Cabinet Cards

I am participating in a Cabinet Card Swap with my In My Vintage Room and Beyond Group this month.  When I first heard about this swap I had no idea what Cabinet Cards were. So after doing a little research on them I found out that they were  First introduced in the 1860's, and cabinet card photographs were similar to cartes-de-visites, only larger. Measuring approximately four inches by six inches and mounted on cardstock (similar to cardboard), cabinet card photos got their name from their size—they were just the right size to be displayed on a cabinet. There were usually done in sepia tones or black and white.
  Ok, so now having an idea of what they were I did some more research as to how to alter them.  And I am sure you have already guessed there are many ways from painting to embellishing these cards. After alot of thought I pulled out some supplies ......

First I scanned the photos into my computer so I could print out the faces on photo paper, then I carefully cut them out and antiqued the edges. I used Stazon Ink and my En Francais (French Words) stamp from Stampin Up and stamped a border around the edges of the card, then I took Tsukinek Terra Cotta Walnut Ink Antiquing Solution and spritzed the entire picture, using a paper towel to blot where I didn't want it to be to dark (around the faces). After letting that dry thoroughly I used a strip of  paper tape (don't know what brand) on each photo. Used Tim Holtz's gears, keys market tag, a pen nib, some metal corners I found in the Dollar Store ages ago, a small piece of ribbon and a left over Prima flower from another project. I also used a the Remember When stamp (purchased at Joann's) I had and inked that up to make it look old. 

My version of Altered Cabinet Cards.