I collect a lot of things. No really, I mean A LOT. However, vintage yearbooks are one of my favorites. These old books full of fun photos make the best collage fodder. I’ve used them in art journals, pages in altered books, greeting cards, collage masterboards and more. Plus when you’re bored and set the glue stick down you can really get to know a person by what they have written in their yearbook.
Where to Find Yearbooks to Collage
Sure you could jump on eBay or Etsy right now and find vintage yearbooks. The problem is a lot of people are proud of their yearbooks, AKA they want a lot of money for them. I think the hope is that maybe by some whim there is a celebrity inside. I usually pick mine up at thrift stores, flea markets and estate sales. Another option is to use images from old magazines if you can’t get your hands on a yearbook. Old photos work well too but yearbooks offer old photos in bulk! Might I also suggest a pack of Vintage Ephemera and Collage Fodder from my Etsy shop. There are usually a face or two inside. Oh and if you like the background on these colorful layouts from my art journals check out my Mixed Media Hand Painted Collage Papers in my Jennifer Perkins Art Etsy shop.
To Alter or Not to Alter The Image
Deciding whether or not to deface the yearbook images is half the fun. I enjoy the occasional tacky makeover in my art journal layouts. This mixed media collage has a lot going on including paint scraping, custom stamps I carved and did you know you can use your old Fashion Plates as stamps? I figured why stop there so I busted out the gel pens for a bit of cosmetic enhancement on these yearbook ladies. Here are some other examples of stamping with Fashion Plates if your interested.
Variety is the Spice of Life (and Collage)
While shopping for vintage yearbooks I like to collect a variety of years. Watching hairstyles and fashion change through my collage makes me happy. I even sometimes mix and match books and instead go with a theme like “only people with glasses”. The only consistent thing is I always get black and white. I’m not saying never to color yearbooks but maybe that hits too close to home and my own 90’s yearbooks. Plus there is something about the contrast of black and white against all that color that really tickles my artsy fancy.
Mix and Match Collage
Not only can you embellish their outfits, but you can do an entire body swap. My very favorite is when I find yearbooks with a large selection of formal photos. Homecoming dance, Ms. Congeniality, prom – if there is a puffy dress involved I’m in. I’ve been known to applique brand new outfits for the images out of vintage fabric scraps. It’s like paper dolls but in your art journal!
Wanna Take a Collage Class With Me?
Guess what? I’ve got three chances coming up to flip through my stash of yearbook images and glue stuff to stuff. I’d love to see you in a workshop this year. I’m working on getting some of these classes online but in the meantime here we go…
Sip and Stick Collage – Oil and Cotton Dallas
Galentines Gals – Figment Creative Labs Austin
Sip and Stick Collage – Craftcation Ventura
Before you run out and start looking for yearbooks at the local thrift store you might also enjoy peeking at these other projects that are collage, art journaling or mixed media art adjacent.
Ok now you can run out to the thrift store!
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