The background for this artist trading card is the same background as the Cold As Ice artist trading card. To create the look follow the tutorial for the background technique there. Then simply glue the image to the card.

The image we used was Young Christian Martyr by Paul Delaroche. You may download a high resolution copy of it below.

This piece of art measures 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″, the same dimensions as an ATC or ACEO.

This is the image I use as my avatar at Blog Catalog and other sites throughout the internet. I like it because it is unique and memorable, or should I say at least it was unique.  Now I’ve told you all how to create it…

How to Get the Look

Supplies:

• Playing Card – 2 1/2′ x 3 1/2″
• Modern Options Iron Metallic Surfacer
• Modern Options Rust Patina
• Rubber Stamp – (I’ll post the stamp used as soon as I get my studio moved, or if you know let me know so I can give it proper credit.)
• Kraft Tag
• Black Ink
• Black Cardstock
• Lace – 100% cotton
• Glue Dot
• Walnut Ink
• Matte Spray Sealant

How To Create

1. Dip the lace in a strong solution of walnut ink and let dry.
2. Cover the playing card, both front and back, with several coats of Modern Options Iron Surfacer, allowing it to dry between coats. You should have a very thick layer of iron paint on surface by the time you are done. You are trying to re-create the look of a piece of rusty metal so create some thickness.
3. Place the card on a paper towel. Cover the surface with the rust patina solution allowing some to seep through to the back. Fold the paper towel over the top. Dampen the top layer of paper towel with additional solution. The iron in the paint will begin to rust as it dries.
4. Repeat the rust patina solution until you’ve created the look you want.
5. Seal with a Matte Spray Sealant. Use several very light coats so you don’t ruin the look of the rust. You want it to look natural. You will get rust on your clothing etc. if it isn’t sealed.
6. Stamp the women’s face on a kraft colored tag, using a black pigment ink. Trim to the edge of the image.
7. Mount the stamped woman’s face on a piece of black card stock.
8. Attach to the card using a glue dot.
9. Glue lace to the card.

How to Get the Look

Supplies:

• 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ Piece Textured Wallpaper
• Alcohol Inks – assortment of blue inks
• Artful Mosaic Rubber Stamp (P2-636) by Stampers Anonymous
• Silver Leafing Pen, by Krylon
• Black StazOn Ink Pad, by Tsukineko
• Acetate
• 4 Black Brads

How To Create

1. Cut the wallpaper and a piece of acetate to the 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ ATC size.
2. Using a piece of felt cover the wall paper with various colors of alcohol blue ink. Let the ink pool in some areas to create more visual depth.
3. Highlight some of the raised areas with the Krylon silver leafing pen.
4. Apply additional alcohol ink to some areas, so the silver blends more with the background, and a strong contrast does not exist.
5. Stamp the piece of acetate with the Artful Mosaic stamp using black StazOn Ink.
6. Glue the wallpaper to a study card stock. We use playing cards.
7. Attach the acetate, ink side down, to the front of the using the brads.

Supplies:

• Stamp of Your Choice
• Versamark Stamp Pad or Other Clear Stamp Pad
• Black Cardstock
• Clear Embossing Powder
• Detail Paint Brush
• MicaColor Palettes of your choice
• Diamond Glaze
• Embossing Gun
• Water

How To Create

1. Stamp the image on the black cardstock using clear ink.
2. Emboss with clear Embossing Power.
3. Color in the recessed areas with the MicaColor by dipping the detail brush in water and then mixing the water with the MicaColor. Mix as you would watercolors. Then paint the paper.
4. Cover the center of the sunflower with Diamond Glaze.

Artist Trading Cards (ATC’s) are miniature works of art that measure 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″. They are created to to trade with other artists and are not for resale.

Creating Artist Trading Cards can be quite addictive. They are generally quick and easy to create and you can have a miniature work of art done in no time.There are lots of internet groups that hosts trades, offer tips etc.

Resources:

Click here for a history of ATC’s
Yahoo Artist Trading Card Group