Ephemera is a new word to me but it’s meaning is not.The dictionary states is a class of collectable items not originally intended to last for more than a short time, such as tickets, posters, postcards, or labels. To me it’s mementos, keepsakes stuck in a drawer reminders of a vacation, a receipt or business card from a favorite shop or an interesting bag a purchase was wrapped in. It is the things that make up the scrapbooks from our past, concert ticket stubs, birth announcements, foreign stamps and postcards. I’ve always been drawn to these things.
Recently I went to check out an antique auction and they had several albums of old postcards. They had been lovingly collected and organized by the holiday or style. The colors were soft and warm, the words equally so. I didn’t stay for the auction but it got me really wanting some of these postcards so I started watching several lots on eBay and came across a book and got a great deal on over 200 old ones. They date between 1905 and 1940. They are just so gentle and innocent. Some are funny. I plan to sell some of them, give some as gifts, put some in with the receipts for my Etsy sales. and frame a few. They are delightful. I will share them as the seasons come but here are a few.
This next one, has a little envelope attached with a little letter inside. It is difficult to read but sounds like a son working away from home and is homesick. So dear, and quite ingenious.
What a slogan! “Don’t Knock. Boost!” Wow!!! Can’t you just see the busy bodies in their aprons on rushing to each other’s houses to spread the latest gossip. Today it should read. What would it read in today’s times?
Many artist use ephemera to make mixed media projects from journaling to jewelry to layering canvas as a backdrop to their art. There are many types available on Etsy. I have made this my Favorite Find Friday today. Next week I will feature ephemera in art as my Favorite Friday.
As a side note. I have difficulty remembering how to spell it but evidently I am not the only one, as of yesterday 116 products were listed under a misspelling. So I included a few of them so they would not be left out. It is pronounced ephemera [ih-fem-er-uh].
Enjoy and have a great weekend. I have been on many a great adventure the last two weeks so I apologize for not writing last week. Katey
'Ephemera! When will I learn to spell you?' by mtncachers
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Loved this also and glad you are blogging so soon. Look forward to more :)