Did you know that you can send any piece of paper as a postcard, as long as the postcard is the right size and has stamps on it? This means you can make your own postcards whenever you want, and means you'll never have to bother buying or looking for a great postcard outside. Read the guide below for how to make great postcards for your friends.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Making the Cards
Step 1. Prepare paper that is thick and hard enough
So that your postcard is not damaged while in transit, use paper that is quite hard and thick like a postcard in general. If you are afraid that the paper you are using is too thin, you can make it thicker by stacking and pasting several of the same paper.
Postcards that comply with Indonesian standards have a minimum thickness of 2 mm and a maximum of 2.5 mm, with a minimum weight of 1.5 grams and a maximum of 3 grams
Step 2. Cut the paper into the appropriate size
Take a ruler, measure the card, then cut the card according to the applicable standard, which is a minimum of 90 x 140 mm and a maximum of 120 x 235 mm (with a tolerance of 2 mm). Be careful when cutting the card, because the corners on your card should form a 90 degree angle. Otherwise, the postcard will not be sent.
Step 3. Draw a center line on the back of the postcard
Once the paper you are using has a postcard standard shape, draw a center line on the back of the postcard. The space to the left of this line will be used to write the message and the sender's address, while the space to the right will be used to write the address of the recipient.
Based on postcard standards in Indonesia, your center line should not be drawn completely from the center of the card. You have to pull it in a 45:75 ratio
Step 4. Draw the address line
On the right and left, draw a line to place the address of the recipient and sender. Then also draw five small boxes on each right and left side for the postal code.
- In addition, don't forget to add the words "Postcard" at the top of the card, "Sender" in the place of the sender's address, and "Recipient" in the place of the recipient's address.
- The position of the postal code box must also comply with applicable standards. For a complete list of postcard standardization in Indonesia, you can see here.
Part 2 of 3: Decorating the Front of a Postcard
Step 1. Prepare the tools
Now is the time for you to use your creativity. Collect tools and objects that you will use to create unique postcards. You can immediately draw on your postcard. But don't limit yourself to just using a pen and pencil. Here are some things you can use to decorate your postcards:
- Cuts from newspapers and/or magazines
- Photo
- Paperboard
- Ink
- Paint
- Tape
- Little trinkets
- glitter
- Glue
Step 2. Decorate the card
Start decorating the card the way you want. You can create your own images and make them look like most postcards, or do something completely different. Here are some interesting ideas:
- Paste a photo, then decorate the rest of the edges with colored cardboard and glitter.
- Draw something original that is relevant to your message and/or friends.
- Cut out letters and words from magazines and then make a collage.
- Use ribbon to make woven shape decorations.
Step 3. Apply the protector
This will keep all the decorations you put on your postcards protected and undamaged, especially if you decorate them with other things instead of just drawing with a pen or pencil. Find a suitable protective liquid and use a brush to cover the surface of your postcard with the liquid, then let it dry for a few hours.
Don't smear the back of your postcard, as that will prevent you from writing on it
Part 3 of 3: Sending Postcards
Step 1. Write down the return address as well as your message
Use the space on the left on the back of your postcard to write down your return address or your full address (along with the postal code) and the message you want to send to the recipient.
You can decorate the back a bit as long as your writing can still be read clearly and does not violate standardization
Step 2. Write down the recipient's address
In the space on the left, write the name and address of the recipient. Make sure you don't forget to enter the postal code.
Step 3. Glue the stamps
Stick the stamp in the top right on the back of the postcard. The cost of postage for postcards is usually less than the cost of postage for regular mail.
Step 4. Submit
Go to the post office or courier and mail your postcard.
