NRB: USA - Make a Postcard!

This is an art swap based on my Make + Mail 5 Postcards challenge, without the higher requirements.

Please do not comment on any swaps. SB does NOT alert hosts. Message us directly!

Make 1 postcard, send it to 1 person. USA only.

Postcards are NOT profile-based, so you can have made them at any time. Please, no "sticker-slapping" (that's when someone covers a piece of cardstock with stickers.)

Has anyone seen the iHanna annual postcard swap? iHanna has a LOT of free videos on Youtube regarding making your own postcards. You can paint, draw, collage, etc.

Send it 'naked' which means they will be postmarked. Postage for a postcard is lower than normal Forever stamps.

Consider sending a short message on the postcard, like what you used to make the card, aesthetic or inspiration, or even a Top 5 Fave Books or Songs list!

There ARE some rules!

USPS says a postcard is: - at least 3-1/2 inches high x 5 inches long x 0.007 inch thick - MAXIMUM SIZE: No more than 4-1/4 inches high x 6 inches long x 0.016 inches thick.

The front is art. Please include your Swapbot name / artist signature. The back is space to write and put the address + stamp on it.

You also must make sure that the postcard is machineable. No tiny pieces of collage not fully glued down, no stickers or washi flaking off or pulling up at the edges, etc. It is a good idea to seal down all stickers by either taping the front with clear tape or at least seal the edges. THIS IS IMPORTANT. I've gotten postcards that have clearly had the embellishments or decoration ripped off because this step was not followed.

There is a tutorial in the blog on my profile page. There are also lots of videos on it.

Encouragement:

This is a handmade swap but you don't have to have some kind of Special Talent to do it! Look up videos on decorating your own postcards. It's surprisingly easy. You can make this as simple or complex as you like.

Since the project might take thought, getting stuff together, have to be made between 'life stuff', etc. they can be made ahead. It might be a good idea to message your partner when you send your mail. I don't think SB alerts people when the "sent" button is clicked.

Try your best! Send the item to your partner. Include your name. Like Neil Gaiman said, "make good art." Any art that is made is good art.

When you get an item, remember that the other person probably also did their best. Their best may not be the same as your skill level. Please rate well.

Remember that all responses should be on positive aspects of art received: did you like the colour palette used? Do you recognise a camera-related visual effect, like the 'rule of 3s'? Let the artist know!

This swap assumes that you have not, in fact, been doing ANY of this stuff for years.

Have fun! Make mistakes! Get messy! And then mail the item out!