Making ATCs - Artist Trading Cards

Blog 8 of 30 ~ Effy Wild's Blogalong ~ Thirty Posts in Thirty Days 

Artist Trading Cards are the size of a regular playing card...

2 1/2 by 3 1/2. 

You create art on one side, on the other side you place your information and then you swap with other artists.

I am part of an awesome group that swaps 2 ATCs monthly, 

plus birthdays!

Back in February, I posted the Artist Trading Cards 

I had received for my birthday month.

I absolutely loved getting such creations 

in the mail!

Right now, I'm on a break from making them. Sometimes I have so many passions, I end up with an unrealistic amount of creative outlets. 

However, I hope to get back into ATC creating again soon. 

I have tons of backgrounds, so it actually wouldn't be that difficult to jump back on the ATC wagon.

Earlier in the year, since I had planned on creating tons of ATCs for my group, I decided to mass produce some. 

Well, at least the backgrounds.

Here's what I did.

I took some scrapbooking sheets...

On the blank side I glued regular playing cards.

I could fit 12 per sheet. 

Next the real fun begins -

painting and decorating the backgrounds.

I used white gesso, black gesso, acrylic paints, water, paper towels, bubble wrap, foam brushes, bubble painting, 

and my fingers. 

I loved doing this. 

I just simply created 60 ATCs that are ready for their flair.

Here are some ATCs I've created this year.

Here is the 1st ATC I ever created...

and a few more I've done recently.

I love creating Artist Trading Cards. 

They are simple, fun, and the best part is....

getting them in the mail.

Peace, Inspiration, & Love,
~Amy
The Magick Muse

How I Create Cool Candles

"How do you make your candles?"

Spirit Dancer Recycled Candles 

I get asked this quite often. Maybe it should be a secret...

but I'll let you in on my process.

I pretty much made it up. I go with my instincts.

One of the reasons my candles are so special is I use recycled wax. You know when that pillar candle burns out, but there is still wax? That's what I use, old candle scraps. Friends have been donating their scraps to me for years. I started making candles in 2001. I can't believe it's been 11 years!

So, first I melt the wax.

Next I pick out which molds to use and get them ready.

Now it's time for the secret ingredient!

Are you ready? Some of you already know. 

Ice, ice baby!

Yup. It's that simple. I love working with ice. 

It gives all the candle creations a unique look!

I fill the molds halfway with the ice. 

I check on the wax to make sure it has all melted. 

This is where I would add any dyes or scents. 

After figuring out the color and scent, I charge the wax, adding specific spiritual energy.

That's right...these candles are magic!

Okay, time to pour. 

I love this part!

Let them set and you will have one of a kind candle creations!

Recycled, magical, and unique...

 All Spirit Dancer candles are made with recycled wax and lots of fairy love. 

These candles are made possible with donated candle scraps. 

Don't throw out that pillar candle when it's done burning-give it to me 

and I'll create a new luminous wonder. 

I'll even give you Spirit Dancer Creations merch in exchange for wax.

Thank you!

Peace, Inspiration, & Love, 

 ~Amy
 The Spirit Dancer