Making your own ephemera means creating the small decorative pieces — tags, labels, cards, and cut-outs — that you layer into a junk journal, instead of only buying them. The easiest route is to print your own from digital sheets and cut them out, but you can also make tags, stain scraps, and repurpose everyday paper. This guide covers simple ways to build your own ephemera stash at home.
What is DIY ephemera?
DIY ephemera is any decorative element you make yourself for journaling. It can be printed, handmade, or repurposed — the goal is a personal, coordinated set of pieces to layer onto pages. Making your own gives you unlimited quantity and full control over the theme. For the fundamentals of what ephemera is and how it's used, see our guide to junk journal ephemera. (New to journaling overall? Start with our beginner's guide.)
Easy ways to make your own ephemera
- Print from digital sheets. The fastest method: print Cliparts and Collage Packs, then cut out the elements. See how to fussy cut printables by hand for clean cuts.
- Make tags. Cut rectangles or use a tag punch, round the corners, add a hole and string. Decorate with clipart or stamps.
- Cut from patterned paper. Turn Whimsy Papers into strips, borders, and shapes for layering.
- Repurpose everyday paper. Old book pages, sheet music, maps, receipts, and packaging all make characterful ephemera.
- Stamp and stencil. Build your own labels, postmarks, and motifs with stamps and stencils.
- Age your pieces. Give printed or plain paper a vintage look before cutting for a cohesive, old feel.
Tips for making ephemera
- Print on slightly heavier paper so cut pieces hold up.
- Batch it — cut a stack of elements in one sitting.
- Keep a theme or palette so your handmade pieces coordinate.
- Store by type or color so they're easy to grab (tags with tags, florals with florals).
Shop the supplies
- Printable illustrations — Cliparts
- Coordinated sheets — Collage Packs
- Patterned papers — Whimsy Papers
- Ready-to-cut elements — Fussy Cuts
- All digital products — Digital Downloads
Frequently asked questions
How do you make your own junk journal ephemera? Print elements from digital clipart and collage sheets and cut them out, make tags, cut shapes from patterned paper, or repurpose everyday paper like book pages and maps.
What paper should I use to make ephemera? Slightly heavier paper holds up better once cut and glued, but standard paper works for flat layering.
Is it cheaper to make your own ephemera? It can be, especially with digital sheets you print as many times as you like instead of buying physical packs repeatedly.
What everyday items make good ephemera? Old book pages, sheet music, maps, tickets, receipts, and packaging all add vintage character.
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