Artist creative trading caRds prompts series 18/20

What’s the reason?

 

Who wants refreshment?

Do you rave about being right?

With our freedom to reason, we should strive to take responsibility for best results. Failures realized—our lack of being right, achieving what’s required, resisting what’s wrong—is the reason to reverently run to Jesus in every season. The Word’s wisdom reminds us resiliency is only in Christ who restrains the Father’s repulsion over the rebellion of humankind. Remorsefully responding to rebuke, reprimand and reproach we deserve—counsel for our own benefit and the good of others—we respectfully receive release to rebound and relax. 

Front artist trading card (ATC) 18-of-20 in series.

Messy copper brown and teal on white cover stock background has two layers of ribbon, orange stripes and sheer brown, beneath three transparent square shaped vinyl stickers. Attached to back from FreshRetroGallery is a Prompts for Artist Trading Card parchment style form.

 

Unreasonableness is reverse of honesty. 

Refusal to recognize and revoke personal error leads us to react with cold, rattled, robotic rage. With healthy resources of compassionate empathy removed, reactions are rigid and irrational. A potential step forward relapses to two back. Regressing repetitively, rigorous aim to regulate and rule others becomes unrelenting. Robust leadership is reduced to domineering control, ridiculous remote button-pushing, deaf and dumb to reason. Remember rotary dial phones? They spin only so far before they’re stopped. Ignoring reality puts rotation in a downward spiral that’s bound to hit bottom.

Thankfully for believers, God’s Word is always right and reliable. 

The Spirit reminds us that everything doesn’t revolve around any singular person or particular situation in this world. The Heavenly Father lovingly refocuses eyes. He disciplines each of His own dear children who respect their Creator. Truth’s reward is repentantly being rebuilt in Christ, constantly reflecting on rebirth by regeneration and renewal for rescue and refuge. Being renovated with reputation repaired, renewed and refreshed by routinely receiving gifts in worship, the warmth of God’s love radiates through all who live and rest in the completeness of Light.

Repent means turn to the Risen Christ for rest, repeatedly.

Rivers roar and ripple over rugged layers of shallowness, rock-hardheadedness, stubbornness and messy mud. Life is kept from dangers beneath and above transparent thin ice in this temporary time of grace. The Holy Spirit recommends being ready for now and what is to come by resolutely being rooted in Word regularly for the revealed Way, Truth and Life. The cleansing gift of repentance given by Word and water of baptism trusts the Giver. Remembering the body and blood of Jesus washes sin away to replace it with redemption brings relief by the faith received. Recalling the reason for our rough roads now and having certain hope for eternity, relieved believers respond joyfully in the Rock of our salvation! Jesus was born, died and rose to ruin the sting of death. Grace removes what’s repulsive; makes pure all who believe and live the faith offered to them. Christ made everything right before our Holy Father in heaven. Those properly receiving Him, taste/digest in bread/wine, are strengthened, made ready by Him for the resurrection and final reunion when all will bow as He gathers believers for eternity in paradise. Then, those—riddled by Satan’s lies—choosing to reject Jesus, will remain apart from Him in darkness to suffer eternally. 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; Matthew 12:20

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. Psalm 42:1

ATC back number 18-of-20 in series.

Title of the piece: Reunion • Media used: cover stock, enamel paint, ribbon, double-sided tape, scrapbook sticker on natural parchment style paper • Date created: 3.1.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading Cards • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

 

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Visit FreshRetroGallery to shop Christmas cards, stationery, gift-worthy family tree charts, notebooks, scrolls, reunion favors, ATC papers, prompts and more.

18th in series using Prompts on natural parchment style paper for artist trading card Reunion, by FreshRetroGallery.

 

Prompts for ATC creative artist trading cards

Index for books of the Bible Sketches

ATC number 17 of 20 Prompts series creative artist trading cArds

Are you ready to answer?

 

What’s always attractive?

 

Are you aware of an announcement?

En plein air which is French for in the open air painting isn’t a practice I’ve already taken up, although I admire artists who get outside of their walls to sketch or paint actual panorama, agricultural and angular areas. Another approach, “artist trading cards” is my latest avenue to advance creatively.

Front artist trading card (ATC) 17-of-20 in series.

An artist using an A-shaped easel painting at lake shore; inspired by the 17th letter in the Prompts series creative trading cArds and painted from imagination.

Admirable attitudes arise from adding adventurous activities.

Artistic insight is advantageous to capture amazing angles on camera, yet illustrations and paintings require more work. I was once a part of an an art class that walked to a residential area near the school we attended. We learned about linear perspective, an illustration process that creates an illusion of depth on a flat surface. Horizontal parallel lines converge at vanishing points on the composition’s horizon line. The assignment was to draw an actual home with gabled dormer windows on the roof by penciling guide lines with a straight edge ruler. Artwork from observation, on-site or indoors, involves attention to size of elements in the composition, lighting details, full saturation of color in foreground, tinting colors in the distance and use of shadows.

ATC back number 17-of-20 in series.

Title of the piece: Pondering Plein Air • Media used: watercolor and pencil on natural parchment style paper • Date created: 3.14.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading Cards • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

Abundant reasons to appreciate and apply artistic skills.

Art is for personal amusement and accomplishing practical vocational opportunities. My father designed architectural drawings to plan the seed cleaning business he built with the help of my mother. I chose a career in communication art and design, so my creative graphic and written work is admitted through print and social media avenues.

Natural parchment style paper for artist trading card Pondering Plein Air painting, 17th in series using Prompts by FreshRetroGallery.

Artist trading cards awaken creativity as well as accesses a collaborative purpose.

Artists apply an aim to abbreviate by reducing dimensions of the works they create and are aware of advantages. Production cost and wall space limitations prove that unlimited conventional large artworks aren’t attainable for all artists. Working small size of artist trading cards (ATC) 3.5" by 2.5" accomplishes conserving and using up available medium on hand and adding multimedia applications such as altered playing cards. Additionally, the interaction of trading art adds a playful aspect.

Creative ATC Prompts for Artist Trading Cards

Always look to the Almighty Creator!

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. John 20:18

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:6

Index for books of the Bible Sketches

APC Prompts series 4-of-20 ATCs

creAtive altered playing cards (APC)

 

New fun and easy card game!

What are altered playing cards (APC)?

An APC is the result of creatively playing with cards unconventionally. The mindful artistic activity is based on altering cards out of a 52-plus-jokers deck. Collaboration converts its use as an artist trading card (ATC). Prompts inspire the making of an APC art piece that’s one-of-a-kind (OOAK). Exercising unlimited possibilities to alter cards is a wonderful hobby to boost thinking skills. Either side of the printed card may partially show through, parts can be cut out, or it can be completely covered with layers of gesso, paint, marker, paper, textile, foil, etc. Thickness doesn’t matter. The only rule is to have finished art measure 2.5 by 3.5 inches. Poker-size cards are just that width, but Mom’s bridge card sets and other playing cards are too narrow.

ATC front numero 4-of-20 in series

Robin perched on an ace of spades atop a green hill in front of sunrise upon blue sky; hand lettered, “the early bird gets the worm” marker art on altered playing card APC or artist trading card ATC. Art piece is attached to parchment style paper cut 2.5x3 inches printed on back for ATC info.

 

Plan, learn, grow, work, play and pray. 

My family prayed, worked, and played card games together. Childhood fascination of using a spade to dig up dirt, search for worms to bait a hook, fishing at the lake, plus all the tasks involved to create a meal with this entrée—the process is an example of how my inner creative curiosity and appetite has been satisfied. Each of our unique stories are constantly changing over time with peaks and valleys; yet, some things we have in common. My parents’ happened to have both lost their fathers at a young age. Thankfully, they lived the faith which led them to timely prioritize important things and consistently pay attention to every kind of nutrition. It’s in Baptism that the Holy Spirit provides the faith which begs for mercy and believes our Creator Jesus loves and died to cleanse all people from sin. We keep stumbling into pits and are like dirt-covered, filthy, squirmy earthworms. We need to be pulled out of the mud when we get stuck. Can you relate? Naturally, we’d deny being covered in dirt, try to hide in the mud or squirm our way out of taking responsibility for our own bad actions. Sometimes we act like we know more than God or are lost in misconception of human ability to achieve that. Since we’re easily manipulated and tempted to reject the faith that’s given to us by God’s grace, it’s important we cling to the gift for strength it provides. Faith prompts us to pray that we receive what we read, listen to, and consume of God’s powerful Word. Receiving the abundant Truth that’s infused within us, the faith transforms and creates a clean heart open to desire and seek correction. By the faith, a good conscience admits mistakes and acknowledges that we’re frequently making errors unaware. Since we don’t try and we aren’t able to do all the good that we may want to do, we’re encouraged by grace. The Spirit exposes complacency, motivates repentance and increases aspiration to be who God designed us to be. By Christ’s genuine love, our shame is covered. Innocently, perfectly, He finished what our just, loving Heavenly Father planned for our salvation. Jesus never fails to remove guilt and forget failures of those who humbly trust and confess that, by grace, He moves us forward—completely cleansed. In Divine Worship, receiving the faith’s dependence on our compassionate Savior, the Spirit provides clarity for living now and a foretaste of heaven. God’s family encourages digging into the Bible. It’s not overwhelming because within context of the church body, spiritual training enriches people in a loving, grace-filled way. I pray you’ll curiously receive the gift of faith and experience growth. It’s not too late, yet no one knows when their time is up. Upon Resurrection Day, all people will see God’s full glory. Christ has authority to identify and divide those who’ve chosen to grieve the Holy Spirit. When Jesus gathers us who are forgiven—whom He finds gratefully, reverently trusting Him for refuge—He’ll bring us into creation restored as it should be without sin, tears, or death. This will be everlasting paradise!

APC ATC back No. 4

Title of the piece: Rise and Shine • Media used: playing card, Sharpie markers & gluestick • Date created: 2.1.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading Cards • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery

Group or swap information is written on the back of each ATC in the series. 

Group/swap goal for this APC ATC is use of the fourth letter of the phrase creAtive trading cards. Inspiration for the 2.5x3.5" piece of art is influenced by the prompt list of 60 words under the letter A. Learn more about Prompts for Creative Artist Trading Cards. 

How to trade APC ATCs.

Card parties were commonly enjoyed by my parent’s generation. Asking a group to get together, just for the fun of it, is nearly a lost art. We can revive it by brainstorming and practicing organizational skills.  From my experience, I’ve discovered that it’s pleasantly entertaining! Actively put creativity to use by thinking of who to invite—call people or talk in-person where we work, worship, shop and play. People may want to bring a ready-made APC ATC, or make it when they arrive. Mention you want to play a new, easy game as you invite them. Provide the eats or make it a potluck. Perhaps, mention I’ll have water and you’re welcome to bring your own beverage bottle, beer, bag-o-tea. Appetizers, lunch, dessert, or dinner are options to consider. Surprises are fun with the simple ATC activity! An ATC trade event may happen at home, coffee house, brewery, restaurant, park, break room, school, church, etc. Set your mind to make ATCs for trading, then follow through.

ATC size blanks with printed backs

APC ATC 4 of 20 in series, front and back, using Prompts for Creative Artist Trading Cards.

How to be ready to give and play. 

Precise punctuality picks projects and gifts prior to birthday parties and holidays! Prompts for altered playing cards as creative ATCs are available with my full line of gifts and helpful products at FreshRetroGallery.

 

Prompts for ATC creative artist trading cards

 

Note: Once a card is pulled for making an APC ATC, it’s wise to mark the deck missing cards to avoid future use playing traditional full-deck games.

ATC 2-of-20 in Prompts series

cReative artist trading card doodle!

 

What repeatable recurring moments bring rest?

How to relax, revive, and have a good day.

Ready to renew? Need a healthy remedy? Has your day been restless or stressful? You can regenerate by using Prompts for Creative Artist Trading Cards (ATC). Simply, doodle. Routine doodling activity helps restore the mind in a restful healthy mix of wandering during concentration. ATC doodles are a lovely way to reveal peace in the practice of patience. Do you require a reason for making something? Then, add another layer to the experience by making a request to collaborate a trade! Like the classic card game solitaire and games with more players, there’s purpose to release what’s drawn in transfer. One ATC makes one happy person; plus, two ATCs handled interactively make two happy people, and so on.

Number 2-of-20 in a series of ATC, front

Marker doodle ATC on natural parchment style paper, cut and printed on back for ATC making. The letter R is repeated in 6 rows on the top half of the 2.5x3.5 inch card. The bottom half has randomly placed Rs in various sizes. The art uses a colorful palette of tones, tints, and shades for subject and blank background spaces.

Marked group or swap information for a series is handwritten on the printed back of the ATC.

Each person, invited to participate, creates an entirely one-of-a-kind (OOAK) result. Control as desired—make up your own rules or just enjoy to play without rules. Group/swap goal for this ATC: use the second letter of the phrase cReative trading cards. Inspiration for my second of the 2.5x3.5" pieces of art is influenced by the prompt list of 60 words under the letter R. Learn more about Prompts for Creative Artist Trading Cards.

Number 2-of-20 in a series of ATC, back

Title of the piece: Repeat • Media used: marker • Date created: 2.9.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Creative Trading Cards • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): freshretrogallery, the Etsy shop where printed ATC and prompts are available

Doodling relaxes the body, mind and spirit through randomness and specific substance.

In doing quick sketches, you draw images that eyes can see. Using lines, shapes and materials, you create abstract patterns or realistic people, places or things. One technique is to scribble an entire doodle without lifting the pen from the paper. Doodles alleviate boredom, express emotion and help memory.

A wonderful opportunity to take during doodling time is remembering to pray. In Jesus Name, ask for renewal and thank Him for redemption. Faith is received by hearing God’s Word, so when we listen to Truth and Light, we’re drawn close to our loving God. Deep recognition of our dependence on our Creator’s forgiveness and grace is a gift of the Spirit in Holy Baptism.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:29-32

Stuck in a rut? Prompts for ATCs help rotate the reels for making riveting conversation pieces.

Think creatively about all the words beginning with R. What sound does R make? What’s your favorite thing to do that begins with R? What color begins with R? What set of instructions on how to make food begins with R? What political party begins with R? Religion?

Redeemed.

My want-to-read list is really long; on it, Redeemed looks like a good book. How refreshing it is to be reminded, often, that Jesus loves us! Repent and rejoice in reconciliation, as I do, with other LCMS Christians who receive God’s love in a church like mine.

 

ATC 2 of 20 in series, front and back, using Prompts for Creative Artist Trading Cards.

 

Thanks for recalling my ideas of how to enjoy life.

Check out Prompts for Creative Artist Trading Cards and full line of reviews on gifts and helpful products at FreshRetroGallery.

Prompts for creative artist trading cards (ATC)

 

New! Prompts for ATCs at FreshRetroGallery

Who introduced you to art?

 

Mom, Dad, Grandma, sisters?

 

Teachers, friends, children, grandchildren?

Are you thankful people helped you understand the importance of art and cheered you on to play with it? Though you may not realize it’s good for you, try making a little piece of art and you’ll, literally, see what you think! Become a self-taught creative driver of your own beneficial artistic processes. Practice personal reflection just for the fun of transforming a blank space into a doodle or sketch.

Prompts for Creative Artist Trading Cards (ATC)

Prompts for Creative Artist Trading Cards (ATC) FreshRetroGallery

 Back side of ATC

Title of the piece: Retro Lettering • Media used: 2 way color retro pen fine & thick • Date created: 9:29 am 7.11.2024 • Artist name and signature: Elizabeth Knaus • Group or swap information: Parchment ATC • Artist contact info (website, email, etc.): FreshRetroGallery

My popular artistic designs—family tree ancestry and descendant charts—began as thumbnail sketches about the size of an Artist Trading Card before I developed the concepts to print full size.

The natural parchment style paper originally comes from trees which are milled, mixed by specific recipes and made into large sheets that are eventually run through a printing press. After the ink dries, the paper is trimmed to the size of the graphic art. I consciously take care not to waste, so, all parts of the large sheet are used for various projects. 

Love notes, sincere gratitude, Bible books scrolls, handmade journals, as well as blank, number 10 and A-2 stationery come from a portion of the press sheet left-over from my family tree chart designs. 

You’re welcome to try out my new Prompts for Creative Artist Trading Cards (ATC). I’m excited to encourage you to experiment with a Swiss artist’s concept to trade art, spreading worldwide since the 1990s. ATCs are 2.5x3.5 inches.

Retro Lettering

Santa once put scented markers in my stocking! As a child, I often hand lettered with markers and added a darker shadow on one side and bottom of the letters. On this ATC, I enjoyed the flat chiseled edge and fine point ends of this five-color set of pens.

ATC size blanks with printed backs

Retro Lettering. ATC front-back parchment style paper available at FreshRetroGallery

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• How is Paper Made?
• Prompts for Creative Artist Trading Cards ATCs