Wednesday, October 27, 2010

ACEOs and ATCs


Art Cards Editions and Originals 
and
Artist Trading Cards
 A quick history lesson; these little cards go way back to the 16th century. They were usually portraits done by painters and sold. They have been referred to as the first wallet “photos”. Many times a painter would do a family portrait, and then a miniature one of the mistress that the man could keep easily without the wife knowing. Other ways in which these were useful was when there were pre-arranged marriages. With a portrait done in miniature, both parties of the intended marriage could have a peek at their future spouse. 
Today to qualify as an ATC or an ACEO they  have to measure 2 1/2" by 3 1/2". ATCs were on the scene first as a way for artists to exchange and collect other artisans work. ATCs are strictly traded, they are not bought or sold.
Some artists realized that there was interest from the general public wanting to be able to purchase some of these miniature works of art. That’s where ACEOs come in, they can be sold.  These can be made out of any medium, even fabric.
Quilt ACEO by SharonArt57
 http://www.etsy.com/listing/41144110/free-shipping-wheres-the-mermaid-art

ACEOs are open to many styles, mediums and methods by many artists. They are an inexpensive way to collect original or special editions of artwork.
ACEO by goodgosh


ACEO by peppercorns2

These can be fun to do and create, and they can be as simple or as involved as you want them to be.  If you want to collect them, you can choose just about any type or style you like.
Then you also have the fun of how you display them. Some people frame them individually or as a group. Sometimes they are kept in an album.  You can decide your own way how you want to show off your miniature works of art.

You can get supplies for ACEOs, or ATCs here;
You can also use playing cards, trading cards, whatever is handy as your base, as long as it measures no bigger than 2 1/2” by 3 1/2”.


Here is a link for ATCs;
and one for ACEOs;
(jj)



6 comments:

Happy Hound Creative said...

I had no idea what this meant! Thank you!!

goodgosh said...

Wow! I didn't know the beginning history of them so that was interesting! Men keeping pictures of their mistress? Go figure. Arranged marriages? Egads.
You do some of the most wonderful ACEO's ~ I'm fond of the Queen ones myself. :)
Thanks for using my horse one you sneaky dink!

Doodle said...

ACEO's are really cool and a fun collection to have. Never knew the history, but what a great inexpensive way to collect some wonderful works of art.

Thanks for another great informative post. I'm sure my collection will be expanding even more in the near future!

Runs With Scissors said...

Great post! That first one is SO gg! I think her hair was hurting that day!

VintageEmbellishment said...

Thanks for the info :)

I am thinking this would be a great way to start a collection of art for the grandkids!

Doodle said...

I like to get my framed ~ great way to display them. I know a great custom framer if you're in need. Just saying!