25 resources for ornaments, fleurons, and “frilly bits”

Perfectly put. “Frilly bits” seems to aptly describe what are typically called ornaments, fleurons, vignettes, embellishments, or in some cases, frippery. Type ornaments, also termed printer’s ornaments, have been used in conjunction with type for literally hundreds of years. Of course, nowadays it’s all too easy to abuse these design elements, adding them merely for decoration rather than communication. But in the hands of an accomplished designer who knows how to use them appropriately and in moderation, type ornaments can serve to beautify and enhance a design.

Frankly, I feel a bit sheepish posting about this as it seems so rudimentary, but if anything it gives me a resource I can point readers to when the question comes up again. So, what follows are 25 resources for ornaments, fleurons, and frilly bits.

(More after the jump.)

Type Embellishments One (also known as Type Ornaments One)

Nat Vignette One

Bickham Script Pro (see full character set)

Fleurons of Hope

Amazon: “design ornaments”

Type-Art Ornaments Collection (free; multiple collections)

Design elements, vol. I

Type Embellishments Two (also known as Type Ornaments Two)

Adobe Wood Type Ornaments

Floralissimo

Bangin’ Borders Brush Set

Ayres Royal

Accolades A

Accolades A2

Decor

Fleurons 3

Fleurons 5

Fleurons 6

Printer’s Ornaments (free)

Floral Design Elements

Scroll Designs

Set of Stencils

Decorative Elements

Decorative Scrolls

Coat of Armz