In 2006, I was just learning about a new craft called ATC, or Artist Trading Cards.  One of the fun things about ATCs is that they are little handmade "canvases" of art, made by anyone and then swapped between artists or members of groups  That aspect (swapping by group members) got me thinking about MSWorld – where we are a fairly close-knit 'family' of members, all with the same issue – MS. ATCs typically depict a theme set by the swap-host and are made using each artist's favorite method or medium.   Since I had never tried to make ATCs before, I thought this might be a good time to see if I would enjoy a craft like this and maybe get some other MSers interested too, so I started a thread at the message boards explaining what ATCs were and asked if anyone would be interested in making them and swapping them with me.

Surprisingly enough, I had 12 people respond! Since I thought this would be a one-time event, the only theme I set for the cards was "MS" meaning what they depicted on their ATCs could be anything  – from how the member experienced MS to Limbo Island, medications, symptoms – whatever. The choice was theirs as to what they wanted to convey.

Paper type and mediums to be used were also open to choice. The only thing everyone had to stick to was the card size.  Otherwise, I didn't want anyone to feel limited to their choice of medium or that the “talent of a Renoir” was required of participants!  Some of us love mixed mediums. Others like to paint.  Others have an eye for photography.  We had everything from digital prints to marking pens to polymer clay and hand-made paper and stickers! They all turned out very unique and beautiful! In fact, after all the cards were swapped, I posted these photos at the forum and then was surprised to hear everyone asking when the NEXT series would begin! J!!! 

The swap was a great success and both the artists and those who just wanted to see what people created really enjoyed it.  Ultimately, a swap  was established for each quarter of that year.  People who had never tried any kind of craft before or who may have felt they were NOT creative found they could make these miniature works of art and the results were varied and beautiful.