Flotsam and Jetsam: Ephemera

By: Aby Garvey

“Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.” - From the television show The Wonder Years

Ephemera’s ability to capture time is what makes collectors strive to find the perfect piece. Whether it’s your Great Aunt Bertha’s wedding invitation or your own first date ticket stub, the magic of ephemera is its ability to take a moment in time and pause it forever.

As an antique dealer, I sell a great deal of these paper “memories.” I have created a market geared toward the vintage crafter, those artists who choose to use older paper products and goods to make their pieces stand out in a sea of reproductions.

Finding these items for my clientele can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. I have developed relationships with several dealers, and they graciously keep a look out for paper products. Used book dealers are also a good source for ephemera; you can generally ask the proprietor if they will save the torn and “broken” books for you. The fonts, images, and advertisements included in these old sources are of interest to many individuals. The vast majority of my ephemera stock comes from a fabulous little shop in Kensington, Maryland, called Osiris Books, but there are many independent bookstores nation wide that serve as tiny treasures for the paper collector.

After the hunt comes the conundrum of displaying your finds. I have found that my clients like an organized, well balanced space. I always strive to have comfortable seating in my booths as well as satisfactory lighting. Ample room for ephemera collections allows customers the joy of looking and touching without feeling confined. Additionally, I have a turning stand that grants easy access to a large quantity of materials.

One of the most important things to remember as a dealer and buyer is to protect your ephemera. For my shop, fragile, thin documents are backed in acid free packaging that allows for both visibility and protection. Many dealers are curious as to where to find these protective sleeves and back boards; I have personally purchased these items from a variety of locations including Michaels Craft Store, Bags and Bows, and Clearbags (www.clearenvelopes.com). Uline is also a source for packaging appropriate for ephemera. While these materials do add initial cost, the merchandise looks more professional and lasts longer. Essentially, protective sleeves and boards help sell the pieces.

As an independent antiques dealer, I recognize ephemera as a growing field for collectors. Many interesting and beautiful pieces can be found for less that $10, with the majority being in the $3 to $5 range. Younger buyers are drawn to the quirky graphics and intriguing messages, while older shoppers view the images as nostalgic and reminiscent of their childhood. Whatever the collector’s reasoning for the purchase, ephemera is a way of holding on to the past - a chance to capture time. Few items in our future focused culture can boast of such an attribute.

Article Source: http://www.collectibles-articles.com

Stacey Newton of Flotsam and Jetsam www.rubylane.com/shops/ flotsam-jetsam

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