artist trading cards tutorial (Blended Backgrounds with Distress Inks)

Artist Trading Card Tutorial

Thanks for popping over for this artist trading card tutorial. Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) are quick and easy, because they are so small. They are the same size as baseball cards.

Blending Color + Stamps & Stencils

Blend a variety of colors of Distress Ink onto your cards using an Ink Blending tool. Use you heat tool to set the ink now and then.

Add stamping using background stamps. These are meant to add interest but remain in the background – they are not the image you should see first when you look at your final project.

Layer and Layer and Layer some more!

Add more stamping and start stenciling. Choose from a variety of Distress Inks and Archival Inks. I always use Jet Black Archival Ink for the top layer (the focal image, or in this case, faces.)

I hope you enjoyed this artist trading card tutorial. Here's a look at each ATC individually:

Free Download

I’ve created a Distress Ink Blending Checklist for newsletter subscribers. I’d love to send it to you. Click here to get your copy!

Online Workshop

Check out my online mixed media art workshop called All About Artist Trading Cards & Artist Trading Coins (All About ATCs for short!) All the details are right here.

Thanks so much for the visit! If we're not already connected, please sign up for my newsletter or find me here on social media.

Marjie

18 Comments

pearshapedchris on October 10, 2018 at 10:49 am

Now that’s blending! Theses all look fabulous! Chrisx
Amanda Pink on September 25, 2015 at 3:57 pm

A triple dose of Marjie magic ! Nothing better to make the heart happy . Goes without saying really these are stunning and thx for sharing how they developed . Have fun with the classes . I’m sure you will be much loved . Safe travel too x
Joi@RR on September 21, 2015 at 10:31 am

I’m slippin’ – dear me – thought I had already left you a comment Marjie. Well – I’m glad I discovered that I didn’t BECAUSE… I really enjoy these three pieces. My favorite it the one with the writing over one eye! Love the colors, the backgrounds – you always come up with the most unique blending and combinations. SUPER INSPIRATIONS! j.
jackie p neal on September 21, 2015 at 6:45 am

These are so gorgeous Marjie!! Your effortless blending always brings such gorgeous coloring! I love your atc’s! Thanks for sharing the tutorial ! xo
Gigi Black on September 20, 2015 at 11:58 pm

Gorgeous!!!!! I love the depth and color.
gio on September 20, 2015 at 10:16 pm

These are little treasure, simply marvellous!
Victoria Sturdevant on September 20, 2015 at 9:43 pm

Beautiful!
Dot on September 20, 2015 at 7:27 pm

These are sooo beautiful Marjie!
Lynne on September 19, 2015 at 5:07 pm

Backgrounds blended to perfection. I really should be calling you the Queen of Ink because you always manage to keep the colours so fresh, even when blending. Love the results, it is as though they glow.
Wishes
Lynne
Julie S on September 18, 2015 at 10:19 pm

So glad you got to have a little fun. These are wonderful!
Anita Houston on September 18, 2015 at 10:11 pm

I adore these Marjie! LOVE the colors and images!!!
Kathy Bradley on September 18, 2015 at 5:08 pm

Margi,
Gorgeous ATCs – the colors are wonderful!
Kirsten on September 18, 2015 at 3:32 pm

Wow! Gorgeous ATCs.
paper profusion on September 18, 2015 at 12:56 pm

Love their incredible depth. The layers add such great interest. Nicola x
Claudine Criner on September 18, 2015 at 12:22 pm

Your ATCs are so beautiful Marjie, love your use of color and the laying is perfect! Can’t wait to see ya in Colorado!! YAY!
butterfly on September 18, 2015 at 11:10 am

Glorious colours and layering – a fabulous trio. Hope all the classes go brilliantly – I’m sure they will.
Alison xx
Julie Tucker-Wolek on September 18, 2015 at 7:50 am

These are GORGEOUS! LOVING the colors!!!!!!!!
Astrid on September 18, 2015 at 2:30 am

Marjie, I always so love the way you build up your inky layers (loved your online classes as you know). These are stunning, – a great trio!!