New Swap - Tombstone Diorama

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

Hostess: Connie Holso

Sign Up by: September 20, 2016

One for one

Mail to partner by: September 30, 2016

Skill level: 2 - Budding**

I love Halloween - the silly, whimsical, kind of spooky, stuff. When I saw these darling dioramas by Annette I just fell in love and decided we should do a swap like this.

http://annettescreativejourney.blogspot.fr/2012/09/tombstone-trio-tim-holtz-inspired.html

Each participant will make a diorama and post a picture in the album on the PT Gallery site by September 20,2016 . I will randomize the names on September 21, 2016 and only participants who have posted their images will be swapped.  Swappers will mail directly to their partners by September 30, 2016.  If you wish to swap more than one diorama, please let me know via email and post the image of each in the album.

I made a pattern for the shadowbox, including a cutting file for those who have Silhouette machines. There is even an advance copy of the August Blog Freebie in the folder as I included some alternate tombstone shapes in it. You can find it all, plus instructions at the link available in the swap email.

You can, of course. make your own tombstone shaped shadowbox. This is just to help you get started and to help those who are less experienced with making structures. Please try to keep your shadowboxes about the same size: approximately 3.5 to 4 inches x 4.5 to 5 inches when finished.

Please sign up in the database and post your pictures in the album.  See my Pinterest board for ideas.

**2) BUDDING - Participants will be open to trying new ideas and materials, without necessarily being competent yet with their applications

Speed Swap - Cubism

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

Georges Braque

2-for-2 Speed Swap

Skill: 2 - Budding

Sign up by: Aug 15th

Mail out by: Aug 31st

Swap details

This swap covers the era of Cubism which was an art movement led by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque during the early 20th century.  The definition of Cubism is as follows:

In Cubist artwork, objects are analyzed, broken up and reassembled in an abstracted form—instead of depicting objects from one viewpoint, the artist depicts the subject from a multitude of viewpoints to represent the subject in a greater context.   (Wikipedia)

For this swap, we want you to make two pieces of art

in the Cubism style.  Create a picture and cut it into pieces and rearrange the pieces to represent a Cubist creation. Here are couple of links, one is strictly Picasso’s work, the other is a Cubism board in my Pinterest account:

http://tinyurl.com/gpw6fj4

https://www.pinterest.com/magleto/cubism/

We will be swapping two pieces of art,

3.5”x5”size. Notice the size change, a half inch wider.

Sign-up in the database.

Post your Speed Swap Artwork to the swap album.

Each month, on the 1st, we will announce

a theme or technique for your art.

Anyone interested will have until the 15th to

sign up. The list will be randomized,

announced on the 16th,

and you will mail one 3'x5” piece of art directly to each of

the next two people on the list.

A total of two pieces of art each month for the speed swaps.

You don't have to sign up every month,

just when you feel like it or like the theme

or have the time.

We don't anticipate this costing more to mail

as a 3.5”x5” will still fit in a standard note card.

It's approximately $1.20 to mail internationally for

one ATC in a note card envelope. You must be able

to mail internationally to participate in this swap.

New themes will be announced on the 1st of each month.

Thanks!

Halloween MOO Cards

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

An 8 for 8 swap of Moo Cards

Skill level: Budding

Due in hand by October 6th

Hostess: Karla Jackson

PLEASE include an address label and $2 postage.

I will cover postage for those who gift me an extra card.

This swap is for those paper lovers who like tiny bits of art.  A Moo card is 1 X 3 inches.

Although these cards are small...they can be a challenge

You will make 8 cards and must decorate BOTH sides.  There is not much room, but please sign your art!

Use your very best tiny bits of treasure that you have been saving, lace, ribbon, fiber and make an

enchanting bit of Halloween magic in vintage or retro style...nothing cutesy please.

Please make sure that your computer generated images are not distorted or pixilated.

There are lots of domino sized sheets on my Halloween Pinterestboard that you can add lace to make them the correct size.

Sign up in the database

Post pictures of your work in the album.

New Swap - Halloween Haunted House

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

Hostess: Heather Maxwell

4 for 3 (see definition)

Sign up by: August 25^th

Due in hand by: September 25th

Skill level: budding

For this swap you will be making three sections of a haunted house by following the template provided.  Please use a medium weight chip board, covered on both sides with Halloween paper.  Each section will have an ‘inside’ and an ‘outside’.  I will add the fourth section for everyone, that being the graveyard (can’t have a haunted house without that!).  When all the sections reach me I will take three sections from separate artists, add the fourth, and bind them into a stand up house you can use for Halloween decorating.  You will receive a house made up of sections created by other swap artists. On August 26^th I’ll do a random drawing of all signed up swappers.  The winner will get a prize package of Halloween themed craft goodies!

A few guidelines:

·         Please use the template so that everyone’s pieces will fit together

·         Print out on 8.5x11 sheet of paper and transfer to medium weight chip board (like heavy cereal box), decorate with colorful Halloween papers (orange, black, purple, green…)

·         Leave about ¼” on each side clear of any important design elements, to allow for binding

·         These will fold flat for shipping and storage so try to have dimensional items no taller than 1/8”

·         Sign each of your three sections

·         For each section, have one side represent the outside portion of the house while the other side is the interior

·         Please sign up by Aug 25^th to be entered in the prize drawing

·         Please have your finished work to me by September 25^th to allow time to bind and ship everything so it gets to you in time for holiday decorating

·         Include a decent sized return address label and $4 postage (US) $6 (international)

I hope everyone will join in for some Halloween fun.  I know it may seem a bit early but I wanted to leave plenty of time for everyone to do their best work and to be able to get it turned around to you before you start to decorate for the holiday.

Sign up in the database.

Add your photos to the album.

Get inspired HERE.

New Swap: My Stuff/ Your Stuff

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

The 5th (annual-ish) My Stuff/Your Stuff Swap 2016

2-for-2 ATC swap

Any theme

Skill Level: 2 - Budding

Sign-up deadline is July 22nd

Partners announced July 24th

Supply mail out deadline: August 1st

ATC mail back deadline: August 22nd

It’s time for our 5th (annual-ish) My Stuff/Your Stuff Swap!!

How this swap started - an excerpt from our first one:

"One of the benefits of hosting swaps is all the wonderful ephemera that the participants send along with their art. I always get inspired because it makes me think outside of my supply world and the things I usually am drawn to. Some of my favorite pieces have been made almost entirely from someone else's supplies."

I think most of us feel the same way and since this has always been a favorite within Paper Traders, let’s do it again.

1. Sign up by July 22nd in the Database.

2. I will randomly assign everyone a partner and post it here on July 24th.

3. By August 1st, mail your partner a #9 or #10 (standard letter) envelope of supplies and ephemera. Don't buy anything special; just raid your stash of nice quality ephemera (nothing too bulky, to keep postage costs low).

4.  Make two ATCs using the supplies you receive from your partner. Yes, you can incorporate a LITTLE of your own supplies, but really try to use your partners supplies as much as possible to keep the spirit of the swap.

5. Mail back your two ATCs to your partner by August 22nd. You get to keep whatever supplies are still left over.

6. Don't forget to post photos of your ATCs in the project album here.

And please leave a comment on your photo mentioning whose supplies you used.

Hope you will all join us in this fun Paper Traders tradition!

Gluebook Swap: Autumn

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

Autumn Gluebook Swap

Hostess: Karla Jackson

AUTUMN....VINTAGE GLUE BOOK SEASONS due September 22!

Lets do something fun and easy!

Glue books may appear simple at first glance - no ink, no stamps, no embellishments, nothing but paper - but a good glue book page has balanced composition, a cohesive color scheme, and a story to tell.  (While this defines a proper Glue book page...’personally’ I do not mind using some extras like ink and stamps or flat embellishments.) Use your best vintage papers - old ledger sheets, book pages, vintage dictionary pages, sheet music, labels from old crochet threads, postage stamps to create the backgrounds first. A torn strip of text, a torn strip of map or floral wall paper, maybe some torn sheet music. Once those are dry and flat, start going through old images to select your main statements.  I try to keep my main elements to three maybe four.  You do not want the page to be so busy that your eye does not know where to come to rest.  Everything is offset slightly to the right because holes will be punched along the left margins so that they can be bound into a binder or a book.

DETAILS: A 3 for 3 swap.  Decorate THREE 4X6 Vintage Glue Book pages in each season as they arrive, Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter.  The backs need to be signed and also decorated somewhat nicely.  At the end of the year you will have 12 beautiful pages to bind into a keepsake book.

The swap will be announced in each season so you can sign up.

Mail your pages to me along with $2 and an address label, please do not forget the label as it makes swap out day so much quicker.  International swappers can include an extra page for me and I will cover return postage.

Sign up in the database.

Post your photos in the Album.

Information and lots of eye candy at these links:

MY Pinterest board:https://www.pinterest.com/mzpeach/glue-book-pages/

http://gingersnapcreations.blogspot.com/2011/10/mary-green-fun-with-vintage-gluebooks.html

https://www.flickr.com/groups/your_vintage_gluebook/pool/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/juniperberry24/page1

http://greenpaper.typepad.com/green/

http://greenpaper.typepad.com/photos/free_downloads/

http://www.gauchealchemy.com/2012/05/04/blended-paper-backgrounds-image-transfer-technique-postcards/

New Swap: Bathing Beauties

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

Vintage Bathing Beauties Tissue Tube Swap

4-for-4 Pages (Tags with Sleeves) 

Hostess:  Connie Holso 

Sign Up by:  July 15, 2016

Due In Hand by:  August 15, 2016

Skill level:  2 - Budding**

For this swap you will make 4 similar tags with sleeves. Make your tags and sleeves in a vintage beach theme with vintage bathing beauties. No restrictions on color other than to make them have a soft sepia or hand-colored look. Feel free to add soft color to old photos or use them in sepia tone.

The sleeves will be made from empty bathroom tissue tubes. Do NOT punch or bind your tags or sleeves; I will swap them, add covers, and bind them into little books for you. If you participated in one of my previous Tube Book Swaps this will be similar with just a few variations. 

INSTRUCTIONS:  

SLEEVES: Flatten the tissue tubes and crease edges. Measure the end of the flattened tube and double it. Cut a piece of cardstock about 1-1/2 inches by that doubled measurement. Fold in half so it is 1-1/2 by the width of the flattened tube. Make one of these the end cap hinges for each sleeve. Adhere to tube overlapping about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of one open end of tube. Glue the end cap together so tag will not go beyond end of tube when inserted into /sleeve. Please do not embellish end caps with any bulky items as I will need to be able to insert them into my binder for punching and binding. Do NOT punch them; I will do that when I bind them so that the holes all line up. Using a vintage beach theme, decorate the sleeves by covering with decorative paper, paint, inks, etc.

TAGS: Your tags should be a bit longer than the sleeves but with not more than about an inch beyond the sleeve. They will need to be a bit narrower than the tubes so they easily slide in and out. (You will want to check this before decorating.) Using a vintage beach theme, decorate the tags. Add a tab or ribbons to pull them out of the sleeves. Be sure to sign your work so others know who made them. 

Mail your creations along with $6.00 for return shipping to reach me by August 15, 2016.

Speed Swap #25 - Art With Maps

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

Art with Maps

Speed Swap #25

2-for-2 ATC swap

Skill: 2 - Budding

Sign up by: Jul 15th

Partners announced: Jul 16th

Mail out by: Jul 31st

Since it is summer time for lots of our members and traveling is in our plans (hope all of our Southern Hemisphere members will forgive us), our speed swap this month will be creating art with maps.  Use a map creatively for your background or challenge yourself and create something out of your map paper that can be used in your art.

Each month, on the 1st, we will announce a theme or technique for your art.  Anyone interested will have until the 15th to sign up. The list will be randomized, announced on the 16th, and you will mail one 3.5'x5” piece of art directly to each of the next two people on the list. A total of two pieces of art each month for the speed swaps.  You don't have to sign up every month, just when you feel like it or like the theme or have the time.

We don't anticipate this costing more to mail as a 3.5”x5” will still fit in a standard note card.  It's approximately $1.20 to mail internationally for one ATC in a note card envelope. You must be able to mail internationally to participate in this swap.

New themes will be announced on the 1st of each month.

New Swap: Sunny Sunflowers

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

Sunny Sunflowers 

3 for 3 ATC Swap

Skill Level: #3 - Blossoming

Due In Hand: July 20th

Hostess: Debra Claxton

Let’s have fun with sunflowers: hand-painted, hand-drawn, or collaged with original paper pieces you create. This swap is a level #3 - Blossoming, because the idea is to get in touch with your inner Van Gogh and do something original. For the sunflower(s)- please do not use stock or pre-printed sunflowers from a commercial source…instead share your own unique “interpretation”. Everyone can draw or paint a sunflower!! Feel free to add other things to your card; quotes, embellishments, extra images, and layers of texture. It is OK if these extra images and bits are from your stash of pre-printed / collected items. Have fun and get messy!

Sign up in the database.

Inspiration can be found here:

https://www.pinterest.com/debclaxton/sunflowers/

Post images of your cards in the Album.

Details:

- Mail out in time for cards to be in-hand on July 20th

- Please send $1 for flat cards or $2 for cards with charms/buttons, etc…

- International players - No ephemera or $$. I love an extra card instead! 

- Send a large address label or business card sized slip of paper w/address 

- Mail to: Debra Claxton

New Swap: Steampunk Summer

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

Steampunk  Summer ATC Swap

3 for 3

Skill level – Budding and upwards

Due in hand by 21st August 2016

I love all things Steampunk, so I’m very happy to announce a new ATC swap with this theme. Anything goes, but all ATCs should have something metal or metallic on them somewhere. Please make 3 ATCs and mail them to Mel D. at the address in the database and I will send you back 3 other people’s works of art.

Anyone in the UK, please send an SAE. Overseas swappers can include ephemera, an extra ATC or $5, whichever you prefer.

Please sign up in the database. 
And Post pictures of your masterpieces in the Album.

New Swap: Floral Headpiece

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

Floral Headpiece ~ ATC Swap

3 for 3 ATC's

Skill Level - #3 Blossoming

In HAND by- July 13th

Hosted By - Nikki Smith

Super excited to announce this new Swap, "Floral Headpiece"!  With spring here and summer right around the corner I was thinking FLOWERS!  For this swap you will need to create 3 ATC’s.  Each card should have a face profile of a woman or child and for the fun part you will create a beautiful floral headpiece.  You can use paper flowers, printed, painted ones or even make your own. You may even want to use glitter and tiny ribbons too!   For an added element please add an inspiring word to your card. This swap is a level #3 (see below) because there should be a lot of detail put into your headpiece, lots of opportunity to use different materials. Have fun!

The rest is up to you.  Whatever moves and inspires you. :)

Please sign up in the gallery database and post your photos to the gallery album.

I have created a board on Pinterest for some beautiful examples

https://www.pinterest.com/nikkithings/floral-head-pieces-atc/

Details:

·3 for 3 ATC

·Please include an address label and $2 for return postage.  International participants may send $3.

If cards are heavy and have embellishments on them please add $1 more.

·Due in HAND by July 13th

3) BLOSSOMING - Geared toward the artist who is comfortable with most techniques, willing to try new methods and take risks, and include a varied range of techniques and materials, as well as fielding Q&A from group members about their artistic process.

New Swap: As Time Goes By

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

As Time Goes By

3-for-3 ATC Swap

Skill: 1 - Sprouting

Due in hand by: December 20th

Hosted by: Mel Dunkley

As the new year approaches, this is a 3-for-3 ATC Swap with a theme of "Time". You can interpret this any way you wish, but each ATC should feature a saying or quote about time e.g. "time flies"; "time is of the essence"; "the times they are a-changing"; "a stitch in time saves nine"; "time and tide wait for no man". There are hundreds of them!

Please send your 3 ATCs to me by 20th December 2015. UK players please send SAE. Overseas players can send $5, ephemera or an extra ATC to cover postage.

Skill Level: 1) SPROUTING - Geared toward the artist who has recently begun their journey into mixed media, these swaps are open to all group members, regardless of experience. Participation is the key - caring and sharing in the spirit of friendship and fun. Every artist needs to understand that contributors to these projects can be of any level of artistic experience.

Speed Swap: "Tin" Anniversary

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

Time for ATC Speed Swap #18!

This month's theme:

Paper Traders 10th Anniversary - Tin / Metal

2-for-2 ATC Swap

Sign-up by: November 15th

Mailing list announced: November 16th

Skill level: 1 - Sprouting

We thought we would let our speed swap this month correspond to our 10th anniversary for those of you who couldn't participate in our bigger anniversary project.

Hallmark says that the gift for the 10th anniversary should be tin or metal items so your two ATCs should include a piece of metal (background or ephemera), foil tape, etc. on it as well as the number 10 (ten).

Each month on the 1st, we will announce a theme or technique for your ATCs. Anyone interested will have until the 15th to sign up. The list will be randomized, announced on the 16th, and you will mail one ATC directly to each of the next two people on the list. A total of two ATCs each month for the speed swaps. You don't have to sign up every month, just when you feel like it or like the theme or have the time.

We'll have brand new creative excitement each month and this will keep postage for each of us to a minimum as long as you don't make bulky ATCs. But of course that will be your choice. It's approximately $1.20 to mail internationally for one ATC in a note card envelope. You must be able to mail internationally to participate in this swap.

Skill Level: 1) SPROUTING - Geared toward the artist who has recently begun their journey into mixed media, these swaps are open to all group members, regardless of experience. Participation is the key - caring and sharing in the spirit of friendship and fun. Every artist needs to understand that contributors to these projects can be of any level of artistic experience.

New Swap: Nesting Dolls

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

Nesting Dolls

3-for-3 ATCs

Skill: 2 - Budding

Mail out by December 12th

Hosted by: Nikki Smith

Super excited to announce this new Swap - "Nesting Dolls"! For this swap you will need to make 3 ATCs. Each card should have 3 matching nesting dolls in 3 different sizes attached on an ATC using a brad to hold all 3 together on the ATC card.  You will need to create your own unique nesting doll. Use paper, paint, watercolors, or whatever mixed-media medium you would like to use.  For a special element, add a quote or message on the ATC so that when you move all 3 to one side, it reveals the message - the rest is up to you... whatever moves and inspires you. :)

Here is a link to Pinterest for ideas.

Please include an address label and $2 for return postage.  International participants may send $3.

Skill Level 2) BUDDING: Participants will be open to trying new ideas and materials, without necessarily being competent yet with their applications. Swap Hosts are encouraged to add the requirement of a technique or process such as creating texture, using crackle paint, doing photo transfers, painting with watercolor, etc.

New Swap: Ave Maria

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

Ave Maria

3-for-3 ATC Swap

Skill: 1 - Sprouting

Due in hands by: December 1st

Hosted by Karla Jackson

The gentle season of love will soon be with us again.  For this swap we will make 3 ATCs showing adoration between mother and child. While I had in mind the classic image of Mary and Jesus, any depiction will do as long as it is mother and child. You can use a painting from an old master, a Christmas postage stamp, a Russian icon, a gentle image from an old Christmas card, etc. There are many images to pick from in my Pinterest album here:
https://www.pinterest.com/mzpeach/ave-maria/

Create your three ATCs portrait-style with a Gothic, Roman, or peaked arch... as long as the top is not flat this time. Embellish with lace or Dresden scrap to make them extra lovely and do not forget to make the backs nice also with pretty papers. This swap is rated Sprouting... anyone can do this!

There will not be a sign up deadline as long as you meet the due-in-hands-by deadline of December 1st. PLEASE send an address label as this really helps me with swap out. I will cover return postage as a Christmas gift to everyone!

1) SPROUTING: Geared toward the artist who has recently begun their journey into mixed media, these swaps are open to all group members, regardless of experience.  Participation is the key - caring and sharing in the spirit of friendship and fun.  Every artist needs to understand that contributors to these projects can be of any level of artistic experience.

Anniversary Project: "Finnabair-style" mixed media canvas

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

10th Anniversary Project

One-for-one "Finnabair-style" mixed media canvas

Hosted by: Beckie Holso

Skill Level: 2 - Budding

Sign Up by October 31st

Mail Out by December 1st

Each year we try to do a special project to honor the anniversary of our group. This November will be a decade that Paper Traders has been going strong and that is certainly worth celebrating! We hope everyone will want to participate in this year's project as it is going to be a wonderful one - we will be making Finnabair-inspired mixed media canvases. Finnabair has a tutorial video on YouTube. You can watch it here to see exactly how she does this technique...

Teaspoon of Magic - Creative Jump Start 2014 Video

The term "canvas" is being used generally for our project - you may use any substrate of your choice, as long as it is strong enough to support your creation. There is no specific theme so you can let your imagination and creativity run wild. Projects should be at least 5"x7" up to 8"x10" in size. I have set up a Pinterest board with lots of beautiful and inspiring examples to get your creativity going.

Sign up in the group database by October 31st. Mailing list will be announced on November 1st. This project is open to all participants so keep in mind you may be mailing internationally. The size and weight of your project will have an impact on the overall mailing cost.

Skill Level 2) BUDDING: Participants will be open to trying new ideas and materials, without necessarily being competent yet with their applications. Swap Hosts are encouraged to add the requirement of a technique or process such as creating texture, using crackle paint, doing photo transfers, painting with watercolor, etc.

New Swap: Holiday Gift Tags

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

Holiday Gift Tags

12 or 24 2"x3" tags

Sign up by: October 31st

Due IN HAND by November 15th

Skill Level: 1 - Sprouting

Hosted by: Pam Colosimo

I am all about using things, and making useful stuff. So, I thought we could do a gift tag swap. The obvious theme is Christmas, so we will go with that.

Each participant will choose to make:
12 @ 2 ”x 3” tags (2 groups of 6 with different styles please}, or you can option to make:
24 @ 2” x 3” tags {4 groups of 6 with different styles please}

You will receive 12 or 24 back according to what you choose to make. Keep them fun, pretty, and "Winter/Christmas Theme” - please no religious themes. A 12 x 12 sheet will cut exactly 24 in this size. You can fancy cut your corners or ends if you so desire.

Pinterest idea boards HERE.

Keep them as flat as possible, but must have different elements to add interest. You could add bits so the receiver can open it up or make it 3-D by bending or unfolding.

Paint, stamp, hand cut designs, hand drawing, etc. No stickers please! They will be similar to an ATC, just slightly smaller. Decorate the fronts and leaving the back with a simple TO: and FROM: - maybe a border, but leave room so it can be personalized. No signatures.

Ideas:
Reindeer
Snowflakes
Santa
Poinsettia
Winter Wonderland
Angels
Candle
Stars
Snowman
Trees
Winter birds
Holiday colors - silver, gold, green, red, winter blues, sparkle & shine

Send a return address label written and sized as you want it attached to your envelope. Canada and US: please send $2.00 for 12 or $4.00 for 24 for postage. International: I will cover. As an option, international participants can send bits and bobs. (I do love ephemera - real postage stamps and bits from different places)

Sign up in the group database and choose either 12 or 24 to swap; list your themes, if you have them. Note: themes can overlap - it will just give everyone an idea of what is being created. Mail so I have them in hand for turn around before November 15th. Sign ups will close on October 31st. Try to mail out in the first week of November, so everyone will have them before Christmas.

1) SPROUTING: Geared toward the artist who has recently begun their journey into mixed media, these swaps are open to all group members, regardless of experience.  Participation is the key - caring and sharing in the spirit of friendship and fun.  Every artist needs to understand that contributors to these projects can be of any level of artistic experience.

Speed Swap: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

Time for ATC Speed Swap #17!

This month's theme:

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Sign-up by: October 15th

Mailing list announced: October 16th

Skill level: 1 - Sprouting

To kick off the month of Halloween The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde theme will require you to find an image of a person or animal and split it in half. One side will be the found image (Dr. Jekyll) and the other side will be your alteration of that image (Mr. Hyde).

Inspiration samples are located in the Google search “half and half art”.

Each month on the 1st, we will announce a theme or technique for your ATCs. Anyone interested will have until the 15th to sign up. The list will be randomized, announced on the 16th, and you will mail one ATC directly to each of the next two people on the list. A total of two ATCs each month for the speed swaps. You don't have to sign up every month, just when you feel like it or like the theme or have the time.

We'll have brand new creative excitement each month and this will keep postage for each of us to a minimum as long as you don't make bulky ATCs. But of course that will be your choice. It's approximately $1.20 to mail internationally for one ATC in a note card envelope. You must be able to mail internationally to participate in this swap.

Skill Level: 1) SPROUTING - Geared toward the artist who has recently begun their journey into mixed media, these swaps are open to all group members, regardless of experience. Participation is the key - caring and sharing in the spirit of friendship and fun. Every artist needs to understand that contributors to these projects can be of any level of artistic experience.

New Swap: Twelve Days of Christmas ATC Books

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

Twelve Days of Christmas ATC Books

Sign up by: October 31st

Cards due IN HAND by December 10th

Skill Level: 2 - Budding

ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS, my true love gave to me... We all know and love this traditional song, so lets make an ATC book about it! The "12 Days of Christmas" begin on December 26th and last until January 6th, so this swap will give you that after-the-holiday lift into the new year. Consider this a holiday art treasure with a vintage feel. This swap will have 12 artists each make 12 ATCs of one of the days. Sign up will be on a first-come, first-choice of day basis. Since we need to have 12 artists sign up for this swap, it will NOT be made official until we have all 12 days filled! I will make the covers and bind the ATCs into books.

All type of art accepted (except cute little stickers) - even digital (high resolution printouts; NO pixels!). The ATCs need to have texture, lace or fibers, and embellishments; dangles and overlaps are encouraged, but no thicker than about 1/4-inch and none on the left side of the ATC so I can bind. The backs of the ATCs need to have nice festive papers and not to be left blank since this will be a book.

All ATCs are due in my hands on December 10th. PLEASE include an address label and $6 return postage. International postage will be around $12.

For your creative muse, please feel free to use any of the images in my Pinterest "12 Days of Christmas" board.

2) BUDDING: Participants will be open to trying new ideas and materials, without necessarily being competent yet with their applications. Swap Hosts are encouraged to add the requirement of a technique or process such as creating texture, using crackle paint, doing photo transfers, painting with watercolor, etc.

New Swap: Trick-or-Treat Halloween ATCs

This project is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join us. Please click on the purple Yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

Trick-or-Treat Halloween ATC swap

3 for 3 ATCs

Skills Level: 2 - Budding

Due by IN HAND by October 16th

Hosted By: Nikki Smith

I'm super excited to announce this new spooky swap: "Trick-or-Treat Halloween" ATCs! For this swap you will need to make 3 ATCs. Each card should be Halloween themed... spooky, witches, vintage Halloween, pumpkins, and goblins are just a few ideas. For an added element, please add a word to your card like Boo, Scary, Bat, Cat, or any Halloween-related word.

A link to Pinterest for ideas can be found here.

Details:

• 3-for-3 ATC
• Please include an address label and $2 for return postage; international postage $3.
• Please have them to me by October 16th. Cards should be IN HAND by then so can they be enjoyed before Halloween.

2) BUDDING - Participants will be open to trying new ideas and materials, without necessarily being competent yet with their applications. Swap Hosts are encouraged to add the requirement of a technique or process such as creating texture, using crackle paint, doing photo transfers, painting with watercolor and etc.