Penpals, Scrapbookers, Postcard Artists and Other Creative Types

[Orema]

I do most of my artwork on the computer. Very similar to what I did for my postsecret project.

Would that be acceptable for the ATC project? If not, I'd understand but would like to drop out because I'm just not inspired to do any hand art. I went into Michael's yesterday and realized the hand art just wasn't moving me.

Let me know what y'all think. I can always join in on another project, providing I haven't waited too late to drop out.

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by Orema

I do most of my artwork on the computer. Very similar to what I did for my postsecret project.

Would that be acceptable for the ATC project? If not, I'd understand but would like to drop out because I'm just not inspired to do any hand art. I went into Michael's yesterday and realized the hand art just wasn't moving me.

Let me know what y'all think. I can always join in on another project, providing I haven't waited too late to drop out.

It's not too late to drop out if that's your choice. You have until the 3rd to do so.

As a general rule, our craft exchanges are handmade. I went to Wikipedia for the definition of artist trading card and this is what it says:

Artist trading cards (ATCs) are miniature artworks about the same size as modern trading cards or baseball cards,[1] or 2 1⁄2 by 3 1⁄2 inches (64 mm × 89 mm),[2] small enough to fit inside standard card-collector pockets, sleeves or sheets.[3] When sold, they are usually referred to as art cards, editions, and originals (ACEOs). Popularized in 1996, 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 fiber. The cards are usually traded or exchanged.

M. Vänçi Stirnemann is credited in many circles with popularizing the modern artist trading card in 1996,[5] holding trading sessions in Zurich, Switzerland. This resurgence of interest in the cards spawned the ACEO movement.

Although it tips to handmade techniques, I'm not opposed to computer work. I'd say do you but don't be afraid to try something new too. Maybe some embellishments on the card post print? It will be harder, I think, to personalize them through the computer but I'm excited to see what you can come up with.

[candy_coated_bitch]

Originally Posted by nycfem

Betwinchies are the same concept as an inchie only it is a 1 1/2 inch square.

Twinchies are the same concept as an inchie only it is 2 inches squared.

Rinchies are the same concept as an inchie only it is a circle of one inch diameter. A 1 inch circle punch works well.

I'm torn between twinchies and micros. Maybe I'll do a twinchie and a matching baby! I think I just had my moment of inspiration!

[candy_coated_bitch]

Originally Posted by Orema

I do most of my artwork on the computer. Very similar to what I did for my postsecret project.

Would that be acceptable for the ATC project? If not, I'd understand but would like to drop out because I'm just not inspired to do any hand art. I went into Michael's yesterday and realized the hand art just wasn't moving me.

Let me know what y'all think. I can always join in on another project, providing I haven't waited too late to drop out.

Here's what I think. I am inclined to believe that ATCs and their various iterations should be hand made. For reasons being they can be quite time consuming to make a bunch of multiples and it's much easier to just hit print eight times.

However, we are being very loose in our interpretation of ATC this round. So perhaps a digital ATC could work. I could be down with some digital art as long as I felt like you took time to be creative and expressive with it. Which I believe you would be. So I think my ultimate vote is yes to dgital art, but bring your A game.

[Orema]

Originally Posted by candy_coated_bitch

Here's what I think. I am inclined to believe that ATCs and their various iterations should be hand made. For reasons being they can be quite time consuming to make a bunch of multiples and it's much easier to just hit print eight times.

However, we are being very loose in our interpretation of ATC this round. So perhaps a digital ATC could work. I could be down with some digital art as long as I felt like you took time to be creative and expressive with it. Which I believe you would be. So I think my ultimate vote is yes to dgital art, but bring your A game.

Thanks for your input, CCB.

I'm gonna pass this time but will catch up with y'all on another project.

Here's the updated list of participants:

1. Gemme
2. nycfem/Jennifer
3. CCB
4. Breathless
5. Bèsame*
6. GeorgiaMa'am
7. Katniss
8.

Ciao for now.

[nycfem]

Originally Posted by Orema

Thanks for your input, CCB.

I'm gonna pass this time but will catch up with y'all on another project.

Here's the updated list of participants:

1. Gemme
2. nycfem/Jennifer
3. CCB
4. Breathless
5. Bèsame*
6. GeorgiaMa'am
7. Katniss
8.

Ciao for now.

There's still time to rethink dropping out. Please do consider, as "variety is the spice of life." Digital art is the wave of the future, and I'd be totally curious to see what you came up with! Probably some of us don't really know what you mean, so it would give us a chance to see that style. And we are a nonjudgmental crowd. Just a thought!

[Orema]

Originally Posted by nycfem

There's still time to rethink dropping out. Please do consider, as "variety is the spice of life." Digital art is the wave of the future, and I'd be totally curious to see what you came up with! Probably some of us don't really know what you mean, so it would give us a chance to see that style. And we are a nonjudgmental crowd. Just a thought!

Thanks, nycfem. My hand art is more time consuming than my computer art, though both would pass muster. I'm concerned about the time I would need and would feel rushed with my other possible commitments. So I'm dropping out.

I thought it would be more manageable for me when I joined, but I can see it won't be. I appreciate the time givien for a second thought.

Will catch y'all on another project.

[GeorgiaMa'am]

Originally Posted by Orema

Thanks, nycfem. My hand art is more time consuming than my computer art, though both would pass muster. I'm concerned about the time I would need and would feel rushed with my other possible commitments. So I'm dropping out.

I thought it would be more manageable for me when I joined, but I can see it won't be. I appreciate the time givien for a second thought.

Will catch y'all on another project.

I'm sorry you're dropping out, Orema. I was really looking forward to your contribution, especially after seeing your postsecret, which I found very moving and artistic. I completely understand about time, though.

I'm glad you brought up the computer art issue, though, thank you. I am planning to use some computer art in my ATCs also. I was going on the advice of the videos that Gemme posted, wherein at least a couple of times it was mentioned that there are no rules, other than (1) they have to be a certain size, and (2) you can't sell them. So I hope that's okay. I'm on my way now to do some photography that I want to use in this project, and it will be digitized.

[Gemme]

That sounds lovely, Georgia.

[Breathless]

I too, am sad to see Orema drop out, and I too feel like I need to say something. This group is about inclusion, and art comes in all forms some people don't feel like they are good enough to make the grade, myself included at times. To avoid the hit print 8 times simply stating each is to be individual and original? The medium to be used was not stated like Besame's 90 % paper on the sun project, and since they are supposed to be Artist trading cards, I truly don't want to limit their means of expression.

[Orema]

Originally Posted by Breathless

I too, am sad to see Orema drop out, and I too feel like I need to say something. This group is about inclusion, and art comes in all forms some people don't feel like they are good enough to make the grade, myself included at times. To avoid the hit print 8 times simply stating each is to be individual and original? The medium to be used was not stated like Besame's 90 % paper on the sun project, and since they are supposed to be Artist trading cards, I truly don't want to limit their means of expression.

Breathless, I can't make this happen without stressing out. I was going to start with computer art and add to it, but the only way I can do them by the deadline, with my current commitments, is to mass produce relying mostly on the computer and I really don't want to do that. And I'm not feeling the hands-on approach either (laughing at myself).

I also have a chance to do some freelance work on Valentine's Day weekend so that's one less weekend for me to work on this project. I really didn't think this out properly but will next time.

It works out for me and I'm not penalized for leaving early and I know I'm welcome to join another project.

[clay]

Orema...I am sad that you have to drop out of this one. I totally understand stress & deadlines...so respect your decision. Besides, there will be a lot more awesome projects down the pike....so come on back ...

I really am enjoying your postsecret card.....way cool. That is what I like about this group....so different, so creative, and so much artistic expression....I am always so excited to get the finished project at hand....makes me smile for days....

Originally Posted by Orema

Breathless, I can't make this happen without stressing out. I was going to start with computer art and add to it, but the only way I can do them by the deadline, with my current commitments, is to mass produce relying mostly on the computer and I really don't want to do that. And I'm not feeling the hands-on approach either (laughing at myself).

I also have a chance to do some freelance work on Valentine's Day weekend so that's one less weekend for me to work on this project. I really didn't think this out properly but will next time.

It works out for me and I'm not penalized for leaving early and I know I'm welcome to join another project.

[Gemme]

Updated list of participants:

1. Gemme
2. nycfem/Jennifer
3. CCB
4. Breathless
5. Bèsame*
6. GeorgiaMa'am
7. Katniss
8.
9.

We should hear soon about clay but I'm crossing my fingers that she will be able to participate, so that would make at least 14 pieces (7x2). Again, if you'd like to make a series versus a pairing, you are more than welcome to do so but please remember that not everyone will be able to do so given the tight deadline.

The project MUST be postmarked on February 29th. This is not the project to be late.

Be creative, have fun and do you!

[Bèsame*]

All things are good !

Please add Clay! She wants to join us!

I can't copy and paste on my phone.

[Gemme]

1. Gemme
2. nycfem/Jennifer
3. CCB
4. Breathless
5. Bèsame*
6. GeorgiaMa'am
7. Katniss
8. clay
9.

[candy_coated_bitch]

Originally Posted by Gemme

1. Gemme
2. nycfem/Jennifer
3. CCB
4. Breathless
5. Bèsame*
6. GeorgiaMa'am
7. Katniss
8. clay
9.

Is this the closed list? This is a great group of people!

[Gemme]

It's the 3rd with no other changes, so this is the official list of participants for the Love/Music Leap Year ATC Challenge!!!!

1. Gemme
2. nycfem/Jennifer
3. CCB
4. Breathless
5. Bèsame*
6. GeorgiaMa'am
7. Katniss
8. clay

All typical rules are in play:

#1. "For 2016, the rule is if one of us is more than a week late or drops out of a project for whatever reason, that person is welcome to continue posting but is not allowed to sign up for a group project again until January 1st, 2017. No exceptions. This rule applies to participants and to wranglers. This rule must be posted at the bottom of all new projects that are being wrangled so that members can thoughtfully consider whether we wish to commit to a new project. And for the purposes of clarification, if someone drops out before the deadline to sign up has been closed then they are not excluded from future projects because they are still following the rules."

#2. Please add $5 for repackaging and postage. I'll send my address to you all later in the month.

#3. Make 7 pairings (or series, if you are so inclined) of any of the following: traditional 2.5x3.5 ATCs, rinchies, twinchies, inchies, minis or micros or a combination thereof.

#4. The theme is love and/or music. It's your interpretation, so be as literal or abstract as you want to be. Any materials are accepted as long as they don't tick and go boom.

#5. The deadline is etched in stone this time: February 29th. Your goodies MUST be postmarked by this date. It's a Monday. Plan accordingly. Those who comply will receive a surprise in their packages. Those who don't will be sad, because not only will they miss out on the surprise, they will be susceptible to rule #1.

Yes, I've made note of the deadline multiple times. Yes, this is the one thing I will be absolutely adamant about in this round. Come Hell or high water, that postmark should say Feb. 29, 2016.

If the 29th comes around and you are not finished, mail them anyway. I'll go Tim Gunn and make it work.

Originally Posted by candy_coated_bitch

Is this the closed list? This is a great group of people!

This is, indeed. I expect to squeal a little when opening the packages. I expect Oliver to look at me like I've lost my ever-loving mind too.

[GeorgiaMa'am]

For those who participated in the Postsecret project, I just wanted to share: Post Secret Live! is coming to Atlanta this Saturday. I just bought my tickets! Thanks for cluing me in to this phenomenon, nycfem.

[Gemme]

I may or may not have lost my ever-loving mind buying crafty goodness this week.

[Bèsame*]

Originally Posted by Gemme

I may or may not have lost my ever-loving mind buying crafty goodness this week.

Your not alone!

I always say...I'm not going to buy anything, I'm going to use what I have. Ha!