Beginner's - ArtTrader Magazine

Art TRADER
m a g a z i n e
The card is basically done, but I’ll sometimes add a
transparency layer. I cut a piece to size, and I staple it
to the face of the ATC with colored staples.
I like this technique, because while the ATC stays
relatively flat, the transparency on top of the paper
towel adds a weird “shadowbox” effect to the card—
and with 4 or more layers of paper and images
underneath, the transparency layer gives the work a
little depth as well as an antiqued finish.
Occasionally, I’ll use copper foil tape to hold down the
transparency instead of staples, but I try to mix it up. In
this set of cards, I’ll use machine sewing on two, and
copper tape on the other two so that the cards have
one technique that’s a little more time-consuming, not
both.
Despite all of these steps in my card making, I really
do love other artists’ distinctive style. Sometimes, the
simplest of collage cards appeal to me, and sometimes
a watercolor really knocks my socks off! I trade for all
sorts of ATCs, but when making my own cards, I like
the satisfaction I get from making such a tiny piece of
art as layered and detailed as possible.
Every once in a while I’ll have a fellow artist tell me
that she can recognize my style without turning a
card over to find my name—and this is the greatest
compliment I could ever receive. I like to think I have
my own distinctive style, and that is also what I find
most appealing in the cards I collect from other artists.
Art is a vital, empowering part of my life. What I love most about mail art is that anyone can find the
confidence to embrace their own talents and create their own style, and I enjoy the inclusive nature of
online mail art trading communities and art blogs.
Now that my studio space affords me the room and natural light I need, I spend more time creating—which
relaxes me, challenges me, and entertains me. I host more mail art swaps, I make more ATCs, and I am
starting to branch out into creating larger works of altered art. It’s wonderful to have no more spiders in my
art supplies or paint flaking off cellar walls onto my projects. Regardless of where my little family ends up
in the future, I don’t think I’ll be willing to relegate my art to the cellar ever again.
The artist, Miss (on ATCsforAll.com), is hosting the aforementioned medically/anatomically-themed ATC
swap at www.atcsforall.com.
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