Have you ever felt that little thrill of happiness when you find a handwritten postcard tucked away in your mailbox? I sure have—there's just something about tangible, crafted mail that feels so warm and personal. Lately, I've been itching to create a series of handmade postcards that'll capture little moments of joy and beauty from my everyday life. Maybe it’s inspired by the same rainy afternoon I spent sipping tea and doodling my thoughts onto paper; it got me thinking—what if I could share that feeling with others? Imagine the smile on a friend’s face when they receive a piece of my creativity in the mail! Who wouldn't want a little slice of sunshine in their day? So here I am, ready to dive in and sprinkle some of my personality onto each card—what do you think, is this something you’d want to try too?
Items You’ll Need
- Cardstock paper
- Watercolor paints
- Paintbrushes
- Fine-tip markers
- Stamps and ink
- Washi tape
- Scissors
- Glue or glue sticks
- Ruler
- Pencil and eraser
- Paper cutter
- Envelopes
- Decorative stickers
- Printable postcard templates
- Mod Podge or sealant
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather My Equipment
I start by laying out all my equipment on my crafting table: cardstock paper, watercolor paints, brushes, fine-tip markers, stamps and ink, washi tape, scissors, glue, ruler, pencil and eraser, paper cutter, envelopes, decorative stickers, printable postcard templates, and Mod Podge.
Step 2: Choose My Postcard Theme
I decide on a fun theme for my postcards - maybe 'Nature' or 'Cute Animals'. This helps me visualize the designs I want to create.
Step 3: Cut Out My Cardstock
I take my ruler and pencil to measure out the postcards I want, typically 4 x 6 inches. Using my paper cutter, I carefully cut the cardstock into postcard-sized pieces.
Step 4: Sketch Designs Lightly
With the pencil, I sketch out light designs for each postcard on the cardstock. I make sure to leave space for addresses and stamps.
Step 5: Add Watercolor Backgrounds
Now comes the fun part! Using my watercolor paints and brushes, I fill in the backgrounds of my postcards with beautiful colors that match my theme.
Step 6: Detail with Markers
Once the watercolor is dry, I grab my fine-tip markers to add details and outlines to my designs. This brings my illustrations to life!
Step 7: Stamp and Ink
I carefully pick out some fun stamps and use the ink to stamp messages or designs onto the postcards. I love the extra texture this adds!
Step 8: Decorate with Washi Tape
Using washi tape, I embellish the edges of my postcards. I choose patterns that complement the colors I’ve used.
Step 9: Add Stickers
Time to go sticker crazy! I rummage through my decorative stickers to find some that match my theme and stick them onto my postcards.
Step 10: Finalize with Mod Podge
To ensure my art lasts, I apply a thin layer of Mod Podge or sealant over each postcard. This gives them a lovely finish and protects the watercolor.
Step 11: Write Messages
I grab a fine-tip marker and write cute messages on the back of each postcard. I can’t wait to send these to my friends!
Step 12: Cut Envelopes and Prepare to Send
I place each postcard into an envelope, making sure they fit well. I seal them up and get ready to send them off!
Step 13: Mail My Creations
Finally, I take my wonderful handmade postcards to the post office and drop them in the mailbox. I feel a rush of excitement knowing my friends will love them!