Those pictures, scraps of papers, wine bottle labels, scrapbook papers, junk mail, small paper bag that says "True Value." The stickers, old books and maps, old doodles or scraps from projects.
Ephemera: things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time.
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items of collectible memorabilia, typically written or printed ones, that were originally expected to have only short-term usefulness or popularity.
What to do with it all? Take a handful, cut it up, trim it down, punch shapes from it or run it through your die cut machine and USE it.
Enjoy it. This is a long weekend for those of us State-side. I'll probably not be partying and singing the Star Spangled Banner the entire time. Hopefully the tendonitis in my hand gets better enough to cut/write/draw. But anyhow, let's get cracking on our stashes!
I got some very fine stickers to add to my stash over at Scrapbook.com (no affiliation). Make your own paper ephemera kit and store it with your journal stuff. I used some Avery Elle packets to organize. I use them for clear stamp storage. Little sandwich bags would work just as well. So would a paper clip.
Jump in with me. Have a great weekend everyone. I'll be sipping Apricot Sangria come the Fourth!
"Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun."
Picasso
hi diana-sorry about the tendonitis, hope your doing better s00n! i love this post and can't wait to see what you do with all the fun goodies :) i also love ephemera/collage. my biggest challenge is remembering to use it! i started making little packets, using tins from mints, baggies, envelopes, etc and sometimes grab one of those and just collage away. do you have any tips about how you organize and store ephemera? do you ever feel like you have so much you could never use all of it, and yet you just can't toss something that came in the mail? lol. i know i do. i've been following your blog for awhile now, this might be the first time i've left a comment, but i have been very inspired and motivated from following along. thanks for sharing. the apricot sangria sounds delightful ;) jenny
Posted by: Jenny | 07/03/2015 at 01:32 AM
It's so much fun watching you discover new arting materials. Even though I swore I wasn't going to buy anything in July, seeing you open your sticker and ephemera packs makes me want to run out to buy something new. A better idea, however, would be to go into my stash of ephemera which I plan to do today. Thanks for the inspiration. BTW I'm practically a neighbor since I also live in southeastern PA.
Posted by: Barbara M | 07/03/2015 at 07:13 AM
Oh WOW!!!! I can't wait to see where you go with this... I have some similar stickers etc. and I've never been sure how to use them. I can't wait to see your ideas. Just a quick question.... I'm looking for a way to store collage fodder that's easy. Right now it's all in file folders. Any suggestions?
Thanks for sharing, Emie
Posted by: Emie | 07/03/2015 at 08:03 AM
What fun discoveries. You are an inspiration. Quick healing on the tendonitis. I sprained a finger a few weeks ago. Such pain. One really realizes how much we use our hands when they are compromised. I recently took out everything from the drawers of a bureau I use for papers and emphemera. They were so full it was a chore finding anything. Everything now sits teetering on top of a table waiting organizing. Starting today. Wishing you well.
Posted by: cynthia | 07/03/2015 at 10:05 AM
welcome back!!! i took a chance and stopped by, and there you are, dispensing information and inspiration: IDEAL!!!!!
Posted by: Sharon Walworth | 07/04/2015 at 11:46 AM
I can't wait to see what you do with this!! I have a TON of it, which I bought because I loved it; but alas I can't figure out how to use it in my journal. I loved your comment about "art school mentality" LOL. I hope you're feeling better soon.....
Posted by: Susan King | 07/04/2015 at 12:40 PM
I’m having some fun with it. It’s just that: fun. You are the 2nd person who liked what I said about the art school mentality and I almost cut that bit out. Yes, plenty more to come with the fake ephemera :)
Posted by: Diana Trout | 07/05/2015 at 09:10 PM
lol: dispensing information! Your name in my email inbox always puts a smile on my face
Posted by: Diana Trout | 07/05/2015 at 09:11 PM
Eeeeks! brave YOU to take the stuff out. I had a friend come help me with an initial paper sort several months ago and it was a miracle. These hand injuries are a real frustration. I’ve been using my leftie more.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 07/05/2015 at 09:13 PM
I’m wondering where I’m going too Emie :). Organizing ephemera is a fantastic topic for a blog post/video. I’m the least organized person I know but do have a few tricks up my sleeve. Look for that soon and thanks for the idea
Posted by: Diana Trout | 07/05/2015 at 09:14 PM
SE PA friend!!!!! Yeah :) where are you? I’m in Glenside. You should join my Meetup group.
I’m definitely planning a video soon on creating journal ready ephemera from those stacks of paper we all have. Oh my: I have something like 7-8 boxes (big ones). I’ll be doing an organizing vid soon too.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 07/05/2015 at 09:17 PM
Hi Jenny, thanks for commenting :) I do make packets: large and small. I’m going to share some tips on organizing in a video very soon! Oh yes, I hear you on the “precious papers.” BUT … well, I’ll talk about that in the video too.
I want to make that Apricot Sangria. I wound up making sangria with apricots over the weekend and it was awesome! But it was red wine. Another time I’ll stick to the recipe … maybe
Posted by: Diana Trout | 07/05/2015 at 09:20 PM
Diana, I have all my "stuff" out on my art table as I'm creating what I call scrappy journals. I do look forward to seeing how you use these items! As always, I get inspiration when I visit your blog and watch your videos.
Posted by: jan | 07/06/2015 at 11:10 AM
excellant! will be on the lookout for the organizing/precious papers, etc video(s) also i am ready to be sure and hit the "likes" button on your youtube channel during #summerartlove (i 'love" all your videos but just forget to thumbs up ;) you are a treasure trove of inspiration diana!!! oh, i did see your post about the sangria. yum jenny
Posted by: Jenny | 07/07/2015 at 08:35 PM
I’ve been in a Sangria mood all summer! I don’t even drink that much - probably why I like the Sangria. Yup! I’ll be shooting, editing and uploading videos for the big #summerartlove event. Thanks for thumbs up-ing. I’m going to remind people at the end of my vids from now on.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 07/08/2015 at 09:44 AM
Hi Jan, I love the idea of scrappy journals. Whatever lands there just does! It’s just fun
Posted by: Diana Trout | 07/09/2015 at 09:43 AM