It is also recommended that, on the back of each ATC, the artist includes the following information: name, contact information, title of the ATC and number (1/8,2/8...) if it's part of an edition. By definition, ATCs are made in limited numbers, often no more than one of a kind. Unique ATCs are called originals; sets of identical ATCs are called editions and are numbered; and sets of ATCs that are based on one theme but that are different are called a series. Don't be intimidated by the concept of small editions or originals. What most collectors really want are cards that were made with care. Based on that, numbers are meaningless.
     Artist Trading Cards are made of all sorts of materials and many different techniques are used. Because this is not a competitive culture, cards are traded one-for-one, regardless of materials used or artistic style. There is no judgment involved. You either like the card offered and want to trade or you do not. There are ATC swap meets in many major cities around the world and a number of cards are exchanged, sight unseen, in theme swaps on Internet sites such as Nervousness.org. ATC swaps can also be arranged through the Internet by joining crafting message boards or, on a local level, through family members, parenting groups, craft groups and workshops.
     Create and hand out five cards and you receive five back. The more swaps you join, the bigger the collection. The whole essence of these tiny works of art is about artists meeting (in person, by correspondence or online if need be) and exchanging their works, thus meeting many artists and getting exposed to many personal styles. The fun is seeing the different ways people embellish their mini-masterpieces.
Fiber ATCs generally have three layers, like a mini art quilt: The BACK, which could be muslin, felt, cotton print or playing card; the MIDDLE, which is either thin batting, Timtex, Pellon 40, or something similar; and the TOP, which is where your art is. Common sense dictates that they should be sturdy enough to survive mailing, and of reasonable thickness (unless you specifically want them otherwise.
     You may use anything that can be sewn to fabric or used on fabric, including yarn, threads or any of the new fabulous fibers on the market today. There are infinite methods of creating art on ATCs. Here are a few suggestions: Fabric Collage, Beading, Silk Ribbon Embroidery, Embroidery, Applique, Crewel, Rubber Stamps, Free Motion Quilting, Crazy Quilting and more.
How you finish your edges is up to you. They can be whip-stitched, button hole stitched, zigzagged, straight stitched or you may add a fiber to the edge by gluing or sewing. Again, the possibilities are endless.
     That's all! The above is all you need to know to start making and trading your own ATCs. Let your imagination go!