ABC: Spark of Art-spiration ‘23

ABC: Spark of Art-spiration

Inspired by artist Carolyn Dube and her weekly “sparks” that she emails out, I decided to try a new group swap!

Slightly similar to our Junque JAMS idea, except with a distinctly artful twist!

We will mail our partner a starter set of at least:

• TWO (2) ATC sized “Art-spiration” backgrounds that have been made using an art medium such as paint, pastel, gesso, pigments, ink, sprays, or dyes. These backgrounds must be made using more than simply paper and an adhesive.

• A self-addressed envelope or address label (so your partner can return an ATC (or other mail art of the sender’s choosing) back to you more easily

The ATC sized backgrounds do not have to match.

Nor do they have to be made strictly of paper, so fabric, clay, wood, metal, and polymers are all welcome too. Just remember that additional postage may be required if you choose bulky or stiff materials.

The emphasis here is on the colorful, mixed media ART- aspect of the trading cards (or mail art). Please use paint, pigments, inks, sprays or dyes though. This is MORE than just adhering paper to paper like a decoupaged napkin on some card stock. We want to get in touch with our inner artist and use color mediums to fashion these ATC “sparks” with some interesting textures or layers.

Upon receiving your starter set, you will then have the freedom to either paint on it, die cut it, rip it, doodle on it, stamp on it, etc. Just use your imagination and that piece of ATC sized art-spiration to fashion a unique mini masterpiece to send your partner. Sender’s choice of mail art to send back to our partner. In other words, you’ll receive two ATC sized “sparks” & may transform it into any mail art that you want: tag, index card, postcard, etc

Participating artists are agreeing to send one completely finished piece of mail art, using the spark, back to their assigned partner within 90 calendar days from the time the “sparks” were received. I’m allowing extra time in this swap to accommodate our inner artist because I genuinely hope that you’re inspired before creating. Thus, the idea behind the swap name “art-spiration”(inspiration)!

Please message me if I’ve forgotten anything or if you have questions/comments/concerns.

Thank you for considering the swap.

Happy ARTing! 💕