Did you know that any piece of paper can be sent with a postage stamp, as long as it has the correct dimensions? This means that the possibilities for making your own unique and personal postcards are endless. You will never have to choose again between a boring photograph of some important place and a postcard of a hunk in a Santa hat. Read step 1 if you want to learn how to make fantastic postcards that your friends will be delighted to receive.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Make the postcard
Step 1. Use sturdy paper
To make sure your postcard doesn't arrive in pieces at its destination, choose some type of sturdy paper, such as card stock. The decoration card should be the same thickness as a regular postcard. If you fear that the paper you are using is too flimsy, you can glue several pieces together for a stronger postcard.
- The USPS (United States Postal Service) specifies that the thickness of postcards should not be less than 0.18mm (0.007 "). Postcards thicker than about 0.4mm (0.016") require more expensive stamps, since its weight is considered equal to that of the cards.
- You can use any color paper you like, as long as it allows you to read the address clearly.
- Blank note cards are a good option (you can buy them white or colored, and choose between different sizes).
Step 2. Cut out the paper to fit the proper dimensions
Take a ruler and measure a piece of paper that is 3.5 to 4.25 inches (8.9 to 10.8 cm) tall and 5 to 6 inches (12.7 to 15.2 cm) long. Carefully trim the card, making sure that the edges are not crooked and that its shape is regular. The USPS does not send postcards if they are not rectangular in shape. (Shape and dimension requirements may vary from country to country).
Step 3. Draw a vertical line along the center of the back
Once this is done, the piece of paper will start to look like a postcard. Use a ruler to help you draw a straight line through the center of the back of the card. Reserve the space on the left of the line to write the message, and the space on the right to put the recipient's address.
There is no reason why the line should be drawn in the exact center of the postcard. If you need more space for your message, move the line to the right of the card
Step 4. Draw the lines for the address
To the right of the vertical line, draw three horizontal lines. In this space is where you have to write the name and address of the recipient. If you want, you can draw a square in the upper right corner to indicate where the stamp needs to be stuck.
Part 2 of 3: Decorate the front face
Step 1. Gather your supplies
Now comes the fun part. Gather all the art supplies you want to use to create a unique drawing on the front of the postcard. You can draw directly on the card, but don't limit yourself to just using pens and pencils. Here is a list of several fun materials that you can use to decorate the postcard:
- Newspaper clippings
- Magazine clippings
- Photographs
- Colored folios
- Colored ink
- Painting
- Ties
- Sequins
- Purpurin
- Glue
Step 2. Decorate the card
Anything that will fit on a 4 x 6 "or 3 x 5" card is valid. Use your craft supplies to decorate the card as you like. You can draw your own version of a classic postcard or create something original and fantastic for the intended recipient. Here are a few ideas:
- Glue a photo to the front of the card. Decorate the border with fun motifs, using colored paper and glitter.
- Make an original drawing of something you saw during the trip that reminds you of the recipient in question.
- Cut out letters from a magazine and create a word collage on the front of the card.
- Use bows to form a basket weave or some other abstract design.
Step 3. Varnish the postcard
This will protect the front face of the postcard. Especially, you should do it if in addition to using pencils and pens you have used other materials to decorate the card. Use Mod Podge craft glue or other varnish and a brush to coat the front of the card with it. Let it dry for a few hours before finishing the postcard.
Do not cover the back with varnish glue, as you will have to write on that face
Part 3 of 3: Write the address and send the postcard
Step 1. Write a note on the postcard
Use the space on the left, on the back of the postcard, to write a personal note addressed to the recipient. Inside jokes, funny pictures and good wishes will make your postcard well received. You can also decorate the border along the outline of the back of the postcard or include small decorations in the corners. As long as the address can be clearly read, you can fill in the space however you want.
Step 2. Write the address on the postcard
On the right side of the postcard, write the recipient's name, followed by their full address. Make sure to write the zip code.
Step 3. Put the stamp
Attach a postage stamp to the upper right corner of the back of the card. Postage stamps are slightly cheaper than letter stamps. If the postcard turns out to be too heavy and thick once decorated, you may need to use a letter stamp instead of a postcard stamp.
Step 4. Submit it
Put the finished postcard in the mailbox so it can begin its journey to the lucky recipient.