Postal ATC

hmmm...I've never made or received an ATC with the back decorated--no more than the artist's bio info and name of the swap, etc. Is that what you mean? More than just the info scribbled on back?

That information IS necessary. But the last few I have done, I decorated the back as well. Not as technically as the front... just something so it looked nice. Actually both sides of these were appealing. It's a challenge, but I liked the result and it didn't take much longer. As an example, for this one I wrote a few quick little snippets of letters in different fonts on the "back", and added a portion of an old cancelled postage stamp. Then wrote the information for the card in small neat letters around the edge.The front has what was the time consuming embellishment.

For the postage stamp swap I used a world map on one side, with one special stamp, and some travel lines I drew, on the 'back' I put a collage of cancelled stamps from around the world.

Probably not protocol for ATC purists, but 'collectors" seems to like having unique cards, so this should end up being a nice one.

I usually don't sign up for single card swaps as I think we should always fully utilize our postage costs. You can send 2 cards for the same price so why not make it worthwhile? Just my thoughts- my "pet peeve" on swap-bot. But my favourite theme so I am thinking about it.

I frequently send two, or have in the past, even with a single swap. But I don't like to commit people to making two unless they want to, especially with a double sided card. I sometimes make an extra at the same time for myself, or my sister, so it can take quite a bit of time. You could message your partner and see if they are interested in swapping two instead of one?

i have a question. I am very new to ATC's and I am not an artisit what so ever, so I am nervous about sending my cards to talented people. This however sound fun! Do people get mad when you send cards that have just layers of cool pictures and embellishments. I can not draw a stick! also what does PM me stand for? Thanks, mishap

Private message, to PM someone just click on their name and it should take you to their profile. Then you can click message in the top right hand corner.

An ATC can be anything artistic. It is not appreciated when someone puts a sticker on a piece of paper and calls it an ATC, but that doesn't mean you can't use stickers. What you have described sounds to me like something I would like getting. I do draw, but sometimes I find it better to print something up on my computer, or use a magazine picture, sometimes I use strips of tissue for the background, I might add a charm or button, or something surprising. sometimes I just paint. It is anything you think looks good... but it should take a little time and thought. Sometimes I use old sheet music, or book pages... it sounds to me like you have the right idea.