In my Facebook group I received this question about collecting too much vintage paper ephemera:
Can you share a few tips on how to judge what’s a good amount of paper and ephemera? I am a minimalist in all aspects of my life except when it comes to the craft room. I can’t live with piles of stuff and it’s making me sick. I don’t want to hoard, but I don’t want to give away everything and start from zero. What’s a good balance? Keep enough for a couple projects? Any tips for going forward so I don’t accumulate again?
I definitely can relate to not feeling well when I have too many papers and piles of stuff around me in my work area. I feel overwhelmed, bogged down, and my creativity slows considerably when there is too much visual distraction. But there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question about balance however, because everyone’s threshold of “too much stuff” is different.
Some people are limited by space and therefore can only keep a certain amount of craft supplies and ephemera. If space is not an issue and you simply want to put constraints on yourself, consider limiting yourself to a container or tub with a lid. One or two, possibly. How big? That’s up to you. What I can recommend is that if you are concerned about accumulating to much paper ephemera, choose your container and tell yourself that you can’t keep more than what there is space for. Make a rule for yourself and then stick to it. If you really want more, then if something comes in, then something has to come out.
Perhaps it’s not a container but a shelf, preferably one that you can close a door on. It seems you want to avoid clutter and avoid the reminder of all the craft and art work you want to someday create.
When it comes to choosing ephemera, be picky! Your time is not limitless; your interests aren’t limitless either. Choose things you can envision yourself creating with and pass up the things that are mere possibilities. I keep a little standing office supply container that I fill with my authentic vintage pieces that I know I could incorporate into something. I have more, particularly larger pieces, but not much more. I want to use up what I have instead of continuing to accumulate. Of course there are always exceptions, like when I went to the stamp show and came home with two boxes of mail ephemera. 😉
What advice do others have for putting limits on yourself and how you acquire paper and ephemera?
Zine swap – due by end of March 2019
Thank you for this. I’m constantly ‘reorganizing’ my space and containers and where I store things. The headline to this posting caught my eye. I’m going to try another option beginning today, which will involve offloading a fair amount of ephemera that, realistically, I will never use.
I’m in the process of doing that too, Trudy. I’ve set aside a nice pile of things I know I will never use. I’ll feel so much more organized once it’s no longer my responsibility 😉
I am new at this (but not very new -I am 82) and am finding all this so interesting. But I don’t know where to find the images and then while looking thru magazines,I don’t know what to cut out for use. Where do you get your ephemera?
It sounds like I need to write a blog post about that, Barbara. 🙂 I get a lot of images from old books. I use the original pages. I don’t destroy a lot of books, but 2 or 3 good ones I dedicate for using for paper scraps and have very thoroughly used them. I find the books at used library book sales or thrift shops. Additionally I find magazines and advertisements. Are you in the US? Trader Joes has a monthly flyer that I like to cut things out of. Lastly, I like used postage stamps and office forms from anywhere, such as the post office. I just keep an eye out for interesting papers floating around my area of daily living. Lots of things catch my eye 🙂
I’m new but have been doing a smash books for about two years. I feel new because I’m always finding something new and have the need to learn a new way to use it. I have a huge file of papers and magazine pages that I have found and want(need) to use. Finding it is a major part f the process for me. I love the excitement of the hunt and the resulting plans that I have for the use of it. THE THRILL Of THE CHASE!!! Luckily I have a room in my house that I have dedicated to this messy project. I can’t quit. I’m 77 and I still have plans for making many more books. Not enough time!
Oh, you are so lucky to have space to play with all your papers! This is something I am struggling with, while having a young family 🙂 I’m so glad you are active in making art with books and paper.
I have just turned 70 so like a couple of commenters above, I have had more than enough time to collect ephemera. Until recently, I have just stored them because I love them. Honestly, I have to go through my tubs and make decisions. It will be very hard as they have followed me around the world and around America. I have a very kind, but not really understanding!, husband 🙂
Today is New Years Day, and I’ve been reading this blog and watching the free (thank you!) video about making collage art. Suddenly FOCUS popped into my head and I realised I have found my word and purpose for the year.
I’m going to make a concerted effort to cull my ephemera and art supplies, give myself room to breathe and offer others the opportunity to use my overstock.
Thank you for these very informative and helpful blogs.
Wonderful, Jakki!! I’m so glad you’ve got some ideas of what you’d like to focus on. You’re off to a great start, beginning on January 1 of all days 😉
Thank you for this inspiring video, Margarete. I am learning so much after one year of collaging (and learning to draw loose flowers). I, too, found myself with an extra bedroom and turned it into a crafting room. With all that room, though, I just want to buy all sorts of new tools and supplies. Must pace myself. Another source of printed material, including maps, is free from chambers of commerce or from the back of magazines – state travel guides. I prefer authentically vintage materials, but will use whatever I can find to ‘age’. Thanks again!
Thanks so much for the positive words, and also for the advice! I’m so glad you got something out of the article and video 👍💜