I started collecting trade cards to use in my scrapbook collections a couple of years ago, and I must say, it's very addicting!! The graphics on some of these cards are just incredibly gorgeous, using the old chromolithograph style of printing that you don't see a lot of today.
So, what is a trade card, you may ask? Well, these were an early example of a modern business card. Starting in the early 17th century in London, businesses would distribute these small advertising cards to potential customers, sometimes even including a map on the back that gave directions to their store! Their designs became increasingly sophisticated as printing methods improved, and they very soon became collectibles.
My collection of Victorian trade cards is starting to pile up here, and so I really wanted to share some of these wonderful little treasures with you, as I know some of you love these old images as much as I do.
We will also be having a little challenge :)
CHALLENGE: I want to see you incorporate these into your card designs, your altered art designs, and your scrapbook layout designs. This is a chance for you to show me 'what ya got' in terms of your design style, (rumor has it that I will be on the lookout for a CT team very soon, so what better way to showcase your work) :) So, the challenge is to use this card to create something with a Christmas theme - anything your heart desires ... scribble outside the lines, do something unique to you.
CHALLENGE: I want to see you incorporate these into your card designs, your altered art designs, and your scrapbook layout designs. This is a chance for you to show me 'what ya got' in terms of your design style, (rumor has it that I will be on the lookout for a CT team very soon, so what better way to showcase your work) :) So, the challenge is to use this card to create something with a Christmas theme - anything your heart desires ... scribble outside the lines, do something unique to you.
Post a photo of your creation onto my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gypsychickdesigns by next Monday 12pm (USA/EST), and I will pick a winner. The winning entry will receive an autographed copy of my brand new book 'Create Your Own Scrapbook Papers', see my blog later tonight for more details on that :)
Here is the first trade card below. Isn't she a sweetie? This is one of the most gorgeous cards I have ever seen ... quite rare. The bidding war over at Ebay was fierce on this one, I can tell you!
This is a strictly personal use version only. You can post creations you make with it on your blog, just be sure to provide a link-back to this blog. Please do not steal or give away the trade card on your site. Thank you sweeties!
Aww what a sweet card, I can understand why there was a bidding war :) Great idea for a challenge. Pxx
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