The last batch of mixed-media postcards were a good beginning. Having fixed the concept, I began to work on details. Still exploring, still making mistakes, but getting better at identifying them.
After making the pink/yellow/orange one:
I decided it needed more. I added quotes from Plutarch (“Nature and wisdom never are at strife”) and one from Toni Morrison (“If you surrender to the wind, you can ride it”) and one from J. Petit Senn (“Happiness is whwere we fine it, but rarely where we seek it.”) After that, I added design in gel pen and then framed it in copper tape. I think that was one step too far, but it was good practice in framing with copper tape, the kind stained glass artists use. I love the effect, even it was a little too much here. It can add a spark of color or a bit of steampunk, depending on the postcard.
Moving on to other unlikely materials,
this postcard is made on a tag base, uses book pages, black paper and cheesecloth. I love the effect. It’s not done yet, but so far, the stitching works well. Thanks, Rosaland of Soulful Creating, for telling me about stitching over the edge.
I had some handmade paper with flower inclusions left from paper-making days,
so that became grist for the mill. Derwent Inktense pencils for the circles, and washi tape for the edging. I’m starting to pay attention to the finishing details now. In fact, the other side of this card is a different paper,
and uses a different tape for finishing. All of these cards will eventually have writing on the back that relates to the front. And my rule is that they must all be sent to make them real postcards.
I had some embossed foil in plain silver. Using Copic markers (alcohol markers) I colored the floral embossing, attached the foil to a card-stock backing with fusible webbing, and added a copper foil edge.
The edge doesn’t photograph well, (there are no black marks along the top, I think it’s a ceiling fan reflection) but it looks appropriate. It’s difficult to get right, as I have a well-known inability to get things perfect straight. I’m not sure all four sides need to be exactly even, but edging the postcards is almost always a must, so I will also try edging them in marker and bias tape.
This one is the beginning of a frame. I don’t know what’s going to go into the middle yet, but the hem tape and decorative touches make it look almost Victorian. It’s 4 inches 6 inches, so I’ll have to watch the proportion.
Remember I said I had a postcard that needed a zipper? Here it is. “I’itoi unzips the sky at morning.”
There are other zipper cards coming. I want to attach two cards using a zipper that separates. But first I’m enjoying this one.
—Quinn McDonald is a creativity coach and writer whose art combines words and images. Her book, “Raw Art Journaling: Making Meaning, Making Art” will be published by North Light Books in July of 2011.
QuinnCreative 
Thank you for sharing all your creations.I have some here that could go to yiur project, I will put all the art postcards for you to share in an envelope and they can get mailed to you with a note for Bob to do that. Can there be some with photographs. There would be some of those here. Good night. Thank you for everything.
Of course, you can just drop ’em in the mail yourself. Photographs are welcome.
I’m happy that we will be able to continue this locally, Quinn. I love brightening the days of other people by sharing some art and kind words/thoughts. I know the cards will be appreciated by all who receive them.
There is no shortage of people in need, Lynn, for sure!
LOVE all of the postcards Quinn! I love all the finished details and variety.
What is the deadline for the cards? I would love to make some but life has gotten in the way and I haven’t been able to focus on my art lately but I’d love to participate.
Participate any time. I’m beginning a relationship that will welcome cards when they come. The program will remain open as long as the children in Japan are homeless and fearful. When the work is done there, I’ll move to homeless shelters and shelters for battered women in Phoenix. But we are still in Japan right now.
These are amazing! I love the one with the zipper and also the one that has the black paper behind the cheescloth, love your use of unusual items as I do that myself. I love reusing and upcycling junque!
These cards are great. Love the zipper and your use of bright colors inside it!
I mailed my first envelope of cards for Japan yesterday so you should get them in the next day or so. I’m working on more.
YAY! Thanks for the cards. I love seeing them and yours are always special!
The zipper card is amazing! What a cool idea! LOVE it! Hey, I hope there will be someone to translate the cards when they are mailed as my classes of kids don’t speak Japanese and neither do it… ok, a few words, but I never learned to write it! So, we’ll see how a bunch of little ones do with postcards this morning!
Don’t worry about using English. Kids in Japan learn English, but far more important, it’s the art that heals the heart.