here is my ATC!

I finally sat down and made an ATC from this month's sewing themed kit.  I still had paper left to use for another ATC too.  I hope you enjoy seeing what you can make with one of our monthly kits.  Next month's free ATC kit will be vintage Cowgirls!!  I'm looking forward to putting that kit together for you all later this week.

Here is the May 2018 Artist Trading Card kit of the Month

Vogue!  That is, like the Vogue, McCalls Sewing Patterns.  I thought this would be cute when I found the Kaisercraft sewing themed paper.  You'll have fun trying to choose which side of the Kaisercraft cardstock you'll want to use on your ATC.  The colored "Patterns" measuring tape piece would be neat to cut in strips and the "Threads" would be fun to fussy cut. This kit is free with orders placed thoughout the month of May 2018.  Email me your ATC from this month's kit so I can post it here on our blog!!

This is a listing of kit contents for this month's free ATC kit:
1 - 4 in. x 3 in. cut from Kaisercraft Double-sided Cardstock from the Miss Betty Collection - Patterns
1 - 4 in. x 3 in. cut from Kaisercraft Double-sided Cardstock from the Miss Betty Collection - Thread
1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. ATC cut from Bazzill cardstock - Turquoise Blue.  This is great to matte under the pink paper if you choose to use them.
1 - 2 1/4 in. x 3 1/4 in. cut from Bazzill cardstock - Baby Pink.
1 - 1 in. x 4 in. cardstock - Cream
1 - 1/4 in. x 4 in. cardstock - Berry
2 - collage images; one of a vintage sewing postcard that I have altered, and another miniature image of a vintage sewing pattern.  These have been professionally printed for you.
1 - "Vogue!" phrase in a zigzag font
1 - a piece of vintage 1930's cream lace
1 - Making Memories Vintage Findings Collection - Garment Pin
1 - raw brass sewing machine charm
1 - vintage button - I have tons, so one vintage button will be included (only one in photo; color and size will vary)
1 - clear ATC sleeve (not pictured in photo)

Kaisercraft Double-sided Cardstock from the Miss Betty Collection - Thread

Kaisercraft Double-sided Cardstock from the Miss Betty Collection - Patterns

April 2018 Artist Trading Card of the Month

Here is this month's ATC kit; free with any order placed this month.  There is a lot of paper in this kit so there are so many possibilities with this kit!! 

Here are the kit contents for this month:

1 - 3 in. x 4 in. piece of Simple Stories Double-sided cardstock Bliss Collection - Remember to Share
1 - 3 in. x 4 in. piece of dark lavender cardstock
1 - 3 in. x 4 in. piece of the Paper Studio - Bright Easter Chevron
1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. ATC cut from the Paper Studio - Small Floral on Mint
1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. ATC cut from the Paper Studio - Aqua Brushed Plaid
1 - 1 in. x 3 in. piece of bright yellow Bazzill Cardstock
1 - 1/2 in. x 4 in. piece of American Crafts Gold Glitter paper (not shown in the photo)
1 - collage image of a rabbit, the Easter Bunny
1 - collage word phrase, "Easter Blessings"
1 - Arched Artist Trading Card Template.  Use this to make an arched shaped ATC.
1 - 1/2 in. white bridal ribbon with beading which is long enough to go around your arched ATC
1 - 1/8 in. silver glittered ribbon which you can use to make a bow for your rabbit or to glue on your ATC
1 - 1/2 in. wide rainbow and white ribbon to use at the bottom of your ATC
1 - Raw brass Easter egg charm
1 - small piece of white waxed linen thread.  You can use this to hang your charm.
1 - mulberry flower (there are 5 different colors; one will be included in the kit
2 - Creative Impressions Leafy Vine Trim Ribbon - Olive

Here is an Easter ATC that I made from this kit and I have all of the other paper to use for another ATC!!

My Beatrix Potter Artist Trading Card

Here is my Artist Trading Card made from this month's kit.  Enjoy and get inspired!  I will try and make another one before the end of the month and post it here.  Below you will find a wonderful technique called "Fussy Cutting".  If you haven't tried this before then you are in for a fun new technique in cutting. 

Can you tell I love fussy cutting?  Fussy cutting is cutting out intricate paper details by hand.  Here are 5 steps if you haven't tried this technique before:  

1.  Choose a sharp pair of micro-tip scissors.  The smaller the tip, the easier it will be to snip out those tight corners when cutting out your image.  

2.  Start by roughly cutting out the image you wish to fussy cut, so you can easily handle the image as you cut out the details. 

3.  Place your paper near the fulcrum of the scissors, not the tip.  This will allow you to better maneuverability and result in clean-cut edges of your images.

4.  Make long, show cuts rather than quick snips.  Quick snips will result in choppy edges, so if you encounter some tight corners that won't allow you to make long, slow cuts, then go back later and snip those pieces out using the tip of your scissors.  

5.  Big hint, turn your paper, not your scissors, as you cut around the edges of your image.  This will lessen the urge to snip.  If you practice, practice, practice you will become a pro at this.

I like to take a fine tip Sharpie, either in black or gray, and carefully outline the edges of my fussy cutted image so they "pop" off the paper that the image is glued to.  3D dots are great to use too.  Here is a link to the store if you are interested in purchasing a pair of micro scissors that are perfect for fussy cutting.

http://youratcstore.com/docrafts-xcut-soft-grip-non-stick-micro-scissors-fussy-cutting-p-4695.html?osCsid=b00f85cb9844fb36a099c749e57f7b07

March Artist Trading Card kit of the Month

Here is our ATC Kit of the Month for March.  Beatrix Potter is the theme for this month's ATC kit.  Jemims Puddle Duck is just one of Beatrix Potter's childhood stories, and is the image used for this kit.  You will also find an old photograph of Beatrix which I have included in this kit.  

This is what is included in this month's kit:

3 - collage images that have been professionally printed for you.  An image of a photograph of Beatrix Potter, an image of Jemima Puddle Duck from that book, a mini "The World of Beatrix Potter" poster, and a word phrase "Jemima Puddle Duck" to use on your ATC.

1 - 3 in. x 4 in. cut from double-sided Authentique Stitches Collection - Stitches Six 

1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. ATC cut from Bazzill cardstock - Wedgewood Blue

1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. ATC cut from Bazzill cardstock - Cotton Candy

1 - 1 in. x 4 in. piece from American Crafts paper - 320507 (pink and white checkered)

1 - 1/2 in. x 4 in. piece of Bazzill cardstock - Almond Cream

1 - 1/4 in. x 4 in. piece of Bazzill cardstock - Black.  Perfect size for mounting the Beatrix Potter image.

1 - gorgeous piece of antique designer embroided ribbon that coordinates with the kit

4 - beautiful 4mm baby blue flatback rhinestones

4 - beautiful 4mm iridescent flatback pearls

Here is a photo of the double-sided Authentique Stitches Collection - Stitches Six

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Here is my second ATC that I made from this month's kit.  As you can see it is totally different from the other ATC that I made, yet made with the same kit.  Wishing you all of lovely Valentine's day filled with love!!

My Valentine Artist Trading Card

Here is my Valentine ATC that I made from this month's February free ATC kit of the month. I will also be creating another ATC from this kit using the other image included in the kit. Enjoy and get inspired! 

Here is a close up of the top of my ATC. I glued the ribbon on the top, then the rhinestone onto the dresden trim. The charm is the centerpiece for the top.

Valentine ATC kit for February 2018!

Here is the February Artist Trading Card kit of the month.    I couldn't decide which image to use with this kit so I included both.  Receive this kit free with orders placed in February 2018.

Here is a description of the items included in this kit:  

1 - 3 in. x 4 in. cut from Prima Marketing Heaven Sent 2 Prism Foiled Double-sided cardstock - Sweet Lullaby.  

1 - 3 in. x 4 in. cut from Prima Marketing Heaven Sent 2 Prism Foiled Double-sided cardstock - Baby's Quarters.  This is beautiful foiled paper!

1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. ATC cut from coral Bazzill cardstock - Candy Hearts

1 - 2 in. x 4 in. American Crafts floral heart flowered cardstock - 320506

1 - 1 1/2 in. x 4 in. Core'Dinations cardstock - Coral Hearts 

1 - 1/2 in. x 4 in. Paper Studio paper - Vintage Green Ornate 

2 - Collage images that have been professional printed.  I couldn't decided which one I wanted to use for this kit so I decided to include both; an extra little bonus for you!!

1 - collage phrase "For You Valentine!"

2 - Dresden foil paper border pieces that are tiny triangles.  I thought you could glue this to the top and bottom of your ATC and then glue some rhinestones to the triangles.

1 - silver heart with wings charm

8 - pink flat back baby pink rhinestones.  These are beautiful, high quality rhinestones that just sparkle!!

1 - piece of white vintage lace

and lastly a clear ATC sleeve (not shown in photo)

Here are the 12 in. x 12 in. Prima Marketing cardstock

Prima Marketing Heaven Sent 2 Prism Foiled Double-sided cardstock - Sweet Lullaby

Prima Marketing Heaven Sent 2 Prism Foiled Double-sided cardstock - Baby's Quarters

Brrrr! It's cold outside! January ATC kit of the Month

Well, at least in Northern Indiana.  Here is our Artist Trading Card Kit of the Month for January 2018 which is a snow themed kit. 

This is what is included in this month's kit:
1 - 3 in. x 4 in. Double-sided Carta Bella Cabin Fever Collection - Smitten by Mittens
1 - 3 in. x 4 in. Double-sided Carta Bella Cabin Fever Collection - Border Strips
1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. cream Artist Trading Card cut from Bazzill Cardstock - Vanilla
1 - 2 in. x 4 in. Core'dinatons paper - Merry (burgundy paper)
1 - 1 1/2 in. x 4 in. Core'dinations paper - Deep Navy
1 - 1 in. x 4 in. Bazzill Cardstock - Almond Cream
1 - 1/4 in. x 4 in. Core-dinations Kraft Core Shattered - #17
1 - snow collage image that has been professionally printed
1 - word phrase "Snow much fun"
1 - piece of gorgeous silver ribbon
1 - silver snowman charm
1 - clear Artist Trading Card Sleeve