1. Create your ATC: Anything goes! It can be art, craft, simple, involved, whatever you feel inspired to create and the card itself can be constructed of any surface be it watercolour paper, card, collage, all it has to be is 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches or 64 mm x 89 mm if you prefer metric.

2. Make sure your details are included on the reverse of your ATC. These are collectors items so need to have a little information for the recipient. Pop your name, the date you created it, the medium you used and any message for the recipient you think might be appropriate. It’s a tiny space so write as neatly as you can or use a typed sticker on the back if that’s easier.
   IF you are happy to be contacted by the recipient, please include your email address too.
   Please note, your ATC may be shared on social media by the recipient.

3. Create a stamped, self addressed envelope. This is so that Ali can send you a card from another artist and so if you are not based in the UK, please research what postage is required to get an ATC of this size to your home. If you are based in the UK, Ali suggests using a C6 envelope with a small piece of card inserted so that the ATC doesn’t get damaged and with your choice of either first or second class postage.

4. Pop your ATC and the self addressed envelope in a slighter larger envelope and post off to Ali at the following address:
   Artist Trading Card Project
   c/o Downend Farm Studio
   3 Downend Farm, Bushes Road, Stourpaine,
   Blandford Forum, Dorset,
   DT11 8SY

5. Sit back and wait for a beautiful work of art from another artist somewhere in the world.
   

A few questions you may have:
How many ATCs can I create, is there a limit?
Not at all, the more you create, the more Ali can send out to those people who might need a little artistic boost throughout the year. You are welcome to keep sending them to Ali throughout the year, particularly if part of the joy is receiving a new work of art.

I’m not worried about receiving one in return, I only want to create some for others?
That’s very generous of you, just pop a note in for Ali to explain this and then she won’t worry if your stamped addressed envelope is missing from the package.

I included a stamped addressed envelope but haven’t received an ATC in return, what’s happened?
Our postal system isn’t foolproof sadly, just let Ali know and she will send you another, we always have more cards than requests.

I would like to thank the creator of my card, how do I do that?
You may know them personally or be in touch on social media, if so, contact them there. They may have included their email address so you can drop them a line but if you have no way of getting in touch, just enjoy the fact that someone in the world has created something for you.

Is this project all year round or just at specific times?
Ali used to only run this project at Christmas and for just a few of her students but she would like to open it up to everyone, at all times of the year.

May I share my wonderful ATC on social media?
Absolutely! Share yours, the one you receive, the project details, and anything that helps Ali to get the scheme noticed by others to bring a little artistic sunshine to the art world. If you are good with posting on social media please tag @aliboardartist in the post so she can enjoy it too, she may also share your post if she has the chance.