How to Use Ephemera
(and what in the world is “ephemera”, anyway?)

Ephemera: uh-fem-er-a n. 1) ornamental paper embellishments for scrapbooking, cards, collage or altered books. 2) printed material of passing interest, as in periodicals or pamphlets.

What the heck is ephemera, really?
Think of vintage postcards. Travel memorabilia. Scraps of parchment with words and definitions. One-of-a kind paper embellishments, rusty keys, game pieces, library card holders and other treasures usually found by luck at thrift stores and antique shops. Don’t have time (or patience) to search all over town for unique paper-crafting items? Fortunately, now you only have to go as far as your local scrapbook store!

Why is this look so popular?

The effect is shabby chic—the latest look in paper crafting—and adds charm, character and dimension to layouts, cards, altered books and other crafts. It’s all about an artsy style. You’ve probably seen the term “shabby chic” in home decorating magazines.

What’s so nice about the look is how it gives you the freedom to experiment with a variety of products and techniques including rubber stamps, chalk and inkpads. It also gives you the freedom of imperfection—after all, the charm of Shabby Chic is the rough edges, the smudges of color, the overlapped elements and the torn paper.

What are the techniques?

Of course, you can always use Ephemera as is—yet, altering techniques are hot right now, especially for the items such as the Ephemera paper collections. Here are a few techniques:

• Tearing: The images in the Ephemera paper collections can be cut out or torn out. The torn edge effect gives a vintage look, especially when the edges are chalked or inked direct-to-paper.

• Distressing: Cut or tear out the image, then crumple it into a ball; smooth out and then lightly sand to further distress the paper.

• Chalking: Use your finger, a small foam applicator or a cotton swab to apply chalk to the edge of the parchment, vellum or paper, or to highlight a certain word. Apply the chalk lightly at first, then add more to darken the color. If you need to lighten or remove some of the chalk, use a white artist’s eraser.

• Direct-to-Paper Inking: Place a rubber stamp inkpad directly on the paper. Tap the pad for light coverage, or drag it for thicker, complete coverage. You can also rub the inkpad along the edge or the top of the paper—this looks great on both torn or straight edges!

• Stippling: Tap the bristles of a stippling brush onto a rubber stamp inkpad. Hold the brush straight and gently tap the bristles on the paper. For best results, choose an ink color that matches or complements your project.

Tip: Some inkpads will be wetter or have more intense colors. Stipple the color onto a scrap piece of paper before applying it to your Ephemera piece!

• Attaching Ephemera: Attach your Ephemera image with glue, foam tape, brads, eyelets, safety pins, staples or stitches.

It’s artsy. It’s vintage. It’s shabby chic. And now this creative paper-crafting style is easy for everyone to do!

All pages reprinted from Using Ephemera, It’s Easier Than You Think from Hot Off The Press. To see the complete Ephemera line from Hot Off The Press, click here