An Inspirational Artist Trading Card will Always Make Someone Smile

Personally, when I get store bought cards which is very rarely now, I always wonder what to do with them.  They will usually go into a box for me to collage into some type of mixed media art later on.

BUT when I get a handcrafted card, my heart starts to beat a little faster, my fingers start to touch all the little bumps and ridges and I take in all the beauty in what I’m gazing at.  I LOVE everything handcrafted and even though it’s not always possible, it doesn’t take too much time to create miniature art that can do the same thing.

An Artist Trading Card can be used as a swap, but you can also glue it to folded card stock to make an instant greeting card.  You can also put these into tiny frames or make a stand for it.  You can see other inspirational artist trading cards that I’ve made here and if you’d like to watch an “Introduction to Artist Trading Cards” video, click here and the video will open in another window so you won’t lose your place.

Making an inspirational artist trading card can not only make someone smile, it will make you feel good for creating something that made them smile.  You just need a few supplies and every single element in my design can be substituted for something else.

For example:

• Background was created in Book of Backgrounds #34 and you can use whatever you have on hand, such as card-stock, cardboard packaging or watercolour paper.
• Metal clock can be substituted for a small photo or digital print.
• The “love everything” quote can be created using your computer, favourite font and print on card-stock or heavy paper.
• Burlap can be substituted with scrapbook paper, pieces of cotton, denim, trim, ribbon or other fabric.
• Button… well, who doesn’t have extra buttons lying around!

So you can see how easy it is to take this inspirational artist trading card design and adapt it to something totally unique to your sense of style.

Make an
Inspirational Artist Trading Card

Surface:

• Sanded chalky finish background from Book of Backgrounds 2016 #34

Paint Palette:

• DecoArt SoSoft Fabric Paint
  • Pottery Brown – DSS82
  • Ultra White – DSS36
• DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics
  • Paynes Grey – DMFA20
• DecoArt Metallic Lustre
  • Iced Espresso – ML06C

Prep and Mediums

• DecoArt SoSoft Transparent Medium – DSF1
• DecoArt Media White Gesso – DMM18
• DecoArt Media White Modeling Paste – DMM21
• Americana Decou-Page – Gloss – DS101
• Americana Decou-Page – Matte – DS106

Tools and Accessories

• Application and Texture Tools – DAS221

Brushes

• Royal Aqualon
  • #4, 8 & 10 Shader – R2150
  • 1/2″ Glaze – R2700
• Clear Choice
  • 3/16″ White Bristle Stencil Brush- 1111

Stamps and Pad

• ATC Stamp (optional)

Embellishments and Specialty Items

• Metal Clock Face
• Small Buttons
• Burlap
• Ruler Printed Paper
• Tiny Adhesive Chipboard Quotes (you can print quotes using your computer, printer and cardstock)
• Note:  feel free to substitute and use what you have

General Supplies:

• Royal Brush Square Brush Basin – RD325
• Unstick Reusable Arts and Crafts Sheet
• Mister Bottle Filled with Water
• Paper Towels
• Baby, Kitchen Wipes or Kitchen cloths (for dry rub application)
• Heat Gun
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Hot Glue Gun

Manufacturers

• DecoArt – DecoArt.com
• Royal Brush – RoyalBrush.com
• Unstick – Unstick.ca