This past month, my local craft store, beau Q Creations, released its newest paper collection, Cherished Chapters. To celebrate the launch, they hosted a Book-Themed Artists Trading Card Swap. You could use anything from your stash but it must be book-themed. I love creating vintage collage ATCs, so I felt like this was a creative invitation I couldn’t resist.
I got to work creating a series little vintage collage ATCs, each one inspired by the romantic feeling of epic stories found in well-loved books.
My Process
I started by trimming my paper to the standard ATC size of 2.5″ x 3.5″. To build texture, I ran each piece through a scripty word embossing folder. Then I lightly swept the Lost Shadow Distress Ink pad over the raised lettering so the words would softly stand out from the background. To deepen that vintage feel, I distressed the edges with Vintage Photo Distress Oxide.
Next, I cut and tore small pieces from the Cherished Chapters collection, carefully arranging them until each tiny composition felt just right. I tucked in images from the Tim Holtz Idea-ology Photo Booth pack and layered strips of Tim Holtz Cello Sticker Tape to enhance the aged, collage aesthetic. The yellowed transparent tape adds just enough sheen and nostalgia to make the cards feel like keepsakes pulled from an old journal.
To finish off each ATC, I stamped some sentiments from the Waffle Flower Book Trio sentiment set. A few of the phrases were even stamped on the coordinating Waffle Flower Book Trio die cuts. The sentiments tied everything together, reinforcing the book theme while adding to the vintage, romantic feel I was trying to achieve.
Looking Forward to the Trade
I am proud of the ATCs I will be trading this month and can’t wait to see what I get from other talented crafters in our beau Q crew. There is something so special about exchanging handmade art. I will be sure to update this post to share the beautiful creations that make their way to me.