Scrapbook Ideas for Artist Trading Cards

Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) are original works of art that measure only 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches. The Artist Trading Card project was initiated by Zurich artist M. Vanci Stirnemann in 1996. The only rules are that Artist Trading Cards should be the specified size, they should be traded instead of sold and artists should write their names and contact information on the back as well as the title of the card and the edition number. Once you've collected a number of ATCs, putting them in a scrapbook helps to preserve them and make a memorable album.

Pocket Pages

Several scrapbook supply manufacturers have responded to the Artist Trading Card movement by designing pocket pages that fit the 2 1/2-inch by 3 1/2-inch cards. Using pocket pages to make an ATC scrapbook is nearly effortless because you just slip the cards into the plastic pages. One advantage of this system is that you can easily view the backs of the cards for information about the artists. You can also add cards to your album as you collect them without having to create new pages or scrapbook designs.

Rotary Card File

A rotary card file isn't a scrapbook in the traditional sense of the word. You can't close up a rotary card file and sit it on a bookshelf, but you can use one to display and store your Artist Trading Cards on a table or desk. All you need to do is get a rotary card file punch that matches your card file. You'll have to punch the holes on one edge of the Artist Trading Cards, but then you can insert them in the card file and sit them out. They make a wonderful conversation piece for your office or home.

Traditional Scrapbook

For a traditional scrapbook that allows you to flip through the pages of a book, acquire an archival-grade scrapbook and photo corners for holding the Artist Trading Cards in place. Some photo corners are self-adhesive; others must be glued into place. Since you know that all the ATCs will be the same size, you can set up your pages ahead of time to hold the 2 1/2-inch by 3 1/2-inch works of art. Arrange the ATCs in your scrapbook by themes, artists or dates acquired.

Event Scrapbooks

Artists often trade ATCs at ATC swaps or other events such as gallery openings. Create small scrapbooks for individual events so you can keep track of which artist you met at which event. To make small event scrapbooks, buy blank scrapbooks that are 4 inches by 6 inches or smaller. Create covers for the scrapbooks that indicate the event and the date. If you have a leftover ATC of your own that you swapped at the event, use it as the artwork for the cover.