Sunday 8 March 2009

So what the *!??*"* is an ACEO, anyway??

I've been doing quite a bit of commission work lately, both on and off Etsy (note to the Universe - I am very happy about this and am not complaining here!!) This weekend, though, for one reason or another I wasn't able to get on with that. Instead, I took the chance to make some ACEOs! ACEOs are great for playing around with new techniques or for having a complete change of medium/subject/color scheme for a little while, without any major commitment. So what exactly are they then? ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. They are basically small pieces of art that measure just 3.5 x 2.5 inches. They were originally created for artists to trade with each other, kind of like football trading cards. ACEOs can be in any medium - paint, pencil, fabric, clay - the art shop's your oyster, as long as the overall size is 2.5 x 3.5 inches. People do different things with their ACEO collections - they can be matted and framed and put on the wall, displayed in a photo album, propped up on those little tiny easels you can buy, used as very original and special gift tags, or whatever other ideas you can think of - they could even be art for a doll's house (thinking outside the box now!) Pictured above are some of my own ACEOs, along with some that I have bought/swapped with other artists. It's a fun and inexpensive way to start your very own art collection!

12 comments:

  1. I must admit that until I landed on Etsy I had NO idea what an ACEO was. Your post enlightened me even further - thanks!

    Have a great week!

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  2. Great explanation - thanks. I bought some chipboard to start painting some last week. I am like you though and trying to finish up some commissioned work. Not complaining either. Most of mine is not from Etsy. It is hard to put that aside to play a little, but I think it keeps us motivated. I am going to do a few this week - thanks for the inspiration. Maybe we can trade one when I am done. :-)
    Beth

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  3. Now I know what it means!! Thank you Angie!!

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  4. Rocki and Catherine - glad to have enlightened you ;)
    Beth - yes, you should definitely make some ACEOs - I think it does us good to have a break from our other work now and then! Look forward to seeing them!

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  5. Oh my gosh, this is fabulous! I love them all and you're are just wonderful! I hope you don't mind but I would like to "borrow" this posting for our team blog. Thanks!♥

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  6. Thanks for your kind words Sharon! And yes of course that's fine - borrow away!

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  7. I am with Rocki....I didn't know was an ACEO was either!

    Angie...I love all of these you have created!

    Best part is, I learned something new today!

    LuLu~*xoxo

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  8. Thanks Angie! I didn't know what an ACEO was...had an idea...was completely wrong. HAHAHAHA!! Thanks for cleaing that up ;-)

    I LOVE what you have created. Quite expressive! I like expressive :-D

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  9. LuLu and Laura - thanks! I like "expressive" too!

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  10. Wow! Wonderful ACEOs! I just love 'em! What a great way to collect orginal art!!! ACEOs are an inexpensive way to start (or add to) your art collection! Thanks for the explanations.

    Aloha from Kauai,
    Marionette

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  11. Marionette and Sara - thanks for your kind words!

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