Sunday, April 13, 2014

Around the World Postcards (DIY)

Recently, I read Around the World in Eighty Days, a classic novel written by Jules Verne.  It left me with the overwhelming desire to hop on a train or ship and travel the world like the wealthy Mr. Fogg.  Since I can't exactly do that, I have to settle for seeing all of the interesting places close to home.
A few weeks ago, my good friends Molly and Justin visited from Michigan.  Our adventures did not include sweeping through India on an elephant or a stint in the Japanese circus, but much fun was had.  We climbed rocks, hiked mountain trails, and then...we made some awesome postcards. You could create and mail these cards during a vacation, or make at home and send away to friends and family.  Handmade postcards serve as inexpensive souvenirs and crafting them can be a good way to spend a rainy day.



You will need:
- magazines, maps, travel guides, etc.
- poster board
- glue stick
- clear contact paper
- scissors



We collected all things Colorado to make our cards: travel guides, free magazines, catalogs, maps, bags from gift shops, and brochures for the collage cards.
 Using scissors or an X-Acto knife, cut your poster board into blank post cards.  These cards are 6" x 4"
The images that you cut and collage cannot go to the edge of the card.  They need a border for the contact paper to stick to and protect your lovely art work.  
I made a 3.5" x 5.5" template for my images from a cereal box.  By tracing the template on magazine pages before cutting them out, I was able to make all my images the same size and keep the white border.
Start Cutting!  Search out landmarks, fun phrases, and all things travel related.
 Glue the images to your card and allow them to dry.
 Cover the card with a sheet of clear contact paper.  
This will protect it from damage during its travel through the mail.
Use a marker or pen to rub out any bubbles and seal the contact paper to your card. 
Pay extra attention to the white border.  
Snip excess contact paper away from the edges and send!
Above postcards made by Molly

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