Make Your Own Postcard

Postcards have been used as an efficient way to send messages to loved ones since the 1840s. Whether mailed from a faraway place while on vacation or sent as a quick pick-me-up, postcards are an easy way to show someone that you are thinking of them. Using the template provided, you can print out your own postcard and decorate the front in whatever creative way you desire.

Supplies:

  • Colored pencils, crayons, or markers
  • Decoration supplies
  • Glue
  • Pencil
  • 1 piece of blank 8.5” x 11” (21.5 x 28 cm) paper
  • 1 postage stamp
  • Printer
  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • 1 thin cardboard box (i.e. cereal box)

Directions:

  1. Download and print out the postcard template provided on blank 8.5” x 11” paper.
  2. On the left side of the vertical bar, write your message to the recipient. On the three horizontal lines, write the address of the recipient. Remember, postcards do not require return addresses like letters do.
  3. Glue template to the thin cardboard. If you're using a cereal box, make sure you glue the back of your template to the outside of the cardboard.
  4. Cut out the cardboard and template along the thick black line.
  5. Create a picture for the recipient to enjoy on the cardboard side of your new postcard. Be creative! Magazines provide excellent images and words for collage, as do used postage stamps or newspapers. Print off an image that has special meaning to the recipient and glue it to the postcard, or try your hand at calligraphy for a beautifully graphic message!
  6. Attach a stamp on the rectangular box (printed side of postcard template) and drop in your local collection mailbox.

postcard outline

Download Template