ATC-plus Meetups: Frequently Asked Questions

SO WHAT EXACTLY IS AN ATC+ MEETUP? In a nutshell: It's when a highly creative group of people gathers for a hands-on day of making artist trading cards (ATCs), postcards, altered books and other paper-based arts and crafts.

WHAT ARE ARTIST TRADING CARDS? Read our primer: All About ATCs

WHO ATTENDS? Our members are diverse in terms of age, location, background, artistic approach and experience. We've got professional artists and complete newbies and everything in between. Attendance ranges from about 5-6 to 15-20 or even more, depending on the timing and location. Meet some of our members: http://artisttradingc...

WHEN DO YOU MEET? About once a month on a Saturday or Sunday. Exact hours vary, but we usually go from about 10 a.m.-5 p.m., sometimes later. Many people come for the full day; others just show up for a few hours.

WHERE DO YOU MEET? Wherever we can find room for a bunch of craftspeople and all their stuff. Lately, we've been meeting in a large studio in the basement of a quilt shop on the Natick/Wellesley line. We're always seeking new venues!

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS AT ONE OF THESE THINGS? Our sessions are still evolving, but at the moment it's roughly this agenda: In the morning, people usually work on their own projects--mostly ATCs, but also postcards, altered books, journals, etc.--with a lot of talking and sharing of supplies and ideas. Even first-timers just sit down and start making stuff, drawing on their own creativity and that of others in the group.

Members often show each other what they've been working on between Meetups, and prompting lots of well-deserved "ooh-ing" and "ahh-ing." If some of us previously agreed to participated in a group project--for instance, a themed swap (all making cards on the same theme) or a challenge (all making cards from the same set of raw materials) eventually we'll show each other what we did. All activities are optional.

We've just started offering discussions on group-generated topics such as how to make ATC backgrounds and demonstrations of techniques such as working with acrylic paint or block prints. We also have a yard-sale table where members can put items for sale and a free bin where anyone can give or take whatever they want.

WHAT'S A SAMPLE AGENDA? Here's the actual schedule (such as it is) for a recent event:

---Doors open at 10 a.m. Arrive 10:30 a.m. (unless you're a set-up volunteer; then please arrive by 10).

---Hands-on crafting: All day. Set up your workspace whenever you arrive; start making ATCs (or anything else you want).

---Show-and-tell, open trading: All day. Show off your stuff and, if you want, swap cards with others.

---Lunch: On your own, whenever you want. Brown-bag or pick up nearby (organizer has menus).

---Themed Swap: If you previously signed up to participate in the optional themed swap, drop off your cards where indicated by 1:30 p.m. We'll split them up and return them to you in packs before the end of the day. You'll find a "how-to-play" document about the themed swap in the Files section of the Web site. Pictures of past swaps are in the Photos section.

---Monthly Challenge: This activity involves taking a packet of elements and using one or more of them to make one ATC for show-and-tell next time. We'll distribute the packets mid-afternoon. You'll find a "how-to-play" document about the monthly challenges in the Files section of the Web site. Pictures of past challenges are in the Photos section.

---Discussion/Demo: We'll discuss and show examples of some cool techniques for making ATC+ backgrounds, then demonstrate two of them (acrylics and wax stamping) after 2 p.m.

--Clean-up: Starts around 4:15 p.m.

--Doors close: 5 p.m. sharp.

HOW DO I ATTEND A MEETUP? Just join our group, then RSVP "yes" for the event. Please read the group's ground rules: New England ATC Meetup Group Ground Rules

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO A MEETUP?
Here's a suggested list: ATC Meetups--What to Bring

CAN YOU EXPLAIN MORE ABOUT SWAPS AND CHALLENGES? See the "how-to-play" documents in the Files section of the Web site. You may also ask questions in the "Swaps & Challenges" section of our message boards.

Questions? Contact your organizer via the link on the home page.