Is It Wrong to Use Authentic
Antique Vintage Ephemera to Create Junk Journals & Other Artworks?
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Ok. YYYYEEEESSSSSS! I am guilty of using antique photos, postcards, advertising, articles, almanacs, book parts and pieces and other naughty bits and bobs in my artwork from creating boxes to Junk Journals and everything else. I have used items dating from the mid 1700's to the 1990's. Oh and I do not frown upon modern day ephemera either.
It is incredibly rare for me to use anything brand new or purchased "on purpose". I like found items more than any other resources. Secondly, I am ok with purchasing bunches of old (i.e. Antique and Vintage) ephemeral treats. Uh huh, my rules of artistic Junk Journal fun are simple. I enjoy the engagement of the hunt for these treasures and WOW has it been successful!
Right now, I am giving a tour of a Scrapbook FULL of ephemera that dates from the late 1700's to the 1890's. There are hundreds upon hundreds of jewels in the book. I created a series of YouTube videos whereas you can join the journey with me. I am trying to figure out what to do with the book and or its contents. Keep it together or break it up. What should I do with the content (or entire book) - sell it, publish it some how? What would you do? I really want to know.
Here is a list of the Victorian Ephemera Scrapbook YouTube videos published so far. There are 5 or 6 more videos to come.
Victorian Ephemera Scrapbook Tour Part 1
Victorian Ephemera Scrapbook Tour Part 2
Victorian Ephemera Scrapbook Tour Part 3
Below are my top 7 rules for NOT using or altering authentic antique ephemera.
1. Historical significance.
Museums are full of finds of historical significant materials. You must do your research before alerting anything. That wee bit might be something very important or lost to history, now found.
2. Rarity.
Rare, one of a kind - terms that may be over used but once again, do your research before changing anything. Make connections with those that know more than you do and become educated.
3. Unusual materials.
Bakelite, Vellum, Catalan, Coltrock, Celluloid, Tinsel, Old Fashion Glitter, Faux Snow and other materials no longer produced may be addon to greeting cards, advertising and paper products maybe things you don't want to change.
4. Condition.
If an item is ripped, torn, missing pieces, stained and has minimal value why not use it.
5. Subject matter.
Certain subject matter regardless of value or other factors may not be something one should change. Example, if you find Antique or Vintage Halloween items KEEP THEM. They are highly desirable. There are many other areas too but that Blog will be one I publish in the future.
6. Value.
You need to be comfortable with value. If an item is worth $25 are you ok gluing, cutting, adding on to it whereas it will lose that value. I always have a dollar amount in mind that I am comfortable with. I suggest you do the same. What is your value comfort level? It is ok for it to be $5 or less or more. I do not believe there is any incorrect answer. Sometimes happiness is worth more and sometimes practicality is worth more.
7. Heirlooms.
Your history is just as important as any other. I like meaningful heirlooms that others can identify what they are 60 years from now. Ergo, Aunt Jean's photograph should have her name, location and a date on the back at a minimum. That Prince concert ticket from his Sign O The Times Tour should have a note with it documenting who used the ticket and the list goes on. Every year we find 10's of thousands of lovingly saved items like that and others headed for landfills simply because of lack of description the family's connection is lost.
Who is this handsome fellow? This photo is from approximately c. 1880 with no name or identityfing information.
🛑 NOTE: When in doubt contact professionals that can provide you with educated opinions about your findings. Resources such as historical societies, museums, college history department, books, subject matter specific magazines and of course internet research may be able to assist you.
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