Thursday, August 13, 2009

Postcard backs and this week's doodle



This week's creative prompt word is house. Here is my response.

How do you make your postcard backs? Up until now I have used cotton on which I have transferred text using various methods such as the use of T shirt transfer paper, printing directly onto the fabric as well as some photocopy transfer techniques. While these all get the job done they can be time consuming and at times, expensive methods. I like the backs to be neat, tidy and legible, something I don't always achieve when I do it by hand.
While attending this year's Grand National quilt show (all postcards), I noticed that several artist's were actually using some form of paper on the backs of their cards so I began playing with the idea of printing on card stock. It works great but since printer inks will run and bleed when they get wet you need to take it a step further cause you can't always count on the mail staying dry. You can do several things, one is to simply make your finished card it's own clear envelope............I cut the "zip" off a zip lock sandwich bag, it is the perfect size to slip the card into and tape closed after you have had the stamp hand canceled, I checked with the postal outlet and was told this was a quite acceptable way to post these. If you don't want to do that you can photocopy on card stock ( photocopies don't run) I checked with Staples to be sure this could be done at the self serve copiers and they assured me this was no problem. Using my computer I created the back you see here complete with my "signature" initials.
Two fit nicely on a standard 8.5"x 11" sheet, just think of the possibilities.

Doodles that I had previously printed were made into cards this week. I think most, if not all of my prompt doodles will become postcards.....might be some giveaways in the future.
I played with paints and inks on both the foot (journey) and bee (queen), I like this look much better than the colour pencil.
I love to do free motion stitching so the postcards make a great excuse to sit and play. A hot dry iron and some fusible web was used to secure the back of the card then I stitched as I would normally. Take care not to stitch too densely.

8 comments:

Bunny said...

I love your postcards they are amazing. Your free motion stitching is wonderful. I would be honoured to receive one of these cards.

Sherri said...

I shouldn't have peeked at your blog today! I plan to do a birdhouse too!

ooglebloops said...

Love the way you did the roof on the birdhouse!! Those postcards are fabulous!!

Dorothy Vaughan said...

Your doodle art is amazing....I love the birdhouse with the little bird on top.

Finishing Lines by K.Sperino said...

Your cards are real gems. The birdhouse is my favorite of your doodles. Thanks for inspiring me to work on the prompts!:)

Debra Dixon said...

Great to see that your doodles became postcards so quickly! They are great doodles; more than just doodles, really!

Diane J. Evans said...

Oh, Jill, you've done it again -- these postcards are so inspiring. What kind of paint and ink did you use to color the images? And did you print them from your computer onto the fabric? I simply HAVE to try this technique -- it's a great way to make a beautiful art card and be able to focus on the stitching!

Diane

comicbooklady said...

Absolutely gorgeous postcards!!!the one I sent you...send it back, it's not good enough!

Copyright Jill Buckley