Making a Fabric Post Card

by Cathy Stewart

 

  1. Remember the main rule in making these is to HAVE FUN.  Try a new technique, try adding embellishments like beads or Angelina, use a color that isn’t normally “you”, or use a photo transfer, or Shiva paint sticks.  Play with the design process.
  2. Cut a piece of fabric about 4” x 6”. This will be trimmed later. This is the final size we need for our Creamery show/sale. Yes, these postcards can be mailed as long as they are regulation size, no more than 1/8” thick and have the word “Postcard” on the back at the top.   Postage is generally 39 cents in the USA, 55 Cents for Canada and Mexico and 75 Cents for overseas.  Use the self stick on kind of stamps as they adhere to fabric better and request hand cancellation.
  3. Create the front of your card, using whatever technique(s) you want. Now’s the time to put into play all those things that our drill sergeant taught us about line, shape, colors, balance, etc………… you remember all the rest, don’t you?   If you want to add stitching or embellishments to the front now is the time to do that. Add the fusible to the wrong side of the front at this time.  Follow the fusible instructions for whatever product you chose.
  4. The next step is to add the information to the back of the postcard. I stabilize this back with freezer paper.  It makes it easier to write on with a Pigma pen or permanent gel roller pens.  You could also fuse the layers together and then add your writing, if you prefer.  I also use a stamp to imprint the postcard onto the back.  The post office requires that the word “Postcard” be on the back somewhere.
  5. Fuse the back to the front layer; again follow the fusible maker’s instructions.  Trim the postcard to the size needed.
  6. The next step is to finish the edges, using machine stitching, like a satin stitch or narrow zigzag stitch.
  7. ADMIRE your art work.  Wasn’t it fun to make?

TIPS:  You’re basically making a small quiltlet.

You can use heavy cardstock (paper) for the address side rather than fabric. For the middle, you can use Peltex, Timtex, Fast2Fuse, Wonderunder. Peltex has fusible on both sides called Peltx 72.  I use upholstery stiffner.  The best pen to use is one with pigment ink, like Pigma or permanent gel roller pens.  You can make a 12” x 12” piece and then cut it into 4 postcards.

Here are some web sites with good information/pictures about making fabric postcards.

http://www.art2mail.com/faq.php

http://debrichardson.blogspot.com/2005/09/how-to-make-fabric-postcard-debr-style.html

http://www.postmarkdart.com/index.php

http://dollmakersjourney.com/fabricpostcards.html

http://interweave.richfx.com.edgesuite.net/catalog_interweave/Fiber_Valentines/index.aspx?rfx_passback=Fiberarts magazine

http://www.quiltinartsblog.com/quilting_arts_blog/2006/08/fabric_collage_.html