Postcards

Postcard-sized pieces of art have become very popular especially for collectors, trades or trying out new techniques whether it be in fiber, paper or mixed media. The little art group I belong to, Odd Tuesday, has been exchanging postcards for about a year now. It's been great fun to see what ideas each of us tries out or often we'll use fabrics or papers that we have created in our get togethers.

A few months back we decided to change things a bit. Instead of trading finished cards we'd exchange 'kits' that would include a postcard base and five items. Of course some of us used the excuse that artists are meant to break the rules, to include more than five items but the idea was/is that we are use some or all of what is presented to us. We all have found it very liberating, reminding us how we can become more creative when we are restricted. You can see our first creations from the '5 things' over on our Odd Tuesday blog.

Do you find you are more or less creative when given restrictions?

Postcard Project

Yesterday I received this beautiful postcard in the mail! It is hand painted by Gretchen Markle of British Columbia. She started her Postcard Project almost one year ago and will mail out a postcard to anyone who signs up. She asks that you send a postcard (handmade or commercial) back to her with a statement of why you like to receive real mail. You have until the end of May to join. Check out the details here at her site.

I have just written my postcard and it will go into the mail today ..... I'm not a painter like Grtechen but I wanted to send a handmade card so decided on tea wrappers since having a cup of tea is part of the joy of receiving mail.

Why do you like to receive real mail? Or NOT receive real mail as Gretchen gives that option! I'd love to hear but so would Gretchen .... go ahead and sign up!

(oops, glad I took a photo of my postcard reply as I see I left out a word ... I've fixed it now on my real card and it hasn't put me over the 50 word limit!)

Postcard Swap

I signed up for 3 Creative Studios' postcard swap with the theme of 'Buried Treasure'. Immediately the treasures of my garden came to mind and the idea of the cycle of buried treasure as the seeds sprout, grow, develop seeds and grow again. I used some of the dill seed that so amazed me this season. I had no idea that dill weed would grow taller than me! And the beautiful flowers were so symmetrical and stunning. I was able to keep with my style of using seeds, tulle and yarns.

Postcard steps: Created background by overlapping fabrics and cutting together so they could be fused to my cards base without added bulk.
Tacked dried flowers in place, sprinkle seeds and cover with tulle. Quilt with clear thread.

To add some recycling to the project I used a cereal box and old file folder for the backs.

Finally, zig zag two rounds of fuzzy yarns. Recipients can give the fuzzies a hair cut if desired! Postcards from the swaps can be seen at 3 Creative Studios Flickr Postcard group.  Fun swap, thanks everyone!