An ACEO?

I am sure you have seen much chat about ACEOs? Trouble is often you hear about expressions and because everyone appears to know what they are talking about you feel nervous about admitting you don’t actually know what an ACEO is!

Well, do you remember the old cigarette packets that contained small cards which were collected and traded? That’s how ACEOs came about! Originally, termed as an ATC or Artist’s Trading Card, people loved the idea of collecting these cards but unless you already possessed one, how on earth did you start to trade since this was the only way in which to secure others? Answers on a postcard!!!! No, seriously, someone came up with the bright idea that you could call it something else and therefore now you could not only trade but also buy and sell them! Eureka!!

An art format started by an artist on Ebay two years ago it has grown in popularity ever since. This artist is known by “bone*diva” on Ebay, but her real name is Lisa Luree. Here you can see an example of her work entitled ‘Luree tiny Madonna with bird’ which you will find for sale on Ebay.

So, an ACEO or Art Cards, Editions and Originals. They are small at 2.5 x 3.5 inches, or baseball card size. That is the only rule that governs this little critters! They can be created in any medium you wish from a painting to print, from polymer clay to glass. You name it, you make it. It’s that simple!

ACEOs are avidly collected all over the world whether bought/sold or traded and is a wonderful way to collect original works of art at a sensible price.

When I began painting ACEOs in a wax medium called encaustic I found it an exciting way to experiment. There are many collectors out there who all belong to many wide and various groups. Even Ebay has a collectors group!

ACEOs can be presented in a selection of different ways. For instance in an album or slipped into a card as a surprise present! They can be matted and framed to be displayed on the wall either singly or as a collection.

Although the concept of an ACEO is still in its infancy you will find more and more people, like you the reader, learning about them as they are being offered for sale on more and more websites, as well as in some real-world galleries.

Like what you see? Why not check out my Etsy shop or Artfire where you will find a varied selection of ACEOs.

So, what is stopping you? Want to buy or sell an ACEO? Just remember that whatever you do they can become addictive. You won’t be able to stop at just one! Best of all enjoy!

One of my alternative selling venues

Yes, I know!  I am extolling the virtues of selling my goodies in my different selling venues/shops but if I don't, who will?  I must admit it is one of my least favourite things to do and is so time consuming!  I would much rather just play with my waxes and have someone else do the marketing and listing etc.  However, that will not happen so you are stuck with me doing the dirty work.  Someone has to!

Today, I listed quite a few ACEOs and paintings on my Artfire.com shop.  Have you seen them recently?  They certainly vary in subject matter but do suit all sorts of budgets and I do try to make my art affordable for all pockets.

This is an ACEO entitled 'Looking out of the Cave'

 

If you have ever visited UK you may have travelled to Somerset and seen the Cheddar Gorge, a natural formation where many like to walk, climb or visit Wookey Hole which are awesome caves.  In this ACEO I have tried to convey the magnificence of the rock formation that could be found.

Cheddar Gorge, UK

 

 

In complete contrast here is a painting created using the inspiration I have of underground passages, water and caves.

A Journey Below

 

 

 

Like what you see?  Then why not visit my shop on Artfire or my Etsy shop where there are more examples of my encaustic art.  Thanks for looking!

Ever thankful!

I am very mindful that in today's economic climate when money is not as prolific as in past years that there are still folk out there who appreciate art enough to want to buy it!  After all, it is a luxury that many of us cannot not indulge in however much we would love to.

And so, that brings me to today.  I fired up my laptop to discover a sales notification from my Etsy shop!  The sunshine is shining and a sale.  What else does a girl want?

My buyer comes from overseas and graciously decided to purchase an ACEO entitled Springtime in the Alps.  This is the time of year when we are struggling with bills, trying to stay warm but remain ever hopeful of the stirring of spring.  Even now I can see my daffodils starting to show their flower buds, the snowdrops are out and the crocus greenery is showing through a couple of inches.  It won't be long now!

See the foxgloves in the foreground as your eye moves up the mountain pass.  Birds  of prey fly over searching for their next meal.  A stream is running down too and is helping to keep the flowers well watered.

Can't you just smell the spring?

Off now to wrap up the ACEO safely for its long journey!

It's not just Pandas who like Bamboo!

Bamboo, the word, conjures up all sorts of images from the actual plant to furniture! It is an extremely versatile plant that is also very strong. Here some can be seen growing in a wood in Kyoto, Japan.

Bamboo is the fastest growing woody plant in the world. The plant is used extensively in gardens, as a building material, and as a food source. Here I come back to the theme of a food source for the giant Panda! Not only this the bamboo pulp is now made into a bamboo fabric which is light and strong and is supposed to have some antibacterial properties!

The plant is often used in painting since it has such an interesting formation of colour, texture etc. The Chinese have always been the masters down through the years creating the most beautifully delicate images.

I do not profess to have those qualities but did enjoy trying to depict an abstract image in different colours for my latest set of ACEOs. Remember ACEOs (Artist Card, Editions, Originals) only have one rule and that is that they must measure 3.5" x 2.5". They can be created using any medium which makes them an exciting and affordable way to collect original art!

Here I have created 3 different ACEOs with the same theme. They can displayed separately or as a set! For further information please visit my store on Etsy.

Bamboo - Purple original encaustic ACEO

Bamboo - Blue, an original encaustic ACEO

Bamboo - Green, an original encaustic ACEO

From one size extreme to another

You might say I am going from one size extreme to another! Compare my large encaustic from the last post to this ACEO which is sized as 2.5" x 3.5" as all ACEOs are supposed to.

A little while ago I decided to list a few of my paintings on a new site called Silkfair.com still using my normal shop name of On A Whimsey.

The site is relatively new and is in direct competition with Etsy. So much so that they openly suggest you can import your listings from Etsy and this I tried. It works! You can import and then decide which ones you will make live. The same goes for items on Ebay.

Why not check out my shop? http://silkfair.com/onawhimsey

One of my ACEOs is listed which is called Beleaguered Raft

The description reads as follows:

Do you remember the Kontiki expedition which was undertaken across the ocean in a wooden raft? As I was developing this ACEO it came to me that this rather reminded me of that. A large sailing raft with the wind howling around its sails tries to battle the wild sea.

Just another example of what you can do with wax!

One last post for Pluggers United Team!

I just couldn't let 2008 go without one last post for the Pluggers United Team, now could I?

Still being in holiday mood it was fun to trawl through the items that this great team have listed on Etsy.

For instance:

Now I know it is a little late in the day to be sending seasonal cards but this could be sent for other anniversaries as well!

 

Church Window - Handmade Note Card with Original Photography by Mercyming

 

Mr and Mrs Gingerbread Towel by Sew Happy Designs

These would be wonderful any time of year!

Looking ahead to the next 'event' which will be Valentine's Day I stumbled across this listing .. isn't he cute?

Cavalier King Charles Valentine Figurine by The Magic Sleigh

 

 

For my final item in my selection from this talented team I had to include this one!

Happy Belly Tea by Omshanti

Ate too much pizza last night? That deadline giving your tummy problems? Try Happy Belly Tea. A blend of chamomile, peppermint and fennel seed -- all known for their beneficial effects on the digestive system -- makes Happy Belly Tea both tasty and effective.

Just couldn't resist that last one which is useful any time of year!

All that's left is to wish everyone a wonderful 2009 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!