An inspirational artist trading card can be used for much more than what it’s known for, which is usually swapping.
I prefer to call them pieces of miniature art.
In saying that, do you know of anyone that might need a little pick-me-up? or someone who isn’t feeling well and might have their spirits lifted with a nice card?
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
Here’s What You’ll Need
Surface:
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
Ready to Make This?
What did you think?
What is the strangest combination of materials you’ve used in your artwork? Please share in the comments below.
Love this! Love the buttons and the burlap!
Thank you Maggie!
WOW I really love this one, I might even try to make one similar 🙂
Would love to see a pic!
Love all of this, the back is beautiful. I will be making something similar for my mum. Thank you so much for the inspiration.
Thank you and your Mom will love it.
Congratulations Liz, I’ll be sending this card over to you. I’ve just sent you a private email to get your mailing address. Thanks for playing!
I am rarely lost for words.. They say things always happen in life when you need them to and this is one of those moments. Thank you so much xx
I’m so happy that the card will bring some happiness to you. Sending you happy thoughts ~~~
You always amaze me the combination of things you put together and they come out so beautiful…Thanks ♡
Thank you Cindy
I love the different textures you used.
I happen to have a ton of buttons, so will be trying them on a project soon.
Thank you. Best part, you can make so many different types of things with them.
Absolutely gorgeous. You are so talented. Thank you for sharing!!!
Thank you Paula
Definitely adorable. Sometimes makes me wonder though, what for other people “normal” stuff lying around is, cos I never have these things on hand! Fascinating glimpse into other people’s lives and processes!
it’s all about taking what you have to create something beautiful.
I love the combination of materials. I had never really tried a true mixed media before until the sea glass ATC. Such fun and what a great idea for card making. My sea glass lady is definitely going on a card! You are so very inspiring Gisele. Thank you.
Oh you are very welcome Kathleen. I love the card you made, the colours are so crisp and clean and love the grunge with the cardboard.