Artist trading cards are just that, small cards 2.5″ by 3.5″, that any kind of art is applied to using any type of medium. They are then traded (not sold) among the artists who made them. Of course, it’s fun for kids, but it’s just as much fun for adults!
Thisis a great idea that is circling everywhere from schools, to clubs, to birthday parties. Any group of every kind can take part in trading art cards. It would be fun to do with family members or neighbors or a circle of friends. The cards could be traded in person or sent to far away places.
Trading could be a surprise in terms of what the images are on the cards, or if there is a distance between artists, they could be scanned and chosen ahead of time.
Your cards could each be individual works of art, or have a theme like types of birds or faces, or fall leaves or geometric patterns. The theme could also be based on the medium used, such as markers, or crayons, or watercolor paint. Thesky is the limit with this idea. I have one friend who has asked a group of her friends to do 6 cards each that will be displayed in a hair salon. After the show, there will be a trading party for the artists. What a wonderful idea!
It is best to use heavy paper such as cover stock or good quality water color or other art paper. Using regular printing paper or construction paper does not work as well because the cards will most likely be handled a lot.
If you need more sample ideas, search for artist trading cards on the web and a flood of sites will pop up. Remember, the only rule is the size…2.5″ by 3.5.”
Have a great time trading!
Kelly Dupre of Grand Marais is an artist, children’s author, and educator with over 20 years teaching experience with all age groups in a variety of settings. The activities in this once-a-month column are spin-offs and combinations of ideas she has used and learned from teachers, parents, kids, books, and workshops. Only some of the activities has she actually thought of herself!
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