Artist Trading Card Swap

Artist Trading Card Swap

Saturday, June 14, 1pm-3pm, at Arbor Gallery (103 High St., Vankleek Hill)

FREE

Make them ~ Swap them ~ Collect them! Artist Trading Cards are small artworks (2 ½” by 3 ½”) created with the intention of swapping. Each card is unique, created and shared as a way of connecting with other artists and makers in your community. We invite you to bring your Artist Trading Cards to swap with other makers during this community-minded event for all ages! 

The front of the card is decorated however the artist wishes: with a drawing, a painting, mixed media, etc. The back of the card lists the artist’s information for collectors. Artists make numerous cards and trade with other artists at swapping events. Because they are hand-crafted, each card is unique. The purpose of creating and sharing the cards is to connect with other artists, promote the work that you do and challenge yourself to try new mediums within set parameters. Artists love to collect Artist Trading Cards as they serve as sources of inspiration and mementos of favourite fellow creators – and they’re economical to both create and collect!

Guidelines:

– Each card should measure 2 ½” by 3 ½” (as this is the size that can be accommodated by standard trading card sleeves and binder sheets; the Gallery will provide the protective sleeves during the swap event on June 14).

– It is recommended that for paintings, drawings and collages, you use a sturdy paper as the base for your card: for instance, posterboard, cardstock or watercolour paper.

– Choose whatever medium or mediums you wish: pen and ink, pencil, pencil crayon, marker, watercolour paint, acrylic paint, collage, photographs, prints – even fabric and metal; but keep in mind that the finished card should still slide easily into a trading card sleeve (don’t make it too thick!).

– On the rear of each card, include the following information:

Artist’s name

Date when the card was created

Title (if desired) 

– Make as many cards as you would like to swap (suggested: at least 20)

– Tip: If you are using glue in your composition, it is advisable to dry the card wrapped in parchment paper and pressed under a weight so that it dries flat. Similarly, if you’ve used a lot of paint on your card you may wish to press it under a weight for a time after it initially dries to encourage it to stay flat.

– Ideas: Think layers, flaps, doors, ribbon, tails, pockets, curved edges, stamps, mini quilts, calligraphy and word art… Scavenge for materials at home and create something new out of something mundane! 

If you would like to join us for an informative and inspirational card-making session, two dates are available (please choose one date only): 

Making Artist Trading Cards

Saturday, May 3, OR Saturday, May 17, at Arbor Gallery (103 High St., Vankleek Hill) 

10am-12pm

Cost: $10 (includes materials)

Pre-registration required for the making sessions (not required for the swap): contact (613) 678-6171

Note that you don’t have to attend a Making Artist Trading Cards session to participate in the Trading Cards Swap on June 14! You can certainly make your cards at home and at your own pace, as well.