An "ATC" is an Artist Trading Card.  Each card is 2.5" X 3.5'. That is basically the only rule. They can be made of mixed media, fabric, mini watercolors, prints of original work and even embellished with jewels. You get the idea! Originally, these cards were traded among artists. A more recent development is the "ACEO" which stands for Art Card Edition Original. These are the same cards, but sold by artists. They are great fun for everyone to collect! I have started selling them in my etsy store. Last time I checked, there were over 2,000 available for purchase! They are the perfect little gift for a friend and the prices vary, but they are certainly less expensive than a larger piece of work... and a great opportunity to get an affordable original from your favorite artist. I am also selling mini mats in my store so that you can put your ACEO in a ready made standard 5 x 7 frame. Anyway, take a look and let me know what you think. I welcome any ideas for new cards, too. 

Well, after a very long wait (hope no one was holding their breathe waiting for my new blog post...), I have been making soldered jewelry! Unlike a lot of artists who are using prints, I decided to place original watercolors on both sides of the pendants. I have been giving them as gifts, and you can now purchase them from me in my new store at www.etsy.com. The easiest way to find me: www.chrissutherland.etsy.com.  My store is called chrissutherland. (no space between my first and last names, no "o" in Sutherland, and "art" is not attached to my last name as in my website). If you like what you see, please "heart me" by selecting my store as one of your favorites. The more people who "heart" me, the more visibility I get!!!

If you are not familiar with etsy, be careful, it is great fun and very addictive. Unlike e-bay where you bid on items and you can basically sell anything, etsy is limited to handmade items, vintage items and supplies for art making. The prices are pre-determined. The creativity of the artists/crafters is mind blowing! It is eye candy to the nth degree. What I don't make, I try to buy on etsy, as a part of my pledge to help the small businessperson/artist trying to compete against big chains and our current economy. I hope you will consider doing the same!

In addition to jewelry, I am selling notecards, ACEOs (Artist Trading Cards), mats for ACEOs, and I am adding prints and original work everyday. So please keep looking.

And I hope that 2009 will be a healthy, happy year for everyone. Think positive thoughts!!!!