Artist Trading Cards
Friday, April 1st, 2011
The Valentine Card – An English Icon
I thought as the Valentines Card was invented in England I would write about It’s story. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The greeting, which was written in 1415 AD is part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London. England.
Valentine greetings have been popular since the Middle Ages, a time when prospective lovers said or sang their romantic verses. Written valentines began to appear after 1400. Paper valentines originated in the 1500s, being exchanged in Europe and being given in place of valentine gifts and oral or musical valentine greetings. They were particularly popular in England.
The first written valentine (formerly known as “poetical or amorous addresses”) is traditionally attributed to the imprisoned Charles, Duke of Orleans, in 1415. While confined in the Tower of London after the Battle of Agincourt, the young Duke reportedly passed his time by writing romantic verses for his wife in France. They are credited with being the first modern day valentines.
By the Sixteenth Century, written valentines were commonplace and by the Seventeenth Century, it was a widespread tradition in England for friends and sweethearts to exchange gifts and notes on February 14.
During the early 1700s, Charles II of Sweden brought the Persian poetical art known as the “language of flowers” to Europe and throughout the Eighteenth Century, floral dictionaries were published, permitting the exchange of romantic secrets via a lily or lilac, for example, culminating in entire conversations taking place within a bouquet of flowers.
The more popular the flower, the more traditions and meaning were associated with it. The red rose, for instance, believed to be the favored flower of Venus, Roman Goddess of Love, became universally accepted to represent romantic love. Thus, the custom of giving red roses on Valentine’s Day quickly gained popularity.
Some time after 1723, the popularity of valentine cards in America began to grow with the import from England of valentine “writers.” A “writer” was a booklet comprised of a vast array of verses and messages which could be copied onto gilt-edged paper or other type of decorative sheet. One popular “writer” contained not only “be my valentine” types of verses for the men to send to their sweethearts, but also acceptances or “answers” which the ladies could then return. Late Eighteenth Century and Early Nineteenth Century valentines were often religious in nature and it is possible that the “Sacred Heart” often depicted on these cards eventually became the “Valentine Heart” with the customarily accompanying Angel eventually becoming “Cupid.” It is believed that the earlier versions of these religious valentines may have been made by nuns who would cut-out the paper lace with scissors. It is thought the process probably took many days since the cards had every appearance of being machine-made.
By the early 1800s, valentines began to be assembled in factories. Such early manufactured valentines were rather simplistic, composed of black-and-white pictures painted by the factory workers. Fancy valentines comprised of real lace and ribbons were introduced in the mid-1800s. Paper lace began to be introduced to the cards later in the 1800s, These valentines also contained delicate and artistic messages with pictures of turtledoves, lovers’ knots in gold or silver, bows and arrow, Cupids and bleeding hearts.
During the Victorian Era and its printing advances, Valentine cards became even more popular and the modern postal service of the age implmented the “penny post,” which made it easier to mail written valentines. (Prior to that time, postage was so expensive that most cards were hand-delivered and usually left on doorsteps.) Known as “penny postcards” (because they were mailed with a one-penny postage stamp), these valentine greetings were very popular from around 1890 to 1917.
During this time, it was also considered “proper” to collect and display collections of postcards and trade cards in the Victorian and Edwardian parlor. Friends and guests would be invited to sit for hours, leafing through albums while they visited. This custom gained so much popularity that photographers, studios, printers and business continually strived for new and exciting subjects to satisfy a public which was anxious for innovative items in order to impress their acquaintances.
To make their cards stand out, people often sought for real photographic postcards. As opposed to mass-produced lithographs, these were actual photographs made with a postcard-printed back. The photography studios frequently employed women to hand-tint and color the black-and-white images. Some of the best of these cards came from Germany…famous for its detailed and colorful lithography. Popular subjects included women, children, flowers and couples, posed and arranged in an effort to portray the idealized virtues of the Era.
Indeed, it was in England that the first commercial-type valentine was produced on embossed paper, later perforated to make a lace-type design. Some of these cards contained tiny mirrors with the message: “Look at my Beloved,” while others were called “Cobweb Valentines” because the center could be lifted by a tassel to reveal a cobweb effect of paper and underneath, a picture of a couple or a romantic message.
Although pre-Victorian valentines are virtually unavailable today, but cards have survived over a century due chiefly to the fact that they began to be mass-produced around 1850. However, the majority of early Victorian valentines were customarily made by hand from honeycombed tissue, watercolors, paper puffs, colored inks, embossed paper hearts and exquisite lace. These were truly beautifully-created small works of art, often adorned with silk or satin (in addition) to lace, flowers or feathers and even gold leaf. Such fragile honeycomb designs remained the vogue until around 1909.
Some of the most unusual valentines were fashioned by lonely sailors during this time…unique cards sporting seashells of various sizes employed to create hearts, flowers and other designs, or to cover heart-shaped boxes. Sailors also sent what were known as “Busk Valentines,” rounded long sticks fashioned from ivory or wood, somewhat resembling a tongue depressor but approximately five time longer. Upon these sticks, the sailor would carve hearts and other loving designs. The “Busk Valentine” was worn by the sailor’s sweetheart inside her corset. It was not unusual for a manufactured valentine of this era to cost as much as a month’s earnings, particularly the “proposal valentines” which were very popular and might contain the depiction of a church or a ring. In keeping with Victorian etiquette, it was considered improper for a lady to send a valentine greeting to a man.
My family tree has been traced back to the early Kings of England from the 7th Century AD. I am also a direct descendent of Sir Christopher Wren which has given me an interest in English History which is great fun to research.
I have recently decided to write articles on my favourite subjects: English Sports, English History, English Icons, English Discoveries and English Inventions. At present I have written over 100 articles which I call “An Englishman’s Favourite Bits Of England” in various Volumes. Please visit my Blogs page http://Bloggs.Resourcez.Com where I have listed all my articles to date.
Copyright © 2010 Paul Hussey. All Rights Reserved.
About the Author
The Chinese call Britain ‘The Island of Hero’s’ which I think sums up what we British are all about. We British are inquisitive and competitive and are always looking over the horizon to the next adventure and discovery.
Copyright © 2010 Paul Hussey. All Rights Reserved.
The Art Hustle Series 1 Preview
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FISCHER PIANO Girls Picking Flowers & Eminent Artists Trade Card 1880′s $14.00 |
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SOAPINE TRADE CARD WITH SAILOR GILMAN ARTIST 1800′s KENDALL MFG PROVIDENCE RI $3.95 |
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Artists Choice Near Set 8 Omnichrome Chase Cards $9.95 |
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WACKY PACKAGES SERIES8 LIMITED ARTIST-SIGNED POSTCARD SET (6) W/COA NEW SERIES! $11.65 |
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BEN SHAHN Artist Photo LIFE MAGAZINE PICTURE CARD $2.99 |
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JEAN TINGUELY Swiss Artist LIFE MAGAZINE PICTURE CARD $2.95 |
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Star Wars Galaxy Topps 2012 Artist Sketch Card $13.01 |
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Star Wars Galaxy 7 Artist Sketch Card Captain Typho by ELC Lizzie Carr $87.95 |
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Star Trek Art & Images Auto Sketchafex Artist Autograph Arena Gorn Sketch Card $98.75 |
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(2) RARE 1911 ARTIST-SIGNED PHOTOS / VAUDEVILLE COMEDIANS WEBER & FIELDS $24.99 |
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Strathmore Artists Trading Cards Watercolor Pack New 10 Sheets $0.99 |
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Strathmore Artists Trading Cards Assorted Pack New $0.99 |
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Vintage Playing Card Boston Terrier Dog Artist Signed Single Swap Trading $6.00 |
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PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE Advertising Trade Card Artist Signed Katherine Gassaway $0.99 |
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Artist Trading Card ATC w/ Paint Set, Brushes, Helping Hands Tool & Case NEW! NR $23.00 |
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MFBart ACEO Original Painting, ATC, Artist Trading Card, Tree, Sky $0.99 |
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MFBart ACEO Original Acylic Painting, ATC, Artist Trading Card, Tree, Sky $0.99 |
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MFBart ACEO Original Painting, ATC, Artist Trading Card, Trees, Sky $0.99 |
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MFBart ACEO Original Painting, ATC, Artist Trading Card, Trees, Sky, Mountains $0.99 |
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MFBart ACEO Original Painting, ATC, Artist Trading Card, Trees, Sky, Mountains $0.99 |
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MFBart ACEO Original Painting, ATC, Artist Trading Card, Tree, Sky $0.99 |
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MFBart ACEO Original Painting, ATC, Artist Trading Card, Tree, Sky $0.99 |
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MFBart ACEO Original Painting, ATC, Artist Trading Card, Tree, Sky, Moon $0.99 |
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MFBart ACEO Original Painting, ATC, Artist Trading Card, Moon, Trre, Sky, Dusk $0.99 |
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MFBart ACEO Original Painting, ATC, Artist Trading Card, Tree, Sky $0.99 |
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MFBart ACEO Original Painting, ATC, Artist Trading Card, Tree, Braille Paper $0.99 |
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MFBart ACEO Original Painting, ATC, Artist Trading Card, Tree, Sky $0.99 |
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MFBart ACEO Original Painting, ATC, Artist Trading Card, Trees, Sky $0.99 |
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MFBart ACEO Original Painting, ATC, Artist Trading Card, Tree, Sky, Flowers $1.80 |
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MFBart ACEO Original Painting, ATC, Artist Trading Card, Tree, Sky $0.99 |
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Artist Trading Card Paper Pads 2.5X3.5 40 Sheets/Pad – Oriental OrientalLEISURE ARTS-These paper pads give you beautiful art and an easy way to enjoy the Artist Trading Card craze. They’re the perfect playing card size for A.T.C.s and other miniature works of art. Each of the 22 pads contains 40 pages with 2 each of 20 designs. 2.5×3.5 in size. Create swap and collect! Artist Trading Cards are sweeping the nation! The idea began in Europe and is now the next b… |
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Artist Trading Card Paper Pads 2.5X3.5 40 Sheets/Pad – Travel TravelLEISURE ARTS-These paper pads give you beautiful art and an easy way to enjoy the Artist Trading Card craze. They’re the perfect playing card size for A.T.C.s and other miniature works of art. Each of the 22 pads contains 40 pages with 2 each of 20 designs. 2.5×3.5 in size. Create swap and collect! Artist Trading Cards are sweeping the nation! The idea began in Europe and is now the next big… |
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The Lord of the Rings: Motion Picture Trilogy Soundtrack (3CD & 18 Trading Cards) $28.73 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
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The Hunger Games: Songs From District 12 And Beyond [Limited Deluxe Edition] $5.12 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
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Mr. Men Show – Mr. Tickle Presents: Tickle Time Around Town! $2.00 The Mr. Men Little Miss Show is an animated program that’s based on the books by Roger Hargreaves and features colorful characters with extreme personality traits like laziness, grumpiness, nervousness, and an insatiable urge to tickle. These six episodes take place in Dillydale where townspeople like Mr. Tickle, Miss Calamity, and Mr. Messy are busy with everything from parades and celebrations t… |
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Collect ‘Em All/Pinkasso $1.99 … |
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Fun To Know: Poker Made Simple! $0.99 Platform: DVD MOVIE Publisher: MILLENNIUM INTERACTIVE INC. Packaging: DVD STYLE BOX A professional Poker trainers explains in detail and through live demonstrations the rules of the game the hazards and impossible mistakes that players do while playing against the dealer how to avoid dangerous positions and how to interact with other players. Our exp… |
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Leisure Arts Artist Trading Card Paper Pads 2.5X3.5 40 Sheets/Pad Christmas 2 65-29; 4 Items/Order $11.96 LEISURE ARTS-These paper pads give you beautiful art and an easy way to enjoy the Artist Trading Card craze. They’re the perfect playing card size for A.T.C.s and other miniature works of art. Each of the 22 pads contains 40 pages with 2 each of 20 designs. 2.5″x3.5″ in size. Create, swap, and collect! Artist Trading Cards are sweeping the nation! The idea began in Europe and is now the next big t… |
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Leisure Arts Artist Trading Card Paper Pads 2.5X3.5 40 Sheets/Pad Christmas 65-12; 4 Items/Order LEISURE ARTS-These paper pads give you beautiful art and an easy way to enjoy the Artist Trading Card craze. They’re the perfect playing card size for A.T.C.s and other miniature works of art. Each of the 22 pads contains 40 pages with 2 each of 20 designs. 2.5″x3.5″ in size. Create, swap, and collect! Artist Trading Cards are sweeping the nation! The idea began in Europe and is now the next big t… |
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Leisure Arts Artist Trading Card Paper Pads 2.5X3.5 40 Sheets/Pad Contemporary 65-18; 4 Items/Order LEISURE ARTS-These paper pads give you beautiful art and an easy way to enjoy the Artist Trading Card craze. They’re the perfect playing card size for A.T.C.s and other miniature works of art. Each of the 22 pads contains 40 pages with 2 each of 20 designs. 2.5″x3.5″ in size. Create, swap, and collect! Artist Trading Cards are sweeping the nation! The idea began in Europe and is now the next big t… |
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Artist Trading Cards $90.81 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Artist Trading Cards (or ATCs) are miniature works of art about the same size as modern baseball cards, or 2 1/2 X 3 1/2 inches (63 mm X 89 mm), small enough to fit inside standard cardcollector pockets, sleeves or sheets. The ATC movement developed out of the mail art movement and has its origins in Switzerland. Cards are produced in various media, including dry media (pencils, pens, markers, etc.), wet media (watercolor, acrylic paints, etc.), paper media (in the form of collage, papercuts, found objects, etc.). The cards are usually traded or exchanged rather than sold. M. Vanci Stirnemann is credited in many circles with popularizing the modern artist trading card in 1996, holding trading sessions in Zurich, Switzerland. This resurgence of interest of Artists trading cards has spawned the popular ACEO (art cards editions and originals) movement. Many people consider art trading cards and ACEO cards to be one and the same. Others feel they are decidedly different pieces of Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 128 Publication Date: 2010/09/07 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.30 inches |
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Artist Trading Cards (ATC): General $5.09 This package contains (20) 3-5/8″ x 2-1/2″ journal cards for the Artist Trading Card Revolving Holder (sold separately). Cards feature an assortment of shapes, colors, and styles. |
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Blank Artist Trading Cards pack of 100 $3.2 Create your own trading cards with these blank, acid-free artist cards. Cards are bright white and measure 2 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. |
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1,000 Artist Trading Cards 1,000 Artist Trading Cards $26.99 Artist trading cards, or ATCs, are popular mini works of art traded and shared by artists of all stripes as a means of advertising their talents to others. Roughly the size of a playing card, the backside of an ATC typically lists its artist’s name and contact info. In this compendium, Cloth Paper Scissors and Quilting Arts Magazine editor Patricia Bolton compiles an impressive array of the tiny artworks, many of which are culled from reader challenges sponsored by the magazines. Others were created specially for this book. 1,000 Artist Trading Cards includes a how-to section on creating your own cards alongside 1,000 full-color photos of wildly varying works. It also provides information on online communities dedicated to sharing ATCs across the globe. 320-page hardcover. |
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Artist Trading Cards By Pujol, Leonie $14.13 Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) are small cards measuring 2.5 X 3.5in (6.5 X 9cm) which you can decorate in whatever style you choose using a range of materials and techniques. This book provides numerous ideas for a range of ATCs based on many different methods and techniques. Author: Pujol, Leonie Series Title: Twenty to Make Publication Date: 2008/06/01 Number of Pages: 48 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 0.25 Width: 6.00 Height: 8.25 |
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Rubber Stamping Artist Trading Cards $24.73 Artists Trading Cards or ATCs are miniature works of art the craft world is totally JAZZED about This new hot trend is all the rage for crafters of every sort — mixed media, paper or fabric artists and stampers |
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Artist Trading Cards Workshop: Create. Collect. Swap. $22.24 Create and swap mini works of art The simple act of sharing 21/2 x 31/2 pieces of art, known as Artist Trading Cards, knows no boundaries and brings like-souls together like no other form of communication can. Unique statements, passionate emotions and favorite interests can all be expressed in these miniature works of art that are always traded, never sold. "Artist Trading Cards Workshop" will not only teach you how to create your own cards, combining one or more of the 25+ techniques demonstrated in step-by-step photos, it will also share the ins and outs of trading, finding and organizing card swaps and how to trade with others across the miles or even the continents. Discover ways to create colorful collage backgrounds, make cards from fabric, incorporate painting, stamping, phone book pages, tissue paper, string, stencils and much more – all is revealed in step-by-step photos, but that’s not all. You’ll also: Learn the ins and outs of trading – where to look, what to swap. Find creative ways to store the cards you’ll soon be collecting. Be inspired by the cards from 60 talented contributors and over 200 beautiful cards. Become a part of the world-wide phenomenon that starts with "Artist Trading Cards Workshop," and share a piece of yourself today Create. Collect. Swap. |
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1,000 Artist Trading Cards $22.49 This book is in New – Excellent condition |
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Artist Trading Cards 300 series bristol smooth pack of 20 cards $1.7 Strathmore makes it easy for artists to express themselves in a small format, then exchange their creations in a big way.Artist trading cards (ATCs) are miniature pieces of art that are traded around the world. Artists create, trade and collect art at organized “swap” events, either in person or online. The only official rule for ATCs is the size: 2.5″ x 3.5″.Strathmore Artist Trading Cards are downsized versions of the same Strathmore papers artists use for their full-sized art. All cards and envelopes measure 2.5 in. x 3.5 in. |
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Artist Trading Cards 300 series bristol vellum pack of 20 cards $1.7 Strathmore makes it easy for artists to express themselves in a small format, then exchange their creations in a big way.Artist trading cards (ATCs) are miniature pieces of art that are traded around the world. Artists create, trade and collect art at organized “swap” events, either in person or online. The only official rule for ATCs is the size: 2.5″ x 3.5″.Strathmore Artist Trading Cards are downsized versions of the same Strathmore papers artists use for their full-sized art. All cards and envelopes measure 2.5 in. x 3.5 in. |
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Artist Trading Cards 400 series watercolor pack of 10 cards $1.7 Strathmore makes it easy for artists to express themselves in a small format, then exchange their creations in a big way.Artist trading cards (ATCs) are miniature pieces of art that are traded around the world. Artists create, trade and collect art at organized “swap” events, either in person or online. The only official rule for ATCs is the size: 2.5″ x 3.5″.Strathmore Artist Trading Cards are downsized versions of the same Strathmore papers artists use for their full-sized art. All cards and envelopes measure 2.5 in. x 3.5 in. |
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Artist Trading Cards 400 series textured pack of 20 cards $1.7 Strathmore makes it easy for artists to express themselves in a small format, then exchange their creations in a big way.Artist trading cards (ATCs) are miniature pieces of art that are traded around the world. Artists create, trade and collect art at organized “swap” events, either in person or online. The only official rule for ATCs is the size: 2.5″ x 3.5″.Strathmore Artist Trading Cards are downsized versions of the same Strathmore papers artists use for their full-sized art. All cards and envelopes measure 2.5 in. x 3.5 in. |
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Artist Trading Cards 300 series canvas paper pack of 10 cards $1.7 Strathmore makes it easy for artists to express themselves in a small format, then exchange their creations in a big way.Artist trading cards (ATCs) are miniature pieces of art that are traded around the world. Artists create, trade and collect art at organized “swap” events, either in person or online. The only official rule for ATCs is the size: 2.5″ x 3.5″.Strathmore Artist Trading Cards are downsized versions of the same Strathmore papers artists use for their full-sized art. All cards and envelopes measure 2.5 in. x 3.5 in. |
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Artist Trading Cards 400 series acrylic pack of 10 cards $1.7 Strathmore makes it easy for artists to express themselves in a small format, then exchange their creations in a big way.Artist trading cards (ATCs) are miniature pieces of art that are traded around the world. Artists create, trade and collect art at organized “swap” events, either in person or online. The only official rule for ATCs is the size: 2.5″ x 3.5″.Strathmore Artist Trading Cards are downsized versions of the same Strathmore papers artists use for their full-sized art. All cards and envelopes measure 2.5 in. x 3.5 in. |
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Artist Trading Cards 500 series illustration board pack of 5 cards $1.7 Strathmore makes it easy for artists to express themselves in a small format, then exchange their creations in a big way.Artist trading cards (ATCs) are miniature pieces of art that are traded around the world. Artists create, trade and collect art at organized “swap” events, either in person or online. The only official rule for ATCs is the size: 2.5″ x 3.5″.Strathmore Artist Trading Cards are downsized versions of the same Strathmore papers artists use for their full-sized art. All cards and envelopes measure 2.5 in. x 3.5 in. |
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Artist Trading Cards Workshop by Berlin, Bernie Edition ILL, 0 $21.99 Create and swap mini works of art!The simple act of sharing 2½ x 3½ pieces of art, known as Artist Trading Cards, knows no boundaries and brings like-souls together like no other form of communication can. Unique statements, passionate emotions and favorite interests can all be expressed in these miniature works of art that are always traded, never sold.Artist Trading Cards Workshopwill not only teach you how to create your own cards, combining one or more of the 25+ techniques demonstrated in step-by-step photos, it will also share the ins and outs of trading, finding and organizing card swaps and how to trade with others across the miles or even the continents.Discover ways to create colorful collage backgrounds, make cards from fabric, incorporate painting, stamping, phone book pages, tissue paper, string, stencils and much more – all is revealed in step-by-step photos, but that's not all. You'll also:Learn the ins and outs of trading – where to look, what to swap.Find creative ways to store the cards you'll soon be collecting.Be inspired by the cards from 60 talented contributors and over 200 beautiful cards.Become a part of the world-wide phenomenon that starts withArtist Trading Cards Workshop, and share a piece of yourself today! Create. Collect. Swap. |