Milwaukee Live ATC Trade-October 2008

My husband Joe, a freelance writer, has been working on an article about ATC's. He has been corresponding with Chuck Stake (aka Don Mabie) in Canada. The artist responsible for bringing ATC's to North America, Chuck has been such a generous and encouraging person not only to Joe but to myself. He urged us both to find and go to a live trade. Because to Chuck--the trade is the THING!!!
I have been looking all over for live trades here in the Chicago area, but they are few and far between. I have been in contact with a tiny group that has been meeting up in Elgin, and there are several Stamp/Scrap shops that hold "trades" you drop off then pick up your cards all on a theme--but I wanted a LIVE swap.
Then I found what I was looking for...
Yesterday I went to the Milwaukee Live ATC Trade meeting. It was so much fun. I met so many truly nice and talented people/Artists yesterday. I felt true joy! It was amazing, I was in a room of strangers who "GOT" me. They made such an effort to make me and the other Newbies welcome. To talk to other people who knew what I was saying, whose eyes don't glaze over when you mention beeswax or vintage images, or gel medium. What a treat!!
Here are a few pictures of the Meet up

Below are the cards that I received in the trade.

I am definitely planning on making the drive up to the Milwaukee area in November for the next meeting. The theme is Authors and books and I already am filled with ideas!