ATC Backgrounds

Do we have to send 20 different backgrounds or they can be paired?

When I do an ATC, I usually do a replicate. I still have a hard time to part with an ATC when I do it so I now do 2 the same and keep a copy for myself. That's why I'd rather received 10 different backgrounds x 2 than 20 differents.

Also, it might be hard from my paper stash to find 20 different ones.

On my watchlist for now. Still a very interresting swap. =D

I've never done a background swap before. Do the backgrounds have to be really sturdy or are they something the person would be putting on something sturdy?

Will put on my watch list as Christmas very busy time for me.

I love this idea. I do doubles as well, so two or three or more of the same would be great. (Sometimes you want to use the background more than once, sometimes the swap has two patrtners, so I need to make three, etc) Please not 20 different backgrounds. :)

Toupti, I hear you! Which is why a lot of my ATCs say on the back '1 of 2' - not that I ever exactly duplicate one, but as long as I'm making one beautiful card in a certain theme, I can't resist making two. The papers are already there, the embellishments are all over the place, and my fingers are sticky - so why not?

Must they be cut to ATC size or can we send a bit bigger so there's room for people to move their card around and design using the elements on the paper? Also, ditto to panykattack's question about sturdiness, and last, can we include a few actual ATC card backings (playing cards, ATC blanks) or are you only looking for patterned papers?

I actually paint backgrounds on heavy acrylic paper, so some of mine will be ATC cards already, just need embellishing. I will cut them 2 1/2x 3 1/2.

can you send whole sheets that you have purchased that have like 9 per sheet?

Toupti- You may send more than 1 of a same background, but I'd prefer you limit it to 3 or 4. I hope you'd still like to join!

panykattack- The backgrounds don't have to be sturdy. You may use bakgrounds that can be glued to something sturdy.

hollycm6- You may send more than 1 of the same background, but please limit it to 3 or 4 of the background.

Masterbard- Yes, the backgrounds may be larger than the card size. No, the backgrounds do not have to be sturdy. You may use one background 3 or 4 times. I prefer that the backgrounds be patterned,but if you're short some I don't mind a few solid colored backgrounds,

Good swap... I need some new backgrounds!

Gosh, if I could cut in a straight line I would so be into this swap. All mine come out a little wonky.

BranSews- The backgrounds only must cover at least thr size of an ATC. They may ne larger! I'd hope you'd still like to join!

Due to a request I'm changing the swap deadline from January 3rd to JANUARY 5th !!! I hope this date is good for everyone!

i signed up but i can't guarantee any backgrounds will be doubled. I can't always do specifics that aren't in the swap description to begin with.

I'm new to making ATCs and was wondering if anyone would be open to a private swap of ATC blanks in exchange for ...?

Thanks a million to @marymoon22 for changing the deadline (I'm the guilty one who requested the change). Because of all the national holidays, I would have had to mail the 29th or 30th of december to be sure it's postmarked before the original deadline.

@melissableuz ~ I was asking about paired ones just because I like to do two ATCs of the same each time and also because sometimes swaps have two partners so it's easier with similar backgrounds. However, since it's not in the swap description or requirements, no one can rate you down for that. People just mentionned it as a suggestion. If you can accomodate your partner (requests or favorite colors), it's fine, if you can't it's ok too... depends how personnalized you like to make your package.

I know this swap is sender's choice, but if my partner is reading this then I'd really love plain, bright, glittery or sparkly paper:) but anything is fine, of course.

Are these handmade backgrounds, store bought, or can they be a mixture of the two?

What are you calling backgrounds. Is this scrapbooking paper?

I looked and I do have duplicates of a few backs! I feel better now..can we include christmas backs do you think?

I also use greeting cards as backgrounds. Can usually find a pretty border or neat graphic in almost every card. Love the recycling aspect as well.

I like to think of ATC backgrounds as "Art Prompts" much like writer's prompts in journals. They are more or less a base to start with, as sometimes a color or random design can spark an image in your mind to get the thing going.

I have a stack of them in a little box that, when I need to make an ATC, I go there first and flip through to see if something tickles my fancy. They are made from cereal and other food boxes, paint-scraped cardstock, book pages glued onto cardstock, pieces of old calendar pictures, and other partial photos and words from magazines, etc.

Anytime I try a new paint or color technique, or have extra acrylic paint leftover from painting, I use some watercolor paper or cardstock to use it up, spreading the paint randomly over the surface, brushing, scraping and smearing and blotting to make effects. Then, when all full and dry, I store them in another box to cut ATC blanks from later. I've also doodled in black ink all over a sheet of cardstock, white or colored, then scan it and print out copies for cutting backgrounds from. I also take the doodle sheet into photoshop and color it, add layers of texture and other effects to make it something interesting. Sometimes I paint these, too just to have something different. These exercises are great when you have a little spare time, and no plan to make something special, and for me, they often lead to some new art!

that is cool twobluecrows! misumisu Most of my backgrounds are recycled things also. any notecards i recieve, I use for backs. Sometimes things from catalogs or whatever. I haven't used print yet and I need to try that. I use old calendars and cut it all up into the pieces. I think it IS great for the recycling too! I am sort of a graphics hog anyhow as far as how things look, at least now I have a use for them

Just want to make sure that we can send backgrounds that have been stamped and painted or other techniques. I think it might be good to have a standard minimum size the papers must be. It sounds like most people think it should be larger than 2 1/2 x 3 1/2.

I'm so excited a lot of people have joined! To Everyone: The backgrounds don't have to be made of scapbook paper. You can use new or recycled materials as long as it is at least the size of an ATC ( 2 1/2 x 3 1/2). I also encourage adding extra backgrounds for a heart! Any more questions let me know! I'm also going to be angel this swap, but hope I don't have to. I will check profiles!

such great ideas and answers... as a newbie to swap-bot and ATCs I'm having a BlaSt! I am really looking forward to this swap... all the backgrounds will really fuel my creativity! ...scatter joy...

OK, I am all ready....some lucky person will be getting 46 BGs from me!! 2 of each design!! It is all bagged up and ready to mail.

OK, I lied..........it is an even 50 now....I gathered some great gift wrap!!!

WOW this sounds like fun

My package been waiting on a partner for a few weeks now :P!

I'm creating most of my backgrounds - hand painted etc. and have about 1/2 done. I'm going to send doubles, but only count each set as one - so my partner will get 48 or so. This is so exciting!!! I can't wait.

Oh I hope I don't have to send doubles. I have mine ready too and I don't have doubles of each :( I put in extra though. I like getting lots of different ones. As for making 2 ATCs - I almost always do that with my swaps but I still use different backgrounds because I want each one to be different/unique. I also have a hard time parting with them so I take photos of all I send - well, usually, if I don't forget before I've gone and sealed the envelope :)

@ angkb - I always take photos of everything I send away too! This way, I'll always remember these projects.

Don't worry angkb, they don't have to be doubles!