Ephemera is a big part of a junk journal. These little pieces of paper, like tickets, postcards, or old letters, tell stories, add character, and give a uniqueness to your pages. But where can you find these unique treasures to incorporate into your creations? Here are some ideas for the best places to find ephemera for your junk journal.
1. Second Hand Stores and Charity Shops
Second hand stores and charity shops are treasure troves of vintage paper goods. You can often find old books, postcards, greeting cards, and even vintage magazines at bargain prices. Keep an eye out for anything with interesting graphics, handwriting, or text that you can cut out or incorporate into your pages. Don’t forget to check the stationery section for envelopes, notepads, and old letters.
2. Markets and Antique Fairs
Markets and antique fairs are excellent places to discover one-of-a-kind ephemera. Vendors often sell bundles of old postcards, letters, maps, and other paper goods that are perfect for junk journaling. While prices can vary, you can usually haggle or buy in bulk for a discount. The thrill of the hunt makes markets an especially fun place to find ephemera.
3. Deceased Estate Sales
Deceased Estate sales are another fantastic resource for vintage ephemera. These sales often include personal items like letters, diaries, greeting cards, and photographs—all of which make excellent additions to a junk journal. Estate sales are also great places to find vintage books and magazines, which can be cut up or used whole in your projects.
4. Online Marketplaces
If you don’t have access to local shops or markets, online marketplaces like Etsy, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace are great alternatives. Sellers often offer curated ephemera collections, such as vintage postcards, old book pages, and other paper goods. While you may pay a premium for these items, the convenience and variety available online can’t be beaten. Make sure to read reviews and check seller ratings to ensure you’re getting authentic items.
5. Garage Sales/ Yard Sales
Garage sales are often overlooked but can yield some hidden gems. People clearing out their homes may not see the value in old letters, postcards, or magazines, but these items can be gold for a junk journaler. Arrive early to get the best selection, and don’t be afraid to ask if they have any paper goods they’re willing to part with.
6. Libraries and Book Sales
Libraries often hold sales to clear out old books and magazines, making them a great place to find cheap ephemera. Some libraries even have free bins where you can pick up outdated magazines, maps, or other paper goods. Additionally, old library cards, book checkout slips, and catalog cards can be used creatively in your junk journal. Ask the librarian if they have any books that are falling apart, they might be happy to part with them and you could end up with a beautiful cover to use.
7. Personal Collections and Family Archives
One of the most meaningful sources of ephemera can be your own or your family’s personal collection. Old letters, postcards, ticket stubs, and photographs can add a deeply personal touch to your junk journal. Ask family members if they have any old papers they’d be willing to part with—you might be surprised at what they have stashed away.
8. Swap Groups and Pen Pal Exchanges
Joining a junk journal or ephemera swap group is a fun way to exchange paper goods with other journalers. These groups can often be found through social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Pen pal exchanges are another great way to receive unique ephemera, as pen pals often send small paper goods as part of their letters.
9. Travel Souvenirs
Every trip you take is an opportunity to collect ephemera. Save your boarding passes, train tickets, maps, brochures, and even restaurant menus. These items can be used to create travel-themed junk journals or simply to add a global flair to your pages.
10. Digital Downloads
If you can’t find the perfect piece of ephemera, consider using digital downloads. Websites like Creative Fabrica offer a wide variety of printable vintage ephemera, including postcards, labels, and old letters. You can print these at home on any type of paper, making them a versatile and convenient option. Make sure you check the licensing terms on any image you download.
We also stock a wide range of Printable Ephemera Kits complete with papers, journal cards tags and more.
Tips for Collecting Ephemera
Keep a Small Journal or Box: When you’re out and about, carry a small notebook or box to store any ephemera you find. This ensures that nothing gets lost or damaged before you have a chance to use it.
Think Outside the Box: Don’t limit yourself to traditional sources. Ephemera can come from anywhere—restaurant receipts, product packaging, or even a friend’s doodle on a napkin can become a unique addition to your journal.
Quality Over Quantity: While it’s tempting to collect everything, focus on items that truly inspire you or have a specific use in mind. This will prevent your ephemera stash from becoming overwhelming, just like mine!
Finding ephemera for your junk journal is half the fun of the creative process. Whether you’re scouring second hand stores, browsing online, or digging through family archives, each piece of ephemera you find adds a unique touch to your journal. So get out there, start hunting, and happy journaling!
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