Grid postcards – Due February 24th

There is a part of my brain that LOVES order and organization.  (which is why I absolutely love hosting these swaps.  You should see the spreadsheets I keep!  Total organization nerd.)

Most of the time my art is loose and free-form and kind of messy, but sometimes I just crave order, and you can’t beat a grid for reigning in my messy tendencies.

For this swap, start with a basic rectangle or square base, and divide it into equal sized segments. It doesn’t have to be perfectly even or symmetrical.  If you can’t stand order, you can make some of your squares bigger than others and still have the look of a grid.

 I’m thinking at least six parts because less than that just doesn’t feel grid-like to me. You’re not limited to six - you can make your grid have as many squares as you want.

Fill each square however you like.

I did a cool swap that involved cutting up a single picture into one inch squares and rearranging them into a grid:

Maybe you do a monochromatic grid, searching your art stash for as many different materials in the same color family. 

Good heavens, I’ve got a lot of gird ideas.  I could go on all night, but I’m going to let you run with this one.

Swap details:

• create postcard-sized art (any dimensions) featuring some type of grid.  All styles of art are welcome -you do not need to create collages or mixed media pieces.  Feel free to draw, paint, sew, sculpt, digitize, but keep in mind the postcard will be sent to your partner without an envelope.

• make as many cards as you like - you will get back the same number you send

• if you're sending me more than one, please make sure you insert waxed paper or parchment in between the cards so they don't get stuck together in the envelope

• write “MMSA grid” on the back of your card to remind your recipient why they are receiving this wonderful work of art in the mail

• write your return address on the back of the postcard (in case of postal delivery problems) and your email address so the recipient can thank you.  Consider adding a note or favorite quote for your partner.

• include an address label for each card you create
  (I will attach them to the cards I mail back to you)

• New for 2014: when including postage, go ahead and stick the stamp on the postcard.  You no longer need to send it loose in the envelope. (if you don’t have stamps, you can still send me cash, or send me postal money via paypal) 

• international swappers are welcome - the postage cost is $1.15 per card (paypal account is iamrushmore@gmail.com)

Postage and Card Size
Postal rates go up January 26th!
You are welcome to make any size postcard you want, but please pay attention to the following postal guidelines

• In order to use the postcard rate ($.34 as of January 26th) your card cannot be bigger than 4.25 x 6 inches, and it must be thin and flexible.  A 4x6 card that is thick, lumpy or doesn't bend, needs more postage than one of those "apple" stamps
• If your card is a rectangle bigger than a postcard, but still flat and flexible, a regular "forever" ($.49 ) stamp is what you need.
• If your card is an unusual shape (square, round) or is flexible but has some lumpy embellishments it will probably cost you the "non machinable" rate of $.70
• If your card doesn't bend at all, the post office considers it a package and you should go get it weighed to figure out the proper postage.

You can find all the postal specifications (and a handy postage calculator) here:  http://postcalc.usps.gov/

Mail your cards no later than  February 24^th (I don’t need to receive them by the 24th, they need to be postmarked by the 24th)

Karen Isaacson
PO Box 532
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
United States