ATC, a small wonder of big art

When I first heard of ATC's, (artist trading cards for those of you that might have been living in a cave for the last 5 years) I wasn't really too excited. I was thinking that what kind of art could be expressed on such a tiny canvas. Then I started looking at fine pieces of jewelry, tiny locket portraits, plus other tiny pieces of art. I guess it could pack a lot of art and boy do they. I have seen some real beauties and some really not so beautiful ones but each one means something to the artist that created it.
The rules about them vary from person to person and group to group. I have read some mighty heated conversations in groups, on what should or should not be on them and of course the biggest argument being they should always be traded and never sold. Well, if someone wants to pay me a healthy sum of money for my little artwork, I say, end of debate! Sold!!! Come on, let's not carry the starving artist gig any further than is has been carried so far. I really think that rule was made up because the people who started them didn't think anyone would be inspired enough to purchase one and since they are called trading cards, well that's my theory. Think of all those boys back in the 50's and 60's that clipped Mickey Mantel's rookie cards on their spokes or traded it for some now forgotten pitcher's trading card. Doh! It the atc moves you, then by all means buy it from the creator! You can both ignore the rule. :)
There is only one rule, it must fit into a trading card sleeve, 2.5 x 3.5 inches. Notice I didn't say the finished card had to be that size......I once made some cute little atc dolls that folded into a size suitable to fit inside of a trading card sleeve.
OK, that is enough about atc's. On with sharing, I am going to share some of my faves with you today. I have made so many that this is going to be hard but I will manage. Cheers everyone! Happy trading!