Found poetry postcards - due April 28th

What is found poetry?

Single words and short phrases of text, cut from a variety of sources and arranged in any way that pleases you, to create a sort of poem.

(define poem however you wish)

How to use this in a postcard?

Create a background in any style you like, using any techniques and supplies you like.  Cut out actual text  (no fair composing something yourself and printing it out on the computer or incorporating your own words into digital art) and adhere it to your background.

Alternately,  use a single page of text and cover up most of it, leaving only a few words or phrases exposed, so that those words/phrases create a poem.

Search for found poetry in Google Images and you'll see lots of examples.

Swap details:

• Create a postcard that featuring a variety of found text, arranged loosely into a poem. The background of your postcard can be created in any style, technique or medium.  The text must actually be clipped from somewhere.

• you many submit as many as four cards  (you will get back the same number you send)

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

• attach the proper postage to your postcard (see below for postal guidelines).  If you don’t have any stamps and it’s difficult for you to get some, go ahead and send me money instead.  You can stick cash in the envelope, or send it to me via paypal (iamrushmore@gmail.com)

• 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 found poetry” 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. 

• Add a note for your partner.  You could share something about yourself, or describe how you made your postcard, or talk about the map you used, or share a favorite quote or joke.

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

Postage and Card Size
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) your card cannot be bigger than 4 x 6 inches, and it must be thin and flexible.  A 4x6 card that is thick, lumpy or doesn't bend, needs more postage·        

• Please Note:  If you have some of those old “Apple” stamps, you need an additional one cent stamp.  If you have some of those old “Aloha” stamps, you need an additional two cent stamp.

• 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 April 28th (I don’t need to receive them by the 28th, they need to be postmarked by the 28th.)

Karen Isaacson
PO Box 532
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
United States