And the spot has been taken.

Thanks for the info, WW! I really need to switch over to the flat mailer method...

I really need to switch over to the flat mailer method...

Me, too. I’ve been a holdout, still using a padded mailer, but now that I would have to take it to the post office to calculate the zone and rate, make sure I’ve put that much inside for the return trip, and have them putting stickers all over the outside that are not on the removable taped part . . . it’s just not worth the trouble to me.

I'll probably still use the padded mailers. I will just have to put postage for the highest zone both in and out.

There is a postal zone chart that you can download and, based on your zip code, will tell you what zone all the other zip codes are in, if you want to go that route.
https://postcalc.usps.com/DomesticZoneChart

Hello All,

I had someone drop from my Harry Potter/Quidditch Tracker, and I wanted to let people know a spot opened if you're interested! The 12 cards are due on February 10, so there is plenty of time to send cards in if you sign up!

Where do you find a good tutorial for ltc? Cos I didn't really get good results on a Google search.

Try googling “artist trading card techniques” - videos.

You can do almost ANYTHING on a trading card, as long as it's 2.5 x 3.5 inches in finished size. And in the case of LTCs, it must also contain a hand-carved stamp somewhere in the design. Other than that, you can watch a bunch of YouTube craft tutorials for ideas, there's a lot of interest in handmade cards and tags (I don't really understand that one) right now, so the craft stores are ripe with good stuff for trading cards.

Or, you can simply print your hand-carved stamp on a piece of cardstock and call it done. Sometimes simplicity rules.

This spot has been filled. Thank you!

Hey. The LTC Community has compiled a box of cards and we have a special welcome letter to send to new LTC makers. I'm going to contact you privately. But I will just need your address and then I can send 10 ltcs as examples to you. I also have a list of blogs that I will message you about. There's many LTC makers that have blogs with photos of their techniques or of their ltc's that they have created over the years. WELCOME!!

We also have facebook groups - so we will totally and enthusiastically get you started :-)

Thanks!

You can do almost ANYTHING on a trading card, as long as it's 2.5 x 3.5 inches in finished size. And in the case of LTCs, it must also contain a hand-carved stamp somewhere in the design.

Well, mostly. Unless otherwise stated, the LTCs must be 2½"×3½". However, if the tracker host sets it up otherwise, then the size is whatever they say it is. I have been in trackers for inchies (1"×1"), twinchies (2"×2"), postcards (3½"-4½" high by 5"-6" long and 0.007"-0.016" thick) and some other sizes.

So, has anyone done a tracker for cards of 1½"×1½"? What would that be called?

Once I get good, I'll have to contribute.

So, has anyone done a tracker for cards of 1½"×1½"? What would that be called?

In-betweenchies?

So, has anyone done a tracker for cards of 1½"×1½"?

Yep. I hosted An Inch Is Not Enough.

Yes! Please do!! :-)

I went metric and hosted a swap for 1cm cards. Micro version of your signature stamp.

1cm cards. Micro version of your signature stamp.

1 cm would be really tiny. My signature stamp is 2.2 cm by 2.9 cm. It has my trail name and home town on it. I already carve it (the text) as small as I can. I don't think I could carve it (the text) any smaller. I don't think I'd be up for that particular challenge.

King of Kool!
A small tracker for those interested. 2 1/2 month turnaround. Should be a fun one:

https://www.atlasquest.com/showinfo.php?trackerId=10068

The link in the tracker for his art doesn't work.

I just checked it again. Works fine for me. Just in case:

http://www.derekart.com/illustration.html

Don't wait too long! Carve a couple practice stamps and then jump right in! Unless the tracker says something like "bring your A-Game" or "for experienced LTCers", we would welcome anything you create. Even the simplest stamp looks good with some colored ink or background paper; not everyone goes nuts with the techniques every time.

I've heard about the flat mailers. These are cheaper than using bubble mailers. What exactly are flat mailers and where do I get them?

Flat mailers are manila envelopes. They come in a few different sizes. The binder page of LTCs can be folded in 3rds. The cards don't fall out of the binder page and clump in the envelope when you use this folding technique. :-)

I've bought them at OfficeMax, but also seen them at Meijer and WalMart in the school and office supply section, probably called "document mailer". Just need a 9x12 or so if you want to put a trading card binder page in it. I also frequently use a 5x7 one. Some people remove the metal grommet, I just tape over it. The postage seems to be the same regardless of whether it's large or small, but definitely cheaper than a bubble mailer!

Flat mailers are manila envelopes. They come in a few different sizes.

Okay, I've got some of those. I've actually used one once for an LTC tracker. I just didn't know that I was using "flats".

I think most of us use a 9x12 manila envelope, covered with clear tape to make it reusable, and slip in a 9-up trading card sleeve. The pockets can each hold 1 or 2 finished cards in individual sleeves if there aren't thick embellishments.

I have also used a regular #10 business envelope when the swap is for 9 or fewer cards. A 9-up sleeve will tri-fold and fit inside. I also include a self-addressed stamped envelope (sase) because I don't expect the host to reuse the original one. Always be sure and follow the swap host's preferences if they are stated.

I cut the binding edge (three hole punched tab) off the 9-up sleeve to save room. I also almost never use individual sleeves anymore unless I feel something might get damaged like an applique or embossed area. I never use glitter, but really appreciate it when someone who uses it puts their card into a sleeve.

I just used a cardboard envelope mailer, and since I didn't need it protected, it cut the price from $3.50 to $1.48. It's the 5x7 or whatever size we normally use in bubble mailers. It uses non-machinable stamps (the blue butterfly).