Artist Trading Card (ATC)

I've been wanting to make some Artist Trading Cards for a while now...found some great textured cardstock by Strathmore, with matching envelopes so thought I'd give it a try.

If you are not familiar with Artist Trading Cards or ATCs, here's a bit of history:

What are Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)?
Artist trading cards (ATCs) are miniature pieces of art that are traded around the world. Artists create, trade and collect art at organized "swap" events, either in person, online or via mail. It is a great way to meet other artists and share your work. The only official rule for ATCs is the size: 2.5" x 3.5".

How did the movement start?
In 1997, M. Vanci Stirnemann, a Swiss artist, created 1200 cards by hand as part of an exhibit. On the last day, he invited others to create their own cards and trade with him during the closing reception. After that, the movement took off as other artists organized major "swap" events! Today, there are ATC swaps in almost every major city around the world, as well as online.

How do I create ATCs?
You can use any media, materials or techniques as long as your card fits into a standard trading card sleeve. Art can be original, limited edition or series. Artists should include the following information on the back of their cards:

• Name
• Contact Info (email or address)
• Title of piece
• Number if it's part of a series

I had a lot of fun creating my card. I found it to be quick & easy, but at the same time, a bit of a challenge. I loved the fact that I can use all my little scraps since your canvas is only 2.5" x 3.5". So this made it fast to put together. But at the same time, the small size also proved to be a bit of a challenge. For my first try, I was happy with the results. I kept it clean and simple...adding a touch of washi paper, distress ink and smooch ink. Mei Lin was colored with copics - colors used are listed below.

Since these were so fun to make, I'm thinking of starting a ATC Swap!!! What do you think? If you're interested in swapping some ATCs with me, let me know either in the comments of this post, or via email and I'll coordinate it! It will be fun...Join the Movement!!! Create, swap & collect!!!

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Project Ingredients:

ATC Card : Strathmore
Paper: Washi
Inks: Memento, Distress Ink in Spun Sugar
Copics:
Hair - 100, C9, C7, C5
Skin - E50, R20
Clothes - V12, V15
Other - Yr15, YR16, BG11, BG13

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Re-Stock & New Tool from We R Memory Keepers

Sew Easy tool & accessories are re-stocked!

We also have the new Mini Magnet Mat by We R Memory Keepers. A few months ago, we brought in the large magnetic cutting mat - great for scrapbooking and cutting fabric. This time, We R made a mini version that measures 5"x7", perfect for card making and working on smaller cutting projects.

LOVE that it's magnetic, and that it comes with a 6" magnetic ruler. Allows you to "layout" your design first without committing to the glue! Yikes.... don't you hate it when you have to try to "adjust" because the placement was wrong or crooked?

Now you don't have to...the mat works with WE R's magnet posts, strong magnets that will hold your project in place as you design and place your embellishments until you get it just right.

Have a safe 4th of July!

Arigato!

Played with my Sister Stamps - Kiyomi today and made a quick favor box out of gold cardstock.
She was super easy to color up with copics. For a list of colors used, please see below.



































Project Ingredients:
Cardstock: Bazzill Metallic Gold
Stamp: Sister Stamps - Kiyomi
Die: Accucut Box #14
Bling: I-Rock
Washi Paper

Copic Colors:
Hair: 100, C9, C7 & C5
Skin: E50, E53 & R20
Clothes: Y15, Y17, & YR15, R24, R27 & R29

Sister Stamps SOLD OUT!

Wow!!! The debut of Sister Stamps was a GREAT success...we sold out before the day ended! Don't worry, all pre-orders have been filled and either shipped out or available in-store for pick up.

We expect another shipment later in the week, so don't hesitate to take advantage of the 10% off and credit towards the Cove Stamp Club to receive a FREE Sister Stamp! When placing your order online, you will notice in the title *SOLD OUT but taking orders*...we will ship as soon as they are back in stock and notify you via email.

Don't hesitate to call or email me with any questions or concerns. Again, thank you for your continued support and can't wait to see what you create with these Asian Cutie Pies!

Sister Stamps Release & Exciting Stamp Club Info!

Today marks the debut and 1st Release of Sister Stamps!!! Everyone who placed their pre-order for pick-up, please stop by the store, we open at 10am. We have limited quantities in stock after all the pre-orders have been filled, so hurry in to take advantage of the 10% off special that expires on July 5th or while supplies last.
We are so excited to be supporting a fellow crafter and small business owner. Jenny, Denise and their team have really worked hard in making this debut a big success. As a retailer, we really appreciate the "extra mile" you took in making us samples and thank you gifts for our customers. Here at Pineapple Cove, we want to wish you great success and can't wait for the next release scheduled for September.

This leads me to an exciting new program that we are launching called the Cove Stamp Club! We all love stamps....so why not get rewarded for buying what you love? We are launching this program with the release of Sister Stamps. Here are the details:

• Purchase your Sister Stamps either on our webstore or at our Kahala Mall retail location.
• When you've purchased 12 Sister Stamps, you will receive the next Sister Stamp FREE!

Who doesn't love FREE stuff!?! Easy right....? To join, all we need is your name & email address. We will keep track of your Sister Stamp purchases via our database. All pre-orders qualify and automatically enroll you in our Cove Stamp Club.

To join the Cove Stamp Club, simply email us at info@pineapplecovedesigns.com.

Happy Crafting!

Sale Extended!

Due to the great response we've received, we will be extending the Sale for the following items:

Sister Stamps - 10% OFF
Expires 7/5/2011
All Sales Final

1st order sold out in 2 days!
Re-order is arriving on the 30th, so everyone who has placed a pre-order can stop by the store to pick-up their stamps on Friday July 1st. Mail orders are shipped and on their way.



















PSA Self Inking Stamps - 40% Off + $5 shipping
Expires July 15
All Sales Final
Personalized address stamps with interchangeable centers & outer ring. Stamp with style - you're not stuck with just one stamp.

Kiyomi Pre-Order - SOLD OUT!

Wow!!! We've received GREAT response for the new line of stamps by Sister Stamps LLC, releasing on July 1st. So great that the pre-order amount on Kiyomi has SOLD OUT!!

Don't worry, you are still able to take advantage of the pre-order 10% off special on our Pineapple Cove webstore. We've decided to extend the special until July 30th!

Just be aware that any order for Kiyomi from 7/23 6:00pm PST will not be available until after the release date. Don't have an exact ETA yet on when it will be available, but hopefully within a few weeks after July 1st. Will keep you posted with more information as it becomes available.

So HURRY and pre-order your Mei Lin & Mei Li stamps because there's very limited quantities left if you want to get your hands on these when our order gets filled on July 1st.