EPUSA: I have never made…#1

LOL generally I dont seal. I glue, glue, glue. LOL gggggggggllllllllllluuuuuuuuuuuuuueeeeeeeeeee. LOL

ONE of my favie ways to send a postcard if has bulky elements that is too impossible for complete safe glue adhesion is to put the postcard in a clear cello sleeve with the addy on the postcard and the stamp on the outside. Thats cool while complete protection.

Haha- I am totally in agreement with @kittyhahahotbot on every point. I love making handmade postcards!

is this a swap-bot form of the "never have i ever" game? cute...

If you’re not allowing the cello sleeves or envelopes, I highly recommend using either a decoupage medium, or the heavyweight mod podges for a sealer. Right now, I’m using the “dishwasher safe” mod podge (with teal blue label). You may have to be heavy-handed and apply it thicker over some parts of the card, then let it dry a couple days before mailing. Oh, and it may also smear the design when applied, depending on your art mediums used. In those instances, I either use a clear spray sealer or a wide sponge applicator to daube it on quickly rather than brush over the design. This way gives the card a different, but sorta fun texture too.

Whatever you do, AVOID using clear packing tape unless you know how to burnish it well AND trim against the edges of the card, leaving no loose flaps hanging off. My mail carrier actually told me our Post Master HATES packing tape because it mucks up the machines, leaves a residue on the feeders, and causes mail to be torn to bits. ESPECIALLY POST CARDS! They’re not fond of poorly applied stickers for the same reasons too.

Wow! I love all the tips and tricks. Thanks for commenting. (Hibiscus) Lol to your comment. 🥰😂

You should be aware that in addition to length and width limitations, there is also a thickness limit of approximately two index cards. Therefore, if you have bulky elements on your card, use either a first class stamp or non-machinable stamp.

I have made a few postcards in the past; never sealed them but I didn't have anything glued on as I drew or painted them...not sure what I'll do this time...!!

I have a bunch of different sealants. I use matte gel medium the most it’s the lightest and least glossy. Sometimes I like a thicker glaze and I want to have a thick layer then a use heavy gloss.

I always put mine in clear sleeves that I have either purchased or reuse from the postage, I purchase, from the USPS. I pretty muchch have to do that as we live remote and the mail bags get left out in the rain and snow. I use fabric tac and glitter glue as they are reliable for sticking most things. Stay safe and healthy! Hugs from Alaska, Sherry

Such great insights coming from experienced crafters at this. I’m even struggling with an idea to get me started. Can’t get my mojo going! 😂 My desk looked awful yesterday with trying and tossing and trying again.

I also recommend modge podge and I've been using Krylon spray recently after finding this YT video where the crafter uses it and I have had no issues. I can barely tell there's a sheen on the postcard and it works like a charm. I've used matte finish and clear glaze. Worth a try if you have it.

this video

xxMuggleMom

YOU CAN MAIL ANYTHING IN PLASTIC. LOL

I'VE BEEN SENDING AND RCVING IN PLASTIC FOR YEARS.

IF YOUR POSTOFFICE SAYS NO ITS ONLY B/C IT IS NEW TO THEM. EACH POSTOFFICE IS DIFFERENT EVEN THO THE RULES AND REGS ARE THE SAME IN THE USA. I WILL MAIL A P.C TO ANYONE WHO HAS NEVER EXPERIENCED THE COOLNESS OF A POSTCARD UNDER PLASTIC. lolololol

LOL I ONCE MAILED A 2OUNCE ENVIE TO CANADA FROM A POST OFFICE I'VE NEVER BEEN TO BEFORE. CLERK TOLD ME ADD ANOTHER STAMP. I SAID CANADA IS 2OUNCES. THEY SAID NO. I KINDLY THEY LOOK IT UP. VIOLA 2 OUNCES.

IF THE PLASTICK SLEEVE IS TIGHT AS A 2ND SKIN NO ADD'L POSTAGE REQUIRED. IF YOU ARE TAPING AND THERE IS A SMIDGE OF ADDED THICKNESS JUST BEST TO ADD A ADD'L OUNCE STAMP.

LOL AND THINKING ABOUT IT THE COOLEST THING I MAILED IN PLACTICK WAS A STYROFOAM HEAD!

A INCOMPLETE LIST OF ITEMS I'VE MAILED WITHOUT PLASTICK LOL: A FULL SIZED PINK PIGGY BANK, A FULL SIZED FOOT, FULL SIZED HANDS, SMALLER YELLOW PIGGIES, A FULL SIZED PINK PUMPKIN, ROLLS OF ADDING MACHINE PAPER, A FULLED SIZED RUBBER CHICKEN, AND MORE. LOLOLOLOL

@mugglemom Thank you for sharing the video that you use. I’ve used the krylon spray for decades and it’s always done the job for things that are already well adhered.

As far as the brush/daube on mediums to seal stuff though, I’ve used decoupage mediums by americana, gorilla, and beacon brands. My personal fave is beacon’s fast finish découpage sealer because it’s a very watery, light liquid that soaks into papers well. In fact, I used it to adhere Japanese washi to the tiny glass windows next to my front door, so we’d have more privacy 13 years ago. It’s still on there perfectly!

Anyway, I didn’t want to name-drop since I’m not really a brand conscious crafter, just sharing my positive experience with beacon.

I’m happy to send links to the clear cello self-sealing sleeves I buy too. My PO has never refused to mail them. They’re REQUIRED to have the same postage rate as a regular first class envelope though. I’ve never been able to send them at the postcard rate from here (FL), but I certainly have received postcards in sleeves with postcard stamps on the outside.

That just confirms the notion that every PO is different. My guess is it’s up to the Postmaster and then everyone else working for them just follows suit - even if it’s not in accordance with the federal regulations. 🙄

You are all posting such wonderful ideas. Your experiences with mailing have been so helpful. It is so appreciated. I’ve said it before, what a great group of super crafters! 🥰

I prefer my postcard naked. If sent in an cello envelope it's a 4x6 journal page. I want postmark on it. I've been doing this for years with a postcard stamp. The goal is to make it flat as possible. I've also used fabric on them with lots of glue, in fact a lady just received one in Germany, granted it's an international stamp if mailed outside us. But I did not put it in a bag.

Mod podge sometimes is too heavy for delicate work. I sent you a PM. I personally use a varnish, but you can always protect your work with laminate paper. https://www.duckbrand.com/products/shelf-liner-bath/adhesive-shelf-liner/clear-12-in-x-10-ft

thanks for all the tips!