T Stands for It's Time

I meant to give you a heads up sooner, but I completely allowed this month to get away from me.  Three weeks from today we celebrate our SECOND T Stands For Tuesday anniversary.

After our first anniversary, when (sad to say, since I'm the host) I did nothing to commemorate the celebration,

this year I would like to propose

an exchange of ATCs.

Some of you already know what an ATC is, but others might not.  ATC stands for "Altered Trading Card," and they are always traded, NEVER sold.

I make my own backs using my word processing program.  Granted, I use WordPerfect, so I can't help those of you who use Word or some other program.  However be aware I live in America, and as such, my paper size, which is 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches is probably different from yours if you don't live in the States.  The size of the ATC will always be the same, though.

Note the size is in inches (") and is 2 1/2" by 3 1/2" or 2.5" X 3.5" as shown in this scan.  They are the same size as other trading cards, such as baseball or sci-fi cards.  You can even use a standard size playing card and cover it.

You will need to add your name, your blog address (or e-mail if you prefer), and the date somewhere on the ATC.  You may add the title, if you choose, which is optional.  Most people add these to the back of the card.

I propose IF you decide to exchange an ATC, that you add an asterisk (*) after your name on the day of the anniversary.

You don't have to be an artist to make an ATC.  This was made using an invitation I got in my junk mail for a company wanting to entice me with a lunch (and a chance to win an I-Pod) in exchange for listening to their spiel.  I added a cup I found in a magazine, along with a fortune from a fortune cookie.  I call this one "Let's Do Lunch."

For this one, I got a bit more artsy.  I started with a failed Gelli experiment for a background.  I glued it to the ATC back.  When dry, I cut a piece of oriental vellum a bit smaller and sewed it to the background.  I should have sewed the background and vellum together before I glued them in place, but that's why I'm calling this one "Prototype."  I stamped and fussy cut the tea pot, then glued it in place.  Finally, I added the stickers that are made out of plastic.

Back to the anniversary.  Once you have decided to play and have added your asterisk after your name, the next person on the list who also adds an asterisk, is the person you send your ATC to.  If you are the FIRST person whose name has an asterisk behind it, the LAST person on the list who has an asterisk behind their name will be the person who sends to you.  The circle will be filled and the Pay It Forward deed will be complete.

Don't feel obligated, especially if you have concerns about the high cost of postage.  Even though I sent extra goodies with my ATC when I joined the WOYWW anniversary swap (from which I shamelessly stole borrowed this idea), I still only used one one-ounce postage stamp.  However, please don't join IF you are worried you will get someone from another country and can't afford to send the ATC.  No one will think any less of you.  Be aware, you may play whether it will be your first week of play or 104th.

For that week ONLY, there will be no Mr. Linky.  Instead, I will use InLinkz, where I will set it up so you can remove your name in case you forgot to add your asterisk and want to replace the link.   I can't seem to remove your name through Mr. Linky.  So you will be responsible for deciding if you wish to play, and how you upload your link.

Please let me know if this sounds fun to you. 

Remember, any form of ATC is permitted.  Just like any DRINK related post is permitted during T Stands For Tuesday.  You might choose to paint, draw, doodle, sew, or create a collage on your ATC.  It really doesn't matter as long as the size is correct.

I've talked enough.  You know what to do, so link below and Bleubeard and I, along with the regular T gang will be by to visit.

And since I'm reminding, don't forget Second on the 2nd is in three days!