Magazine Page #3 - Handmade Postcard

I just made mine. I ended up with two intresting postcards that were super easy to make. I almost feel like I cheated!

Well, it never hurts to be ahead of the game! I still plan to continue this as a series, I guess you could say. So, there will be more to look forward to! :)

I've glued mine to cardstock with a glue stick, but should I coat it with mod podge or do you think it will be okay through the postal machines?

@shabbypink123 : I usually have not had a problem receiving/sending ones that are backed on cardstock. If you want to add another coat, that is completely up to you. If it's smooth on the cardstock and allowed to adequately dry, it usually won't tear or be stripped when processed.

When you say "no ads," do you mean that we can't use cool advert pages from magazines? I have a few magazines that are usually filled with awesome adverts that I think would be great for this.

That was just referencing ads of adult themes.

Yes, you can use ads from magazines/catalogs, as long as they are tasteful and not controversial. :)

OK, perhaps a dumb question: So I would hand-make the postcard and write on it like I would a store bought postcard? I am new to postcard swaps and don't know how these go... I have seen some really beautiful handmade ones and would love to give this a try.

@JavaJunkie - You will create your postcard from a page of a magazine or part of a magazine page that is trimmed down to about 4" by 6" (does not have to be exact.) There should be a plain back side, as you used a material to strengthen the postcard, make it stiff and sturdy. So, yes, you will write and address the backside to your partner with including this swap's name and your Swapbot name to identify which swap this postcard will pertain to. Then, put a stamp on it and send it in the mail/post! :)

Thanks Retro Jane, I'm signing up right now!

to all you metric people like me, i'm using a sturdy piece of A5 watercolour paper for my PC backing - cut in two. the size is almost spot-on. so it's half an A5, or a quarter of an A4.

to the person who asked abt using a glue stick, i've received PC s like that in pretty bad shape, sadly. by the time they get to australia it might be a mere flap of paper :(

If anyone is interested, there are a few places on line to buy peel and stick postcard backings. I use them all the time, and they work well. One warning, whatever you put on them sticks instantly, so go slow and line up your photo or whatever properly the first time, or you will ruin it. The backing comes off in sections, so you only have to peel off a bit at a time, so it's not as hard as it sounds.

I have my cards made, now I can't wait to see who they will be sent too.

Happy swapping!!

Am I ever having problems. I have made 9 cards already and none of them are worth sending (in my estimation). The paper buckles in a variety of places. I've used several different types of glue and have used one of those rollers and still no luck. I don't know what to do. I'm interested in the peel and stick backing mentioned above by Suzanne69 but it's getting pretty late - have to send tomorrow. Any suggestions?? I have two nice pictures left and and don't want to ruin them also. Help

Bevmac - if you can get it, try spray adhesive. Spray a coat on the back of your magazine page AND a coat on the front of your postcard piece, then smooth them together. It gives a great, smooth bond. Some tips: when attaching them together, use waxed paper under so they don't stick to your work surface; with your magazine paper in both hands, start at one end and lay the left edge down first then smooth to the right as you gently lay the rest of the image down. Best if you attach your papers then trim down to postcard size, if you can. Make sense?

CurlyGirlPress Thanks for suggesting this method - I tried it and it worked perfectly.

Yikes! I was in the same, "down to the wire" situation. I sprinted to Michael's, tried it, and yay! Thank you so much, CurlyGirl Press!

Eek - @sundaeschool and @bevmac I know everyone is their own worst critic, but I was hoping no one would fret over this theme. Glad all worked out though!