How to Make an ACEO
Art cards, editions and originals (ACEO) are miniature works of art. They can be created in any medium but the size is always 2.5-by-3.5 inches. They follow in the format size of baseball trading cards and playing cards. Impressionist painters created small works of art; this tradition was revitalized by M. Vanci Stirnemann in 1996 Switzerland. They were originally fashioned for trading among artists. As collectible cards, ACEOs are gaining popularity around the world. Because of their small dimensions, they are easy to store, mail and display. The size also makes them less intimidating as a beginning surface, so cut a piece of 2.5-by-3.5 inch paper and doodle your own ACEO.
Instructions
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Decide what medium to use for the ACEO. All mediums are acceptable in this format, from oil paints to a collage of miscellaneous papers. Sewing, metal work and clays are also composed into this shape. The only limitation is that all work must be within the 2.5-by-3.5 inch outside dimension.
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Cut heavy paper to the specifications of 2.5 by 3.5 inches.
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Create a work of art. Doodling is a free-form method of creation that is limitless. Do not be restricted by your inner critic.
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Tips & Warnings
You can display your ACEO in many ways. Some are matted and hung as traditional art works. Other people display them in collector portfolios with clear sleeve protectors. They are often kept as a small browsing pile in a bowl or basket on the coffee table.
ACEOs make great gifts because their small format allows for ease in mailing or inserting into greeting cards.
