Q&A for How to Make a Postcard

It doesn't have to be a specific size, you don't even need a stamp box. As long as you put the stamp in the right corner everything is good.

Anything! You have artistic freedom to decorate the front of your postcard if it's blank. You could use markers, stickers, watercolors, etc. Get creative!

If your postcard is larger than the 4" x 6" max size for the US Post Office, the only difference is you need to use first class postage stamp for letters vs. postcard stamps. In 2016, letter postage is 47 cents, whereas the postcard rate is 34 cents. So keeping it 4" x 6" can save you 13 cents per postcard.

No, you don't. However, if the postcard can't be delivered, it won't be returned to you if there is no return address.

Use your postcode instead. If you don't have one, then leave it without one. For more specific instructions, ask your local mailing office or look up mailing instructions for your country online.

Nothing will happen.

Glue it to another piece of paper or card stock. I like to use a stiff paste that is less likely to make the paper buckle from the moisture. To keep it flat, dry it under a paper towel/book stack. (The paper towels will let the moisture "out" while the book will keep the paper flat. You might have to change your paper towels a couple of times if the card is pretty wet.)

Virtually anything goes as long as you remember that your note will not be private. That means it's a good idea to keep the content of your note "safe for work." You could write a few lines describing how you feel about the recipient, write about three interesting things you witnessed that week, or include a cipher puzzle or riddle that you can challenge the recipient to solve. You're essentially only limited by two things here: available card space and your imagination. Have fun with it!

Of course you can. You can make it with whatever you want.

Print the photo you want to use onto card stock in the proper dimensions and cut it out. Depending on the type of printer you use, you may want to seal the ink (once it's dry) with a layer of Mod Podge or other medium, though you might not need to worry if you use a laser printer.

Yes, you can do with it as you wish since it is your postcard.

Typically one postage stamp, unless yours is bigger than the legal dimensions.

Yes. Anything will do. You could try something like a quote or a short and sweet message to whoever you like. Just have fun with it.

Cut the sheet into a 4x6" piece, or, if you like, just cut it in half.

You can write the return address in the upper left corner on the back of the card. You can write in smaller letters than for the message below to help separate the two sections. You could also draw lines to write the return address on, or draw a box around it to keep it separate from the message.

Yes, it's legal, as long as you add a new stamp to mail it. If you are selling the postcards, you have to consider copyright issues.

Either one would be good to use. Just choose the size that works better for you, or the one you think looks best.

This can be hard to determine unless you can find out from the manufacturer of the paper. If you compare it to a greeting card, a photo, an index card, or a purchased postcard, that should give you an idea if it's the right thickness. As long as it feels similar to any of these, it should be fine. If you think it's too thick, just use a regular letter stamp instead of a postcard stamp.

No, that is not necessary.

Remember to use some sort of sealant on top of your artwork if you can! That way your media will be protected when it goes through the mail. Modge podge is good, and you may also want to consider using a self-laminating sheet!

Yes. As long as the address and stamp are located on the same side in the correct area of the card, it really doesn't matter what the rest of the card looks like.

Yes, it can be. Just be sure there is enough room for the address to be clearly written.

Yes, absolutely. If you are using glue, be careful to use a strong enough adhesive and that the glued on pieces stay flat.

You could put it in the text box of the postcard. However, postcards are not required by the post office to be forwarded to a return address.

Not for purposes of mailing a postcard. Stamps are proof that you have paid the post office for postal services. A postcard without a stamp will not be posted. If you are not mailing it, you can draw in a stamp just for fun.

You do not have to have lines for the address--they are only there to help guide you in writing a postcard by hand. If you can do it without the lines, it's fine.