The Paper Stash: Free Retro Christmas Printables
There's just something about old Christmas decorations, isn't there?
The slightly faded wrapping paper. The boxes of mismatched ornaments. The glitter that somehow manages to stick around for...ever. And of course, those little paper treasures tucked into drawers because somebody couldn't bear to throw them away.
That feeling of discovering something wonderful in a forgotten drawer? It's exactly why I started The Paper Stash.
So, What Is The Paper Stash?
I'm a firm believer that you can never have too much pretty paper. Especially the kind that makes you want to immediately grab a pair of scissors and start making something. That's where The Paper Stash comes in.
Think of it as a digital junk drawer filled with printable treasures: vintage-inspired patterns, quirky illustrations, decorative papers, and bits and pieces you can cut up, glue down, and turn into something completely your own.
Every so often, I'll be adding a new collection inspired by things I love: old wrapping paper, forgotten holiday decorations, vintage advertising, unusual color combos, and all those character-filled little details that make something feel like it has a story.
Some collections might be seasonal. Others might just be inspired by something I found at an antique store and couldn't stop thinking about. There's no telling where my inspiration will come from but I can promise you that it will, indeed, be inspired.
And the best part? Every collection is completely free to download.
Use them for scrapbooking, decoupage, handmade ornaments, junk journals, gift wrapping, or whatever creative rabbit hole you happen to fall down. There's no right way to use them--which happens to be the entire point. So please, consider this your invitation to rummage around, find something you love, and make a little mess.
No. 001: The Christmas Junk Drawer
For our very first collection, we're digging into a Christmas junk drawer.
Imagine opening a drawer at your grandma's house and finding a stack of wrapping paper scraps, old Christmas cards, and decorations that haven't seen the light of day since before you were born. That's the inspiration behind this first collection.
I've created four printable pages filled with vintage-inspired Christmas goodness, ready for you to cut, paste, decoupage, and turn into something you'll cherish for years to come.
What's Inside the Collection?
Department Store Stripe
A colorful, midcentury-inspired stripe with little geometric details, scallops, and plenty of vintage Christmas charm. The kind of wrapping paper you'd want to carefully peel off a present and save for later.
Scalloped Plaid
A playful twist on traditional holiday plaid, with wavy edges and a cheerful mix of pink, red, evergreen, mint, and warm gold. A little unexpected, but still wonderfully nostalgic.
Shiny Brite Scatter
A whole page of colorful, old-fashioned Christmas ornaments inspired by those gorgeous glass baubles that came tucked into cardboard boxes. Bright colors, vintage shapes, and just the right amount of worn-in charm.
The Christmas Cutouts
Nine little vintage-inspired illustrations, including Christmas trees, Santa, a snow globe, a bell, a poinsettia, a retro gelatin mold, and reflector ornaments.
I kept the shapes relatively simple and gave them plenty of breathing room, so they're easier to cut out and use in your projects.
Download Your Free Christmas Printables
Ready to dig into the drawer?
You'll get all four printable pages:
3 vintage-inspired Christmas patterned papers
1 sheet of nine Christmas cutouts
No fancy supplies required. Just a printer, some paper, and whatever you've got lying around.
A Few Things You Can Make
There are about a million directions you could take these, but here are a few I'm especially excited about.
Decoupage Christmas Ornaments
Cover plain ornaments or cardboard with pieces of the patterned papers, or use the individual cutouts as little focal points. I especially love the idea of adding them to old-fashioned ornament shapes or small wooden decorations.
Handmade Gift Tags
Cut shapes from the papers, add a handwritten message, and tie them onto presents. You could even layer different patterns together for a mismatched vintage look.
Scrapbook Pages and Junk Journals
Mix the papers with old photographs, ticket stubs, handwritten notes, vintage postcards, and whatever else you've been saving for no particular reason.
Decorated Tins and Boxes
Give a plain little container a nostalgic makeover. Old cookie tins, small cardboard boxes, and thrifted containers are all fair game.
Christmas Cards
Layer the patterned papers with the cutouts to create one-of-a-kind holiday cards. A little glitter or metallic trim wouldn't hurt, either.
And please don't feel like you have to make anything perfect. A slightly crooked cut or a little extra glue is part of the fun and proves that it was handmade (with love).
A Few Printing Tips
These are designed to be easy to print and use at home.
For the best results, print at 100% or Actual Size, rather than stretching the designs to fit.
Regular printer paper works well for many decoupage projects because it's thin and easy to work with. If you're making tags, cards, or sturdier cutouts, try a heavier matte paper.
Keep in mind that colors may vary slightly depending on your printer and the paper you're using.
And if you're decoupaging, always test your adhesive or sealer on a small printed scrap first. Some printer inks can bleed when they get wet. Tragic, but it happens.
More Treasures Coming Soon
The Christmas Junk Drawer is just the beginning.
I've got all sorts of ideas for future Paper Stash collections, from forgotten stationery and vintage florals to wonderfully kitschy holiday papers and unexpected little treasures. My hope is that these collections inspire you to make something, try something, or just spend an afternoon cutting up pretty paper for no particular reason. Take it from me, sometimes it's as good as therapy.
And if you make something with these, I'd absolutely l
ove to see it! Tag @anothermessbyjess on Instagram so I can admire your beautiful creations.
Until next time, happy making!
Jess
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