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

Here is our December ATC kit of the month

Make your own Christmas fireplace ATC with this month's Artist Trading Card kit, or make a different ATC from all of the papers and other items included in this kit.  

This is what is included in this month's kit:
1 - 3 in. x 4 in. double-sided paper piece KaiserCraft Letters to Santa Collection - Santa's Workshop
1 - 3 in. x 4 in. double-sided paper piece KaiserCraft Letters to Santa Collection - Carolers
1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. green Artist Trading Card size cut from Core'dinations Paper - Evergreen
1 - 2 in. x 4 in. red Bazzill - Cherry Splash
1 - 1 in. x 4 in. Core'dinations Black Magic Collection - Abracadabra, inner core is white if you sand it
1 - 1 in. x 4 in. Core'dinations cream paper piece - Vanilla Cream
1 - 1/2 in. x 4 in. paper piece Core'dinations White Glitter paper - White Gloves
1 - 1/2 in. x 4 in. paper Piece Bazzill - French Vanilla
3 - collage images that have been professionally printed. 1 - Fireplace mantle, 1 - holiday wreath, and 1 - fireplace logs and fire.  Use these to create your Christmas fireplace.
1 - Merry Christmas phrase, yellow font with red background
1 - piece of mini wired garland.  Use this to decorate the mantle or make a mini Christmas wreath.
1 - ribbon piece with Christmas light strand design
1 - gold stocking sticker cut from a sheet of Papermania Create Christmas Outline Stocking Stickers
1 - silver or bronze double-sided stocking charm, not both as pictured in the photo
2 - paper stockings cut using Martha Stewart's Christmas Stamp & Punch - 2 in 1 Stocking

Here is a closer look of the KaiserCraft double-sided paper chosen for this month's kit:

KaiserCraft Letters to Santa Collection - Carolers

KaiserCraft Letters to Santa Collection - Santa's Workshop

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I made this ATC from this month's Thanksgiving themed ATC kit.

November 2017 Artist Trading Card Kit of the Month

Let's "Give Thanks" this year with our Thanksgiving ATC kit.  Receive this kit free with orders this month.  

Here is a list of the kit contents:

1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. ATC cut from Hot Off the Press single sided paper - Fall Leaves

1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. ATC cut from Core-Dinations paper - Orange. This is great for sanding or distressing to show a lighter orange core color.

1 - 2 1/4 in. x 3 1/4 in. Core'dinations Shimmer paper - Copper

1 - 1 in. x 4 in. Bazzill Embossed Polka Dot Paper - Festive

1 - 1/4 in. x 4 in. Bazzill Cardstock - Orange

1 - 1/4 in. x 4 in. Bazzill Cardstock - Parakeet (green)

1 - 1/4 in. x 4 in. Bazzill Cardstock - Yellow

1 - 1/4 in. x 4 in. Core-dinations paper Cardstock - Chocolate

1 - collage image of a young pilgrim boy with a cart full of Thanksgiving goodies.  Great for fussy cutting!

1 - collage image of a beautiful colorful turkey.  Great for fussy cutting!  These images have been professionally printed for you.

1 - word phrase printed on white paper "Give Thanks"

1 - piece of  natural dried raffia grass ribbon

1 - 3/8 in. piece of rust colored velvet ribbon

3 - Thanksgiving sequins - a pumpkin, an orange or gold turkey and a red detailed cornucopia 

You know me and charms!  I ordered some bronze charms for this kit, but they have not arrived yet.  I assume they have been lost in the mail, so I can't include them in this kit yet.  If they arrive, I will take a photo and include them, but for now there is no charm.

Dia De Los Muetros ATC

Here is an Artist Trading Card that I made from this month's kit.  So many things included in this kit that the possibilities are endless.  Enjoy!

Halloween ATC kit for October 2017

Dia De Los Muertos is this month's Halloween themed Artist Trading Card kit.  Dia De Los Muertos means Day of the Dead and is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout the world on Oct. 31st, and Nov. 1st and 2nd. This multi-day Mexican holiday focuses on their friends and family members that have died.  Our kit revolves around the new artistic art deco skeletons being seen everywhere this Halloween.  This kit will be included in all orders this month.

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

1 - 3 in. x 4 in. Double-Sided Photoplay Matilda & Godfrey Collection - Dia De Los Muertos

1 - 3 in. x 4 in. Double-Sided Photoplay Matilda & Godfrey Collection - Toil & Trouble

1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. tombstone that has been printed from an ink jet printer

1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. ATC card Core'dinations Black Magic Collection - Hermit

1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. ATC card Bazzill paper - Velvet

1 - 1 in. x 4 in. Core'dinations - Orange

1 - 1/2 in. x 4 in. Core'dinations Glitter paper - Elegance

1 - 1/4 in. x 4 in. Bazzill paper - Parakeet

1 - printed art deco artistic skeleton.  Two have been chosen for this kit, but only one will be included in the kit, not both.  This has been included to use as is, or to be colored with markers or colored pencil.  It was printed from an ink jet printer so I don't recommend water colors. 

1 - word phrase "Dia De Los Muertos" in purple ink

1 - flower sequin (there are 4 different colors, purple, orange, blue and green.  One will be included in the kit

2 - black iridescent flat back resin gems.  These were included to use as eyes. 

1 - silver skeleton charm

1 - silver brad either to use to attach the charm to your ATC or to attach the flower sequin

 This kit has 2 different printed images to color.  One of these will be included, but not both.

 You will receive one of the sequin flowers, the 2 resin flat backs, charm and silver brad.

Photoplay Matilda & Godfrey - Dia De Los Muertos

Photoplay Matilda & Godfrey - Toil & Trouble

September ATC Kit of the Month

This month's "Enjoy nature" kit features 2 beautiful papers from Prima Marketings Rose Quartz Collection.  Their 2 papers coordinate perfectly together to make a pretty pink and gray rose and feather kit.  Get this ATC kit free with orders placed this month.

Here is a listing of the contents of this month's kit:
1 - 3 in. x 4 in. Prima Marketing Double-Sided Rose Quartz Collection - Rose Dreams with pink copper foil accents.  Simply beautiful rose design paper.
1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. ATC card cut from Prima Marketing Double-Sided Rose Quartz Collection - Grace.  This is beautiful paper with different bird feathers throughout the paper.  This also has pink copper foil accents.
1 - 2 1/2 in. x 2 1/4 in. Core'dinations Canvas Texture pink cardstock - April Lovely
1 - 1 in. x 4 in. Core'dinations Gemstone cardstock paper - Pearl
1 - 1/2 in. x 2 1/2 in. Pow! Glitter Paper - Blush.  This is gorgeous smooth glittered paper.
1 - 1/2 in. x 3 1/4 in. Bazzill Basics - Rock Candy
1 - 1/4 in. x 4 in. Core'dinations Foundations Smooth Gray Charcoal cardstock
1 - piece of DMC Pearl 100% Cotton 6 Strand Embroidery Floss in Light Shell Pink
1 - piece of DMC Light Effects 100% Polyester Embroidery Metallic Floss which matches perfectly with the copper foil of the Prima Marketing paper chosen for this kit.
1 - "Enjoy nature" collage phrase that has been professionally printed for you.
2 - feather stamped images.  These images have been hand stamped by me with Archival Brilliance Pigment Ink in Cosmic Copper
2 - Brass leaf charms
1 - bird feather
1 - ATC clear sleeve for you finished ATC

Here are the 2 papers from Prima Marketing that were chosen for this kit.  These photos do not do the paper justice. You can not see the copper foil accents on both of these papers.  Wait till you see them.  They are truly beautiful!  Here is a close-up too to show just how shiny this paper is.

Prima Marketing Double-Sided Rose Quartz Collection - Rose Dreams

3 in. x 4 in. paper will be cut from this paper.

 Prima Marketing Double-Sided Rose Quartz Collection - Grace

2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. ATC will be cut from this paper.

                                    

2 camping Artist Trading Cards for you!

Here are 2 ATCs that I made from this month's kit.  This was a perfect ATC kit to end the summer.  Think of your camping memories!  Enjoy everyone!  Tomorrow I will be posting September's ATC kit of the month.

Camping anyone? Take a peek at our August kit!

Here is our August Artist Trading Card kit of the month.  I thought this would be a fun kit to end the summer. Get this kit free during the month of August 2017.  

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

1 - 3 in. x 4 in. cut from a 12 in. x 12 in. double-sided paper Simple Stories Cabin Fever - Summer Camp

1 - 3 in. x 4 in. cut from a 12 in. x 12 in. double-sided paper Simple Stories Cabin Fever - Trail Head

1 - 1/2 in. x 4 in. piece of Paper Pizzazz Pine Green Plaid

1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. Artist Trading Card cut from Bazzill Paper - Peanut Fudge

1 - 1 in. x 4 in. piece of Bazzill Paper - Almond Cream

1 - 2 in. x 3 in. piece of Bazzill Paper - Thicket - green dotted cardstock

1 - 2 in. x 3 in. piece of The Paper Studio - Forest Trees

1 - 1/2 in. x 3 in. map piece cut from a vintage map book

1 - Camping collage image - there are 2 different collage images chosen for this kit.  One will be included in your kit.  This image has been professionally printed for you.

1 - Collage phrase Campfires & Marshmallows

1 - piece of dark brown ribbon

1 - Silver charm - camping sign with arrow

 Here is a close-up of the collage images and the charm

Here are the 2 Simple Stories paper chosen for this kit.  You can see both sides in each photo.

Simple Stories - 12 in. x 12 in. Cabin Fever - Summer Camp

Simple Stories - 12 in. x 12 in. Cabin Fever - Trail Head

Another Patriotic ATC for you!

Here is another ATC that I made from this month's ATC kit of the month.  I used the other boy head for this one.  Hope you like it!

Happy 4th of July!

Here is my little guy.  I made this Artist Trading Card with the kit contents from this month's patriotic 4th of July Kit.  I did use Glue Dots to glue the charm, baker's twine and red star embellishments to the ATC.

Stars & Stripes Forever 4th of July ATC kit

Here is our July Artist Trading Card Kit of the Month.  Receive this patriotic themed ATC kit free with orders throughout the month of July 2017.

This is what is included in this month's Patriotic themed ATC kit:

1 - 3 in. x 4 in. piece of Authentique Heroic Collection -  Double-Sided Heroic Seven
1 - 3 in. x 4 in. piece of Authentique Heroic Collection -  Double-Sided Heroic Eight
1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. ATC cut from Bazzil Lipstick Red
1 - 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. ATC cut from Bazzil Navy Blue
1 - 1 in. x 4 in. piece of Patriotic Stars
1 - collage image of an Independence Day paper doll
1 - collage image of 2 different boy heads; you choose which boy you would like to use for your ATC
1 - small collage image of a Stars and Stripes Forever plaque
1 - collage image of the phrase "Stars and Stripes Forever"
1 - piece of 3/8 in. ribbon.  There is a blue and a red; both with cream stars.  One will be included in the kit
1 - a small piece of varigated red, white and blue baker's twine
1 - bronze United States flag charm
1 - pinch of some red, white, blue and silver stars sequins
3 - red star flatback gems
1 - ATC clear sleeve

Here is a peek at the double sided paper.  These two 12 in. x 12 in. papers will be cut into 12 - 3 in. x 4 in. pieces. 

Authentique Heroic Collection -  Double-Sided Heroic Seven

Authentique Heroic Collection -  Double-Sided Heroic Eight