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Each of these collages are ACEOs (Artist Cards Editioned or Original). I really enjoy the challenge of working in this traditional small format.
"Artist trading cards (or ATCs) are miniature works of art about the same size as modern baseball cards,[1] or 21⁄2by 31⁄2 inches (63 × 89 mm),[2] small enough to fit inside standard card-collector pockets, sleeves or sheets.[3] The ATC movement developed out of the mail art movement and has its origins in Switzerland.[4] 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. The cards are usually traded or exchanged. When sold, they are usually referred to as art card editions and originals (ACEOs)." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artist_trading_cards)
When I do these I start with a printout of an original sketch reduced to fit the small format. I then grab a bunch of decorative papers in the colors I feel like working in for the day. I also gather tools: scissors, xacto knife, glue stick, old phonebook (for gluing surfaces), cutting mat, sharpies, matte medium, paint brush, transfer paper and bone folder for burnishing. I decide what papers I will use in different parts of the artwork then trace the parts onto the papers, cut the parts out, assemble like a jigsaw puzzle and glue them onto the substrate. When the glue has had time to adhere firmly I make embellishing marks with sharpie pens then seal with acrylic matte medium.
If you want to see more artworks cleverly built around this month's theme and very afford-ably listed with starting prices of just 99 cents then go to ebay and do a search for NFAC. You can also see a cool little Nibblefest widget in their blog right here in blogspot:
