How to Repurpose Postcards

Picture postcards have a long, rich history going back to the mid 1800's. Even now, when so much long distance personal communication happens electronically, people are still manufacturing, buying and sending postcards with all manner of images. Why communicate by postcard? Because it's traditional, sentimental, economical, creative, ironic and/or cool. But why use only brand new postcards? There are plenty of vintage, veteran and would-be classic postcards within easy reach. Just because it's old or previously used shouldn't prevent you from using it again.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Postcards and postcard-shaped things from all eras and sources
• Scissors AND/OR sharp blade
• Large sheets of adhesive paper OR regular paper and glue

1. Collect already-sent postcards. They could be recent reminders from your dentist or favorite charity. They could be antiques from a yard sale or a shoebox in the attic. If the image on the reverse is interesting enough, it doesn't matter why or from whom the card was originally sent.

2. Determine whether you want to alter these cards and send them to someone else. If they have a sentimental or historical message, obviously you should hang onto them. If you'd rather put them on a bulletin board or frame them for your wall, that's okay, too.

3. Once you've chosen the cards you want to reuse, cover the back completely with paper. Cut the paper to just a little bigger than postcard size. Adhesive paper, the kind sold as mailing labels for large envelopes or boxes, is ideal for this project. It might also be more expensive than paper and glue, which is a perfectly acceptable (although slightly messy) option.

4. Now that you've put a new backing on your postcard, can you see through it? Is the previous content still visible? If so, repeat Step 3. After all, you want the message on your repurposed postcard to be readable.

5. Once your new backing is attached, trim any overhanging edges so that it won't catch on things and peel off. Trim along the edges of the postcard without cutting into it.

6. Write a message on your postcard and mail it off to its lucky recipient!

Tips & Warnings

• The standard size for postcards is roughly 4.25" x 6". If your cards are much bigger than that, they may require additional postage.
• Some of the original content, such as a photo caption or written message, might be worth keeping. That means you won't be resurfacing the entire postcard. If you're not careful about how you do this, the rest of your covering might start to peel off with too much handling.
• When writing on your repurposed postcard, don't press too hard. Extra layers of paper will make a softer writing surface that pens and pencils may bite into.