10 (EASY) WAYS TO BUILD AN EXCITING AND INSPIRING EPHEMERA STASH
Do you have a passion for scrapbooking, journaling, or mixed media art? Are you constantly on the hunt for new and exciting materials to use in your projects?
If so, you need an ephemera stash! Here is how to build a really good one - the easy way. Plus a FAQ section at the end.
Do you have a passion for scrapbooking, journaling, or mixed media art? Are you constantly on the hunt for new and exciting materials to use in your projects? If so, then you're probably familiar with the concept of an ephemera stash. Ephemera refers to any type of paper-based material that is intended for one-time or short-term use, such as tickets, maps, or packaging. Building an ephemera stash is an excellent way to add texture, depth, and interest to your artwork, but knowing where to start can be a challenge. In this blog post, we'll explore ten easy ways to build an exciting and inspiring ephemera stash that will help take your creative endeavors to the next level.
Introduction
As artists, we all have our favorite materials and techniques, but sometimes it's important to step outside of our comfort zones and try something new. Building an ephemera stash is a fun and rewarding way to experiment with different textures, colors, and patterns while also preserving a bit of history. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, there's always room to expand your collection of ephemera, and the possibilities are endless.
1.Collect All the Scraps
One of the easiest ways to start building your ephemera stash is to collect all the scraps that you come across in your day-to-day life. This could include everything from old receipts and business cards to candy wrappers and torn bits of wrapping paper. You never know what might catch your eye or inspire a new project, so it's always a good idea to keep a small container or folder handy to store these materials.
2. Magazines
Magazines are an excellent source of ephemera, especially if you're interested in fashion, art, or pop culture. You can cut out images, headlines, and even entire articles to use in your artwork, or simply use the magazine pages themselves as a background or texture. If you have a specific theme or color scheme in mind, try to find magazines that align with your vision.
3. Envelopes & Stamps
Envelopes and stamps are often overlooked as ephemera, but they can add a lot of interest and detail to your projects. You can use vintage envelopes to create pockets or tuck spots in your journals, or use the stamps as focal points or embellishments. Don't be afraid to mix and match different sizes, colors, and styles to create a unique look.
4. Tickets, Leaflets, Tags, Maps
If you're a traveler or a collector of memorabilia, then tickets, leaflets, tags, and maps are a must-have in your ephemera stash. These materials can add a sense of place and time to your artwork, and can be used to create themed pages or spreads. You can also use maps and tags as backgrounds or layers in your journals, or as the base for collage art.
5. Vintage Books
Vintage books are a treasure trove of ephemera, and can be found at flea markets, thrift stores, or online. You can use the pages themselves as a background or texture, or cut out images, illustrations, or text to use in your artwork. Look for books that align with your interests, such as botanical guides, cookbooks, or old encyclopedias.
6. Wrapping Paper
Wrapping paper is a versatile and colourful addition to any ephemera stash. You can use it to create background layers, to make paper flowers or other embellishments, or even as the base for your entire artwork. Look for wrapping paper with interesting patterns, textures, or colors, and don't be afraid to mix and match different designs.
7. Dried Flowers, Leaves, Seashore Finds
Nature can provide a wealth of ephemera for your art projects. Collect and dry flowers and leaves, or gather seashells, sand, and other beachcombing finds to use in your work.
8. Downloadable Printables
There are many websites that offer free or low-cost printable sheets of vintage ephemera that you can use in your art projects. Look for vintage postcards, labels, tickets, and other designs that can be printed and used in your work. You might like to try my ‘Print your own - tiny inspirational journal cards’ (pictured above).
9. Old Sewing Patterns
Vintage sewing patterns can be used as interesting backgrounds or focal points in your art projects, and the tissue paper used to protect the patterns can be used for interesting textures and layers.
10.Underpaper
This is one of my all-time favourites to incorporate into my art journals. Underpaper is the paper that's used to protect surfaces when painting or using other art supplies. Don't throw away this paper, as it can be used as interesting backgrounds or collage elements in your work.
Uplevel Your Art Journaling Practice
Sometimes it's easy to get stuck in a creative rut or to feel uninspired. But the key to building an exciting and inspiring ephemera stash is to think outside the box and to experiment with new techniques and materials. Don't be afraid to break the rules or to try something new. You never know what treasures you might discover.
FAQs:
What is ephemera?
Ephemera refers to items that were created with a specific purpose in mind, but are now considered collectible due to their historical or cultural significance. Examples of ephemera include tickets, leaflets, tags, maps, vintage books, and even old sewing patterns.
How do I organize my ephemera stash?
There are a number of ways to organize your ephemera stash, depending on your personal preferences and the size of your collection. Some people prefer to sort their ephemera by category (such as vintage postcards or old sewing patterns), while others prefer to sort by color or theme.
Where can I find vintage books for my ephemera stash?
Vintage books can be found at a number of places, including thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces such as eBay and Etsy. You can also check with local bookstores or libraries to see if they have any older books that they are willing to sell.
Can I use my ephemera stash in my art journaling practice?
Absolutely! Ephemera can be a great addition to any art journaling practice, whether you are using it to create collages or to add texture and interest to your pages. Just be sure to use acid-free adhesive and to avoid any items that may be too fragile or delicate.
How can I protect my ephemera collection?
To protect your ephemera collection, it's important to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. You may also want to invest in acid-free storage materials, such as archival-quality boxes or folders. Be sure to handle your ephemera with care, using gloves if necessary, to avoid damaging or staining the items.
Building an inspiring and exciting ephemera stash doesn't have to be difficult. By following these 10 easy ways, you can start collecting a variety of interesting and unique items to add to your collection. Whether you prefer vintage books, dried flowers, or downloadable printables, there are plenty of options to choose from. And by organizing and protecting your collection, you can enjoy your ephemera for years to come. So why not start building your own ephemera stash today?
