ATCs from a Masterboard and Sketchy Flowers 3

Hello, here Sara Ferret again! Today I am going to show you how I usually do a series project with a masterboard. In this case I make Artist Trading Cards, which you can exchange with artist friends. For this reason, more than one unit is quite useful. As my focal image I am using a flower from the Sketchy Flowers 3 stamp set.

Let’s start with the masterboard and a sheet of A4 watercolor paper. The first step is to make a collage, in this case I have used paper from old clothing patterns, it has this beautiful kraft color. But you can use any paper to make the collage and give a little texture and depth to the background.

I decided to put Gesso, in some parts of the background of the paper, in areas where there was only white paper and also in some where there was collage paper. To put it I used a spatula, you can also use an old credit card or a hotel key.

Now that the background is no longer completely white, I feel less pressure. Sometimes having everything immaculately white makes you a little panicky to start creating art. So it’s best to mess it up somehow, either with mindless color or with a collage.

I have let myself go, free, with watercolors and I have made marks and geometric drawings of all colors. Later I helped myself create other marks with the POSCA markers on top of the already created background. Especially because white in watercolor would not be seen on top of the other colors.

I used the Cross it stencil with Golden’s light modeling paste to create a relief texture in the background.

To add more texture and depth to the background, before cutting the ATC, we are going to stamp with a background stamp. I have used the ovals from Pencil Marks 7.

Now comes the time to cut the A4 sheet to the ATC size, 2 ½” x 3 ½” inches (64 mm × 89 mm). I have used a Tim Holtz die to cut them, it is easier for me.

Once I have them cut to the ATC size, with black stabilo 3in1 we are going to outline all the corners, I moisten the tip of the crayon with water and go over them all.

I need a focal point, for each of the ATCs. I have chosen a flower from Sketchy Flowers 3. Before deciding which flower to select, I actually tried three, because I had to balance the measurement with the ATC, neither too big nor too small. and I have stamped it with embossing ink, and I have used black embossing powders.

Once I have all the flowers I need, I cut them out and place them on top of each of the ATCs, to see what I need to finish them.

I realize that I need a feeling to finish the project. I have used a text from the same stamp set Sketchy Flowers 3 and a piece of sari ribbon below the text. I stapled it together this time.

If you make a project inspired by this tutorial, I would like you to tag me so I can see and share it. I hope you like the idea, and that this summer you create ATC series to exchange with your creative friends. You can find me on Instagram @sara_ferret