Year Of The Bird Post Card Swap - Postmark by April 2nd

Collage over acrylic paints

I have just been made aware that the Audubon Organization, National Geographic and other world-wide groups have designated 2018 to be The Year of The Bird, to celebrate  the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  

It seems appropriate at this time to make some art featuring our delightful feathered friends, especially as those of us in northern climes anticipate the return of various colorful winged harbingers of Spring.

Any media/technique allowed, up to four cards per participant.

Double print, collage, rubber stamps

SUMMARY:

THEME:  Bird(s)
MEDIA:  Open

TECHNIQUE:  Open
SIZE PARAMETERS:  6+1/4" x 1/4"

CHECKLIST:

• AS MANY SELF-ADDRESS LABELS AS PIECES YOU EXPECT TO RECEIVE BACK
• SUFFICIENT POSTAGE FOR EACH PIECE YOU SEND IN
• WAXED PAPER, PARCHMENT OR CELLOPHANE BETWEEN EACH PIECE
• YOUR RETURN ADDRESS ON EACH PIECE YOU SEND IN
• WRITE "MMSA - BIRDS" on the side you write on anyway, not the on art side

*****ANYTHING LARGER THAN POST CARD SIZE LIMITS WILL REQUIRE AT LEAST 50-CENTS LETTER RATE POSTAGE.*****

*****ANYTHING THICKER THAN SEVERAL LAYERS OF INDEX CARD, ANYTHING TOO STIFF TO BEND EASILY, DESIGNS WITH ART EXTENDING OVER THE EDGES, POST CARDS ENCASED IN CELLOPHANE SLEEVES, WILL REQUIRE 71-cents "NONMACHINABLE" POSTAGE*****

Put your card(s) in an envelope and
get into the mail no later than April 2nd

SEND TO:
H. Chassin
Post Office Box 142
Freedom, New York  14065
USA

questions?  s.h.greenstamps@juno.com

Sample Post Card Back Template

SWAPPING GUIDELINES:

• You may send in as many as four cards unless specified by the swap host. (You will get back the same number you send, each from a different artist).
• Your cards will be mailed to your host in an envelope, and your host will mail them "naked" to other swappers. International swappers may request to have them all mailed together in one envelope.
• If you're sending more than one, please make sure you insert waxed paper, parchment or cellophane between the cards so they don't get stuck together in the envelope, especially if you use glue, paint or sealant.
• Write the name of the swap theme on the back of each card and attach your return address in the UPPER LEFT HAND CORNER in case of postal delivery problems. An email address legibly written would make it easier for your recipient to thank you.
• LEAVE SPACE FOR THE "ADDRESS TO" LABELS WHICH YOUR SWAP HOST WILL ATTACH
• Include a mailing label with your name and address for each card you expect to receive back.  (Your host will attach them to the swapped cards she mails to you) Please include the proper postage in the envelope or adhere stamps to your postcards (see below for postal guidelines)

Postcards made from thicker cardboard (therefore stiff/not easily bendable) will need nonmachinable postage. Thank you.

POSTAGE AND CARD SIZE

In order to use the postcard rate ($.35) your card cannot be bigger than 6" xx 4+1/4", and it must be thin and flexible. A card that is larger, thick, lumpy or doesn't bend, will require more postage. If your card is an unusual shape (square, round) or is flexible but has some lumpy embellishments it will probably cost you the "nonmachinable" rate of $.71

If your card is very thick and doesn't bend at all, the post office may consider it a package and you should get it weighed and measured to figure out the proper postage.
INTERNATIONAL SWAPPERS - contact the swap host regarding using PayPal to cover return mailing postage, or make other arrangements.

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