ATC tips for beginners

[Bearuh girl]

What are your tips for beginners? Here are my tips:

ATC are usually 2.5x3.5 in size.
Most people mail them with protective card sleeves. It really gives them a professional touch!
Make friends on Monday Artday...Then you can trade with them!

[Mariana Musa]

Ok, I'm a complete newbie as far as ATCs are concerned, so what paper/card should we use to draw or paint on? Cheers! Mariana

[Bearuh girl]

I recommend thick paper.. like as thick and sturdy as a business card.. or watercolor paper (does not have to be used JUST for water color!). Pretty much whatever you want..I have even seen ATCs made out of Pottery!!! The skys the limit.

[Mariana Musa]

Thank you! I shall get to work!

[Mim Stella]

I purchased some premade ATC blank cards from somewhere and have been using them. I just found out this morning that they are smaller than the "required" size, they are about 2.25 x 3.25. Disappointed but oh well. When I cut out some new ATC's using a template, I compared against the premade ones and was surprised. So beware - you may have 0.25 less inches of artwork!

[JC]

I saw the following template posted for making the best use of 8.5 x 11 in. cardstock:
http://www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/tcdiag.htm

It allows you to get ten 2.5 x 3.5 in. cards (instead of the usual nine I had been making). Simple solution that I hadn't thought of before.

[pascal K.]

My ATC´s are 10 x 7 centimeters, that is 3,94 x 2,76 inches, so it was easier for me to make 9 ATC´s and use the whole sheet of paper. Is that a problem?

[pascal K.]

the paper thickness is 94 lbs or 200 gramm/squaremeters

[Mim Stella]

I don't think it's a problem - it was confusing to me that there are different sizes, but oh well...

[Katherine]

I looked in a lot of diiferent stores and i can't find sleeves to protect the ATC.... Where do you get those??? I tried Toys R Us, Zellers, games shop... nothing!!.. duh..

[JC]

I believe you can get them online at Amazon.com or you can try doing a google search for 2.5 x 3.5 trading card plastic sleeve protectors. If it's a U.S. based company, you can check if they ship international. I used to be able to get them at a local Toys R Us but they tell me they are now only available on their online store (I couldn't find them though). Maybe if there's a baseball card/hobby store near you they might have them there. Just a few suggestions.

[Katherine]

wow, thanks everyone for the answers! I'll check that out :) thanks!

[JC]

Hi Moony, Brian posted a link above for the personal sleeves template. Check it out and have fun creating your own ATC envelopes! =)