1/16 EDITED- Embroidered Postcard Swap!!

Got a question - do we embroider on top of a card postcard and embellish it or is the postcard made of fabric? And can you use sequins, beads etc or is it 'just' embroidery?

I'm curious about the embroidery...Must it be done by hand or can it be free-motion machine embroidery or programmed machine embroidery?

And why send naked? Wouldn't it get ruined if exposed to weather?

Kathy (aka Clothqueen)

Ok, I will change the swap so that you can send it naked (preferably) or in an envelope.. write on the postcard a little something to your partners.

as for the embroidery, I was thinking just thread (hand sewn or machine sewn or bought pre embroidered) HOWEVER if you want to add sequence, beads, etc.. that sounds like so much FUN!!

I'll update this swap

thanks everyone

I'm all for sending them unprotected. Far from getting "ruined," I see anything the postal service may do to them as adding to the collage effect. I actually save envelopes that got damaged in the and have that postal rubber stamp apologizing for it. It's not ruined, it's assemblage!

So, I'm in, and my postcards will go naked.

Sharon

yeah, I agree with that sharon.. I like how the postcrads get stamped on and a little roughed up while being sent.. gives them character

ok, i am new to embroidery, will someone tell me exactly what type of paper-card is best to embroider on, and if its a post card sent naked, then we only embroider on half so we can write the address on the other half,

i know stupid questions but please help!

:)grin

Noel, I envision it like this: you would take a regular picture postcard such as you would buy when traveling to send to friends (although there are vintage postcards, arty postcards, etc., that could be used, too), then after deciding how you want to embellish it, you poke holes in it with an awl and then you thread your needle and sew. You could just outline some images on the postcard, or you could add an embroidered image, say a daisy, which is a pretty simple embroidery stitch. Of course we want to do creative, interesting things, but that's what I imagine is the gist of it.

As for the address and postage, as long as you leave space where you can make sure the address is clearly visible, and as long as you can affix postage, I don't think you have to leave an entire half of the postcard untouched.

Am I on the same page with others in how I envision this?

you guys can get these super easy cellefane envelopes in packs of 50 at joannes... or buy vellum ones in 10 packs for the same price... and that way your work can be seen by those who pass it in the mail....

ooh thanks a bunch! i can feel a new addiction coming on!!!!!111i googled embroidered postcards yesterday and found mostly super well done intricate vintage things, what u have described sounds much more "do-able", thanks alot! noel

Noel, you are brilliant to actually google the topic to find some examples! Since you pointed out that searching "embroidered postcards" brings up intricate vintage works done during WWI (very impressive -- and intimidating!), I thought I'd try some different search terms and entered "embroidery on cardstock." Turns out there are a lot of sites related to that topic, but they are mostly ones wanting to sell you supplies and stuff. Still, it gets you closer to some ideas that may apply.

Here's one that shows cards made with a combination of collage and stitching. It's not a demo site, but it does offer some cool examples and inspiration: http://www.bunnyworks.com/

Here's a site that has some free patterns and instructions. Even if these aren't your style, it gives some good ideas on one way to go about what they call "embroidery on paper": http://www.cardinspirations-usa.com/demo/demo15.htm

thanks sharon:) alot i went out today and bought a stash of postcards and greeting cards:) huge grin!

I really, really prefer naked exposed postcards. No vellum, no envelope, no baggie, no saran wrap. It is now a rare form of communication, the postcard. Anyone can hand you a card they made. If I wanted an ATC I would have signed up for that. Don't glue buttons on them or anything not flat. Postcards go throught the system and they are stamped to prove it. When I look at them later, the postmark adds to the memory. I am very disappointed when swappers send postcards in envelopes. That's not a postcard. Okay, I said my piece. I guess I feel kind of strongly about this, huh?

Interesting, it doesn't appear that any of the people who posted messages about sending postcards in envelopes of some sort to "protect" them is currently in the swap. So maybe those of us who've actually committed all prefer postcards as POST-cards?

It's the day after the signup deadline and I don't have my partners yet, I thought we got those assigned right after the deadline. Does anyone else have them yet? (admittedly, I only have one card ready to go, so there's no reason for me to be impatient, except that I might like to check profiles before altering the second one, in case there is something I could do that would appeal to that person)

I just emailed Travis about getting our partners assigned - he is pretty good about fixing things once he's aware.

Partners are assigned and I sent mine out today, enjoy :)

southernXpacific and murmel: Your PCs are done and will be mailed on Monday (January 29). murmel, please be aware that it may take several weeks to get to you from Canada.

Tassy, no problem!

hi girls, mine go out in a few days,i will post when that happens is anyone interested in posting photos of the cards they get?

noel

This was fun to make! I think you will be surprised by my cards. Hope you like them as much as I do!

noel: I am willing to try posting here - if I can figure it out!

southernXpacific and murmel: Your PCs are in the mail.

Nicole and Noel - I mailed your postcards today. I am sorry for the lateness but they took longer to make than I thought they would. I hope they reach you safely. I had so much fun making them!

BTW if you can't wait to get them and want a preview, I uploaded a photo. Check out the gallery.

Aly, I think your cards are nice and interesting! I hope my swap partners dont find my cards too strange! I do like them but I dont know if others think that, too.

Murmel, I'm intrigued -- I like strange! Now I hope I am one of the ones you are sending too. If not, I hope the recipients post the images.

I got a delightful card today from Carissat/SouthernxPacific. It's great! Thanks! I'll post an image so others can see it too.

sharon

Tassy, I got your wonderful card, today! I wish I could clone it! It`s marvelous!

Thanks murmel, I'm happy you liked it. I took a photo of both of them but I will wait until the other one has been received before posting.

Aly: Your PCs are absolutely gorgeous! No wonder it took so long to do them! I hope your partners give you 5s anyway, all the work that went into them.

Hi noel: Loved your cute hula card - will try to post it in the gallery (having trouble with it tonite). Thx! Tassy

hi tassy, as you can tell i never did this before, but i think i will make another swap just like this one so i can get some practice:)

thanks for the compliment though,

oooh yes, duh.i never posted that my cards went, hahaha silly noel

girls, my cards came today and they are sooooooooo creative and lovely!!!!!!!!!! thanks a bunch!!!!! i just started another embroidered cards swap, i was inspired by the cards in the gallery so much i MUST do it again!!!!

Hi Nicole: Thanks for the interesting "sesame" PC - a pic is posted in the gallery. T.

I uploaded new photos of the postcards from Murmel and Sharon. Sorry they are so huge.

Aly, thank you for uploading! I think it is funny to see the back of stamps cause usually one do not see it. It was fun to use a transparent surface.