How to Use Postcards for Decorating

Postcards are naturals for decorating. Their vivid colors and manageable size present a myriad of possibilities. If the postcard Aunt Nellie sent you from Paris sits on the kitchen table for two months because it’s just too pretty to throw away or if you’ve been attracted to a batch of old Halloween postcards at your local antique mall, you’ve got the basics for some decorating fun. And once guests see your appreciation for postcards, you’ll be sure of receiving a steady supply in the future.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Select three postcards which share a common element. For example, perhaps you have three postcards showing Paris landmarks, three postcards with photographs of famous gardens from around the world or three postcards showing children in their local dress. Frame each of these individually using a large mat. Hang vertically for the best impact, leaving only about an inch between each.

2. Measure the top of your coffee table. Buy a piece of quarter-inch-thick glass finished on the edges. Lay out postcards in an attractive arrangement, securing them with a piece of double-stick masking tape that won’t mar the surface of your table. Place the glass on top. This treatment works particularly well for postcards you’ve picked up on your vacation; you can enjoy them until your next adventure. Alternately, you might use this same treatment on a buffet top or bedside nightstand.

3. Choose a half-dozen old holiday postcards; these are readily available at antique malls and flea markets. Buy a yard of wide ribbon in a coordinating color. Tape the postcards onto the ribbon with double-stick masking tape. Hang the postcard-loaded ribbon with a thumbtack. You might look for New Year’s postcards as these are fairly easy to find.

4. Make a postcard-centered collage. Choose an oversize postcard for the center of the collage. Surround the postcard with smaller items relating to the city or country it represents. For example, you might include some small photos, ticket stubs and other paper ephemera. Paint a frame to pick up a predominant color in the postcard.

5. Create some attractive placemats by gluing postcards onto poster board. First lay out the postcards in the size and pattern you want. If you are using postcards horizontally, you’ll probably need nine postcards, three across by three down. If you are using postcards with a vertical design, you’ll probably want eight: four across and two down. Once the glue has dried thoroughly, use clear Contact paper or a similar product to cover both sides of the placemats.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask friends and family to pick up postcards for you on their travels.

Resources

• Source for clear contact paper