Thoughts on some other people’s ATCs

I have been looking at other people’s ATCs on the web. I am amazed at the variety out there. I am in awe of the artists who do hand drawn ATCs.

I have been impressed by some of the images that I see, such great vintage photos and wonderful postage stamps. However, I found out that some of them are actually reproductions as printed on papers sold in the scrapbooking sections of craft stores. I was less impressed at that point. Call me a snob if you want to. I like the idea of an actual old postage stamp being used instead of a photocopy.

I see quite a number of people using embellishments. I am wondering where I can buy some of these, locally. I do see some internet stores selling them. They are not expensive but they are too much to spend on a small purchase with a shipping fee larger than the cost of the item. Then again, I am trying to make ATCs out of things I already own rather than buying items to use.

I don’t see many people using current magazine cutouts for collage. I see vintage magazine cutouts being used. Some of my first ATCs were made with cutouts from magazines I had around the house. I guess I am doing things differently than other people. My first thought was that I should change my method. I am trying to not be swayed by other people. Art is not necessarily about following the crowd. I am sticking to doing what I want with the materials I have on hand. This is about having fun, not feeling weird for not conforming with the masses.

I also realize that a number of ex-scrapbookers or current scrapbookers are now doing ATCs. I have seen ATCs that use embellishments intended for scrapbooking on the ATC. Some of the ATCs are only a collection of these such things. I find this interesting.

I love that we can all do our own thing. Art for art’s sake. I do hope people enjoy my ATCs, though.

With this said, I have a swap due in four days and need to get working on it. Homeschooling and mothering my children has taken priority and I have been concentrating on that. But with a deadline looming it is time to get creating. Maybe I will stay up late tonight and do it while everyone else is sleeping.

I sent in a swap that had to include a number on the ATC. I scanned the ATCs and will post them when I can.

I have yet to receive my first swap, the train themed swap. It should be here any day now. I can’t wait to see the ATCs that I receive!