16 Inspiring Vintage Scrapbook Stickers Ideas

When I first decided to create a scrapbook using materials from the late ’90s and early 2000s, I hit a wall almost immediately. I had this clear vision in my head: a memory book full of old movie ticket stubs, glittery gel pen writing, emo band logos, Lisa Frank vibes, and yes, loads of scrapbook stickers that felt like they belonged in a shoebox under my teenage bed. But finding those specific vintage scrapbook stickers proved harder than expected. Everything in stores or online seemed to scream faux-vintage Victorian with aged paper and sepia-toned train tickets from 1890. Beautiful? Sure. But not the vibe I was after.

I started hunting. Goodwill became my go-to for random sticker packs, and I even scored a few older Creative Memories sets that brought back memories of my aunt’s scrapbooking obsession. Someone suggested eBay and Craigslist, which helped me track down unopened sticker packs from 2003 with bubble lettering and stars. I learned that creative reuse stores can be a goldmine not just for paper but also forgotten sticker books and old school embellishments. I even cut out magazine ads from the era and used printouts from public domain archives to build that nostalgic Y2K flair.

Eventually, I stumbled upon a few brands that nailed the aesthetic. Graphic 45 and 7Gypsies leaned a bit more vintage-deco than Y2K, but still offered stickers with character. Stamperia had vintage styles that felt fresh, and Simple Stories’ “Simply Vintage” collections gave me options without diving fully into the faux-historical aesthetic. But my biggest find? AliExpress and resale groups on Facebook.

They were full of creators offloading their old stash of actual vintage scrapbook stickers from the late ’90s and early 2000s, not re-creations. With those, plus a few custom stickers made by small Etsy artists, I finally started building the scrapbook I dreamed of: bright, nostalgic, and unapologetically stuck in a different time.

So, if you’re also dreaming of a Y2K or early-2000s scrapbook and don’t want to fall into the beige-and-doily rabbit hole, don’t give up. Without any digging or some creative sourcing, below you will find those perfect 16 vintage scrapbook stickers are out there waiting to help you tell your story the way you like.

Why Choose Vintage Scrapbook Stickers?

Vintage scrapbook stickers aren’t just decorations—they’re little time machines. With sepia hues, antique prints, and worn-paper aesthetics, they bring authenticity and storytelling power to any layout. These stickers are especially great for journaling, travel diaries, and memory albums because they create mood and evoke emotion instantly.

Tools and Supplies Needed for Vintage Scrapbook Stickers

Before diving into sticker ideas, prepare these essentials:

• Acid-free paper and albums
• Double-sided tape or glue dots
• Archival pens
• Rulers and craft knives
• Tweezers (for delicate stickers)
• Ephemera for layering

16. Victorian-Era Florals Scrapbook Stickers

Nothing says “vintage” like a cascade of intricate roses, daisies, and lilies in muted tones. Victorian floral stickers work beautifully in wedding scrapbooks or romantic journals.

Tip: Layer them with torn doilies or vellum paper for a more dimensional look.

15. Postage Stamp Replicas

Postage stamps from the 1800s and early 1900s give your scrapbook a globe-trotting elegance. Try using a magnifying glass to highlight their miniature artwork.

Tip: Use decorative-edge scissors to simulate a torn stamp look around photo frames.

14. Antique Postcard Stickers

These stickers typically include cursive handwriting and classic sepia-tone prints. They’re perfect for travel spreads or heritage albums.

Tip: Write your own messages in faux calligraphy to mimic postcard content.

13. Retro Advertisement Stickers

Old ads from vintage magazines provide quirky charm. Think Coca-Cola ads from the 1920s or wartime ration posters.

Tip: Create a scrapbook page themed like a retro newspaper layout.

12. Vintage Typography & Alphabet Stickers

Use old-style serif fonts to label pages, dates, and locations. Monograms work great on title pages.

Tip: Combine different fonts and sizes for an eclectic, ransom-note-style title.

11. Old-World Map Stickers

Ideal for travel scrapbooks. Feature maps of Europe from the 1700s or world navigation charts.

Tip: Use a compass stamp alongside to enhance the explorer theme.

10. Timepiece and Clock Stickers

Clocks and gears add a sense of nostalgia, ideal for “time passing” themes in memory books.

Tip: Use bronze or gold washi tape as “clock hands” for interactive pages.

9. Botanical Illustration Stickers

Inspired by 18th-century naturalist drawings, these are ideal for nature-themed layouts or gardening journals.

Tip: Print the Latin names of plants for a scientific touch.

8. Sepia-Tone Photograph Stickers

These stickers mimic old photographs, adding a realistic texture to ancestry or memory pages.

Tip: Use black photo corners to mount them like traditional prints.

7. Vintage Travel Label Stickers

Perfect for globetrotters—use hotel luggage tags, airplane labels, and cruise tickets from yesteryear.

Tip: Mix in maps and compass rose designs to complete the travel story.

6. Typewriter Keys & Machines Stickers

Use QWERTY layouts or full typewriter illustrations to capture a writer’s vibe.

Tip: Label sections with stickers spelling out “memoirs,” “letters,” or “thoughts.”

5. Lace and Doily Pattern Stickers

Simulate antique linens without bulk. These stickers are especially lovely for baby books or bridal albums.

Tip: Place beneath photo corners to create a delicate frame.

4. Retro Fashion & Dress-Up Stickers

Flapper dresses, ’50s skirts, and corseted gowns can glamorize any scrapbook.

Tip: Create a “Then & Now” layout contrasting vintage and modern styles.

3. Classic Literature & Book Page Stickers

Quotes from Austen or Shakespeare, or sticker snippets from old pages, add literary charm.

Tip: Pair with a feather pen sticker or ink bottle for a writer’s journal aesthetic.

2. Ephemera-Inspired Collage Stickers

Stamps, ticket stubs, receipts, and old playing cards—all the paper bits that make great fillers.

Tip: Use them in layers for a mixed-media collage effect.

1. Music Sheet & Vinyl Record Stickers

Vintage sheet music and LP labels are great for music lovers or as concert memorabilia.

Tip: Include lyrics handwritten alongside for personal meaning.

How to Store and Organize Vintage Stickers

Organize by theme: florals, travel, typographic, ephemera, etc. Use sticker binders with clear sleeves or A5 folders. Label everything with tabs for easy access.

Where to Buy the Best Vintage Scrapbook Stickers

• Etsy: Great for handmade, niche sticker packs
• AliExpress: Inexpensive and vast variety
• Amazon: Offers curated vintage sticker books
• StationeryPal: Known for aesthetic packaging
• The Washi Tape Shop: High-end vintage designs

FAQs About Vintage Scrapbook Stickers

1. Can vintage-style stickers damage my scrapbook?

No, if they’re acid-free. Always check the label before applying.

2. How do I make my own vintage stickers?

Use printable sticker paper, download vintage artwork from public domain archives, and print at home.

3. What themes work best with vintage scrapbook stickers?

Travel, romance, history, family ancestry, nature, and literature.

4. How can I make vintage stickers look more authentic?

Lightly distress edges with ink pads or rub them with tea for aging.

5. What’s the best way to layer vintage stickers?

Use base layers like old book pages or brown kraft paper. Then, add stickers, followed by stamps or stencils.

6. Can I use vintage scrapbook stickers in digital journaling?

Yes, many are available as digital PNGs. Just drag and drop it into your design software.

Conclusion

Vintage scrapbook stickers do more than beautify; they evoke emotions, tell stories, and preserve memories. With the right mix of themes, textures, and placement, your scrapbook becomes a curated piece of art that bridges the past with the present. Embrace the charm of the old world, one sticker at a time.