T Stands For a HEADs UP

Today  I want to give you a heads up that our THIRD T Stands For Tuesday anniversary will be here before we know it.  Last year I was late getting everyone informed, but I hope I've given you ample time this year.  Our third anniversary lands on Tuesday, July 19.

Let me begin with a photo from the post I shared last year announcing what I propose again this year.

I suggest we exchange ATCs or altered trading cards again.  Some of you already know what an ATC is, but others might not.  They are always traded, NEVER sold.

The size is in inches (") and is 2 1/2" by 3 1/2" or 2.5" X 3.5".  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.  I realize these don't convert well from standard to metric, but this is how ATCs were originally made and are still made that way today.

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.  I can get eight backs per page.  Of course, if you make a lot of ATCs, you may own a stamp that does the same thing.

Here is a close-up of the ATC I showed in my cup.  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 last year I called this one "Prototype."  I stamped and fussy cut the tea pot, then glued it in place.  Finally, I added the letter stickers that are made out of plastic.

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.

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 then be complete.

Don't feel obligated, especially if you have concerns about the high cost of postage.  Even though I always send extra goodies with my ATC whenever I join 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 add an asterisk 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 156th.

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 like something you want to do again this year. 

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.

Since some of you are new to T Stands For Tuesday, one of the questions I am often asked is why I post at 4:00 p.m. U.S. central time on Monday.  The answer is simple.  It's that pesky International Date Line and 24 hour clock.  In the real scheme of things, I'm actually on the back side of time zones.  Most of the people who link to T Stands For Tuesday are in time zones where Tuesday arrives much earlier.

I've talked enough.  Please let me know if you want to make an ATC for the anniversary swap in your comments.  If there's enough interest we'll exchange ATCs on July 19.  It's also time to link below and Bleubeard and I, along with the regular T gang will be by to visit. Please link your direct post, not your blog in general.