Quick answer
Use postcards as affordable, personal materials for wall art, gift tags, journaling, and custom stationery. These projects turn a simple card into a meaningful keepsake.
Why postcards work for crafting and gifting
Postcards are compact, sturdy, and often feature beautiful artwork or thoughtful messages. Their size makes them easy to frame, mail, or incorporate into larger projects without bulk. Because they are inexpensive, you can experiment freely without worrying about waste.
Choosing the right postcards for your project
Look for postcards with high-quality cardstock that can withstand glue, tape, or slight bending. Sets like eeBoo's Give Voice Postcards combine artistic design with meaningful civic themes, making them especially suited for gifts or educational crafts. Avoid cards with glossy finishes if you plan to write or stamp on them, as ink may smear.
Step-by-step postcard projects
- Create a gallery wall: Select a few postcards with complementary colors or themes. Frame them in identical or matching frames and arrange them in a grid or salon style on a wall. Use removable adhesive strips to avoid damaging the cards. A common mistake is overcrowding the wall. Leave at least two inches between frames for a clean look.
- Turn postcards into gift tags: Cut a postcard into smaller rectangles or use a punch to create shapes. Punch a hole in one corner, thread a ribbon or string through, and attach it to a gift. The sturdy cardstock holds up well against tape or tying. Avoid cutting through the main image if you want to keep the artwork intact. Use the blank back for the tag.
- Make a custom journal or scrapbook: Use postcards as covers for a handmade journal or as decorative pages in a scrapbook. Glue two postcards back-to-back to form a stiff cover, then bind with rings or stitch pages inside. The flat surface works well for writing or pasting photos. Check that the postcards are acid-free if you plan to keep the journal for years. Most art postcards are, but budget cards may yellow over time.
- Send a surprise note: Write a short, personal message on the back of a postcard and mail it to a friend or family member. Choose a card with a design that reflects the recipient's interests or a shared memory. The small space forces you to be concise and heartfelt. A common mistake is forgetting to leave room for the address and stamp. Write the message first, then add the address on the left side.
- Use postcards as bookmarks or place cards: Slide a postcard between book pages as a decorative bookmark, or fold it in half to create a tent-style place card for a dinner table. Write the guest's name on one side. The card's thickness keeps it from bending easily. Avoid folding a postcard with a delicate print, as the crease may crack the image. Use a card with a simple design for folding.
Product spotlight
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Give Voice Postcards: This postcard set features artwork and messages about democracy, including how cities, states, and Congress work together to make decisions. The civic theme makes these postcards ideal for thoughtful gifts, classroom activities, or projects that encourage conversation about community and government.
Give Voice Postcards
