I share a lot of out of copyright and public domain images, and I usually clean them up but stop before distressing them. This gives you the option of using the piece as is or adding ink/distressing it a bit. One of my favorite types of ephemera are tobacco or cigarette cards. Most were created between 1880 and 1920 so they are public domain and can be altered as needed.
Vintage cigarette cards are double sided, though, so if you want them to look authentic, you need to have both sides. Plus the text and info on the back is usually interesting. This is also the side that is most often lost to time, as people stored the cards in dedicated collection scrapbooks, adhering them with glue. Over time, the glued card becomes brittle and very well adhered to the backing page. In many cases you can’t remove it at all. So when I have a back and front to the same card, I want to keep them together! Here’s how to make an authentic looking 2 sided cigarette card from a printout.
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How to Make Real Looking Trade Cards from Printables
Note: This tutorial is designed to help you make the most of a printable item, which you are then welcome to include n any piece for sale etc. Just make sure you disclose the piece is a reproduction/reprinted art piece, not original ephemera! I bought a “vintage ephemera” pack recently to get one card to complete a set, then when it arrived, realized the piexes were digital printouts. I love digis, I sell digis, but I don’t want to buy them if they are represented as originals. and if you’re buying, make sure you ask if includid pieces are originals, folks should disclose, but sadly, they sometimes do not. Onto the fun stuff!
This cards used for this purpose are from the Aesops trade cards set. I’m including an extra here so you can practice the technique. Vintage Trade Card Supplies
scissors
glue (pvc or similar)
Nail file or sandpaper
ink and distressing supplies
How to Make a Printed Photo Look Old
Print the pages onto heqvy cardstock. the one I use is shown below. It is 110 lb and prints beautifully. Keep an eye on the price, I only buy when it is around $10, it seems to fluctuate quite a bit. Don’t use shiny paper for this, as old trade cards have a matte finish.
Print on one side only, using your printer’s “best” settings.
Cut out the Pieces
Cut the pieces out but leave a small edge around each one, don’t cut exactly on the lines
Glue the images back to back. Make sure the glue goes all the way to the edge. If you’re using the Aesop trading cards, I left you enough of a border you don’t have to be perfect, and will be able to trim a bit without losing any of the design.
Place the glued card between the pages of a heavy book and let it dry completey.
Trim around the edges of the card. Sand edges lightly with the sandpaper (mine is 60 grit).
Distress with ink, I used distress ink in walnut and a soft cloth.
Focus on the edges, the sanded parts will pick up the ink more than the pla
Notes for Making Printed Ephemera look old
Old pieces do not have sharp, perfect corners. Use the sandpaper to round corners slightly..
make sure the glue dries completely between each step, otherwise your pieces could separate.
use cardstock as indicated. Regular copy paper is too thin and will tear if you try to sand it
Get the Free Files
If you need a piece to practice on, try the Aesop’s card below. If you already purchased the set, download this one anyway, it is not included and goes perfectly with the other cards.
It is definitely the little touches and details that can make the difference to aging a printed piece of ephemera. These little cards will be fun to tuck into pockets or add to pages. Thank you so much for the great tutorial and printables! 😊