Do you ever make ATCs (Artist Trading Cards)? I've done a few, but I must admit that I'm nowhere near expert status in creating and trading these little gems. My primary experience has been to make them for a swap at a few retreats. Last summer our assignment was to create something that represented our home state. Well, what better than a gecko! Afterall, we have them all over our backyard!
So, took out my Critters Stamp & Stitch set and sure enough, the gecko fit perfectly on the card. (All ATCs are 2.5x3.5" in size.) I stamped it in Ranger Distress Ink, pierced the holes for the ridge along the back, then, instead of stitching, I decided to do Tricia Morris' faux stitching technique. This involves using an erasable pen to create the "stitches", then adding embossing powder for the raised effect. What I forgot was that Distress ink stays wet much longer than regular dye ink, so when I sprinkled the pewter embossing powder on the ridge, it created little speckles all over the gecko! That's what I call a happy accident! You can't really tell in the scan, but the result is a shimmery look that I just love. I finished it off by stippling teal & copper ink on the background and added AZ (for Arizona, of course!) in copper diecut letters.
If you like ATCs, you'll have a couple of opportunities to see a whole collection of them soon. For you retailers, be sure to stop by our CHA booth #5080 in Anaheim in February. And if you live in New Mexico, you'll want to be sure to check out a brand new store in Farmington next week. Altered Art Memories is having their grand opening celebration next Friday, January 25th, and our very own Donna Kauffroath will be there to share her knowledge and expertise with our products. Altered Art Memories carries our full line, so if you see something on our website, you're sure to be able to find it there.
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