Happy Valentine’s Day 2025, my friends…to those who celebrate! I’m here to share some fun tidbits about ATCs and one of my favourite uses for them – homemade valentines!! Of course, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t also include a few side project designs – and a list of other ways to incorporate ATC’s into your everyday creations.
So whether you’re an ATC pro, dabble in making them, or are thinking, “what the heck is Lindsy talking about?!” I hope to sprinkle a bit of love and inspiration into your day.
What Are ATCs?
Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) are small, handmade pieces of art that measure 2.5″ x 3.5″. They are the same size as trading cards (think hockey or Pokemon cards). You can create ATCs using any medium – paint, collage, drawing, mixed media, or even digital art. In our corner of the world many scrapbooking crafters will use paper products and stamping supplies.
Originally designed for swapping among artists, ATCs are traded (not sold) and are often exchanged in person or through mail swaps. Think of them as tiny, unique artworks meant to inspire creativity and connection!
An All-Season Keepsake
One of the coolest things about ATCs is they can be made to fit any season, and any theme!
Many ATC swap groups pre-plan topics for each trading period. Then, everyone in the group creates their Artist Trading Cards based on the chosen topic. Once your happy mail arrives you’ll find you have a sweet collection of handmade art from your fave crafty peeps…all designed with the same central theme in mind!
A frequently asked question is often, “what do you do with ATCs?” People store ATCs in a variety of ways, depending on their preference for accessibility, display, or protection. Some use trading card binders or pocket letter sheets, while others create mini albums or wall displays. A number of individuals even create altered boxes or tins to add a creative touch to their storage!
Will You Be My Valentine?
I am definitely new-ish to the ATC game, and don’t actually participate in any swap groups myself. And yet, I absolutely enjoy the versatility this kind of crafty project provides.
So far my favourite use for ATCs has been to create homemade valentines. As an educator, the kiddos in my class adore handing out & receiving valentines goodies each year. There’s such anticipation as we decorate our folders and make sure everyone has the class list of names prior to the big day. If – like this year – Valentine’s Day falls on a day with no school it is a MUST to hold our “party” the day before. Many of my students make their own cards to hand out, and others add sweet treats into the mix. Nothing warms my heart more than the buzz of grade 3/4 voices chattering, “thank you” or “I love this, it’s so cute” as a flurry of Valentine activity fills the room!
Since being introduced to ATCs a few years ago, I no longer purchase valentines. Instead, I make them!
Stamping Sentiments
The first year I created ATC-sized valentines I used bright, vibrant themed paper with matching ephemera. I then made sentiment strips using the Lawn Fawn sets Scent with Love add-on & Wood You Be Mine, and even stamped the To/From onto the back.
Simply Punbelievable!
This year I ended up purchasing the cutest disco & cupid themed ephemera. The minute I saw them I KNEW they would make great valentines. Even better, they could be perfectly complemented with some punny sentiments. In my classroom we are always looking to make good use of a cheesy pun!
For the disco set I cut matching patterned paper from my stash, sanding the edges for definition. For the cupid set I used a set of patterned paper cards already pre-sized for ATCs from Simply Stated Designs.
On all the valentines I added in matching ephemera as needed. I’m also a fan of popping up certain elements for some added dimension. For many of the cutesy cupids I glued their feet using liquid adhesive and then placed foam squares behind their wings and heads only. If you plan to send your ATCs through the post you could easily decide to keep everything flat.
To create my punny sentiment strips I typed out my sayings into a document on my laptop. I sized my ‘text’ box to ensure no saying measured longer than 2″. I printed my completed list on 65lb cardstock and cut the strips using my trimmer.
Although AI is creating a lot of conversational debate as it becomes ever more present in today’s world, I feel it has its merits (if used carefully and purposefully).
So full disclosure…I generated my sentiments with the help of ChatGPT by adding in very clear descriptors. To start, I asked for a brainstormed list of student-friendly disco & cupid themed puns that could be used on homemade valentines. Then I selected and tailored the best ones as I curated my list. I also asked for any copyright concerns to ensure the generated list wasn’t directly copied from a book or personal website.
Stretching the Use of Your ATCs
If you’re looking to think of other ways to include ATCs in projects (if swaps or valentines aren’t your jam), here’s a list of further uses to ignite your creativity:
- Glue them onto card bases for a quick and easy handmade card design.
- Use them as decorative elements in scrapbooks or planners.
- Laminate them and add a tassel for a custom bookmark.
- Punch a hole and tie some string or ribbon to use your ATCs as gift tags.
- Incorporate them into mixed media projects and/or art journals.
- Attach a magnet strip to the back and use them as fridge art.
- Display ATCs in a frame or on a bulletin board.
- Hand them out as unique alternatives to traditional business cards.
- Slip into a loved one’s bag or lunchbox as a surprise.
- Make and give them out as souvenirs for special occasions.
- Make affirmation cards by writing positive messages/quotes on them to keep as motivation.
ATC You Later, Valentine!
If you find yourself curious about Artist Trading Cards I encourage you to give them a try. They are a quick & easy way to have some crafty adventures, and allow you to stretch your supplies in new ways.
Until next time…stay fun and fantabulous, scrappers. You’re the cherry on top!
