Create your design in real size. For ATCs, the finished size is 2.5" x 3.5" (64 mm x 89 mm). Your preliminary sketches and patterns should be done in actual size, rather than in a blown-up enlarged format. If you use a huge blow-up for designing the fine details will probably be lost when you reduce it to actual size. Why do all of that work, just to have to start over?

If you will be machine stitching through many layers of fabric and/or paper try using a sharp tipped needle. The most readily available needle of this type is called a Jeans/Denim needle, and the acute, tapered tip will allow your machine to pierce through tough layers more easily. Sizes from 80/12 through 100/16 will be most suited to this kind of work. Just don't use the same needle to sew your next quilt - making ATCs will really rough up a needle!

The tiniest little bits of scraps and trimmings are gold for the ATC designer. If you have been a "when in doubt, throw it out" type of quilter, mend your ways! Use zipper type plastic bags to collect all kinds of interesting scraps for your cards. Try sorting the items by color, and you will have a rainbow palette at your fingertips for the moment inspiration strikes.

ATCs are great for experimenting with all of those wonderful decorative stitches on your sewing machine that you never got around to using. An interesting fabric with a few rows of these stitches will make lovely ATCs. Try your favorite stitch for attaching a little piece of paper with the recipient's name printed on it.

Consider making a set of ATCs to commemorate a special event. Is there a new baby in the family? A wedding coming up? Would you like to celebrate a promotion? Can't you just picture one of your special ATCs nestled in an heirloom scrapbook as a special memento?

Do you have a finished ATC that seems a little flat with no pizzazz? Try stitching a piece of tulle, organza, or other sheer fabric over all or part of the top. This will add depth and "artistic" panache to your project.