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Ephemera

e-phem-er-a
(i fem' er a)
​noun. 1. things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time. “there were papers, letters, old boxes – all sorts of ephemera” 2. items of collectible memorabilia, typically written or printed ones, that were originally expected to have only short-term usefulness or popularity.

From the Greek ephemeros meaning lasting only a day, originally referring to a plant said by ancient writers to last only one day or an insect with a short lifespan. It’s use referred to something of short-lived interest. Today ephemera refers to mostly paper-based printed items, such as ticket stubs, newspapers, invitations, postcards, and greeting cards, but may also refer to digital artefacts or texts.

Greeting Cards as Ephemera

Greeting cards do fall under the category of ephemera - meant to be fleeting and temporary and disposable. But, as with so many other disposable things, we humans have found ways to make them a part of history. This seemingly trivial thing of no lasting significance, meant to be discarded almost as soon as the envelope was opened, has now become a lasting part of the story of our lives.

Remarkably, it’s the letters and cards to family and friends - not significant historical documents – that have given us the stories behind historic events. These writings include the thoughts behind big decisions and the effect on those living with those big decisions. They give us a peek into what life was like at the time and what was important to the author. We may never read about these people in a history text, but they were living a part of history, and share it with us through their writing, whether they knew it or not.

Some letters and ledgers, are now being incorporated into art pieces. These collages and sculptures meant to decorate our lives now contain a hidden history lesson. As art, they’ll be appreciated in a new roll, but still hold the stories of those who came before us. This “preservation” only adds to their potential historical significance and might provide insights into past social trends and cultural movements for generations to come.

Yes, I happily create small art pieces that, historically speaking, are meant to be fleeting and temporary – disposable. But the beautiful thing is that in this age of digital everything, the analog act of handwriting your thoughts, feelings and good wishes inside a card and sending that card through “Snail Mail” is finding a new footing.

People are realizing that sending mail is still a valuable tradition and it's absolutely worth the time it takes for that message to travel to its recipient. That writing and sending cards, even for no particular reason, is a generous and loving act that will be treasured when read the first time, and likely saved to be read fondly over and over again for years to come.

Why not be part of that new tradition? Your future family members will cherish the messages in those cards written in your own handwriting – a glimpse into who you were and a lesson in staying close to those you know and love, even if there is great physical distance between you.

It’s amazing to me that at some point in the future, someone may pull one of my handmade cards from a box in an attic and peek through the window into your past life and what was important to you. Send a card, be a part of history.

Find The Cards To Tell Your Story Here

With Spring Come Graduations

Know a soon to be graduate? Why not celebrate them with one of these beauties - there's something for every graduate in your life.

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Quote(s) Of The Week

"What you see with your eyes is transient and ephemeral, but what you see through your heart is everlasting and eternal."
​unknown

"Everything is ephemeral, both that which remembers and that which is remembered."
Marcus Aurelius

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