Free Vintage Fashion Plate Journal Cards
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Free Vintage Fashion Plate Journal Cards + How to Journal Creatively (Even If You Don’t Think You’re Artistic)
Have you ever flipped through a stunning junk journal or art journal and thought, “I could never make something like that—I’m just not artistic enough”? If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. So many creative souls stop themselves from even starting because they think they need to be a trained artist to make something beautiful. Despite taking drawing and design in college, I don't necessarily consider myself artistic. However, I'm crafty, and I like to make things.
Here’s the truth: You don’t need to be an "artist" to journal creatively.
Whether you’re drawn to vintage scrapbooking, expressive art journaling, or layered junk journal spreads, you can build something meaningful and beautiful with just a few supplies, some printable ephemera, and a willingness to play.
And to help you get started, I’m giving away two free printable collage sheets featuring gorgeous vintage fashion plates you can use in your next spread.
Free Printable Giveaway: Vintage Fashion Plate Journal Cards
These antique fashion illustrations from the early 1800s are perfect for:
Junk journals
Art journaling spreads
Collage clusters
Tags and pockets
Two sizes included:
2.5 x 4.25 inches (great for journal cards or focal images)
2 x 3 inches (perfect for tuck spots, mini embellishments, or ATCs)
You’ll find the download links further down the page, underneath the preview images!
How to Journal Creatively
Let’s dive into how you can embrace creative journaling, even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush in your life.
Let Go of Perfection
Creative journaling is not about creating a flawless work of art. It’s about expression.
Your journal is a safe space. It doesn’t have to be pretty. It doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, the magic of junk journaling lies in its imperfection: torn paper edges, smudged ink, clashing patterns. It’s all welcome.
If perfectionism is holding you back, try this:
Set a timer for 10 minutes and create a page using whatever’s within reach.
Glue down a few printable elements, scribble a word, splash a little watercolor (or coffee!), and see what happens.
Remember: progress over polish.
Use Printables as Your Foundation
If starting with a blank page feels intimidating, let printable ephemera be your jumpstart. Pre-designed collage elements give you a head start and allow you to focus on arranging and layering rather than designing from scratch.
Vintage images—like the fashion plates in today’s freebie—instantly add charm, character, and cohesion to your pages.
Here’s how to use them creatively:
Cut out a figure and make it the focal point of your page.
Layer with lace, book pages, or handwritten notes.
Use them as journal cards, pockets, or tuck-ins.
Focus on Feeling, Not Fine Art
You don’t need to know how to draw or paint to be a creative journaler. Instead, start with a feeling. Journaling is emotional. It’s where we process memories, moods, dreams, and everyday moments.
Let your page reflect how you feel, not how you think it should look.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Color journaling: Choose a color that matches your mood and build a page around it.
Memory collage: Pair a vintage image with a few words that capture a past moment.
Visual journaling prompt: “What does nostalgia look like?” Choose colors, textures, and images that remind you of a specific memory or era. Let your feelings guide the layout. Layer old book pages, handwritten notes, or vintage photos that evoke a sense of longing or warmth.
2.5 x 4.25 Inch Journal Cards
Keep It Simple with a Go-To Layout
When in doubt, use a layout formula. This takes the guesswork out of designing pages and helps build creative momentum.
A simple layout to try:
Background: A tea-stained page or a piece of vintage book paper.
Focal image: One of the vintage fashion plate figures.
Accent: Washi tape, lace, or a stamped border.
Words: A handwritten quote, rubber-stamped phrase, or cut-out word snippet.
Repeat this layout with different images or themes until you feel more confident experimenting.
Add a Personal Touch with Handwriting or Stamps
You may not consider your handwriting artistic, but it’s uniquely yours, and that makes it valuable.
Ways to personalize your journal:
Write one sentence about your day.
Add a quote that fits the vibe of your spread.
Use alphabet stamps, typewriter-style stickers, or even a label maker for a vintage feel.
You can also trace over printed text in your own handwriting to combine design with expression.
Pro tip: Use waterproof pens or archival ink if you plan to layer over your writing.
Use What You Have
Don’t wait until you’ve bought the “right” supplies. You can make something beautiful using what’s already in your home.
Junk journaling thrives on repurposing:
Old book pages
Envelopes, receipts, and packaging
Fabric scraps or lace from worn-out clothing
Tea-dyed printer paper
Start with what you’ve got, and mix in a printable or two for instant aesthetic appeal.
Try this challenge: “Use What You Have” Page
Choose one image from today’s freebies
Add one scrap from your home recycling bin
Use one thing you’ve never journaled with before
Build a Habit, Not Just a Hobby
Sometimes, the hardest part is showing up. If you want journaling to become a regular creative outlet, make it a small daily habit.
Try this:
Set aside 10 minutes each morning or evening.
Keep a “journal tray” with scissors, glue, your favorite printables, and a pen.
Use a weekly prompt list or mood board as inspiration.
Tip: Create a “ritual” around it. Light a candle, put on calming music, pour a cup of tea. Make it feel sacred.
Conclusion
You don’t need to be a trained artist to make a creative journal. What you do need is a willingness to explore, play, and be okay with imperfection.
Using printables like the fashion plate figures I’ve shared here is a great way to ease into the process. They give you a beautiful, cohesive starting point, and from there, you can layer, write, and collage your heart out.
So go ahead: print these beauties out, tear up some old paper, and glue like no one’s watching.
And if you make something with these freebies, I’d absolutely love to see it! Tag me on Instagram or Facebook.
Happy journaling!
2 x 3 Inch Journal Tags
Love These Printables? Support The Art Scavenger!
I love sharing free vintage printables, and if you enjoy them, there are easy ways to support my work so I can continue creating and offering more free designs:
You may also enjoy these free collage sheets.
Terms of use:
Free to use for personal or commercial projects. You may print the collage sheets as many times as you wish for your personal crafts or in your projects to sell, including: art journals, scrapbooks, junk journals, collage art, etc. You may not redistribute or sell the collage sheets “as is" in either print or digital form.
If you wish to share the files on your own website, please do not make the files available for download directly from your site. Instead, include an image with a link back to this site.
To the best of my knowledge, these are all royalty free images that are in the Public Domain in the US. However, you should always do your own research if you plan to use them commercially.
