Introduction

What are Artist Trading Cards (ATC)? Historically they've been handmade sets of cards created by a group of artists who trade their cards among themselves, ending up with new sets of cards consisting of one card from each artist.

The size requirement for ATCs is that they are 2.5 x 3.5 inches (64 x 89mm), the size of baseball trading cards. Origami ATCs have the added requirement of having origami on or as part of the card. In addition, they should be able to fit in a trading card plastic sleeve, to protect the artwork, which limits the overall thickness.

General Information

Anyone interested in making ATCs may participate in this Swap. You must register (see below) no later than Thursday, June 1, 2023, 10:00am PDT in order to participate. You will receive an email confirmation within 48 hours.

Mail-in participation is limited to the Continental US. If International ATC creators want to participate, they should coordinate on their own with a 2023 convention attendee to receive and return their ATCs. Please review the information below under registration for swappers not attending convention.

There is no official design theme for the swap. Let your imagination be your guide!

Your cards must be received no later than Friday, June 16, 2023.

One card will be kept for the official collection and the exhibition. It will be replaced with an official Eighteenth ATC Swap title card.

We will meet at the conference to receive traded sets, meet each other and talk techniques and inspiration.

The group swap will be on Saturday, June 24 at 12:15 pm.

Unofficial and private swapping of ATCs is encouraged, whether it's extras from this swap or other cards you may have.

Registration

To register, email Jean Baden-Gillette at PaperBerry [at] aol.com.

Please include your name, email address, and mobile phone if you will be attending in person. If you have designated a proxy at convention to receive your cards please provide the proxy’s name/mobile phone number.

The deadline for registration is Thursday, June 1, 2023.

If you are registered but need to cancel your participation, please contact Jean as soon as possible.

Cards: Making, Sending, Receiving

Official sets consist of 18 cards that are 2.5 x 3.5 inches (64 x 89 mm). You are strongly encouraged to make extras for private swapping.

There is no official theme for this swap other than origami. Be creative!

Your ATCs must include origami or be an origami folded card conforming to the 2.5" x 3.5" standard dimensions.

Please include the following information on the back of the card:

  • Name of the artist
  • Location of the artist (city, state)
  • Title of the card
  • Email address of the artist
  • Edition number of card, e.g., 1/18, 2/18, 3/18 etc.
  • Date: June 2023
  • Optional: To respect the creativity of origami creators, you may want to include the model name and the creator’s name.
  • Optional: Eighteenth ATC Swap @ OrigamiUSA Convention 2023

For the protection of your artwork, put each card in a plastic card sleeve.

Please package your participating set in a sealable plastic bag with your name and contact information on it.

Cards must be received no later than Friday, June 17, 2023. Jean will be leaving for NYC shortly thereafter and may not get the cards if the deadline is missed.

Mail your ATC set (ideally in a padded envelope) to:
Jean Baden-Gillette
6478 W Roxbury Drive
Littleton, CO 80128
Phone: 720-410-2912 (landline)
Email: PaperBerry [at] aol.com

If you have designated an ATC proxy at Convention to be responsible for your cards, please include the proxy’s name, email address and mobile phone number. This will help ensure you get your set of traded cards.

If you want your cards mailed to you, please include $5.00 to cover the cost of a padded envelope and postage. Mailed cards may not be returned until after July 1.

Deadlines

  • Registration — by Thursday, June 1, 2023
  • Mailed set received — by Friday, June 16, 2023
  • Swap Meet up — Saturday, June 24, 2023, 12:15 pm, Carnegie East.

Contact Information

Jean Baden-Gillette
PaperBerry [at] aol.com
After June 20, by email or 347-572-5503