If you’re the kind of person who gets overly excited about a fresh roll of washi tape or saves packaging just because the label’s nice, welcome —you’re in good company.
At Fawn & Thistle, we’ve got a soft spot for the scrappy little bits of paper that most people overlook. You know the ones — postcards from a holiday you didn’t go on, offcuts too pretty to bin, old matchboxes, odd tags, paper bags, tickets, washi strips, labels... it’s a glorious mess, and we’re here for it.
This post is a little celebration of stationery ephemera — what it is, why we love it, and why you’re 100% justified in owning more washi tape than one person technically needs.
So... What Is Ephemera, Anyway?
Basically, it’s the small, often throwaway stuff that was never meant to last — but ends up lasting anyway because it’s lovely. Think vintage receipts, bus tickets, matchbox labels, offcuts, bits of old books, and those nice swing tags you save because they might come in handy for a collage project one day.
In stationery land, ephemera is everything. We collect it, tape it into sketchbooks, hoard it in drawers, and then act surprised when it spills out everywhere.
Why We Keep It (And Love It)
There’s just something satisfying about paper ephemera — maybe it’s the nostalgia, maybe it’s the texture, perhaps it’s the fact that it just looks good. Even if you don’t have a fully formed plan, you know it’ll find its place somewhere — in a journal, on a gift, taped to a wall, or just tucked in a book to find later and smile at.
It’s also a solid excuse for “organised hoarding”. Which, frankly, I think should be a badge of honour.
Washi Tape: The Gateway Drug to Paper Hoarding
Let’s talk washi. This humble little roll of sticky delight is easily the most addictive bit of ephemera you can buy. It’s pretty, it’s practical, it comes in every pattern under the sun — including (ahem) our very own Fawn & Thistle collection, featuring cats, mushrooms, googly eyes and vintage matchbox vibes.
Washi tape is ideal for:
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Journaling or planner decorating
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Wrapping gifts with flair
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Jazzing up your snail mail
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Taping stuff to your studio wall when you can’t find blu-tack
It’s the kind of stationery that’s meant to be used and admired. Practical and pretty!
How to Build a Joyful Ephemera Stash
If you’re new to the ephemera game (or just want to level up), here are some things worth collecting:
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Cards too pretty to send (I like to frame my favourite)
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Postcards from charity shops or vintage markets
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Cute packaging, labels, tags
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Washi tape (obviously)
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Odd paper scraps that just speak to you
No rules, no pressure — just gather what you love and let your creativity get messy.
TL;DR: Ephemera’s Great. Washi Tape’s Even Better.
The small stuff matters. It’s what turns an ordinary planner into a scrapbook, or a boring gift into something that feels extra special. Whether you’re journaling, wrapping, collaging or just admiring your collection with a cuppa and a cat nearby — paper ephemera brings a bit of magic to your day.
So go on — embrace the stash. And if you’re looking to start (or expand) yours, our washi tapes are a great place to start.
Browse the full collection here → SHOP and treat yourself.