Archive of ATC Instructions List

Let's transform everyday materials into miniature artwork! Use the demo game card as your ATC base and choose a focal image large enough to cover the center logo. The included scalloped square can help you judge the size before you glue anything down. Add one or two words that complement your image, whether they're meaningful, descriptive, or simply fun. Arrange everything until you're happy with the layout, then glue it into place and turn an ordinary game card into something completely unique.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back of your card and fill it out.)

This project creates a transparent ATC that can be viewed from both sides! Carefully remove the taped frame and place it sticky-side up. Begin building your design by placing background pieces first, then layering items that should appear closer to the viewer. Remember that some materials, like words or stickers, only show correctly from one side, while others can be enjoyed from both. Once you're happy with your arrangement, carefully seal the design with the second piece of clear tape and sign your name along the edge to complete your unique see-through ATC.

Let's use art to express ourselves! Choose one of the prompt cards included in your kit and create an ATC that shows what that word means to you. There are no wrong answers—everyone experiences emotions and ideas differently. When you've finished your first card, choose another prompt or create a second version of the same one to see how your ideas change. Most importantly, have fun and let your imagination lead the way.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back of your card and fill it out.)

Take a few moments to slow down and reflect. Read through the prompts included in your kit and choose the one that speaks to you the most. There is no right or wrong answer—simply create an ATC that expresses your thoughts, feelings, or experiences. If you're unsure where to begin, make a few quick sketches on scrap paper before choosing your favorite idea. Repeat the process with your second card by exploring a different prompt or approaching the same prompt from a new perspective.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back of your card and fill it out.)

Let's create stickers that are miniature works of art! Think about something fun to draw, or create a design that someone else would enjoy receiving. Sketch ideas on scrap paper first if you'd like, then draw directly onto the orange sticker surface using the included pen or another favorite drawing tool. Once your artwork is finished, sign your name or initials and the year in one of the lower corners so your signature stays with the sticker after it's peeled away.
Once you feel the sticker is complete, it's ready to keep, trade, or share!

This is a fun (and slightly messy!) painting experiment. Place a small amount of paint onto your ATC blank, then use the included gift card to scrape the paint across the surface into a thin layer. Try changing the angle, pressure, or direction of your scrape to create different textures. Use any leftover paint on scrap paper or another ATC to see what new effects you can discover. Once everything has dried, finish your card with the included words, shapes, or focal piece—or leave it as a painted background for a future project. Feel free to use any extra papers or recycled materials you have nearby to keep experimenting.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back and fill it out.)

Add a little water to the dried watercolor paints until they become usable again. Paint an abstract design across the watercolor ATC, keeping in mind that you'll eventually cut it in half. Try creating something that still looks connected after it's split into two pieces. Once your painting is completely dry, carefully cut it down the middle and glue each half onto one of the black ATC blanks to create a matching pair of framed miniature artworks.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back and fill it out.)

This kit gives you two creative projects using the same colorful paper squares. For your first ATC, choose three to five colors that you think work well together and arrange them into your own unique color palette. Give your palette a fun name just like professional designers do! For your second ATC, use the remaining squares to create a colorful mosaic design. Since each square has a different color on the back, don't forget to flip pieces over and experiment with both sides. Feel free to cut additional squares from your own paper if inspiration strikes.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back and fill it out.)

Instead of seeing letters, numbers, or symbols, look only at their shapes. Choose one or two cutout pieces and repeatedly trace around them across your ATC blank without overlapping the same outline. Rotate the shapes as you move around the card to create interesting patterns and spaces. Once your design is finished, use the colored pencils or markers to fill in sections, challenging yourself to keep the same colors from touching whenever possible. Try your own variation on the second card by changing the rules or experimenting with different combinations.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back and fill it out.)

Words and letters are really just collections of shapes. Instead of thinking about what the stencils say, focus on the lines and curves they create. Trace the openings over and over to build repeating patterns, geometric designs, or even recognizable objects. Fill the shapes with different colors, patterns, or textures using the pencils provided. Experiment with overlapping ideas and see what interesting designs appear from simple shapes.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back and fill it out.)

Let's create colorful mosaic ATCs! Look through the paper shapes, embellishments, and stickers included in your kit and begin arranging pieces on your ATC blank before gluing anything down. Try layering shapes, creating patterns, or building a simple image from the pieces. When you're happy with your design, glue everything into place. If you'd like, finish by adding doodles or outlines with a pen or marker to tie everything together. Then repeat with your second card using a completely different color palette or style.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back and fill it out.)

This kit is all about discovering what different colored pencils feel like to draw with. Try each brand on both ATC blanks by doodling, shading, sketching, or filling in small areas of color. Pay attention to how smoothly each pencil glides across the paper, how vibrant the colors are, and which ones you enjoy using the most. If you'd like, use a permanent marker afterward to draw simple faces, objects, or doodles over your color tests. There are no wrong answers—this kit is simply about experimenting and finding your favorites.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back and fill it out.)

You only need a little water to bring these watercolor dots to life! Use the included watercolor strip to test your colors and brush pen before painting your ATCs. Experiment with different amounts of water to see how the colors change, then lightly sketch an idea if you'd like. As you paint, pay attention to how the brush bends, how the colors mix, and how much water creates the effects you enjoy most. Every color combination is unique, so have fun exploring.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back of your card and fill it out.)

Time to experiment with weaving! Use the punched ATC blanks and ribbon provided to weave different patterns through the openings. Secure the ends with tape on the back once you're happy with your design. Try different weaving directions, spacing, or even other materials you have nearby. There isn't a right or wrong way to weave—this kit is all about exploring textures and discovering new ideas.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back of your card and fill it out.)

This kit is all about exploring how different drawing tools feel. Divide each ATC into three sections with a few light lines. Draw the head using one pen, the body using another, and the legs using the third. Repeat on your second card using a different order of the tools. Pay attention to how each pen glides across the paper and which combinations you enjoy using the most.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back of your card and fill it out.)

Let's brighten someone's day! Look through the papers, stickers, and embellishments included in your kit and create an ATC for someone who comes to mind. You can make one card or create a few ideas before choosing your favorite. When you're finished, place your card in the included envelope and mail or hand-deliver it to let someone know you're thinking about them. A small piece of art can make a big difference!
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back of your card and fill it out.)

Create your own collectible trading card! Use the included card example as inspiration and think about what makes trading cards fun. You can create your own hero, creature, item, enemy, location, or event card. Add a name, abilities, ratings, descriptions, stars, or any other details that make your card feel unique. Use the style of the card provided as a starting point, but let your imagination decide what kind of card you want to create!
Once you feel the card is complete, sign your initials or artist name and the year somewhere on the front or back of the card.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back of your card and fill it out.)

Let's make comic panel ATCs! Create a character, scene, or story using the pieces provided. You can use the pieces as they are, cut them apart for smaller details, or combine them together to create something completely new. Use the word bubbles to add dialogue, thoughts, sounds, or jokes. Your cards can become one connected comic story or each card can be its own mini comic. Add your own drawings and details to bring your story to life!
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back of your card and fill it out.)

Mixed media is all about combining different materials into one piece of art. Start by adding crayon to your ATC blank, then scrape or brush paint across the surface. Once the paint begins to dry, layer on recycled paper, magnetic tape, stickers, embellishments, or anything else included in your kit. There is no right order or single way to create mixed media artwork, so experiment freely and see what unique combinations you discover.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back of your card and fill it out.)

Let's create scratch art! Cover your ATC blank with a thick layer of crayon until no paper shows through. Mix a drop of dish soap into the paint, then brush on two thin coats, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next. Once everything is completely dry, use the toothpick to gently scratch your design into the paint, revealing the colorful wax underneath. Experiment with different colors, patterns, and scratching techniques to see what effects you can create.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back of your card and fill it out.)

Creativity can be found almost anywhere! This kit is filled with recycled and upcycled materials for you to experiment with. Combine the papers, packaging, stickers, and other items included to create a one-of-a-kind collage. Feel free to add anything you have nearby, like magazine clippings, junk mail, thread, or candy wrappers. Sometimes the most unexpected materials become the most interesting part of your artwork.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back of your card and fill it out.)

Let's build a collage! Start by choosing two or three scrapbook papers that you think work well together and glue them onto your ATC blank to create a background. Next, look through the embellishments and stickers to find pieces that complement your paper choices. Arrange everything before gluing it down, moving pieces around until the design feels balanced. Layering different materials is all part of the fun, so don't be afraid to experiment.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back of your card and fill it out.)

Rub-on transfers are a fun way to add crisp lettering and shapes to your artwork. Practice on scrap paper first until you're comfortable with how they work. Place the transfer where you'd like it, rub firmly with the popsicle stick, then gently lift the plastic to check that the design has transferred completely. Layer letters, overlap shapes, or create interesting patterns before finishing your ATC with crayons or colored pencils.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back of your card and fill it out.)

This kit is all about exploring contrast. Use the white crayon on the black ATC blanks and notice how differently it behaves compared to drawing on white paper. Practice on the scrap paper first if you'd like, then create a nighttime scene filled with stars, the moon, or even a mysterious flying object. Experiment with different amounts of pressure to discover the range of marks you can make and enjoy seeing bright artwork emerge from a dark background.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back and fill it out.)

Instead of seeing alphabet stickers as letters, imagine they're simply shapes waiting to become something new. Arrange the stickers into robots, monsters, buildings, machines, creatures, or completely abstract designs. Use the crayons or colored pencils to add details, backgrounds, and extra lines that help transform the letters into something unexpected. There isn't a right or wrong answer—just let your imagination connect the shapes into something fun.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back and fill it out.)

Let's build a colorful background before adding the finishing touch! Choose three to five colors that you think look great together and completely cover your ATC blank. If you're using crayons, simply color until none of the original card shows through. If you're using colored pencils, try giving each color its own unique pattern before layering the next one on top. Once your background is complete, look through the stickers provided and choose one that complements your colors to finish your miniature artwork.
Once you feel the card is complete, sign and date the back.
(Optional: Glue an ATC backing to the back and fill it out.)

Did you know you can make your own ATC blanks from recycled packaging? Start by collecting clean cardboard packaging from around your home. Carefully open or cut apart the boxes so they lay flat, then trim away the flaps. Measure and cut the cardboard into 2.5" × 3.5" rectangles to create your own ATC blanks. We use our acrylic ATC Size Guide to make this process quick and accurate, but you can easily make your own template from sturdy cardstock. Once you've made a few blanks, experiment with different recycled materials to discover which ones you enjoy creating on the most.