In one of my earlier posts I mentioned the fact that I have a stash of art supplies, papers, and ephemera that I never seem to use in my art because I like them too much. I use only originals in my pieces, so this pile of favorite art supplies may never see the light of day. I received several comments indicating that I was not the only one with this "problem." I loved each and every comment but one comment, from an anonymous reader, has really stuck with me. It reads:
"I also have tons of stuff(marvelous stuff) I CAN NOT bring myself to use-papers, OLD pictures and especially embellishments(things I've bought that I swore I'd use in my altered art-yea right!). My home burned down 12-20-07 so I'm in the midst of rebuilding my stashes-can you recommend places I can get old papers like you received in your "jackpot"? I am so envious of those of you that have such extensive collections of MUST KEEPS! I'm not truly envious-jealous would be the appropriate word, but God is good I'm rebuilding my MUST HAVES AND KEEPS!"
The idea of losing one's home and all their belongings (treasured art supplies included) is mind boggling. So, I was hoping that we could help. I have three ideas.
First, if you know of any online sources of vintage papers similar to those in this photo, please leave a comment and include the name of and link to the company. In addition to Ebay and Etsy, I have seen vintage paper/ephemera at Hannah Grey and at Collage Joy. Second, I was hoping that anonymous might email me. If I find out who you are, I would then like to propose step three. I would ask all the artists out there hoarding vintage papers (you know who you are) to mail me a page or two which I would forward in one package. That way, we can help anonymous rebuild the lost stash. What do you think? Let me know if you are interested but don't send anything yet. I will keep you posted when and if I find anonymous. 
32 comments:
I would be interested in playing part in step 3. I have your blog on my Google reader so I'll try to keep up.
http://mantofev.com/
It's all about hitting the fleas for me.. I can help if we find out where "anonymous" is..
I have a few, and would be glad to send them. I may have a resource or two, but I'll get back to you.
seth, count me in for step 3.
i will do that if you e-mail me your address. i have a suite case of old photos i received as a present. i do altered art but would give some of them up..
~nita~
I think Found Elements is good:
http://www.foundelements.com/servlet/StoreFront
I also have old book pages I could contribute (some over 100 years old)
my blog:
http://curiouscrowarts.wordpress.com/
Seth, I have some old german papers, anonymous may have some, if you find him! Great initiative!
http://www.secondnature.typepad.com/
I am only too happy to send anonymous some stuff too.
ETSY is really a great source for any vintage ephemera.
Seth, that is such a wonderful idea, and it really tells a lot about what a nice person you are. I hope you find anonymous.
I don't have a stash of vintage ephemera, but would have suggested eBay and Etsy too. Looks like you're going to have a good list of folks to draw from.
I certainly have some vintage papers I could donate. Just say the word ...
I don't really have any vintage stuff - I don't really do that style of altered art, so I haven't collected stuff like that - but I do have drawers full of cool embellishments and other stuff like that, and would be happy to help if you manage to track down Mr or Mrs Anon
I figure this is an example of why you are so lucky. It's karma in action :o) I have a few sheets of paper and some vintage tickets, etc that I would be happy to send you if you find anon.
I'm an avid reader (lurker) here but I would love to contribute to step 3. I have TONS of vintage stuff (photos, book pages in several languages, several sets of lovely encyclopedias and National Geographic c. 1900, etc. etc.) that I've let consume my studio. And I've threatened to consign it to the garbage....your anonymous reader would be helping ME...
Catherine
I don't really have any vintage stuff collected, this is still new to me but I will keep my eyes open and would be happy to help. I picked up the newest issue of Artful Blogging yesterday and your site is one of the first on my list to check out. I loved the work in the Magazine it spoke to Me. I also love this blog. Blogging is new to me but it has already changed my life in many very good ways.
This is the most generous initiative. I hope you can find anonymous and make him/her so happy.
More than happy to help. ALso check out PapierValise.com for cool stuff!
Seth--I have suitcases and drawers FULL of old paper...count me in for a ton and a half!!
just email me when you need me to send them!!
great idea Seth and as I'm reducing my art mountain at the moment i could certainly send some to A Nonymous
I'd be happy to help!
Thanks for Collage Joy, Seth. I'd never visited it. Wow! I'm fortunate enough to have a few friends who are collectors of "stuff". One works in a rare and used book store, so when he gets ephemera that no one wants, he sets it aside for me. Other than that, I hit the antique stores, garage sales, etc. Plus, I'm lucky enough to also have TONS of old family photos, western union messages, and my great grandpa's receipts, bills, etc from his grocery store.
I have a few so I'll pass some along! Also try www.twistedpapers.com and www.anima.com I know have others I've purchased from- oh, Artella they have some too. But, you know another thing I got from the person who lost everything in their fire (been there but didn't lose quite everything)is that life is too short to hold onto "stuff"! I've been trying to use more of my "keeping for the perfect project" items instead of hoarding them. Not just for art either but other things I don't use that is for "company" or special days etc. Shouldn't they all be special and all our art worthy of our best stuff? What good is it stuck in a drawer? Since I've been doing this more (still have a long way to go)it's been quite freeing! And instead of feeling like I'm losing something I feel like I'm sharing something! But I would love to pass some things along if you find out who the person is! Great idea and very thoughtful of you! I just found your blog btw, and I so love it!
Shauna
Seth, count me in! I recently found your blog and was blown away by your Greece journal - you rock!!!! I used to save all my 'precious' bits. Recently a friend was diagnosed with cancer and she is telling all her friends to wear their best jewelry everyday! We are bringing this into our art, using originals instead of copies, etc. We love to share our treasures and I'd love to pass them on to anonymous! Cheers! Beth
Wow, Seth what an outpouring! Isn't it great when everyone swoops in to help.
yep - count me in ;)
i would love to help create a new stash for anonymous,i have a package at the ready for he/she!
Whoa - just read this and i can empathize- 6 years ago my studio/gallery/living space burned down and i,too,lost everything -as did my fellow artists who had their work in the gallery-
THE ONE THING I CAN SAY-from having had this experience-is PEOPLE ARE AMAZING and will come out of the wood work to HELP- just like all the people here who are coming up with ideas and actual stuff-
TO ANONYMOUS( i would love to talk to her) IT ALL COMES BACK-all be it slowly and in it's own way-I now have a great house, with a studio in the basement and so much "stuff" to work with I cant keep up!
thanks for mentioning
i will check back
love and peace ckw
and i (the hannah grey lady -- thanks for the shout out!) have SO MUCH that isn't even on the website -- i'll often make packs and sell it in person at shows.
i look everywhere for ephemera -- my current fave online shop is the paper flea market: http://thepaperfleamarket.com/
i also trade with people -- themed swaps -- i love seeing what other people have!
anyway, if you find anoyn., i'd be happy to send a packet. i would also love to do the swap with you. : )
I too have more than enough treasures and would Love to share them. I will stay tuned to see if anonymous is revealed....great thinking on your part....warms the heart oxo
Count me in on part 3, I have tons of Victorian papers etc I can share with 'anonymous'..!!!....I do now use 'precious things', but its taken me years to be bold.!!..;-)
Kim
x
Too bad I don't own any vintage papers. But I LOVE your generosity and heart. What a beautiful thing. I hope annon emails you! And I can't wait to learn where to buy some of this "jackpot" papers.
I know I'm late but since you haven't found anonymous yet, I can still join in, I'm sure. I'll be happy to send vintage papers. So, count me in, too.
Manto Fev has great ephemera.
http://www.mantofev.com/
and Sara is nifty!
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