Gallery: Leaves

by Barb A.

by Beckie H.

by Jo M.

by Shelly R.

by Cathy C.

by Debra C.

by Sandy A.

Gallery: Pam's Trick or Treat

by Ellen L.

by Pam C.

By Pam C. (her treat)

by Pam C. (her treat)

by Shelly R.

by Mel D.

Gallery: Christmas ATCs

Barb A

Cathy C

Darlene R

Debra C

Ellen L

Jo M

Nancy S

Nikki S

Shelly R

Gallery: Dive In Down Under

Barb A

Beckie H

Debra C

Jo M

Nancy S

Pam C

December Freebie: Paper Dolls

It's time for another freebie courtesy of your Paper Traders Moderators. A great big THANK YOU to Connie Holso for preparing this terrific offering for your personal use. Please use the link BELOW the photo to download the high resolution file. Enjoy!

Download High Resolution version HERE:

PT Dec 14 Freebie Paper-Dolls

New Swap: Create an Alien

This swap is for Paper Traders members only but we would love to have you join our fun. Please click on the purple yahoo button in the sidebar for more information on how to join.

Time for ATC Speed Swap #10!

This month's theme: Create an Alien

Sign-up by December 15th

Mailing list announced December 16th

Skill level: All

Hosted by Cathy C.

Google search of alien images for inspiration here.

Each month, on the 1st, we will announce a theme or technique for your ATC's. 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 ATC's 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 mininum as long as you don't make bulky ATC's. 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.

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

New Swap: Get Dolled Up!

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

Jointed ATC Paper Dolls

These dolls are fun to make and receive!  You will make two dolls that are attached to an ATC; with body parts that fold up so the finished doll fits into a card sleeve.  Dolls should be jointed with brads at the shoulders and hips (but can also bend at the knees and elbows). Your dolls can be the same or different, and you will mail them to randomly chosen players.  You may need to mail outside the US, but if you stretch your doll out and place it inside folded paper & then into a business size envelope; it may only cost only one international stamp (or a little bit more).  

The samples I collected are NOT all attached to an ATC background, but I included them as idea starters. Ours should have an ATC base.  You can find doll “sets” on the web, but please use them for pattern pieces only. Come up with your own unique creative dolls!  Find samples here: http://www.pinterest.com/debclaxton/atc-paper-dolls/

Open Theme; here are some ideas: Nature; Art Styles: (Zetti, Steampunk, Shabby Chic, Abstract, Whimsical, etc…); Destinations/Travel; Occasions; Holidays; Decades/Books/Films; Color Harmonies; Hobbies/Sports; Daily Life; Occupations; Music Genres; Magic/Fairies/Wizards; Seasons; Periods in History. No copyrighted characters, please.

Details:

1. Partners announced Jan. 20th, mail out by Feb.1, 2015.
2. Please keep the dolls 6.5” - 8.5” in length when unfolded & use card stock.
3. Put name/info on the back; dolls should fit in a card sleeve when folded & done.

Tutorial: An ATC Doll

Debra will be hosting an ATC Doll swap for our group and was kind enough to put together this simple tutorial for the project...

I always start by choosing a theme & since it was raining every day the week I started - I wished there were a little sun. So I decided on something “sunny”. I collected my yellow/orange bits/pieces, pictures/papers & then decided on a face. Try a copyright free web image, photo from a book/magazine, or a rubber stamp. I glued the face on card stock.

Everything needs to be sturdy, so I painted & stamped card stock for the arms & legs. I chose to go abstract/patterned rather than realistic, but either one is fine. Next, I cut out the doll’s head, and embellished it.  

While my paint dried, I worked on the ATC base; deciding how to decorate & finish it.  

I traced pattern pieces for the arms / legs & cut them out. Then I laid all the parts in position, with a cutting mat beneath.  Using the tip of a hobby knife (or thick needle), I punched holes where the brads will go; then attached the parts. 

I finished the back with patterned paper, then trimmed the prongs on the arms/legs (some brads have long prongs that stick out beyond the body parts).  Don’t forget your name & details.

Please place your doll in some plastic protection. Maybe stretch the doll out - with heavy paper around it & send in a business envelope.  You could also fold it up into a card sleeve and send it in a small bubble envelope. Have fun!