Snail Mail is Alive and Well

With the popularity of digital cards, you wouldn’t think that a paper card would be very popular these days. But people continue to enjoy receiving and sending actual “hold in your hand” notes of friendship, love, and caring.

I recently began offering postcards with designs of my painting, collage work, and stitchery on them. What strikes me is that people are often purchasing these sets as unique gifts with a special person in mind - a mother-in-law; a service person who went the extra mile; good friends; a special teacher. or that neighbor who always takes a minute to smile and wave.

So, what are a few ways to treat someone to these artsy postcards?

• Put some in a gift bag stuffed with colorful tissue, and add a strip of postcards stamps ($.35) in the U.S. along with a colored pen.

• Use inexpensive frames (from Michaels, thrift stores, etc) and turn the postcards into hangable wall art. A cluster of these little gems can even brighten up a desk or bookcase.

• Create a hanging mobile! Glue colored paper to the backs of 5 or more postcards. Punch a hole at the top and string it with yarn, thread or twine. Suspend them at different lengths from a large twig and voila - a unique piece of artwork made by you!

• Send a card a week for ten weeks to that special friend recovering from surgery or illness.

• Or just send someone a card to say, “You are in my heart.” I guarantee you it will brighten their day.

If you’ve got some other ideas, please share!