I have been thinking about doing this since the interview with SwapDex. It was really how i started in the big, bad world of swapping. I know, of all the things- fabric postcards.
But they are quick, fun and full of suprise that isn’t expensive to mail or hard to find a place to put the new treasure.
I’ve got a few instructions and then lots of example pictures. So get your hand on that mouse and start scrolling.
Let’s talk construction.
You will need:
* Peltex or Timtex. Whatever— something that is stiff, sort of thickish and fusible on at least one side. Both is prefered. I found mine at joann stores.
* Fabric for the front
* Embellishments (see further down explanations. just depends on theme and idea)
* Paper for the back -prefer cardstock- or you can use fabric also
* Stamp or design for back writing area
* Permanent pen for writing your little note.
* Use a new needle. It will dull quick after these guys so get rid of it when finished. Lots of paper, fusible and thickness just kills it off.
Let’s talk rules:
* nothing thicker than 1/4 inch on those cards. The postmaster will yell at you.
* make sure you use correct postage….they won’t be delivered -or will at the expence of the reciever, and the postmaster will yell at you
* If you are worried about the machines ‘eating’ your postcard use a clear envelope. Everyone can still see the wonderful card you made, and it keeps everything on it safe and sound.
Let’s talk assembly:
* Cut your peltex 4 inch X 6 inch. Cut the back the same size.
* Cut your front fabric just larger than this measurement. You can trim it later. If it slips while ironing you won’t cry too.
* Start playing around with placement and embellishments.
* Use fabric, paint, crayons or whatever else. You are just designing the FRONT of the postcard only. Play around with different mediums.
* When you have the look Use fusible webbing when ready to assemble those pieces and keep them in the right place.
* You will want to iron all these down if using the fusible web. DON’T ADD ANY BUMPY STUFF! You will do this AFTER you get all these pieces down.
* Add all the bumpy stuff now: buttons, charms, netting with beads, fluffy thread, embroidery, quilting. All the thread will be on the wrong side and won’t show once you get the back on.
* fuse the front and peltex to the back side.
* Trim around all edges so everything is nice and flush.
* Using a zigzag, decorative, or a simple straight stitch -sew along the outside edge. Keeps the parts together and makes the edge nice and neat.
* Stamp the back with a postcard marking, or simply draw a line.
* Write your wonderful, short and sweat message and don’t forget those addresses.
Let’s talk examples and ideas:
Quilting and fancy machine stitching-
Pieced blocks. Great way to use up scraps, or leftover lost blocks.
Painted- watercolor pencils, acrylic, or melted crayons. Use permanent markers for outlining if needed.
Pictures. Print on fabric paper- or not. Stitch down the edges to keep them in place. You can also use old greeting cards or vintage pictures the same way.
Bead work- stitch, glue or rhinestone away. You can also use ‘cheater’ beaded fabric.
Misc. stuff. Plastic spiders, Pockets for the kangaroo and hawaiian shirt, silk flowers or leaves, doilies.
Sandpaper (fun), scrapbooking do dads, fancy buttons, plastic canvas. tinsel pipecleaners, tinsy bells.
Embroidery. Stitch it yourself or use machine or even iron on patches. Fussy cut fabric prints, or make your own designs.
Would you like to make your own messenger bag? Check out the shop for the pattern.
AND a Conversation pdf. What is that you ask? Well, It is Vintage style postcards that have been sized for American Girl Dolls. They need to send things to each other don’t they? Sure they do.
The pdf will include 6 postcard sized ‘themed’ pictures. A few stamps, scratch paper template, an envelope template, and to carry all the goods……a messenger bag that she can wear!
If you make a postcard or have done some in the past…leave a comment with a link. we would love to see some more chatting goodies.
Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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you make the postcards seem easy but watch me take 5 trys before I get one good enough to send. In any case, I am in for the postcard swap.
sure. you'll do just fine. that goes for the rest of everyone else too.
hello! my gal at urban craft pointed me your way- i'd love to join the postcard swap fun, too!
How fun–you did a good job on your tutorial! I saw one of mine that I swapped in another group. How fun for me, Oh, I want your lighthouse cards. I love lighthouses.–Did you know that?
And just so you know–past experience speaking, if you use the clear envelopes they will charge you extra postage if you live in Bountiful Utah and some other cities–makes me cranky!!
all very fun and amazing stuff – and even if i don't participate i simply love it!
I went to a workshop 6 days ago and my mind keeps drifting back to fabric postcards. My head is spinning with thoughts of using my fabric, trims, quilt stuff, ribbons etc. to do these cards! I want to retire from work so I can stay home and play all day every day. By I must drag myself to the Middle School and spend my day with the 13 years olds for 2 more years. Your ideas are fabulous! Maybe I will get into the trading too someday.
I went to a workshop 6 days ago and my mind keeps drifting back to fabric postcards. My head is spinning with thoughts of using my fabric, trims, quilt stuff, ribbons etc. to do these cards! I want to retire from work so I can stay home and play all day every day. By I must drag myself to the Middle School and spend my day with the 13 years olds for 2 more years. Your ideas are fabulous! Maybe I will get into the trading too someday.
These postcards are really cute. I worried about them getting schmutzy in the mail though until I saw the plastic envelopes. I can see these being used as Christmas Tree ornaments too. Very clever.
Just love the idea of stitched postcards and would like to follow this.
I found you via Sarah
Just stumbgled across this site, Is it still active and are you taking new sign-ups?
no– this one is closed. but maybe sometime in the future i will do another one.
Your article is full of fun and inspiration! I really enjoyed reading it. I too, love to sew and swap fabric postcards, but I start out a bit larger 4.5 x 6.5, then after all the fusing and embellishments I use a rotary cutter to trim them to 4×6 size. I feel that I get neater edges this way.
I am new to blogging, but maybe you will enjoy my blog dedicated to sewing fabric postcards!
Thanks, ShereeSews
http://sewfabsew.blogspot.com
Thanks Sheree! That’s a great idea to start a bit bigger and then trim down.
These are so great! I’ve never made one. I guess I’m intimidated by them, worried I’ll make a mess!
I love making quilted postcards. I don’t use clear envelopes. I consider any extra ink from the post office an added benefit—–postal art. I like having the actual post mark on my card. I send my postcards to different post offices to get their post marks. Bridal Vale, OR for Valentines Day, etc.
Is your “Conversation PDF” still available? I just came across your post today and would like to make some post cards.
I love fabric postcards! Do you know of any postcard swap groups? Where can one get the clear envelopes? I may use them for some of the cards I’m making. Thank you!
I love making and sending the fabric postcards. however the post office is not happy. I sent them with full postage in a clear sleeve and received most of them back saying I had to pay 39 cents extra as they required hand stamping. so, I took them out of the sleeves and remailed them and they are sure slow at delivering. has the post office slowed that much that it takes up to 10 day for delivery? want to make Christmas postcards but alittle gun shy now with all the issues I have had. (but there were some that were delivered with the sleeves, don’t understand the selective mailings either)
Folks–anything not made of paper is going to be either nonstandard or non-mailable! any type of attachment will make the piece nonmailable. I strongly encourage everyone to put these in an envelope prior to mailing them. Even with an envelope–anything bumpy will cost you extra.