Vintage Photo Ephemera
These free photo collage sheets feature vintage postcard images from the early 1900s. You’ll notice that some hand-coloring was added to the photographs. That was the most common method used to add color to black-and-white photographs around that time. Artists would use fine brushes and special oil-based or watercolor paints to carefully apply color to the black-and-white prints.
Scroll down, and you’ll find two free printables to choose from. The images on the first collage sheet measure 2.5” x 4.25” and would make great junk journal cards or scrapbook ephemera. The second printable contains 2” x 3” images that could be used as slightly smaller scrapbook or junk journal cards. Those are just suggestions, though. Let your imagination guide you.
If you like these vintage photo printables, you may also want to check out this sheet of flower maidens, these photo bookmarks, or these Victorian-era stars of the stage. I have an entire section of free vintage photo ephemera sheets you can print and add to your mixed-media art supplies.
2.5” x 4.25” Journal Cards
Incorporating vintage photos into your vintage scrapbook, junk journal, or art journal spreads can add a unique and nostalgic touch to your creations. Here are some ways I enjoy using vintage photos in my mixed-media projects:
One of the charming ways to use vintage photos is by layering them with other ephemera like old letters, tickets, or postcards. This technique creates depth and interest on your page. You can also cut vintage photos into different shapes and sizes to create a collage. Mix them with vintage paper scraps, fabric, and other found objects to achieve a textured and eclectic look.
Consider using photo corner mounts or vintage-style washi tape to adhere the photos to your pages. This approach gives a classic look and allows for easy removal or replacement of the photos. Alternatively, use vintage-style frames or create your own frames using decorative paper, washi tape, or embellishments to highlight and frame the vintage photos.
Create pockets or envelopes on your pages to hold vintage photos. This adds a tactile element and provides an interactive experience for viewers. Additionally, incorporate flip-out panels, fold-outs, or accordion-style pages to showcase multiple vintage photos creatively and interactively.
Enhance the vintage feel of your photos by adding embellishments like ribbons, buttons, lace, or charms around them. These decorative elements complement the overall theme of your spread. Use vintage-themed rubber stamps or ink to add decorative elements or captions to your photos, helping to tell a story or provide context.
Personalize your journal spreads by writing handwritten notes, memories, or captions directly on the pages next to the vintage photos. This personal touch adds intimacy and a storytelling aspect to your creations. It allows you to narrate the stories behind the photos, making them even more meaningful.
Organize your vintage photos into themed spreads, such as travel adventures, family history, or special occasions. This approach helps in creating cohesive and meaningful pages, making it easier to arrange and showcase your collection of vintage photos.
Let your creativity guide you, and don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles to create unique and beautiful pages!
2”x3” Journal Cards
Use these in art journaling, junk journaling, bullet journaling, collage, artist trading cards (ATCs), scrapbooking and other mixed media artwork and crafts.
If you enjoy these free printables, be sure to follow on Instagram and Pinterest, so you’ll see when I post new ones.
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.
