Art Trading Card Club

LEONIE'S ATC CLUB 

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Leonie has set up an Art Trading Card Club.  The aim of the club is to get people in contact with each other, exchange ideas and become inspired!!

What are ATC’s

ATC’s are basically a decorative business card.  They are generally traded at Craft events, between people who like each other’s work and are interested in keeping in touch.  They are about playing card size, but the nice thing about ATC’s - there are no rules.  You can use anything, from old playing cards to postcards; you can even swap little bags of goodies.  You can also decorate your card with anything – try stamping, paper collage, glitter, paint, photographs, pressed flowers – anything.

On the ATC you will need to put your name, address and (if you have one) email address.  This will allow the person who receives your card to write or email you.  Keep a note of the cards you have made and simple instructions as to how you have made them.  If someone really likes your design they can contact you and ask you how you did it.  Likewise, when you receive a card you like and want to know how it has been created, you can contact the designer and pick their creative brains for inspiration.  If you have ever felt stuck for inspiration this could be the perfect way to kick start your creativity.  The other wonderful thing about ATC’s are the size, as making a small business card is not as daunting as producing a card.

What you will get from joining the club

 When you first join you will receive a welcome pack together with a hint and tip sheet with idea’s to get you started.  If you send an ATC when you join you will receive your first “trade” card.  The more cards you send in the more trades you will receive.  It is not necessary to send a card straight away, you might want to go through the hints and tip sheet first if you not really sure what its all about.  Keep sending in your cards and you will keep receiving ATC’s back, this is known as trading your cards.  When you receive your ATC’s you can contact the creator if you like their work and want to know how it has been created, or you may simply want to establish pen pals with people who share the same interest as you.  Hopefully we will be able to arrange our own ATC club get-together.  It is a way of meeting people with something in common.  Of course you may simply wish to join for the creative input – as you will receive lots of cards, always different.  Keep your ATC’s in a safe place, so when you are stuck for inspiration go through your collection for ideas.

How do I Join?

Simply send a letter clearly marked “Leonie Pujol’s ATC Club” c/o Topaz Crafts,  Dawn Bibby Design Studio, Market Street, Church,  Near Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 0DP.  The club membership fee is just 5.00 per annum – please send a cheque or postal order, made payable to Leonie Pujol with your letter.  Make sure you clearly print your name and address on your letter.  If you send an ATC with your letter, you will receive your first trade with your welcome pack.

After you have joined all you need to do is keep sending in your cards – please include a stamped self-addressed envelope each time.  Leonie will keep a database of the people sending in the cards, and the card they receive in return.  This way you should always receive a trade from someone new.  This is obviously dependant upon the amount of people in the club, and how many cards have been received.  You will, however, always receive a trade for your work.  You card may be held until another card is received to trade it with, so please do not worry if you do not receive anything back straight away.  If you have any queries please email Leonie at: infotopazcrafts.co.uk