In honor of World Postcard Day celebrated on October 1st.
In honor of World Postcard Day celebrated on October 1st, let me share how I recently made a Halloween doodle postcard from watercolor paper. Here are some tips for making your own DIY postcard.
In case it's helpful, below are the main points covered in this post:
Making the Postcard
Below are the postcard specifications according to the US Postal Service (USPS):
Length: 5 inches minimum; 6 inches maximum
Height: 3-1/2 inches minimum; 4-1/4 inches maximum
Thickness: 0.007 inches minimum; 0.016 inches maximum
Check out the USPS guide for How to Send a Letter or Postcard Domestically for more information.
Cardstock or watercolor paper are a couple options for creating a sturdy postcard. Use a ruler and scissors or paper trimmer if needed to get the desired postcard size.
On one side of the postcard, draw a vertical line down the center to create two equal sized columns. I recommend using an archival ink pen for water and smear resistance.
A short message for the recipient goes in the left column. A mailing stamp should be placed towards the top-right corner of the right column. The recipient's mailing address should be legible below the stamp.
It is not necessary to draw a mailing stamp placeholder box or address lines in the right column. However, if you insist on drawing address lines, draw three to four horizontal lines evenly spaced apart in the middle or bottom half of the right column.
For the Halloween postcard I recently made, I cut watercolor paper down to 6 inches by 4 inches. I spaced the horizontal address lines half an inch apart measuring from the bottom up.
I drew a mailing stamp placeholder box with pencil in case I wanted to erase it later. (Mailing stamps come if different sizes which was why I decided not to draw the box with an archival ink pen.)
Designing the Postcard
The best part of a DIY postcard is showing off your creativity! Below are some examples for designing your postcard:
Paint your own original artwork.
Use craft stamps and stamp inks to compose a fun design.
Complete and cut out a coloring page to match the postcard. (See Coloring Page Greeting Card for an example.)
Create a collage using various materials like stickers, decorative tapes, paper cutouts, and more.
If you use wet medium like watercolor paints for your design, your postcard may warp once dried. If this happens, place several books on top of the postcard and let it sit overnight.
You can also iron the postcard flat. Make sure you use a low setting and place something heat resistant like parchment paper between the iron and the postcard to prevent burning the paper.
I used a combination of archival ink and watercolor paint for my Halloween postcard. Naturally, my watercolor paper warped once the paint dried. I placed several flat objects over the postcard and left it alone overnight. It probably would have only taken a few hours to flatten, but I wanted to be on the safe side and left it alone until the next day.
Sealing the Design
Once you are satisfied with your design, you want to make sure your postcard will survive being handled by many hands through different conditions. Protect your design with a clear sealant.
Varnish or decoupage glue is a great way to ensure your design remains intact and is water resistant if the postcard is delivered through rainy conditions. Allow the sealant to dry completely before sending your postcard off in the mail.
DO NOT seal the side of the postcard where the mailing stamp, mailing address, and message goes. Use an archival ink pen if you are worried about your handwriting smearing or fading during delivery.
I used Mod Podge (decoupage glue) to seal my painting. I brushed thin strokes for a flat result. A thick application would have resulted in an unwanted lumpy texture. I only applied one coat, but some crafters recommend two coats to be on the safe side.
What's Next?
Now that your postcard is ready, send it off through the mail! You can alternatively keep the postcard and place it somewhere to admire your creation another day.
Comment below to let us know if you plan to make your own DIY postcard!
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Thanks, and have a great day!
~Simply Jelly Jam
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