ATC Cards: Fun, Creative Art for Children

Make ATC's (Artist Trading Cards) using materials cut to the size of a playing card. In 1997, art trading cards were first used in Switzerland by artist, M. Vanci Stirneman. The cards are also known as ACEO (Art Card Editions & Originals). The art cards are usually 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches. Thesecards are a wonderful way for kids to practice art principles like, design, elements, and be creative with assorted art mediums. The playing cards are also inexpensive and just the right size for trading. The only problem is that playing cards curl after applying the gesso. Painting an X on the back of the card with water helps the curling problem.

Prepare the Art Surface

Have the children sand the surface of the playing card with fine sandpaper and then paint the cards with gesso, preparing them for painting. This makes the playing card a trading size canvas. Kids really enjoy painting on these small cards and can trade them with friends when they are done creating their masterpieces. The children eventually collect their own art gallery of ATC art from their friends. Give the children a trading card album to keep their original artwork safe and for sharing with friends.

If you would rather get right down to painting, cut the art cards from paper canvas, pastel paper, watercolor paper, or any vellum type paper. All of these materials are available at arts and crafts stores.

Experiment with Different Art Mediums

Allow the children to freely experiment with a variety of mediums such as: watercolor pencils, watercolor paint, acrylic, poster paint, markers, colored pencils, charcoal pencils, and pastels, to name a few. As you create your ATC's with the children, let them move around and share ideas with the other members of the family or friends who are also participating.

Suggest Themes if Necessary

Young children love experimenting with the different colors, creating abstract works of art. Older children are sometimes inhibited with their creativity because of their art instruction in school. Most school age kids are trained to be more structured and focused in art classes, thinking about what should draw to get a good grade. If this is the case, suggest a theme the child might enjoy such as, animals, birds, sports, etc. This helps the child get the creative juices flowing. Eventually, they will enjoy the freedom that painting at home allows them to have.

Offer Minimal Guidance

Don't offer too much guidance to your kids but encourage them to ask questions, talk to each other, and discuss their projects. Show interest in their descriptions and explanations about what they are trying to create, offering only enough guidance to foster their creativity. You will be pleasantly surprised at the beautiful artwork your child can create.

Get out those art supplies and sit down with the kids. Lure them away from the television, Playstation, Xbox, text messaging, and iPods. Take the opportunity to spend some quality time with your children, connecting with their creative spirits, helping them discover a world outside of electronic gadgets. Be excited about your children's artwork and they will respond with excitement and develop an appreciation for creativity, individuality, and art expression.

Resource: Wet Canvas