Hi everyone.  I missed the ATC swaps we used to have so much so that I volunteered to host(ess) some here.  I hope more of you will join in as host(ess).  I will be hosting a back to back ATC (Artist Trading Card) Swap.  Here is how it works:  Each participant is expected to create 5 ATCs for a swap.  Each participant will then receive 4 ATCs in return.  I get to keep the extra one (lucky me) for hosting the swap.  ATCs are mini works of art that must be 2 1/2"w x 3 1/2"h card. ATCs are always traded, never, ever sold.  The hostess sets the theme and mini masterpieces are created with the theme in mind.

Anyway, here we go:  Obiously, if you have any questions please ask.  Also since I am unsure of what to expect in the way of participants, I would like to limit both ATC swaps to the first 25 to email me their intentions.  I almost forgot, I doubt any of you really know me so here is a very short bio.  I am Judy Bleu-Green. I am a mixed media artist, jewelry designer, writer, amateur photographer, art quilter, glass artist and will alter or mosaic anything that stands still long enough.  No long naps in my house.

 1st Swap's theme; "There is magic in the air."  Plase e-mail me at jagreen@mchsi.com by April 8th to sign up.  I will then give you my home address for mailing your ATCs. The deadline for mailing in your ATCs is April 23.  Please enclose a SASE when you submit your ATCs.  Usually 2 first class stamps is enough for postage if you are using a regular envelope.  I will then send 4 ATCs to you the first week in May.  (Sooner if fewer participants sign up).

 2nd Swap's theme; "Sherlock Holmes - the mystery is afoot."  Sign up deadline is April 24.  The deadline for mailing in your 5 ATCs is May 8.  I will send 4 ATCs to you by the third week in May.    Any q's please ask.  So, let us have some great fun!

Judy -- I am SO glad you are doing this!  I, too, missed the ATC swaps.  I hope the response is SO great that we need 4 or 5 different hostesses!

Hugs ~~  Aunt Bobby

 Thanks for hosting this, Judy - it's great to have some ATC Swaps in the mix!

You are most welcome, Marney.  I felt like giving something back to Artella since it has done so much for me.  I only hope there is enough interest in these.  It isn't easy when you have so many wonderful things happening on this Zine. 

Blessings,

 Judy

and sign me up for Sherlock Holmes as well..................................

Hi everyone,

 I received an e-mail from Cheryl Dancing Cat.  Her question was what to put on the back of an ATC.  Great question, Cheryl.  I am posting the answer here in case someone else might need clarification.  Nothing is written in stone, however, most generally Include:  Title of Work, date, your name, contact information (your e-mail, e.g.).  Most important of all to fellow artists is to sign your art work (this is in additition to printing your name).  Also, you should print the edition number if applicable.

For example, if you create 5 cards that are exactly alike, or an original ATC copied 5 times onto 5 cards, or create 5 very similar ATCs, then these cards are called editions and are numbered as such. 1/5 would be added to the first card, signifying that this ATC card is the first in your edition of 5 cards.  2/5 would be added to the second card, and so on.

However, if you create 5 ATC cards that are very different in nature but still pertain to the same theme, then no number is added because you have created 5 original cards in a series.  Fellow artists recognize original ATCs, so you don't need to add an "original" tag to your ATC.

I hope this helps. 

Blessings,

Judy

Hi to all the the ATC artists that have signed up.  I have already e-mailed my address to all of you.  So, if you didn't get an e-mail with my address this Saturday a.m. please let me know.  If anyone knows Mary Martin, please let her know that my e-mail was refused by her pop account and so I couldn't send her my address.  Mary, if you are watching this column, please send another e-mail address I can contact you.

 Only 7 ATC artists have signed up for "There's magic in the air," so there is plenty of room left for any one else that wants to have fun.  Just let me know by April 8th.  I think the rest of you must have your plates overflowing with the dozens of other arty happeniings going on at Artella.  But, if you have never participated in an ATC swap now is the time.  They are small enough to create in a relatively short period of time.  Or you can make just 5 copies of the same mini masterpiece and send those in.  The idea is to have fun, make contact with other like-minded artists and then perhaps you will become so addicted that you will host one of your own ATC swaps!  Imagine that!

I will post the names of all the participants on April 8th just to make sure that I haven't missed anyone, so stay tuned and tuned in to your art!

Blessings,

Judy

Good Afternoon fellow ATC artists,

Today is the deadline for signing up for "There's Magic in the Air" ATC swap.  The following artists are signed up:

Bill Zetti, Teri Fogarty, Isbella, Julie Paquin, Cheryl Dancing Cat, Chris Tessnear, Regina Stevens and Mary Martin.  I sent an e-mail to all on this list with my address.  I still haven't heard from Mary Martin since her server refused delivery of my e-mail to her.  If you aren't on the list and you want to be, please let me know before the day ends.  A reminder to everyone that the deadline for submitting your 5 ATCs is April 23rd.  Happy creating.

Blessings,

Judy

carr

I didn't get the email with your address. Please try again. cqt144w@mindspring.com.

It may have gone to spam, so I'll look.

Thanks again for hosting this. My cards are ready for both swaps.

Chris<><

Hi everyone.  This is Judy's daughter and I just wanted to let you all know that she was in a bad car accident this morning and is in the hospital.  Therefore, she will be unable to hostess this ATC swap.  I know she would greatly appreciate it if someone could take it over for her this time while she recupes.

 Thanks,

Regina

 Regina,

Please let Judy know that she and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  I hope she has a swift recovery.

 Best wishes!

Kristin 

Dear ATC Swappers:

I would be happy to take over this ATC swap until Judy feels well enough to take it back. 

Let me see if I know where we are -- Bill, Teri, Isabella, Julie, Cheryl, Chris, Regina, and Mary have signed up for the swap.  If the eight of you would please eMail me at bobby@artellaland.com, I will send you my snail mail address, and you can send your ATCs to me.

Just as soon as Judy feels well enough, I'll turn it back over to her, but until then I will do what needs to be done, OK?

I know all of you, like me, are praying for Judy and for her fast recovery, and that she is not suffering great pain. 

Hugs ~~ Aunt Bobby.

Hi Regina!

Please let Judy know I'll be thinking about her and wishing her a speedy recovery.

   Two Smileys just for Judy! I hope they make her smile! 

Hi,

Thank you all for your kind wishes.  I will pass those on to my mom.  Thank you Aunt Bobby for taking over this swap for her.  She's doing better, but it will be a while before she gets back into the swing of things.

Regina