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Has anyone made postcards? I am trying to find any tips on this. My MIL wants to use postcards at Christmas to send. I looked up typical dimensions and things like that, but is a piece of heavy cardstock like PTI good enough to mail? Should I reinforce it somehow with mod podge or something like that? I was thinking of just using a digital design, not sure yet. Any advice is welcome!
I did postcards as replies for my cousin's wedding. I just cut SU! cardstock into 4, and we stamped the info on. They worked fine. (At least no one complained to me about them later, lol.)
I found pre-printed postcards with the lines and space for postage stamps on one side, with the flip side left blank for your creations. The paper comes in a variety of surfaces: smooth for markers and watercolour paper for watercolouring etc. I made mine using the watercolour papers as it really made blending the watercolours look pretty without worry of the papers pilling or tearing.
If they're going to be mailed out just as postcards (no envies) you might want to pick inks that won't spot up if it's raining and they happen to be on top of the pile when the mail man delivers them or else spray on a sealant (something like the Krylon acrylic ones would probably be good). A heavy cardstock should be just fine - feel a commercial postcard next time you see one and you'll probably find they're not that substantial.
I found pre-printed postcards with the lines and space for postage stamps on one side, with the flip side left blank for your creations. The paper comes in a variety of surfaces: smooth for markers and watercolour paper for watercolouring etc. I made mine using the watercolour papers as it really made blending the watercolours look pretty without worry of the papers pilling or tearing.
I don't suppose you bought these online?? Or did you find them in a specialty store there in Singapore? ;)
Thanks for any assistance you can provide on where you purchased them. I, too, have had requests for postcards....guessing it's the lower postage costs that is driving this new craze.
I make postcards all the time to send to my nephew and niece. I just cut up a piece of cardstock. It can be flimsy and still get through. My sister sent me a postcard once too - it was just a 4 x 6 index card - not even cardstock! (she's not a card-maker)
I love using rubber stamps that say "post card" or "carte postale" etc. on them too.
I would probably use a 100# or heavier cardstock, and seal your "art" side with a spray-on acrylic sealer. I use the Plaid brand clear acrylic sealer. Be sure to leave room at the bottom on the back for the post office bar code. Sometimes on postcards that bar code gets printed on a little sticker that gets put on the front, which is another good reason to seal your art. The bar code sticker might peel off easier for the recipient if you use a sealer.
Does anyone know if you could make them two layers - one layer of cardstock and just printed paper? I was thinking of using postcards for my daughter's wedding RSVPs - I could save on envelopes and postage.
Does anyone know if you could make them two layers - one layer of cardstock and just printed paper? I was thinking of using postcards for my daughter's wedding RSVPs - I could save on envelopes and postage.
I think that would be fine. I have sent postcards that are two layers thick. The mail system would treat those the same way they'd treat a thick (one-layered) postcard.
Does anyone know if you could make them two layers - one layer of cardstock and just printed paper? I was thinking of using postcards for my daughter's wedding RSVPs - I could save on envelopes and postage.
How confident are you of your adhesive? :p I'd be afraid that a corner of one of the layers would get caught on a machine and rip the 2 layers right apart. I think I'd stick to a true postcard made out of one piece of paper.
Has anyone made postcards? I am trying to find any tips on this. My MIL wants to use postcards at Christmas to send. I looked up typical dimensions and things like that, but is a piece of heavy cardstock like PTI good enough to mail? Should I reinforce it somehow with mod podge or something like that? I was thinking of just using a digital design, not sure yet. Any advice is welcome!
Go to Mr.Art.com. They have the Strathmore pads of watercolor postcards at a very reasonable price. I have used these and really like them. I used watercolors, but you could probably use just about any medium.
Thanks for all of the replies...lots of good information to ponder. I will have to look into the sealent spray, thanks for the different suggestions. I'm waiting on MIL to see exactly what she would want and how many. If it wasn't too many I wouldn't mind coloring in a more detailed image, but I have a feeling its going to be around 70 or so, so something quicker would be better. I just have to decide if i'm going to stamp it or do it digital. not sure yet!
Thanks again! Keep the ideas coming, this may help others as well!
I have done post cards with two 'flat' layers and I use my Xyron machine for the second layer so it just adheres right to the first layer. I sometimes also use a thin line of Fabri-tac to adhere the second layer. You will have fun making post cards!
When I did calligraphy to address envelopes, I rubbed a white candle over the inked address to prevent smearing if it got wet. Don't know if the post office machines could handle that today, though.
I've made them with glossy card stock and Stampin' Up! used to have a postcard stamp that went on the back. As a matter of fact I have two stamps like that from S.U. They look just like real postcards.
I send out postcard flyers for an office every month. I just print them four to a piece of CS (GP110 from Wal-Mart) then cut each sheet into four. Then label and stamp the other side. No problem so far :o)
Handmade Postcards
