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Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff Art Blog
Tips, Tricks, Thoughts, and inspiration from across the art spectrum.
Super Size 'em
Trading cards are all the rage, right now. You have probably seen information on Facebook, websites, or in magazines to encourage you to swap. Or perhaps, you have purchased the Strathmore Trading Card products as I have and traded them locally with all of your artist's friends. They have a complete line of products to make it easy and convenient for you to participate. It really is a great project to share with others and what you end up with is a tiny gallery of a wonderful variety of art!
Like the one pictured here, by Kristy Kutch, the creations are a small 2-1/2" x 3-1/2" format, just larger than the size of a standard business card, which makes them easy to collect. Their miniature size, however, can present a challenge. When working on them you might find the small size a bit tedious to paint on. You really can’t get a lot on the trading card. Also, it might be difficult to find suitable frames in which to display them, as the size is not as common as other standard photo formats.
Well, for those of us who like a little more area to paint on, I say, “Super Size ’em!” By increasing the size to just 4" x 6", you not only have a larger trading card, but also a greeting card, and even a postcard! This makes it easy to instantly exchange them with all your friends with just a stamp! It gives you a larger format in which to paint, collage, monoprint, stamp, draw, stencil, spray, or to whatever on! I painted these with American Journey Artists’ Watercolors, my favorites! Most mediums are compatible with the cards and only need a spray fixative, like Golden Archival Spray Varnish, to protect them when being mailed. Also, if you decide to give as a greeting card which is a standard 5" x 7" format, the recipient can still frame it in a common photo frame. The exposed card front forms a mat around your artwork to give it a professional presentation. Pretty neat, Huh? Or the artwork can be removed and framed in a 4" x 6" Miller’s Gallery Frame.
For a postcard, just address it on the back, put a stamp on it and drop it in the mail. The 4" x 6" size just happens to be the largest size, allowed by the USPS, to mail without an envelope or extra postage, and the 140 lb. paper weight is the lightest paper that they will accept, as well. It really is just that easy!
In fact, Cheap Joe’s has already done all the hard work for you, with the Goof Proof Greeting Card Sets! These were actually designed to make greeting cards so simple for you to create that you could give your art away, instantly, for any occasion! Talk about saving money! This system has everything you need in one product. Each set includes 4" x 6" blanks of professional grade Kilimanjaro 140 lb. cold pressed watercolor paper, 5" x 7" deckled or plain edged greeting cards with matching envelopes, and Stick It To ‘Em pre-cut adhesive strips, enough for the whole box! Why even the packaging is part of the product as it can be used as a gift box to present anyone with a whole collection of handmade cards for Christmas, Birthdays, Weddings or any occasion. The cards come in sets of 10, 25 or 50 in plain edged or deckled. You get everything you need to create a masterpiece and give it as a greeting card, postcard, or even a super-sized trading card, except the art! Well, we’re not Hallmark. We can’t do everything for you!
Joe Miller created the Goof Proof Greeting Card sets so he could have all of the supplies he needed available to purchase in one product. After having to constantly buy this thing or that, or cut and match, he finally decided to create a product that saved time, materials, and money all at the same time! Now, he will paint directly on the blanks that are provided or if he has a larger failed painting, he will find little compositions in them and cut them out, then mount them on the card stock. Voila! Instant Handmade Greeting Cards! Check out the YouTube videos below for a complete demonstration from Joe!
This project is also a great way to keep up with your artist friends and what they are creating. You might even be inspired to try a new medium or technique! As you begin to collect your small treasures, purchase a photo album that holds 4" x 6" photos. This is a great way to protect the artwork that you may not have room to display right away. Then, when you want to change your gallery selection, you can just switch them out with new ones! You’ll always have fresh artwork to brighten up all parts of your home or business.
So it’s not only “Tis the season for giving Holiday Greeting cards”, but also a time for exchanging your artwork as super-sized trading cards. Your Christmas cards need not be only of holiday themes and motifs. Think about each card as a work of art that a specific recipient can display throughout the year. This way you are giving a special gift as well as a greeting! I am sure the person receiving the card will agree!
Stock up now on all of your greeting card supplies, including the Goof Proof Card Sets, and try out a new concept in exchanging your artwork with Super Sized Trading Cards! You’ll get as much as you give! Tell all your friends to join in the new trading card revolution! Just say Super Size ’em!
Hope you have a wonderful Super Sized Day!
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