For Week #48 snail mail, I was excited to try and make a clear postcard. Also known as a packing tape postcard.  Originally, I found this post via my Pinterest search.  I also found several other variations of a clear postcard- you can see them here.  For my version, I made a Christmas-inspired clear postcard and mailed away to my nephew.  I hope he loves it.  It was super simple to make; keep reading for the DIY steps for this kid-and-adult-friendly art project.

The basic concept of the project is: find packing tape, find magazines and other fun scraps of paper, twine, glitter, etc; cover with tape and mail.  Easy, right? The back side (pictured above) has the address , stamp and Christmas-y items. The front side of the postcard includes a handwritten note and more holiday graphics.

Quick and Easy Steps to Make Your Own:

1. Gather Supplies
   • magazines, wrapping paper, scrap paper, junk mail, twine, glitter
   • Clear packing tape
   • Pens, markers, scissors, paper punch, washi tape

2.  Use tape to mark outline of a 4x6 postcard on your work surface (should not be paper or another surface that will rip when placing packing tape over it).  If you wish to make a larger postcard, you may, but postage will be more than .34 cents. Check USPS.com for specifics on postcard sizes.

3.  Layout the design of the backside of postcard like so (above photo)- include your recipient’s name and address.  NOTE:DO NOT place stamp between packing tape- place on outside of tape to ensure your mail will be delivered! This will be the very last step.

4.  Once your backside is complete, cover with packing tape. I used 3 strips, each slightly longer than 6 inches, so there is overhang.  You will trim your edges at the end.  Peel up tape, flip over and lay back on surface.

5.  Design the frontside of your postcard.  Once complete, add 3 more strips of packing tape over frontside.

6.  Trim edges with scissors.  If you wish, you may add washi tape, or another decorative tape, to edges of your postcard.

7.  Don’t forget the stamp on the upper, right-hand-side of the backside (with address).  Postcards stamps are only .34 cents, but I used a forever stamp to stick with my Christmas theme.

8. Place in mailbox and hope you get one in return. :)

Pretty easy, right?  I had so much fun I may have to send out a few more.  Now it’s your turn. Round up your crafting goods and make one now!

All Photos via Designs By Jolene

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