Artist Trading Cards are hot swaps!
You are welcome to
join in the practice of swapping artist trading cards or other small handmade paper "favours"
with visitors at Melbourne Paperific. This is a fun way to meet people at
the show and build a collection of souvenirs. There are no hard and fast rules to swapping, but if you've
never done it before, here are some guidelines.
We
suggest a swap theme for each expo which you can follow if you like ... or ignore
and do your own thing if you'd rather!
The theme for our 2008 expos:
Autumn: "I Come from the Land Down Under"
Spring: "Women's Circus"
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The
traditional swap item amongst stampers used to be handmade paper brooches
(called swap pins) backed with a safety pin stuck on with reinforced packing
tape. But in recent years, Artist Trading
Cards have become the swap item of choice.
What
are Artist Trading Cards?
These cards are typically made from 64mm x 89mm cardstock (that's two-and-a-half
inches by three-and-a-half inches in America where this practice was
invented). Collage,
paint or stamp the decorated side - the style and method is totally up to you. The artwork should be original,
not photocopied. On the reverse side, sign your name and write the
date. You can add other contact details or information if you choose
to. |
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The swap items need to
be relatively easy to make so you can churn out several. How many should
you bring? Well, somewhere between 20 and 50, depending on how many days you are coming
to the expo. You can make several the same, but don't make them all identical. You might meet someone who will want to swap more than one card with you.
Don't
forget to put your name and any contact details that you want to share
(like an email address) on the back of your swap items. The swap items
are sort of like a decorative business card in this respect.
Here's
a tip if you are brand new to swapping: When you come to the show, carry
your swap items in a clear plastic bag. That way, other swappers will
see that you've got something to trade and are more likely to pull out
their own and initiate a conversation with you. Don't be shy about swapping.
And please don't worry that your swaps "aren't good enough".
We all have to start at some level. Gorgeous swap items are great, but
the real value of swapping comes from interacting with people at the expo.
NEW in 2008: A swapping area will be designated at both expos this year and signposted with "swapping meet-up" times. |
