Embracing Ephemera

*Photo Credit: Paper is Lovely

Oh how I love paper! The colors, the patterns, the texture. Vintage papers hold a special place in my heart. There is just something special about these old papers-they have a life of their own; a story to tell.

*Photo Credit: Paper is Lovely

I enjoy looking for and collecting (okay, hoarding) ephemera. As much as I love it, more often than not, it ends up in a pile, on a shelf, or in a drawer. I want not only to use it more in my art, but to also use it in a way that I can appreciate it and see it in my daily environment. Here is a simple project that accomplished both of these goals.

Collage File Folders

Supplies: manila file folders, glue stick, patterned paper, ephemera & collage papers, stickers, labels, rub ons, gesso

This is a fun, easy, and inexpensive project. First, cover plain manila file folders with papers. I used ledger paper, sheet music, dress pattern tissue, and a book page on the outside and patterned paper on the inside. Since my paper wasn't quite large enough, I also used patterned paper along the bottom on the front. Next, grab any papers you want to use for your collage. This is a great way to use up scraps and bits that have been sitting around. I also used some old stickers and rub ons. Since I was going for a more vintage look, I used some sandpaper to distress the collage and then dry brushed with gesso.

Of course, if you are not into the "vintage" style, you can use different papers to get a completely different look. I know we all have papers, stickers, stamps, paint, rub ons, etc. to use. The hardest part is not adding too much! Honestly, I kept having to stop myself from adding "one more thing". Have fun and enjoy making your collages!