Copying the look and feel of vintage postcards is easy, with the right materials and a little creativity. Transform the once-paper images of the past into wooden postcards for ornaments, gifts, and other decorative choices.
The method behind making the postcards is simple, requiring basic decoupage skills and some power tool knowledge to cut the wooden postcard shapes. A little knowledge regarding cordless drills can help artists create decorative banners or postcard garlands for display.
Materials Needed:
- one sheet wood paneling
- one bandsaw
- pencil
- measuring tape
- black or white craft paint
- paint brush
- copyright-free postcards (print to size)
- computer
- color printer
- white printing paper or cardstock
- clear-drying craft glue
- glue
- glitter
- calligraphy pen
- used postal stamps
Cutting the Postcards
A 1/4 inch thick sheet of wood paneling is sturdy enough for making wooden postcards, yet light enough to create Christmas ornaments or garlands that won't snap their decorative cords. Purchase from a lumber store or home improvement venue where sheets are available; have the store pre-cut the sheet into a more manageable size.
Trace the size and shape desired for each postcard onto the sheet, then follow the pencil guidelines using a bandsaw. Bandsaws are designed especially for small-shape cutting and thin materials, making it a good choice for cutting simple wooden rectangles.
Crafters should go slowly to avoid accidentally cutting off corners (or a few fingers instead). Gently sand each postcard to remove splinters and rough edges.
Applying Vintage Images
Copyright-free vintage cards are available for free through online sites offering the images, or for purchase in reprinted editions especially designed for crafters by Dover Publications and other companies.
Print the images to size for the postcards, using digital image editing software to modify the length and width of the cards. Print slightly smaller than the wooden postcard's size to leave a small margin around the edges for trim.
Making the Postcard:
- Paint the wooden postcard surface with a light coat of black or white craft paint.
- Once the paint is dry, smear the surface with a generous layer of glue and carefully apply the image. Use a straight edge or spatula to smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles below the paper surface.
- Spread a generous layer of glue over the image itself, working quickly in short strokes to avoid smearing the color ink.
- Let the image dry completely before highlighting any details or striking features with a thin line of craft glue and a sprinkle of glitter.
Finishing the Postcards
On the back of the postcard, use a calligraphy pen to inscribe a postcard "message" and caption. Glue an old letter stamp in the corner to add a touch of authenticity, tracing the canceled postmark onto the wood using a fine calligraphy tip.
Decorate the edges of the postcard with fabric braid, rick rack, or other types of craft trim. Drill holes in each of the postcard's upper corners to string them together and make a holiday chain or garland, or hang them individually as holiday ornaments.
Sarah Briggs - For the last two years, I have designed primitive dolls and folk art sculptures (such as Edwin Drood and the Ghost of Marley) for Cordwood ...
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