Whether your summer travel plans involve a trip across country or a tour of the Greek Isles, chances are likely that you will buy a stack of postcards.
Postcards capture a moment in time, reminding us of the place where we caught the perfect wave, swam with the dolphins or tried our first merlot.
Incorporating them into your home decor is simple, and because of their small size, they blend into any setting without overpowering larger pieces.
Selecting postcards for display? Aim for a mix. The handful you brought back from Acapulco will complement one the neighbor sent from her Alaskan cruise.
To make things a bit more interesting, consider displaying the back of a few as well. Cards with distinctive postmarks or unusual stamps can enhance a grouped arrangement and help break up the composition.
For a themed look, edit by subject matter. A few possibilities include annual trips to Maine, wine country tours through Napa Valley, or family jaunts to the beach.
If wall space is limited, try spreading postcards on a coffee table or inside a rimmed tray, and cover with glass.
For the bookshelf in need of a makeover, line the inside with recycled maps and postcards using decoupage adhesive. T he decoupage method, a playful alternative to paint and wallpaper, allows you to customize your design.
Glass jars filled with colorful postcards make an instant centerpiece.
Need a gift for the globetrotter in your life? Add a personal touch to a blank journal by wrapping the front with patterned paper. Attach a favorite postcard to the cover, and embellish with a tag, ribbon or buttons.
Or think of postcards in terms of culinary inspiration. That image of the Alamo might spark ideas for a Tex-Mex dinner.
Tips and tricks
Round out your postcard collection by searching flea markets, estate sales or online auctions.
Buying items in bulk is a good way to save money. (Postcards sold individually are frequently geared toward collectors seeking rare pieces at a higher price point.) You can often negotiate with sellers on cards with slight damage.
Pieces that show a bit of wear and tear should not be overlooked. Their appearance indicates a certain appreciation as they have been passed around, handled and viewed by many.
Postcard tray
Materials:
Decorative tray (unfinished wooden tray, lacquered tray, or woven rattan-type tray)
Acrylic primer (such as gesso)
