Artist trading cards, also called ATC's, are a new trend among scrapbookers.  Scrapbookers are finding new uses for the ATC format as more scrapbooking manufacturers begin to offer supplies for making artist trading card collections.  With the demand for blank cards, pre-designed cards, card holders, card dividers and card sleeves, scrapbooking stores are having a hard time keeping these supplies in stock. 

These miniature pieces of art were popularized back in 1997 by a Swiss artist who created a collection of them for trading.  They are based on the format of a sports trading card.  The only strict rule for these cards is their size.  They must be 2.5" by 3.5". This is based on the standard size of a sports trading card or collectible game card. 

Artist trading cards are not meant to be sold, but traded or exchanged.  This makes them ideal for scrapbooking swaps.  Members of a scrapbooking swap often trade pages, tags and page accents.  Artist trading cards are quick to make and easy to mail, making them an ideal choice for online swaps.  Always remember to sign your name, the title of the card, and the number of the card if it is part of an edition.

Similar to scrapbooking circle journals, artist trading card swaps usually use a theme.  The theme might be based on the medium used, like paint, watercolor, or ink.  They might also be chosen by the technique used, such as, stamping, paper tearing, or embossing.  Most often the theme is based on the focal point or subject of the cards.  Some examples are seasons, holidays, colors, or vintage. 

Scrapbookers also are finding new ways to use artist trading cards.  Of course they are using them on their scrapbooking layouts as page elements, but they also are creating new projects using these cards. They are finding unique ways to store and display their ATC collections.  From designing small decorative boxes to using vintage rolodex card holders, displaying artist trading cards has become as important as collecting them.     

A rolodex ATC card holder can also be used as a perpetual calendar.  Scrapbookers create ATC cards for each day of the year, accenting holidays and special family celebrations.  The calendar can be used again and again.  Some use the holders as address or phone number cards decorating the dividers and cards with scrapbooking materials. For scrapbookers, there can be many uses for artist trading cards, including using them as a showcase for your favorite photos.