Free Printable Halloween Ephemera + 31 Spooky Journal Prompts
Inside This Post
Two free printable sheets of vintage Halloween ephemera created using early 20th-century postcard art.
31 journal prompts spanning storytelling, personal reflection, and visual/mixed media ideas to inspire creativity throughout October.
Printable sizes:
Sheet 1: 2.5" x 4.25" vintage postcards (perfect as focal points or page anchors).
Sheet 2: 2" x 3" mini postcards (ideal for tags, tuck spots, and embellishments).
Creative uses: Junk journals, art journal spreads, greeting cards, collages, memory books, and more.
Tips included: How to print, cut, distress, and layer for a vintage, nostalgic look.
October is the perfect month to bring a little magic, mystery, and spookiness into your journaling, and vintage Halloween ephemera always adds charm, nostalgia, and instant visual interest to projects.
In this post, you’ll find two free printable sheets of Halloween postcard illustrations from the early 1900s, along with 31 imaginative journal prompts to inspire your writing, drawing, and collage-making. From black cats and witches to moonlit harvest scenes, these printables and prompts are designed to help you create artful, seasonal spreads that capture the spirit of Halloween.
About the Free Vintage Halloween Ephemera
Sheet 1: 2.5" x 4.25" Vintage Postcard Ephemera
Features larger imagery, including jack-o’-lanterns, black cats, owls, and children bobbing for apples.
Ideal as page anchors or layered collage focal points.
Sheet 2: 2" x 3" Smaller Postcard Ephemera
Smaller images perfect for tags, journaling cards, tuck spots, and embellishments.
Scaled for versatile use in pockets, envelopes, and layered art spreads.
Printing Tips:
Use standard letter-sized paper or cardstock.
Matte cardstock gives a sturdy feel; lightweight printer paper works well for layering.
How to Use the Free Printables
Themed journal spreads: Layer these postcard images with stamps, ink, and handwritten quotes.
Pockets, tags, and journaling cards: Make interactive elements for hidden notes or memory tags.
Halloween greeting cards/invitations: Add lace, washi tape, and calligraphy for a vintage vibe.
Collage & mixed media: Pair images with fabric scraps, pressed leaves, or found objects.
Halloween memory books: Document costumes, parties, and seasonal traditions.
Pro tip: Distress edges with ink or tea, then experiment with layering for a truly vintage aesthetic.
2.5 x 4.25 Inch Journal Cards
31 Spooky Journal Prompts for October
Creative & Storytelling Prompts
1. Write a short story starting with, “On the night of the harvest moon…”
2. Imagine discovering an old spellbook. Describe its first page.
3. Invent a Halloween legend unique to your hometown.
4. Create a haunted house-inspired journal spread.
5. Write a letter from a witch.
6. Design a page around a mysterious object found in an attic.
7. Imagine a black cat’s life on Halloween night.
8. Describe and illustrate a fictional Halloween festival.
9. Create a collage inspired by a forgotten postcard message.
10. Write a spell that brings your dream autumn day.
Reflective & Memory-Based Prompts
11. Recall your earliest Halloween memory.
12. Describe your favorite childhood costume.
13. Write about a spooky tradition to start this year.
14. Explore what scares you and why.
15. Reflect on how your feelings about Halloween have changed.
16. Recall a time you overcame fear.
17. Interpret the phrase “the veil is thin.”
18. Document a full Halloween celebration.
19. Create a Halloween gratitude list.
20. Write about a comforting seasonal ritual.
Visual & Mixed Media Prompts
21. Collage a page representing the word “mystery.”
22. Use only orange, black, and gold on one spread.
23. Make a mood board for your dream Halloween party.
24. Create a page inspired by a favorite Halloween movie.
25. Draw or collage an ideal witch’s cottage.
26. Collect natural autumn elements and journal about them.
27. Build a page inspired by moon phases.
28. Use a vintage photo as the center of a ghost story.
29. Write a poem shaped like a pumpkin or broomstick.
30. Collage words and images representing “transformation.”
31. Reflect on the season’s end and set intentions for the holiday season.
2 x 3 Inch Journal Cards
Other Free Printables You Might Like
Free Vintage Owl Portrait Printables – Add nocturnal mystery to your pages.
Free Vintage Snake Ephemera – Ideal for gothic, witchy, or dark academia spreads.
Free Printable Mushroom Collage Sheets – Perfect for cottagecore or nature-themed journals.
Free Pigeon Ephemera Sheet – Charming 19th-century pigeon illustrations for focal points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use these printables in items I sell?
Yes! You can absolutely use them in handmade creations you sell, like journals, cards, or tags. Just don’t resell or distribute the digital files or printouts of them “as is.”
Best paper to print on?
Standard matte paper works just fine, or cardstock is a great choice for durability.
How to store printed ephemera?
Keep flat in a folder, binder pocket or envelope, or pre-cut and store in an ephemera box.
Final Thoughts
Halloween is a season ripe for creativity. With these free printable vintage postcard images and 31 spooky journal prompts, you have everything you need to fill your pages with imagination and autumnal spirit. Whether you’re starting a new journal, adding to an existing one, or simply enjoying quiet creative evenings, these ideas will make your October magical.
Love These Printables? Support The Art Scavenger!
I love sharing free vintage printables, and if you enjoy them, there are easy ways to support my work so I can continue creating and offering more free designs:
You may also enjoy these free collage sheets.
Terms of use:
Free to use for personal or commercial projects. You may print the collage sheets as many times as you wish for your personal crafts or in your projects to sell, including: art journals, scrapbooks, junk journals, collage art, etc. You may not redistribute or sell the collage sheets “as is" in either print or digital form.
If you wish to share the files on your own website, please do not make the files available for download directly from your site. Instead, include an image with a link back to this site.
To the best of my knowledge, these are all royalty free images that are in the Public Domain in the US. However, you should always do your own research if you plan to use them commercially.
