I was the recipient of a card which opened like a cupboard, and when the doors opened, a ghost appeared and floated (via thread) across the opening. I don't recall what was in the cupboard, but that was where the stamped image was.

An LTC that we had fun making was a pop-up card.

My very first LTC was a pop-up card. I'll have to do that again some time.

That is so cool !

Wow - lots of creativity!!

That's so cool !

I remember that swap - there were some amazing cards. I've done pop-up map fold cards several times, and also the never ending fold/flip card.

and another card ~ made long, long ago ~ featured a shaker box along with the stamped image. It was challenging to make the shaker boxes, but the result was pretty cool. It was so long ago, my stamp was really simple, but it's still one of my favorite cards.

Omg! I love that card ebda. Brilliant.

I loved the card by Housepitality Hostess that was made with pennies. Here are some similar cards: https://pin.it/neltgvpjujcaza

I think Red Cruzader might have done a slider card that used pennies as well.

I'm looking for instructions on how to make a card that when you open it from the right, like a book, the image slides from left to right on the inside. I have some ideas for my card but can't quite get a picture of how to do it in my head.

TC, I've seen directions for this type of card on Pintrest and probably Youtube. It is some kind of window card. I'll see if I can find it.

Is there a product that you can use as a top coat to give your LTC’s an antique affect? I’d love some feedback on tips and tricks that you have used.

i've heard that coffee can be used.

You can try Antique Mod Podge. I was also going to give a link to LROSEM's blog where she used Ranger crackle stuff but I can't get it to work on my phone. Here is a link where I try to copy what she did.

I want to try some LTCs with water color pencils. I have never used them before and want to know if there is a product to use to seal them so they are not damaged by humidity and moisture. Any suggestions?

thanks,
condo

We use watercolor pencils pretty frequently for LTCs. I’ve also used watercolor paints in the past. In my opinion a coating is not necessary. However there are any number of spray fixatives that will work.

For illustration work I’ve used Krylon Workable Fixatif with good results.

I want to try some LTCs with water color pencils. I have never used them before and want to know if there is a product to use to seal them so they are not damaged by humidity and moisture. Any suggestions?

I haven't sealed watercolors (or watercolor pencils), but I did with an LTC colored by chalk (because it would easily rub off). I used a clear coat from a spray can. It seemed to work, and the card still looks fine.

My blog is no longer.

I was going to suggest a similar aging technique though. If you take a dye ink like distress ink (I use a color called burlap), you can use a distress dauber or something similar to buff on a little color to age it. Then, if you like a little crackle glaze can have a nice effect.

FYI: If you paint the crackle on thin, you get lots of tiny crackles. If you paint it on thick, you get larger "chips" and deeper crackles.

Also, if you are going to use something wet like crackle, make sure you haven't used an ink that isn't waterproof for your stamping. The crackle may smear it.

Humidity won't bother watercolor pencils.

Thank you everyone for your comments!

condo

I was going to suggest Tim Holtz Crackle Paint in Rock Candy (clear). You paint it on, and then after it is dry you can take some distress ink (Vintage Photo works well) and rub it into the cracks to make it look aged. Like Laura said, thick paint for large and thinner for smaller cracks. Ranger also makes Crackle Accents but that is best for small areas. Both are sold on Amazon.

What about Tim Holtz Distress Collage Medium - Vintage?

IIRC, it is a coating that goes on top and has a vintage tint already in it, all one step. I haven't used it but remember watching a video when Tim was promoting it.

Thank you all for your ideas and tips! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts! You've all given me some great ideas! Now, it's time to shop and play.

Because of recent questions, I thought it might be a good idea to post a copy of the "Newbie letter" which goes out to new LTC-makers when they request sample cards. It's also a good reminder for those of us who have been doing it for a while. This was a collaboration by several experienced LTC-makers of what is generally considered the best practices to keep in mind when participating in trackers.

Trackers:
The tracker belongs to the host. Read and follow the tracker guidelines set forth by the host. If you are unsure about what is described, ask questions. If you don’t want to do something the way it has been requested, then this may not be a tracker you should join. Always mail your cards, on time, in the way the host has asked, and be sure there is sufficient postage to get your cards to their destination, as well as enclosing enough postage inside the envelope to get them returned to you. There are tutorials on AQ that will show you the commonly used mailing methods, and again, ask questions of the host when you are unsure.

Card-making:
If you are new to making LTCs, you can learn all sorts of good techniques and ideas by studying these sample cards, as well as the cards you trade with others or receive back from trackers you have joined. Often, the most appreciated LTCs may not be the most complicated, but include many of the following elements:
---a cleanly-carved image relevant to the theme of the tracker
---more than a stamp on plain paper, some kind of background that sets off your image. This can be a separate layer, patterned paper, coloring, borders, etc.
---embellishments that are thick, sharp, or bulky, glitter, etc. are sometimes not allowed. If the host has requested that these not be used, don’t use them.
---if you wish to use a coating over the top of your cards such as matte or gloss medium, varnish, etc. please be sure that it will dry without staying tacky, as that can cause cards to stick together and be ruined.
---it is recommended that you use trading card sleeves for all your cards, to protect them and the other cards they may come in contact with.

Comments:
There is a lot to be learned from constructive feedback, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. LTC makers are a friendly bunch and happy to share ideas about techniques and materials. Most card makers really appreciate comments on their cards, so please take a few moments to look at each card you get and write something you appreciate about it. You don’t need to be a professional art critic, just say what jumps out at you about the carve, the colors, the techniques used, etc.

Most card makers really appreciate comments on their cards, so please take a few moments to look at each card you get and write something you appreciate about it. You don’t need to be a professional art critic, just say what jumps out at you about the carve...

Quoted for truth! 😄

Where does One get Card Sleeves????, I was thinking about Index card boxes ( for storing them)!

We R still contemplating starting,but to This Few who have Sent Us Cards.... We really appreciate it!, and a few odd ball Hitchhikers that came our way......We will be in Touch with those Special People!🤗

I buy them off of ebay. I can normally get them for a penny or less per sleeve. If you have a comic book store around you you can pick them up there. I'm almost thinking I saw some at Walmart but I don't know that for sure.

Oooh! If you decide to start I have a welcome package for the LTC community that I can send to you. Let me know :-)