ACEO / ATCs

So, I decided to try my hand at making some ACEO cards to see how they work and how they are to make.  I must say, it was a lot of fun!  I used Bristol paper for the backing and the acid free, photo-safe adhesive to adhere the photo to the board.  While they're essentially the same thing, ACEOs (Art Cards, Editions and Originals) are usually sold, while ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) are usually traded or exchanged.

by Mary H. Hamilton

If you don't know what they are, the are miniature works of art about the same size as modern baseball cards (always 2 ½ x 3 ½ inches) small enough to fit inside standard card-collector pockets, sleeves or sheets. The ATC (Artist Trading Card) movement developed out of the mail art movement and has its origins in Switzerland.  Cards are produced in various media, including dry media (pencils, pens, markers, etc.), wet media (watercolor, acrylic paints, etc.), paper media (in the form of collage, papercuts, found objects, etc.) or even metals or cloth.

by hokata

Some artists have started embellishing with 3-D objects like jewels, beads, and paper accents that stand off the card.  These are particularly interesting and, I think, would look great displayed in a group on the wall.

Apparently there's quite a movement these days to collect and display ACEOs.  They're a great way to own several different works of art by various artists and various media types.  Prices range from about $3 to over $20 for an original mini-painting on Etsy.  Get out there and look around; there are some really creative and clever designs.