I make a lot of Artist Trading Cards, and this year my glow-in-the-dark ghosts are very popular.

The cards can be displayed on a window frame during the day.

Or you can take them into a dark space and enjoy the glow.

This type of paint produces a glow that doesn’t last long… but it is still a LOT of fun.

The sample card is made in the standard 2.5 x 3.5 ATC size, but you can follow these instructions to make larger ghosts.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials!

Washed white cotton fabric, as shear as possible. (Some fabric has a coating called “sizing” sprayed on it to make it stiff. Be sure the sizing has been washed off or the paint may not stick!)

Pencil

Tulip brand dimensional fabric paint, glow-in-the-dark “Natural” color

Black acrylic paint

Paint brush

Black cardstock

White cardstock

Black thread and Sewing machine (optional)

Double-stick tape, 1/2”

Hobby Knife

Embroidery hoop or frame

Step 2: Place the Fabric in the Embroidery Frame or Hoop and Trace a 2.5 X 3.5 Rectangle Onto the Fabric

Use a pencil to lightly trace around an ATC.

Step 3: Draw the Ghost!

Staying inside of the traced lines, use Tulip brand dimensional fabric paint, glow-in-the-dark “Natural” color to squeeze out a ghost shape on the fabric.

I rub the tip back and forth to force the paint into the fabric.

Step 4: Paint the Black Background.

It is best to let the glow-in-the-dark paint dry first.

Then, using black acrylic paint, paint the background.

Step 5: Once the Paint Has Dried, Cut the Black Frame

Really.

Make sure the glow-in-the-dark paint is dry.

Make sure the black paint is dry.

Using a hobby knife, cut a frame from the black cardstock. For an ATC, the entire frame should be 2.5 x 3.5 inches and the individual sides should be 1/2 inch wide.

Step 6: Attach the Black Frame to the Front.

(preferred) Use a sewing machine to attach the frame to the front of the card.

(OKAY) Use double stick tape to attach the frame to the front of the card.

Step 7: Trim

If you used a sewing machine, tie the ends into a strong knot.

Then trim the extra fabric from the edges.

Step 8: Attach the Back Frame.

Use double stick tape to attach a white frame on the back.

If you are a very precise person, you can cut a white frame exactly the same size as the black frame and put it into place.

If you are NOT very good with lining things up perfectly, "build" the back frame a step at a time!

Step 9: Name, Sign, and Date Your Artist Trading Card.

Step 10: Display It!

The ghost looks really good on a window frame, with the light shining through!

Step 11: Let Is GLOW!

This type of glow-in-the-dark paint does not last very long, but it's still a LOT of fun.

Take your ATC into a dark space and let it glow!

Step 12: Trade It!

Here's another view of the finished card. The frame doesn't really show up when the card is photographed on the window frame. (I'm not the kind of photographer who knows how to deal with back light!)