Collaborative Trade Dates and Steps

7 @ Collaborative ATC Trade

Okie dokie. Here are the 7 steps and their due dates for our September trade. You will always be delivering your cards to the same person on the due date.

1. June 14th - Backgrounds: Make enough of the same background for 9-10 cards, and cut it into ATC size pieces. You are selecting the substrate for the card...paper, fabric, mat board, etc. You can also add color in the medium of your choice, or a stamped pattern...or? All the final cards should be the same and should be delivered to your trade partner along with a description of the materials used, so they can move on knowing what is compatible to add. The extra cards are for experimenting.

2. June 28th - Focal Point: I took a workshop from Judy Wise that involved collage...she said "you can't go wrong with a mysterious woman and two other less important focal points". So for her the focal point of the composition was a mysterious woman. On our ATC's it is the image or element where we want our viewers to dwell...this is the message image.

3. July 12th - The Words: These are the words or word that help tell the story of our focal image. Create your own poetry or add a quote you love that works. Sometimes it is just a word. Of course the other creative elements here are choosing the presentation of the words, typography, hand printing, etc.

4. July 26th - Embellishment: Add a 3-D something to the cards you receive. This can be a bit of bling, or a bit of string, but it should support the focal image and the words.

5. August 9th - Edges: I love this new category! Edges can really frame a card and finish it off. So use a leafing pen, deckle them, embroider 'em with a blanket stitch, or glue or sew on seam binding...whatever, but find a way to finish off the edges of the cards.

6. August 23rd - Envelope Design: Design the protective envelope or sleeve to present the card. We'll be bringing ideas to share, and there are plenty on the internet. It should fit in with the design of the finished cards.

7. September 6th - Envelope Enhancements: Make additions to the envelopes with embellishments or words or ?, that just tie the whole concept together, or give a hint of what's inside, etc.

Sometime in September after the 6th we will get together to view our creations. Last time we passed in alphabetical order by first names, this time we will pass in alpha order based on last names.

Donna Allen passes to Maryan
Maryan Anderson passes to Pattie
Pattie Anderson passes to Meredith
Meredith Draper passes to Beverley
Beverley Fraser passes to Rosie
Rosie Hill passes to Pamela
Pamela Vosseller passes to Donna

Everyone will end up doing all 7 steps...just on seven different cards. Let me know if any problems come up on due dates, etc. You can mail or hand deliver your cards, work it out with your trading partner. Embrace the challenge!