Top 10 public domain sites for free vintage ephemera in junk journaling.
Finding free vintage ephemera to use in your junk journals can be a bit of a challenge. As much as I enjoy using authentic vintage materials in my projects, I often hesitate to use something that is truly one-of-a-kind. That’s where public domain websites come in handy, as they offer a plethora of beautiful vintage images and illustrations that can be used for free. These sites have been an endless source of inspiration for my junk journaling projects, and I’m excited to share my top picks with you in this article.
Free Vintage Illustrations: This website is just delightful, and I think you’re going to love it too. It’s filled with a gorgeous collection of vintage illustrations, and the natural history illustrations are simply stunning. You can find anything from beautiful blooms to intricate shells, and the bird and bug illustrations are just captivating. And, I have to admit, the fairy illustrations are my absolute favorite. They add a touch of whimsy to my journals and always bring a smile to my face. The best part is that all of these images are in the public domain, so you can use them for free in your junk journaling projects. It’s definitely a website you don’t want to miss out on.
Public Domain Review: The Public Domain Review is a comprehensive website that provides a wealth of resources for those interested in vintage ephemera, including images, books, and films. Its collection of public domain images is extensive, featuring a diverse range of materials, from photographs and illustrations to maps and charts. The website is easy to navigate, with images and other materials organized by category and searchable by keyword. The Public Domain Review is a go-to source for anyone looking for unique and interesting vintage materials to use in their creative projects, whether it’s junk journaling, art, or design. With its user-friendly interface and expansive collection of materials, this website is definitely worth checking out for anyone interested in vintage ephemera.
Pictureboxblue: Picture Box Blue is a website that I highly recommend for anyone who loves free vintage ephemera and images for their junk journaling projects. Whether you are searching for botanical prints, vintage maps, or retro advertisements, Pictureboxblue has a vast collection of images that are sure to inspire your creativity. What I love about this website is that the images are not only beautiful but also high-quality. They are all scanned in high resolution, making them perfect for printing and using in your junk journals. I have found some of my favorite vintage illustrations on this website, and I’m always excited to see what new images they add. There is also a craft section on how to use vintage images in other projects.
Biodiversity Heritage Library: This Flickr account provides a treasure trove of vintage illustrations and photographs of birds, plants, and animals. The Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL) is an incredible resource for free vintage ephemera and photographs of various flora and fauna. With a mission to make biodiversity literature openly available to the world, BHL offers free access to an enormous collection of digitized books, journals, and archives. It is regularly updated with new content and provides a wealth of public domain images that are perfect for junk journaling projects. With such a vast collection, it’s easy to get lost in the beauty of the natural world and find inspiration for your next junk journal project.
Old Book Illustrations: Old Book Illustrations is an incredible resource for vintage book illustrations that are now in the public domain. The website has an extensive collection of high-quality illustrations that can be used for free in your junk journal projects. The images are arranged in various categories such as subject, artist, title or format, making it effortless to find what you need. If you’re looking for unique free vintage ephemera for your journal, Old Book Illustrations is definitely worth checking out. The website also provides a short description of each illustration, which can be useful for providing context or inspiration for your project. With its user-friendly interface and vast collection of vintage book illustrations, this website is an excellent resource for anyone interested in incorporating vintage images into their junk journaling projects.
The Graphics Fairy: If you’re a fan of vintage images and graphics, The Graphics Fairy is a must-visit website. It offers an extensive collection of public domain images, perfect for use in junk journaling, art projects, or any creative pursuit. The website is thoughtfully curated and offers a wide range of themes, including vintage postcards, botanicals, and animals. In addition to free resources and tutorials, The Graphics Fairy also offers a monthly premium membership program. Members gain access to exclusive content and tools, such as high-resolution images, tutorials, and design elements, to take their projects to the next level.
The British Library Flickr Account: The British Library Flickr Account is a treasure trove for vintage ephemera enthusiasts. With over a million images available for free use, the collection includes illustrations, photographs, maps, and even medieval manuscripts. The images cover a wide range of topics, from history and literature to science and art. The quality of the images is exceptional, and they are available in high resolution, making them perfect for printing and using in your junk journaling projects. In addition to the images, the Flickr account also includes helpful information about the collection and its history. Overall, the British Library Flickr account is an excellent resource for anyone interested in vintage ephemera and history.
Heritage Type: Heritage Type is an online platform that is dedicated to preserving and sharing vintage typography and design. The website features a vast collection of public domain vintage illustrations and images, which are carefully curated and organized by category to help users quickly find what they are looking for. The categories range from advertising and labels to maps, food, and music, among others. In addition to its extensive collection of vintage images, Heritage Type also offers tutorials and resources on vintage design, typography, and printing techniques, making it a valuable resource for artists, designers, and typography enthusiasts.
Audubon’s Birds of America: If you’re a bird lover like me, you’ll adore Audubon’s Birds of America website. This treasure trove of vintage bird illustrations by the renowned artist John James Audubon is a must-visit for any nature enthusiast or junk journaling enthusiast. The website boasts an extensive collection of public domain images that you can use for free in your creative projects. From majestic eagles to tiny hummingbirds, the illustrations showcase the beauty and diversity of our feathered friends in stunning detail.
Rawpixel: Rawpixel is a fantastic website for finding unique vintage illustrations and images that will add a touch of character to your junk journal. Their collection is vast, and you can find a range of artwork from different artists. The images are organized by artist, making it easy to find what you’re looking for. One of the things I love about Rawpixel is the quality of the images; they are high-resolution and perfect for printing. Additionally, the website offers a premium membership that gives you access to even more exclusive content and tools, such as vectors, graphics, and templates.
In conclusion, I cannot stress enough how much these public-domain websites have helped me enhance my junk journaling projects. Not only have they been a valuable resource for finding free vintage ephemera, but they have also enabled me to add a distinct charm and personality to my journals. Whether you are a seasoned junk journaler or just starting out, these websites are worth exploring for their vast collection of unique and stunning illustrations and images. And if you’re looking for more inspiration and guidance on how to create your own one-of-a-kind junk journal, be sure to check out my previous article on tips and tricks. Happy crafting!
