There's something special about uncovering dusty books and journals hidden in their forgotten spaces. If you're anything like us, you love the beautiful distressed old-time-y postage and ornate typography. Sound familiar? These thrifted treasures are the inspiration for today's junk journal ephemera. 

In this tutorial, we use the Ephemeral Type stamp to craft lovely ephemera letter stacks perfectly for guest rooms, junk journals, or even gifts with personalized messages (use the three-line pattern in this set to create your own letter lines!).

Grab your IOD products and supplies by using the store locator and finding a stockist near you.

IOD Products Needed: 

• Ephemeral Type Stamp
• IOD Decor Ink
• IOD Ink Pad

Other Supplies: 

• Twine
• Glue Gun
• Dried Flower Mini Bouquet
• Worn 8” x 6” Watercolor Paper
• Wax Seal Stick (to be used with your hot glue gun)
• Gold Gilding Wax

Step-by-Step Guide to Create Your Junk Journal Ephemera

STEP ONE: PREPARE YOUR STAMP

Grab a page from your aged watercolor paper stack. Apply IOD Black Decor Ink to your ink pad, making sure you shake the bottle before you give the pad a refresh. Choose your favorite design from our Ephemeral Type stamp. Sometimes, it’s easier to leave your stamp on the backing sheet because it can double as your mounting surface. Only ink the surface of the design you will be stamping.

TIP: If your inking is a little too juicy and you get ink on the backing sheet, you might want to clean up the edges of your design with a wet wipe (before application) if you’re looking for crisp results without smudges.

STEP TWO: APPLY YOUR STAMP

Hover the stamp over your project to line up where you want to stamp before stamping. Once you’re ready, commit, and don’t shift your stamp! Use one hand to hold the stamp, then use your other hand to run your fingers over all the details of the stamp. Lift the stamp straight up off your project when you're finished stamping, again being careful not to shift.

STEP THREE: WRAP WITH TWINE

Next, grab some twine, string, or ribbon that you may have hanging around your craft room. (If you’re anything like us, we know you have extras lying around from past projects. 😉) Wrap the twine around the back of your paper and tie it off in the front with a little bow. 

STEP FOUR: PREPARE A WAX SEAL

Pick your favorite postage stamp from Ephemeral Type for your wax seal. We used a wax seal stick in a hot glue gun and dripped it over the top of our bow in a pool large enough for the stamp impression. While the wax is still wet, take the impression side of your stamp press it into the wax. Leave the IOD stamp in the wax until it’s fully cooled and hardened. Remove the stamp to reveal the design in your wax seal. Lastly, we used a small art brush and some gold gilding wax to get into the details and make the postage stamp shine!

TIP: Check the instructions on your wax stick packaging to determine the best heat setting for the product you’re using. Don’t be like us and assume it needs the highest setting! Low worked better for the wax seal sticks. If it smells like it’s burning (like ours did) then it’s probably too hot. 😉

STEP FIVE: ADD YOUR FLORALS

Add some dainty charm to your project with dried or faux flowers. We tucked these beautiful dried flowers behind the bow in our twine to tie the whole piece together.

Isn't she darling!? 😍 Don't stop here, use this technique to create all sorts of lovely ephemera. Try different IOD stamp and ink combinations and let us see your results in the Creative Tribe! 

TIP: You could add the flowers before the wax seal if you want them to permanently stay in place.

If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear — our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.

Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!