AskAnissa: We currently reside in Sacramento now and finding an art and craft store is not my hobby since we have just moved from San Francisco. My kids are currently enrolled in a preschool near our apartment and now, they are being required by their teachers to bring art materials but the place near our place doesn't have what they need. Do you happen to know any store in our place wherein we can buy arts and crafts materials? I need a one stop shop so we won't waste too much time and gas roaming around the city and finding for a shop with complete arts and crafts supply. Hope you can help us with our problem. – Anonymous

Answer: So I believe, you're really new to the place. Sacramento is a great city and it's idle compared to other cities in California. However, if you're still not familiar with your new location then we will be glad to assist you.

Sacramento has great arts and crafts stores. Just like other cities, they also have one-stop-shops that cater everything that you will need from graphic pencils down to polymer clays or whatsoever needed for arts and crafts. And they have a wide array of options from toddler needs to professional artisans. And here are the perfect places for your arts and crafts needs:

Utrecht Art Supply is located at 1612 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, CA, United States
Website: http://www.utrechtart.com/
Email: brent@utrecht.com

Utrecht Art Supplies is one of the largest retailers of fine arts supplies. They have the art materials you need to turn your imaginations into reality. Utrecht Art Supply caters to all if not almost everything that you will need for your kids' requirement at school. And you can even start your own hobby. According to the buyers, they price their supplies reasonably and they have a good compilation of stuff however their staff isn't as knowledgeable in terms of the usage of the materials.

Michael's Arts & Crafts is located at 3691 Truxel Road, Sacramento, CA, United States
Website: http://www.michaels.com/
Phone: (916) 928-9777

Michael's have great art supplies and they are also one of the largest art supply dealers. And if you're looking for a one-stop-shop craft store then this is also a good one. They have different kinds of art supplies from markers, paints, fabric, pens and embellishments that are just so perfect for your son's and daughter's school requirements. They also offer art classes for children and adults which parents might get interested with. They have classes during the week and weekends. And they have great scrapbooking material selection too.

Filed under Arts by Anissa.
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September 18, 2008

Buying Native American Art

Whether you’re drawn to the beauty of kachina dolls, sand paintings and jewelry or the eye catching colors of woven rugs, story tellers and pottery craft; having a little understanding about the American arts and crafts can help you make the most of your money.

As the native American art usually commands higher prices, some unscrupulous traders misrepresent imitation art and craft products as authentic. If you are considering to buy a piece of Native American art, here are some do's and dont's that will help you make an informed buying decision.

Do's
Always prefer to buy the native American arts and craft products directly from the artists, galleries or at special shows. Attend seminars and functions, which draw native American artists and talk to them. Learn about the artists and their area of specialization.
Know what designs or products make a particular art piece well constructed and beautiful. It is important to understand the different types of art forms and what makes one art piece better than others. Research, research, research.
Do everything you can to check the authenticity of a particular art piece. Check out who the designer is and about him/her.
Purchase the artworks from a reputed dealer who has a association with the artist. Ask if you can return the artwork if you do not like it.
Learn about the law regarding sale and purchase of native American arts and craft products.

Dont's
Buy an art piece if you don't like it.
Feel that you will always have to spend big money to buy native American arts and crafts. There are some lesser known artists who create posters and more mass-produced items like nice gifts and decorations at much lesser prices. It is up to you whether you spend $35 or $35000 for a oil painting or a bronze statue. Know what the purpose of your purchase is?
Be afraid about asking questions. If a trader is selling native American artwork, he should disclose the authenticity of what he is offering. Genuine native American artwork can be identified with the Trademark of artist.
Hesitate to contact the artist to verify the authenticity of the artwork you are considering buying.
Believe on everything that you read on the Internet or are told by a sales person. There are many good books available in the market that you can use to enhance your knowledge about the native American arts and craft.


Hello friends I am Mark Peterson and I am a craft enthusiast. From last five years I am working for US popular arts and crafts magazines and newspapers. Now I write on different categories of crafts where I focus antiques, bar accessories, hobby kits, interior decor, handicraft. I also run my blog on crafts products http://www.craftproducts.blogspot.com

Filed under Arts by Craig Whites.
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June 27, 2008

Ask Anissa: What are ATC's: Artist Trading Cards?

Question: What are ATC's? Or, What are Artist Trading Cards?  I get this question so often, and typically just refer to an older article that I wrote, but, I wanted to shake it up a little here, and do some old and new stuff. This Answer is for all of you who have asked me recently what ATC's are.
Answer: ATC's are such wonderful little pieces of art, and it seems that just in the last few months more and more people are becoming aware of artist trading cards. I have written about this form of art several times, my most visited and remembered article was one that I syndicated on my good friend Melissa's website, CraftyPlaces.com. Since that time, artists, manufacturers and other hobbyists have taken this art form and followed its most well known and popular form, and others have taken it to other artsy forms. Many artists are using paper while you may find quite a few that are using fabric and fibers and all other mixed media types.

I have written on several of these different types of what are actually ATC's but, in the artists art form. I will be writing more on this subject, as time goes, as this is one of my favorite crafts/hobbies/arts and very interesting art forms. I have just purchased the ACEO below, and hope to be receiving it very soon!

Here is a link to the site where I published my article: http://www.craftyplaces.com/81/the-basics-of-atcs/

Vintage bathing beauty gothic arch – I painted some white card with wishy washy inks and gave it several coats – adding layers and shading as each coat dried. I cut out the bathing beauties, and added more shading for the lady under the parasol I stamped the seals, …Home Page Book Video – It's quite something to see all the pages together. The next project like this is to make one about Halloween – great fun! atc artist trading cards mixed media collage broken arm radial nerve damage palsy.

Artist Trading Cards – This flier is in an antiqued frame with one real ATC card glued to it that is a collage of old photos stamps that have been through the mail and a bottle top from a Cheerwine Soda. It give more depth to what was otherwise flat. …

Artist Trading Cards – These are just some Artist Trading Cards that I needed to make for a swap.

Artist Trading Cards – I recently got re-acquainted with artist trading cards also known as ATCs. I remember when they first piqued the interest of scrapbookers. I didn't get the big deal because I wasn't sure what you could do with them. …

The Eden Project – So, I'm publishing some of my art works in the form of Artist Trading Cards. These small canvases are made on card of 69 x 89 mm dimensions (3.5 x 5.5 inches). They are made to trade with other artists, as the name implies. …

Artist Trading Cards – What's it all about? – I've been hearing a lot about Artist Trading Cards (ATC) and I am thinking its time to jump in and join the fun! First though, I had to figure out what they are all about, and what the heck you do with them! So I thought I would share …

Artist Trading Cards – BUT, I have completed my first ever Artist Trading Cards. I am doing this with a group from SparkPeople. I am excited because I put on canvas (well, canvas paper) images that I have scribbled over the past 30 years. Very excited. …

Giveaway Time – And, as an added bonus, the first 50 people who pre-order a book will also get a paper quilted ATC (artist trading card) along with the book. I've placed links along the left side of my blog for placing your pre-order. …

Artist Trading Card Pop Up Gallery + Bitty Pix – An Artist Trading Card Pop-Up gallery. ATC’s in a binder don’t work for me. I’d rather have them out in the open. On display where people can see them. Mostly the prized ones. This is my “Bitty Pix” gallery. I know those aren’t ATC’s… …

3 Art Cards, ACEO's, ATC's… call them what you like… – If you trade them they are Artist Trading Cards or ATC's… if you sell them they are Art Cards Originals and Editions or ACEO's. I prefer just calling them Art Cards. Then I get to decide whether I want to keep it, trade it, …

Matchbox with Mini ATC's – junquedrawerchick has added a photo to the pool:. Matchbox with Mini ATC's. For swapbot swap "themed matchbox with mini atc swap". Going off to Kathie in the UK.

ALTERED TRINKET BOX – … A BUTTON, EGGS, LABEL, HEART. IT WAS FUN TO DO AND I AM RATHER PLEASED WITH THE OUTCOME. NOW I WANT MORE COLOURS IN BYZANTIA – I LOVE THE STUFF! atc artist trading cards mixed media collage broken arm radial nerve damage palsy.

ATCs (with pretty poor pics, sorry!) – Artist Trading Cards. I'm addicted. These are 2.5" x 3.5" works of art that are traded (never sold) like any other card (baseball, Pokemon, etc). I've seen these on Swap-Bot and finally looked into it and joined a few ATC swaps (ok, …

kindness and an ATC – The ATC (Artist Trading Card) and a swap. I have never done either before, but my good friend, Charlene, convinced me I needed to join in the Baby ATC Swap at Papertrey Ink. The standard card measures 2.5" x 3.5" and this fits the bill. …

tool tuesday – awl right! – I use it mostly for piercing paper but it's always on hand for any poking, prodding, prying, scraping, jamming and all-around puncturing needs I may have. These are two artist trading cards that I made using washi paper, thread, …

Artist Trading Cards – They are original, small editions (often collaged) that are self-produced and which pass hand-to-hand. Anybody can create ATCs! For more info: www.artist-trading-cards.ch. A few cards I have recently made will be posted this Wednesday …

7gypsies ATC holder and ATC card swaps at All Moments Remembered … – 20 black divider tabs for our Revolving ATC (Artist Trading Card) Holder so you can divide your cards any way you like. Or, if you like, you can just randomly seed these in just for looks. 2 1/2" x 4 " RED or Black $2.95 …

Artist Trading Cards – I gave a workshop on artist trading cards last weekend. These workshops are always fun since I get a chance to create some art as well. For those who aren’t familiar, artist trading cards (ATCs) are cards that measure 2.5″x3.5″ and can …

Custom made ATC ACEO Artist Trading Card Stamp with Handle – The information available on this stamp is: Title (with a blank line) Date (with a blank line) Edition (with a blank line) Artist (this part will be custom made with your name) Contact (this part will be costom with your contact …

ATC = Artist Trading Cards (Portable Art) – These groups often produce museum quality artist trading cards. Alternately, there are casual groups across the world that meet weekly for the express purpose of creating ATCs as a social outlet. In the latter case, the face-to-face …

Scrapbooking Trends: What Are Artist Trading Cards? – In the scrapbooking industry, artist trading cards (or ATC’s) are becoming more popular as trendsetting companies like 7 Gypsies release more ATC supplies and holders. These miniature pieces of art, or in the case of scrapbookers, …

Artist Trading Cards – Does everyone know about Artist Trading Cards but me? They are individual art miniatures which pass hand to hand, from artist to artist. At least that is how Wikipedia defines them. The card measures 2.5" x 3.5" the same size as a …

ATC – Call for Entry – The RAG’s 3rd Annual ATC Exhibition is a display of Artist Trading Cards from local, national, and international participants. This year the exhibition will include workshops, trading sessions, artist talks, and a closing …

How to make artist trading cards – Press Photos/Jennifer Ackerman-HaywoodMixed-media artist Diane Moser, 58, of Grand Rapids, poses with some of the artist trading cards she swaps with other artists and a matchbox shrine she made. She's wearing one of the soldered …

Apr 17, Artist Trading Cards with Acrylic Gel Medium Transfers … – Artist Trading Cards with Acrylic Gel Medium Transfers, Sticks and Stones ATC Swap , Video on how to Make ATCs with Acrylic Gel Medium Transfers and Gesso Transfers.

Artist Trading Cards – … cards, It's not about money: participants in trading sessions and editions should not be charged any money: the point of the project is the exchange of cards as well as personal experience. http://www.artist-trading-cards.ch/

PaganATC (Pagan Artist Trading Cards) – ATC's are not to be confused with ACEO's which are like Artist Trading Cards, but they are intended to be sold by the artist. I also review Pagan books on PaganATC. These reviews can be found in the Database under Pagan Book Reviews.

Another ATC – This was the second month of the ATC (artist trading card) swap I am involved in through the Cricut Message Board. The theme this month was "flowers" and I originally thought I would cut some flowers with my cricut for the card. …

Artist Trading Cards – on a 2.5"X3.5" card (cardstock or any other thin support). They put their name & contact info on the back, trade with each other and collect them. There are trading shows and websites, or maybe the art students in a school will trade …

Artist Trading Cards – I attach many of them to the fronts of note cards and send them off to friends as thank you notes or greetings. Mostly, however, they sit in a drawer….accumulating. . I was talking about "swaps" a few posts back. …

atc – atc – artist trading cards: "are miniature works of art created on 2 ½ X 3 ½ inch or 64 X 89 mm card stock. they are originals, small editions and, most importantly, self-produced. anybody can produce them. …

Artist Trading Cards – Yesterday I introduced the Artist Trading Card lesson in class. Most students were ready to dive in before they had ideas to put on the cards. Students will create two to three cards based on teacher chosen themes and then we will hold …

More Artist Trading Cards – Heres some more artist trading cards which Ive just finished up! I went through a bit of a dry spell with atc’s recently and stopped making them as I was heavily into making journal pages. But this past couple of weeks Ive been getting …

Yummy ATC – ATC is short for Artist Trading Card. This is a great format for artists and creative people to trade their artwork. The rules are simple: 1. These cards must be 2.5â� by 3.5â� (the size of a baseball card). 2. …

June's Portland ATC Swap is This Sunday the 22nd – Please join us for an afternoon of fun and relaxed Artist Trading Card swapping this Sunday the 22nd from 3-5 pm at the McMenamin's Market Street Pub, located at 1526 SW 10th in downtown Portland, near PSU.

My new obsession ARTIST TRADING CARDS – They are 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 the size of a baseball card or playing card. They are meant to be only traded NEVER SOLD! They can be any theme and you can use anything to decorate them. You can find many forums about ARTIST TRADING CARDS or ATC …

Artist Trading Cards received! – I've pictured my cards received today in the Cheer Me Up swap in 2 groups, as well as the lovely one received for Mothers' Day in a one on one swap with Liz Needle from South Australia. The makers of the cards in order from top to …

Lunch Notes – The cards are slightly larger than ATCs (Artist Trading Cards), and, like ATCs, they are card fronts only. That leaves plenty of room in the tin for a half-dozen or so additional "lunch notes." Perfect, since tomorrow the Verve divas …

Artist Trading Cards – ATCs are about the same size as a baseball card, specifically 2.5" x 3.5," are used like calling cards, and have become wildly popular over the past few years. I was introduced to them on Flickr, and have been trading on Flickr since my …

Filed under ATC's by Anissa.

Question: Where can I find information about ATC's?  I would like to know more about how to make them and where to find embellishments and findings to use for decoration.  Also, are there books on this subject or places online specifically dedicated to ATC's?  Marleen M., Spokane, WA

Answer: I was so happy to see this particular question!  I love the whole idea of ATC's and have written several articles on this subject in the past 2 years.  I have created a special page here on my site for this subject.  I have links in the article to sites that have great information and that may be more in depth than what I have written.  I know there are slowly becoming more and more people who are blogging about ATC's or who have sites of their own who are including information and resources.  I would try Flickr for photos of other peoples designs for inspirational purposes, and also follow links from ATC sites to other ATC related websites.  Please let me know if the information I have is useful or if you find any other info that may be of help to others.

Filed under ATC's by Anissa.
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