If 2008 is the year you said you want to be more creative and try new sewing techniques, then I have a wonderful challenge for you and a new creative class!
I am debuting at the January 8, 2008 Sewtopia Sewing Club a year long opportunity to try new techniques and share them with other sewers through artist trading cards. Artist Trading Cards, (ATC’S), are miniature works of art created in a 2 1/2” x 3 1/2” format. These cards can be completed in the matter of minutes or in a single sitting. This compact size is a perfect place to try new techniques without having to commit to a large quilt or a completed piece of wearable art.
The idea behind them is that they are made to trade. Meeting others and trading is in itself, part of the charm. People all over the world are joining groups and exchanging their miniature creations with each other.
Artist trading cards can be made with any combination of fabric, paper, beads, do-dads, photos, batting, Timtex, decorative thread, yards, wool, really just about anything! The only rule is the 2 1/2” x 3 1/2” size. Cards are usually quite firm but can be made more firm simply by gluing on a card for backing.
ATC’s can be individual original pieces or one of a series. Each trading card in a series may have a common color, theme or technique that is used on all the cards . To document a series, you can name the group and then number each card one of the total number. Also include on the back of your cards your name, city, state and e-mail address if desired.
My first series I have to trade is called “Aurora”. I made this original 14” x 18” piece when Bernina launched the new aurora 440 sewing machine with stitch regulator. Since I did all my stitching on Timtex it really held its shape over the last couple years. I decided to take my rotary cutter and ruler to it and cut it into, you guessed it, artista trading cards! I then finished the raw edges using Rainbows variegated thread and zigzagging over a variety of decorative cords. You can click of each of these pictures to enlarge them. 
If you need a place to begin exploring more creative techniques, starting February 21, 2008, we will be launching a monthly 2 ½ hour hands-on session called Creative Arts. There will be both a morning and evening sessions. Our Creative Arts classes will offer everything from fabric weaving, painting, dying, beading and much more!
By sampling some of these new creative avenues, you can translate them into artist trading cards, journal quilts, Priority Quilts (quilts that are 8” x 10”), a pillow, a quilt or nothing at all. There will be no particular “finishing” rules; we are only facilitating the opportunity to try new techniques. You can choose your own use for these new creative avenues.
To join an artist trading card swap plan to attend any of the 2008 Sewtopia Sewing Clubs which meets the first Tuesday of every month at 10am, 2pm or 6:30pm at Heirloom Creations! Sewtopia Sewing Club members and paying guests may bring one, two or as many artist trading cards as you would like to trade each month. We will put all the trading cards in a bag and let each person take home the same number as they put in. I can’t wait to see everyone’s creations!
If you would like to trade directly with me, please mail me one trading card and I will return one trading card via mail to you. This is a great way to make going to the mailing box more intriguing!
For artist trading card ideas, may I recommend “1000 Artist Trading Cards” by Patricia Bolton. Available from Heirloom Creations.