How to Design Your Own Postcard

There's nothing like a post card.

Designing your own post card is a great way to show someone they are special. To design your own post card, you will need to know a few basic post card guidelines, and you will be on your way to making someone's day.

Things You'll Need

• Regulation weight paper
• Markers
• Scissors
• Computer, optional
• Printer, optional

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the standard layout of a postcard. One side is for the design, while the other side is divided in half with the left side designated for the written message and the right side designated for the recipient's address. The stamp is to be placed in the upper right hand corner above the address.

2. Know that the overall size requirement of a postcard must range between 3-1/2 to 4-1/4 inches in height. The height is measured vertically, perpendicular to address. The width is measured horizontally, parallel to the address and must range between 5- and 6-inches wide.

3. Choose paper that meets standard postcard thickness. The acceptable thickness of the paper must range between .007 and .016 inches.

4. Create a hand-drawn postcard simply by drawing and coloring the design side. Or, use other craft supplies such as tracing stencils or stickers to create a design.

5. Create a computer-generated postcard by using a word processing program of your choice. Create a text box the desired size. Download clip-art images or photos into the text box. Edit, then print.

6. Cut the postcard using scissors or a paper cutter.

7. Write your message, the recipient's address, and adhere the stamp.

Tips & Warnings

• Card stock is a basic heavy-weight paper that works well for post cards. Find it at any office supply store, or in the office section of most department stores.

References

• Post card size regulations
• Post card size regulations