Have you ever wondered why anyone would use an altered playing card for their next mixed media art card, atc or miniature art project?
What’s so special about using playing cards?
Here are some thoughts about using a standard playing card as a base for your artwork:
- playing cards are a different surface to work on
- they are nice and thick, some are even heavier than cardstock
- cards are coated
- the back is already decorated
- if you’re creating an atc (artist trading card) or aceos (art cards, editions & originals), they are the perfect size at 2.5″ x 3.5″
- you can buy a really good quality deck of cards for $5 or so and you have 52 cards to alter into your next project
This all started when I was brainstorming ideas for the next ATC swap to host and I wanted to use the theme of “52 pickup” with playing cards as the base. I called out to my friend Carol to give me a hand with narrowing down some ideas and she came back with some really good ones.
Thanks Carol!
The first theme was “things I loved doing this year” and for the altered playing card I was working on, that was “texture”. I’ve already explored texture in all forms and pushed them pretty far so I created a set of three art cards, this one is the first, the other two will be posted over the next two weeks.
When I was thinking how I would work with my altered playing card as the first video lesson, I started with the following textures:
- gel skin
- crackle paint
- buttons
The thing to note is when you work with an altered playing card, it just needs a bit of extra prep work with gesso, since the cards are coated. A tip: gesso a bunch of cards at once to save time.
Working with an altered playing card did have its challenges when I didn’t quite use enough gesso and that’s instantly fixed with a layer of medium.
Running my fingers over the card, I felt the texture that was there and where I could add even more.
- curling the heart so it lifts off the card
- the slight wrinkle of the gel skin
- the buttons
- the crackle paint
- the gesso brush strokes
- and even the quote
The only thing left to do on the card is to apply a label on the back with the title, date and my name.
As with all the projects, if you want to adapt this to something else, such as a greeting card, postcard or large art, you only need to adjust the size of the elements and even that is totally up to you.
Altered Playing Card as an ATC
What did you think?
Thinking of this project as an idea hub, what other ways could you use this altered playing card? Please share your comments below.
Other Similar Posts You Might Be Interested In:
Here’s a Quick Art Idea to Make an ATC with Buttons and Burlap
If you find yourself with little time to create, but you have a strong desire to make something, give this project a try. You’ll need about 30 minutes, so turn off your notifications so you’re not distracted by social media and put on your favourite music.
Do You Already Know the Answer? Artist Trading Card Project
If you find yourself with little time to create, but you have a strong desire to make something, give this project a try. You’ll need about 30 minutes, so turn off your notifications so you’re not distracted by social media and put on your favourite music.
Introduction to Artist Trading Cards
Here’s a video explaining everything you need to know about Artist Trading Cards aka ATC’s.
[…] first tutorial where you learned about altered playing cards, the focus was on crackle paint and buttons. In this altered playing card tutorial, the focus […]
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I like this all your stuff is great
Thank you Sheila,
Wow so many chances to be blessed. Totally amazing.
Glad you like it Debby.
Beautiful. I was told my comment was too short. LOL
Thanks Patricia,
I view your videos all the time. So helpful to a beginner!
Glad you are enjoying the videos and that they are helping you.
I have a collection of buttons and am always trying to think of ways to use them. ATC’s seem to be one answer. love it
you could also make a flower garden with them 🙂
Unfortunately, playing cards in that size are, ehm, delightfully overpriced here, to put it politely. I *still* want a pack though to test on!
I will send you some on Monday Nora.
Nora, congrats… this ATC will be making its way to you tomorrow. Joe picked your name from the comments! Hope you like it,
Another inspiring video! Wow!
Thanks Maggie, glad you enjoyed it.
I am so enjoying your videos so that I can learn to make atcs.
Glad to hear it Susan.. ATC’s can be so much fun!
I love the buttons. It’s such a cute touch. One more item that I can’t throw away!!LOL
LOL Laura.. yes, don’t throw buttons away, but don’t accumulate too many without using them 🙂