Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Paint chip postcards – Due October 6th



 You know those free color swatches you can pick up at any hardware or home improvement store in the paint aisle?
 


We’re going to use them to make postcard art!





I’m leaving the style and technique wide open, as long as you use at least one actual paint chip in your work.  (but please, and this should go without saying, don’t just grab a single giant paint chip and write a note on it )



So pick up as many paint chips as you want and get creative.  Maybe you’ll design something using nothing but paint chips.  Maybe you’ll use a paint chip as one of many collage elements.  Maybe you’ll add paint, or ink, or markers.

If you’re stumped for ideas, you’ll find tons on pinterest.  Or you can google “paint chip art.”



Swap details:

  • You may submit as many as four cards  (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 paint chip” on the back of your card to remind your recipient why they are receiving this wonderful work of art in the mail

  • I highly suggest you 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.   

  • A note for your partner on the left side of the postcard is a nice touch.

  • Leave the right side of the postcard blank (the part where the address goes)

  • Include a mailing label with your name and address for each card you create
    (I will attach them to the cards I mail back to you)

  • Please 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)

  • 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 4.25 x 6 inches, and it must be thin and flexible.  A 4x6 card that is thick, lumpy or doesn't bend, needs more postage  

  • 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 October 6th. (I don’t need to receive them by the 6th, they need to be postmarked by the 6th.)

Karen Isaacson
PO Box 532
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
United States


2 comments:

Julia Winkler said...

Hi, Karen -
I haven't participated in swapping for a loooong time. However, I am now RETIRED (whoop-whoop) and am back at working on my art! I will finish writing notes on my postcards and get them in the mail today. So happy to be doing this again :)

Karen Isaacson said...

That's great! welcome back!

Post a Comment