JoeGirl

Have you heard of ACEOs? It stands for Art Cards, Editions & Originals—a long-time tradition in the art world of creating tiny collectible works of art, exactly the size of a standard trading card—2.5 × 3.5 inches. Small enough to tuck into a wallet, prop on a shelf, or slip into a frame.

I made my first-ever batch of them last week, just to see. I love working small—it somehow seems less daunting. These 18 ACEOs are created in my favourite layered mixed media style—shimmery paints, playful marks, quirky words from old books—every one unique, and are ready for you to start, or add to, your ACEO collection.

What’s the difference between ATCs and ACEOs?

From what I have learned, ATCs—Artist Trading Cards—are original 2.5 x 3.5” pieces of art made intentionally and exclusively for trading, never for sale.

ACEOs are also 2.5 x 3.5” pieces of art however, they can be limited edition prints or originals, and are made to sell. You can find many listings for ACEOs on eBay.

You can see my available ACEOs here → JoeGirl.com/artwork

I am a sucker for vintage type—especially anything created on a letterpress—like this poster for the Merrickville Woollen Mills from 1887, as seen in the ruins’ interpretive centre. Look at all those typefaces—hand picked, each letter set side by side and arranged just so before running the slab of lead through the press. No undo button, no copy + paste, and certainly no AI.

Give the poster a read from top to bottom… the phrasing is deee-lightful. Don’t you just wish you could step back in time to visit Mac? I bet he’d have a story or two to tell.

What catches your eye the most?

It’s one of my favourite times of year—when I can once again fill my front porch containers with tasty herbs and colourful flowers to cut and enjoy, bringing a wee bit of that garden happiness inside.

Tending to these plants from spring to autumn brings me quiet joy, calms my busy brain, and offers me yet another form of creativity as I prepare fresh summer meals and arrange sweet clusters of colour in tiny, thrifted vessels—like this one. 🌸