Ephemera and other randomness

ephemeraplural of e·phem·er·a (Noun)

1. Things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time.

2. Items of collectible memorabilia, typically written or printed ones, that were originally expected to have only short-term usefulness or popularity.

I rather like this word, "ephemera" , for it conjures up thoughts of potentially fascinating bygone miscellanea, and an insight into another time, another place and a different way of life.

It's another one of those intruiging "e" words,  like "ethereal", "enigmatic" and "eclectic" , "euphemism", "equivocal" , "epiphany", "epitome" , "epoch"!

They are somehow words that evoke (you see, there's another one) a little mystery, of things unknown and untold, vagueness, secrecy, intrigue, of other worldliness.

Hmmm. Yes. I think Little Lambs expression says it all.

Moving on..........

Getting back down to earth again, whilst searching online in that great World Shop for some genuine vintage labels, I came across these rather pretty matchbox covers, under the heading of "ephemera".

They are of Hungarian origin

"24 vintage matchbox labels from Hungary, with fun, childlike folk art illustrations of phrases. From around the 1950s.

In great condition, lightly attached to the paper with stamp hinges."

The simple black and white designs on that lovely dark turquoise background caught my eye, and for the princely sum of £1.80 (inc p/p!) they are mine.

They are already mounted, so I could simply place them in a frame then hang them as an interesting piece of "art" on the wall.

And I may use the artwork as inspiration for a future project - that is really what I had in mind when I purchased them.

It is fascinating wandering through the "ephemera" section!

Also purchased off eBay this last week or so

a large quantity of vintage large blue checked woven cotton for 99p

and it matches the colour of the Toile that came earlier this week beautifully

Nearly 3m of vintage white handmade cotton lace, either crochet or tatting (sold as crocheted), 99p

and a small vintage damask hand towel with a beautiful monogram

Yes, 99p again!

So some good bargains still to be had online - I have better luck online than in our local charity shops where there is nothing much older than 80's things these days, including china, and very little under £2.

But I know from viewing other blogs that luckily others still manage to find some fantastic stuff in their local CSs - maybe I need to find some different ones. 

And finally, a little peek at a handsome young man who has recently returned from a two hour grooming and pamper session

A Spoilt Prince? Who, moi?!

Hope the sun shines for you wherever you are this weekend - its actually shining here at the moment, hooray!!!

And don't forget this is the final chance to enter my Giveaway (see 11th July post or my Giveaway button on sidebar) which ends tomorrow at midnight - the bewitching hour, an enigmatic hour, quite entrancing and ethereal.......................