I found this cool site called Swap-Bot, http://www.swap-bot.com/ and it's been keeping me pretty busy lately. This site deals with swapping items, mostly craft related, with partners from all over the world. When you sign up for a swap, on the last sign up date, the computer randomly selects the partner you send your items to.I am hooked on their ATC swaps. ATC's are artist trading cards, that measure 2-1/2 x 3-1/2. They can be made from any medium; stamping, paints, pencils. stickers, scrapbook paper, etc, and embellished any way that you would like. You trade these cards with other ATC collectors, similar to baseball card trading. The only rule for creating an ATC is that it must measure 2-1/2 x 3-1/2, and the backing you use for the base of the card must be a heavy duty card stock or chipboard, which can withstand glue, all of your embellishments, and of course the US Postal system.
The picture above are 4 ATC's I made for the baby ATC swap on Swap-bot. When creating your cards, you are limited only by your own imagination, and the theme of the swap. I enjoy using various scrapbook papers and Jolee's stickers, as well as patterned ribbons, and lots of sparkly things.
Between my business, and the kids, it was hard finding the time to do something just for me, but making these ATC's only takes an hour or so a night, and it gives me something to look forward to. If you have the time to give something new a try, check this out. You can sign up for as many or as few swaps as you have time for, so if you're afraid you might not have the time, just try one at first. You can always join more swaps later. Happy swapping! :)
