What is an ACEO Miniature Painting?

 

 

Some samples of my ACEO's

                         

I am often asked "What exactly is an ACEO Miniature Painting?" 

The simple answer is...

"It's a work of art, that must be the standard size of 2.5 x 3.5 inches"

That is the only rule that cannot be broken - no other size is acceptable! It can be in either portrait or landscape orientation.

So once you have the size right, the choice of materials is endless!

Any type of card or canvas is acceptable. 

I use Arches Watercolour 300g (140lb) and cut it to size myself with a hand hobby guillotine. 

Any medium can be used including pencil, watercolours, oils, acrylics, multi medium as well as craft embellishments, such as glitter or craft paints.

To get a good idea of the range of ACEO's produced have a look on eBay - search for ACEO Original - there are 13 225 ACEO's for sale on eBay today! You will be amazed at the huge variation of styles and subjects!

So have a go at creating an ACEO yourself - if you have always worked with larger sheets of paper, it will take a little time to adjust. 

But if your first efforts are not working, it is less painful binning a small rectangle (just 3.5 x 2.5 inches) of expensive artist's paper, than a whole sheet, I can  promise you!

Have a look at my watercolour ACEO's on eBay at present...

I sell them on Auction but other sellers prefer to fix a price - whatever works for you! 

Or maybe you prefer just to create ACEO's for your own collection!

Whatever you decide, enjoy the fun of producing these little masterpieces!

How To Tie a Bow for Gifts, Craft and Decorating

 

We all know how to tie a bow in our shoelace, but to make a flat decorative bow takes a few little tricks in the tying...

This little video clearly shows us how!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CXb5WXWl9L7/?utm_medium=share_sheet

Have a go and give your gifts in 2022 that 'professionally wrapped' look!

New Quiz - Countries & Capitals to Start the Year!

 

Happy New Year Everyone! 

Having been out of the UK for some years I was unable to keep up with my blogging - but here I am back again!

To start the year off lets have a quiz!

Quiz - Countries and Capitals

Match the Capitals to the Countries

    

 Here is the link for this geography quiz - how many do you match up correctly?

Quiz - Countries & Capitals

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Really hope you are enjoying doing the quizzes 

I have put together for you and your groups!

Have a look at my eBook of 41 x Easy Quizzes 

that you can instantly download and print 

for fun with your groups!

Quiz - Common Phobias - Printable with Answers!

With the Internet at our elbow, we are all more knowledgeable - 

or are we...??

What do you know about Common Phobias? I was amazed to find a list of 100 - have put up 15 of the most common in a new Quiz - see how many you and your groups either know or can work out by the name used to describe it...

Quiz - Common Phobias

If you want more Easy Quizzes do have a look at my 41 x Easy Quizzes eBook 

Printable and with all the answers!

 

Benefits of Colouring in for the Elderly with Printable Drawings!

I have long believed in the therapeutic effect of colouring in for adults of any age.

I loved colouring in with my grandchildren, when they were little - not just to please them, although they loved Granny to join in, but for the pleasure and relaxation I found myself enjoying in the process.

I found this very good website, "Golden Carers", which not only discusses the benefits of colouring in for the elderly, but also includes five downloadable drawings. 

They can then be printed as needed.

Here is the link....

Benefits of Colouring in for the Elderly

Enjoy!

Toby has new Summer Bandanas!

Toby looking very smart and ready for some Summer Walks - just need some sunshine...

More from Toby's fashion portfolio... home-sewed with such pleasure!

Proud to be British...!

Chickens...!

Bird Anagrams - Quiz... Printable with Answers

Ten Bird Anagrams for you to decipher with your group - over a cup of tea of course!

Bird Anagrams - Quiz

Answers supplied in case you get stuck...

Hope you enjoy this little quiz - if you want more have a look at my eBook...

41 x 10 Easy Quizzes - Printable with Answers 

 

Easter Face-Cloth Bunny and Hand-Towel Teddy to make!

Easter is coming around again soon, and so why not make a few gifts - easily made by just folding towelling...

Using a face-cloth for the Bunny and a hand-towel for the Teddy,  they will both be useful gifts, after the little choccy eggs have been  devoured...!

I have made the face-cloth Easter Bunny before...

for tutorial see here and here

I decided to make him again this year, as we now have a hand-towel Teddy to add to the fun...

The Easter Bunny has button eyes this time, but you can us googly eyes of course!

The hand-towel Teddy is easy to make and all you will need is a hand-towel, elastic bands, ribbon and buttons or googly eyes.

Here is an excellent tutorial showing how to make it - just folding....
No sewing involved!

Hand-Towel Teddy

Have fun with your groups or families, making these Easter Gifts...