Free Dragonfly Printables – Vintage Nature Ephemera for Junk Journals & Collage Art
At a Glance
Free printable sheets of vintage dragonfly illustrations
Perfect for junk journals, nature-themed spreads, and mixed media art
Includes colorful, scientifically styled dragonflies from an antique natural history book
What’s included in these printables?
These free collage sheets feature a collection of vintage dragonfly illustrations, pulled from an old natural history book. Each dragonfly is depicted with striking wing details, delicate legs, and the unique color patterns that make these insects so mesmerizing.
There are two printable sheets to choose from, gift tags or 1.5 x 3-inch journal tags, making them versatile for crafters and collage artists.
How can I use these in my creative projects?
Dragonflies are often associated with transformation, lightness, and renewal, which are ideal motifs for reflective or symbolic art. Here are just a few ways to bring them into your work:
Layer onto junk journal spreads focused on nature, time, or change
Add to art journaling pages as symbolic accents or winged focal points
Use in botanical-themed scrapbooks or altered books
Create vintage-style postcards, faux specimen cards, or field journal pages
Add to spring or summer projects for a seasonal, airy aesthetic
Gift Tags
Creative Pairing Ideas
Botanical ephemera: Pair with wildflowers, or seed catalog covers
Floral labels or field notes: Add handwritten elements to mimic a naturalist’s journal
Vintage postage or map fragments: Evoke a sense of flight and exploration
Tea-stained paper or vellum: Create depth and vintage tone
Hand-stitched accents or lace: Soft textures contrast beautifully with the delicate wings
Why are dragonflies so popular in mixed media and journaling?
Dragonflies offer a blend of scientific elegance and emotional symbolism. Their intricate wings and iridescent tones add visual interest, while their connection to transformation and freedom resonates with journaling themes. Whether you're making something light and poetic or precise and specimen-inspired, these creatures work beautifully in a wide range of aesthetics.
Browse more nature-themed printables and vintage ephemera.
1.5” x 3” Journal Tags
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A Little Info on Dragonflies and Damselflies:
Dragonflies and damselflies are captivating insects belonging to the order Odonata, characterized by their striking aerial agility and vibrant colors. While they share some similarities, they also exhibit distinct features that set them apart. One of the most notable differences is in their body structure. Dragonflies typically have a robust and sturdy build, with eyes that often touch at the top of their head. In contrast, damselflies possess a more delicate appearance, with eyes that are widely spaced. These differences are also reflected in their wings: dragonflies hold their wings perpendicular to their body when at rest, while damselflies fold their wings neatly along their body.
Behaviorally, dragonflies are known for their remarkable flight prowess and aggressive hunting strategies. They are skilled predators that snatch prey in mid-air with their strong jaws. Their hunting abilities contribute to the control of insect populations, making them important components of ecosystems. They tend to inhabit areas near still water bodies, where they mate and lay eggs. Damselflies, though also predators, exhibit a more delicate flight style and a less aggressive demeanor. They are often found near freshwater habitats rich in vegetation, where they engage in intricate mating rituals.
Both dragonflies and damselflies undergo a metamorphic life cycle, transitioning from aquatic nymphs to airborne adults. Their vivid colors and intricate wing patterns make them popular subjects for observation and photography among nature enthusiasts. These captivating insects play crucial roles in maintaining ecological balance, not only as predators but also as indicators of water quality due to their sensitivity to pollutants. Their intricate behaviors, vibrant hues, and unique adaptations continue to make dragonflies and damselflies subjects of fascination and study in the world of entomology.
You may also enjoy these 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: 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. Pinning is always welcome and appreciated!
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.
