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Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Jan 2, 2019 5:08pm
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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.
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969927 by Wise Wanderer
Jan 2, 2019 6:29pm
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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! 😄
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969927 by Wise Wanderer
Jan 2, 2019 8:35pm
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Where does One get Card Sleeves????, I was thinking about Index card boxes ( for storing them)!
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969928 by DarkZen and Evil Cow Pie
Jan 2, 2019 8:38pm
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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!🤗
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969932 by Cross Family
Jan 2, 2019 8:45pm
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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.
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969933 by Cross Family
Jan 2, 2019 8:47pm
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Oooh! If you decide to start I have a welcome package for the LTC community that I can send to you. Let me know :-)
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969927 by Wise Wanderer
Jan 2, 2019 10:20pm
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I think I might have posted this before but for those new to trackers, you can see some of our past LTCs on Instagram for ideas:

Stone_artistry@instagram (Steven and Pam)
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969932 by Cross Family
Jan 3, 2019 12:04am
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I was thinking about Index card boxes ( for storing them)!

Strange as it may seem... Velveeta boxes are the perfect size. Also, as a bonus, when you show them off, you can say "these are mine, these are nacho LTCs"
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969932 by Cross Family
Jan 3, 2019 4:02am
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They fit nicely in baseball card sleeves and storage boxes. I buy the at a local comic book shop.
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969935 by Linden Leaf
Jan 3, 2019 5:45am
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and the nice thing about the individual sleeves is this: once you have participated in a swap or two, you should rarely ever have to buy sleeves again. Put the LTCs you receive in baseball card pages, then into a three-ring binder, and reuse the sleeves. OK, yes, once in a while one is messed up in some way, but many of them can be reused.

I second the Velveeta box suggestion. There is nothing better, cheaper, or as stylish!
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969932 by Cross Family
Jan 3, 2019 7:08am
Thread (disabled) Board
Hobby Lobby sells the sleeves in an area near art supplies with collector display supplies and are reasonable with the 40% off coupon. Target and Walmart have trading card supplies as well.
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969932 by Cross Family
Jan 3, 2019 7:16am
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I get them from Hobby Lobby and I use collector card binders for storing them which I also get from Hobby Lobby.
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969932 by Cross Family
Jan 3, 2019 10:33am
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walmart, baseball card shops, fantasy or game shops
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969938 by DarkZen and Evil Cow Pie
Jan 3, 2019 10:39am
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I love that you share all your card picts and even the kitty cat. I especially loved the pict of Steven working. Feeling inspire!
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969938 by DarkZen and Evil Cow Pie
Jan 3, 2019 10:44am
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Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969938 by DarkZen and Evil Cow Pie
Jan 3, 2019 11:04am
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Whoa! DZ and ECP! First of all I do not have nearly enough of your cards!! Second of all - fantastic art!!
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969950 by aMAZEing adventure frog
Jan 3, 2019 11:12am
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http://amazeingadventurefrog.blogspot.com/

I LOVE your blog!! It is jam-packed with great ideas, techniques, photos, and how-to's, and of course, your aMAZEing artwork!!
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969952 by Linden Leaf
Jan 3, 2019 9:24pm
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Aww, thanks LL. Appreciate the kinds words. Coming from you that means a lot. Which reminds me I need to update our account....
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969950 by aMAZEing adventure frog
Jan 3, 2019 9:33pm
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Oh! Great blog. I can’t wait to pore over it more thoroughly! Thanks for sharing.

Also, would love to follow you on Instagram, hint hint! 😄
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969969 by DarkZen and Evil Cow Pie
Jan 6, 2019 3:49pm
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In case anyone is interested I’ve updated my Instagram. I was pretty random about it so there might be spoiler pics for upcoming trackers - be warned!
😄
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969935 by Linden Leaf
Jan 6, 2019 4:09pm
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I buy mine from ebay too - cheapest I've found them!
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #970103 by DarkZen and Evil Cow Pie
Jan 6, 2019 4:57pm
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Score!! I love spoilers because I can't wait!!
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #970103 by DarkZen and Evil Cow Pie
Jan 6, 2019 5:59pm
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I wondered, because I started following you yesterday(?) and today my feed was flooded with pictures. Good to know that you were just catching up and not actually turning out cards by the dozens in a day! ;-)
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #970107 by Linden Leaf
Jan 6, 2019 7:11pm
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Score!! I love spoilers because I can't wait!!

Ha ha, too funny, birthdays must be excruciating for you!
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #970116 by DarkZen and Evil Cow Pie
Jan 7, 2019 11:02am
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Yup. That's why I buy my own gift 😉
Re: Newbies and Oldies
Board: LTC: Tips, Questions, and Stuff
Reply to: #969950 by aMAZEing adventure frog
Feb 17, 2019 6:52pm
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Thank you! Techniques, yes please!