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GWEN LAFLEUR
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Poe-Themed ATCs
Process Overview

I love to make ATCs (Artist Trading Cards.) It's such a fun way to create something without the pressure of making a large piece of art. For a bit over a year I participated in a group that traded ATCs every other month and for each swap we had a theme and a kit that we used as the jumping-off point for our creations. When the time came for us to do a Halloween swap, part of my kit included a paperback anthology of Edgar Allen Poe's poems and short stories - perfect for the theme! I used that as the basis for the cards I've shared here.
Poe Themed ATCs | Gwen Lafleur
Whenever I post ATCs, I'm frequently asked how I make them as they're always very layered and detailed. For this tutorial I've broken my process down into three basic steps: background, images, and embellishment.

Part 1 - Backgrounds
To begin making the backgrounds for this set I cut patterned paper to size (2.5" x 3.5") and then I used a gold pigment ink pad and a foam blending tool to ink through a stencil onto the background. For my Halloween ATCs, I thought the Hats stencil by Orly Avineri was the perfect choice, so I used different pieces of that design for all of them.

I heat embossed the pigment ink, using a different embossing powder on each card to add variety.
Poe Themed ATCs Tutorial - Step 1 | Gwen Lafleur
Step 2 - Images
The kits that we received for our ATC swaps always included collage images, so my next step was to go through those collage sheets and pull out the ones that I wanted to use on each card. I cut those out and paired them up with the stenciled image. (I typically fussy cut my images unless it's something I'm going to frame or that's already designed as a rectangle.)
Poe Themed ATCs Tutorial - Step 2 | Gwen Lafleur
Step 3 - Embellishment
For the final part of the process I added color to some of the images using colored pencils or ink, swapped out a few of the backgrounds, and then added trims and embellishments. I like to add small flat-backed jewels, Dresden trim, bits of lace and ribbon, and metal charms. I'll also frequently add scraps of fabric or use washi tape as a border along one side of a card.

To finish each ATC, I edged with brown and then black permanent ink, then used a gold paint pen to add a gilded effect along the edges of each card.
Picture

Here you can see close-ups of each of the completed ATCs - just click on any of the photos to see it larger.
If you enjoyed this post, you may also be interested in my Indian Summer Themed ATC tutorial.

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  • Portfolio
    • Mixed Media Canvases & Panels
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      • "Pourquoi" Artist Book
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    • Beaded Jewelry
  • Workshops
    • Pocketful of People - Online Workshop
    • Bits & Pieces - Online Workshop
    • 3-2-1 Collage - Online Workshop
    • Masterful Minis - Online Workshop
    • Cut Paper Collage - Online Workshop
    • Interactive ATCs - Online Workshop
    • Patchwork Pages - Online Workshop
    • Matchbook Minis Online Workshop
    • Half-Day Workshops >
      • Stamp Carving
      • Mini File Folder Art Journal
      • Mini Mixed Media Medallions
      • 4x4 Coptic-Bound Art Journal
      • Boho Art Journaling with Stencils & Stamps
    • Full-Day Workshops >
      • Angels & Icons
      • Mini Journal Mayhem
      • Stitches + Glue Workshop
      • All Wrapped Up Workshop
      • Bits, Beads, & Blends Workshop
      • The Hanging Art Journal
      • Translucent Art Journal
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  • Tutorials
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