DIY Postcards Done in 4 Ways

If you've walked through any large or specialty bookstore, or even any stationery supplies shop, you may have stumbled upon a beautiful display of postcards. 

Did you know that as long as a stamped piece of paper is cut to the right dimensions, you can mail it as a postcard? This means the possibilities for having your own unique, DIY postcards are endless. 

(**DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links, which means I'll be getting a commission each time you click on those links and make a purchase.)

Why DIY Your Own Postcards?

You can stretch your creativity and imagination through DIY postcards. 

DIY postcards can be an exercise in creativity, and when brainstorming ideas for designs or themes, the sky truly is the limit. 

DIY postcards are frugal. 

Buying a stash of postcards or greeting cards can be pricey, even the boxed ones with generic or duplicate designs. 

There's no limit to the list of materials you can use for your DIY postcards.

You don't need to limit yourself to felt-tip pens or markers should you wish to include text on your DIY postcards. 

You can write using calligraphy or watercolor brush pens, or draw a design using different colors of ballpoint pens.

You can recycle and upcycle some of your old stuff through DIY postcards.

The base of your DIY postcards can be upcycled from old, everyday items. Should you choose a collage to decorate one side of your postcards, you can also recycle old magazines and newspapers, catalogs, and even flyers.

Getting children started on DIY postcards will help reap benefits for them.

If you have children of your own, or you're the guardian or caretaker of children, you can show them how to make their own postcards in order to have something on which to write brief messages, or birthday and Christmas greetings for a relative who may live in another town, or a friend who moved away.

Younger children may particularly feel reluctant in writing a chatty letter right away, since filling a sheet of stationery can seem like a daunting task. 

Getting them started on DIY postcards, on the other hand, can be more fun. They can combine written text with doodles or sketches. 

Snoopy cartoon stickers
by pinkpinkgirl.ph

Furthermore, children can use crayons or felt-tip pens to put squiggles. They can take out their washi tapes and put them on the edges of their postcards to create beautiful borders. They can also use stickers or inked stamps.

DIY Postcards From Scratch 

Photo from wikiHow;
click here for complete procedure.

Making postcards from cardstock is ideal because cardstock comes in different colors, with a minimum of 10 per pack. You can create 4 postcards per sheet of cardstock.  

Vellum specialty board
(10 pieces/pack) by
Elit from MJ Supplies

To get you started, make sure to choose a brand of cardstock that weighs 180-200 gsm (or thicker).

Alexis Paper's
plain index cards

DIY Postcards From Unruled Index Cards 

It's quite convenient to get a pack of unruled index cards due to their pre-cut sizes. Just make sure to choose the 4" x 6" ones.

Image from The Suburban Mom
Click here for complete procedure.

DIY Postcards From Upcycled Items 

Who would have thought that you can DIY your own postcards from empty cereal boxes?

Cereal boxes are colorful enough and have their own artistic flair. The cardboard used for cereal boxes are also sturdy enough.

Do you want more ideas for reusing cereal boxes? Read -- 

Upcycled Project: 7 Ways to Reuse Cereal Boxes

4" x 6" DIY blank mailable
postcards; made of 300 gsm
watercolor painting paper
by Main's Art Avenue 

DIY Watercolor Painting Postcards

If you're the type who enjoys watercolor painting, why not put your masterpieces on postcards?

Imagine having an autumn or winter scene, or a breathtaking landscape or seascape on your postcards?

17 Best Craft Magazines That Are Available Online

Craft magazines offer a multitude of benefits to its readers. Admittedly, the majority of these craft magazines have ceased publication with the advent of the internet.

And yet, a lot of vintage, preloved, or second-hand copies of craft magazines in good condition can still be found being sold online.

Why Buy Craft Magazines? 

There's a wide range of craft magazines out there.

Thankfully, the print industry hasn't been limited to publishing magazines about just a few types of crafts.

As a crafter, you'll be delighted to know that there are magazines that feature everything, from textile to paper crafts, scrapbooking and journaling, to needlework and embroidery.

Craft magazines are packed with inspiration and ideas.

You'll stumble upon gems upon gems of DIY projects. Different mediums and crafting styles will ignite your creativity.

Craft magazines offer step-by-step tutorials.

Craft magazines provide lists of craft materials for specific projects. You'll also be guided with procedures accompanied by photos or illustrations.

Craft magazines are filled with expert advice. 

The editorial staff of a majority of craft magazines interview experts and professionals, or feature seasoned crafters who have spent years perfecting their techniques.

Craft magazines make you aware of relaxing and rewarding hobbies. 

Making something can ease your mind and helps free you from challenges and concerns, albeit temporarily. If you're into a routine that tends to get repetitive and dull, choosing a project from a craft magazine breaks the monotony.

Having said all of the above, here are 15 of the best craft magazines that can be ordered online:

Buy this copy pre-loved at Etsy.

(1.) Crafts 'n Things

Buy this vintage copy at Etsy.

(2.) McCall's Needlework and Crafts

Get this preloved copy on Etsy.

(3.) Crafts Beautiful 

Log on to Etsy to order
these vintage copies.

(4.) Paper Crafts 

Look for copies through Etsy.

(5.) Simple Scrapbooks

Order this rare copy through Etsy.

(6.) The World of Cross Stitching

Buy this copy brand new
through MagsDirect.

(7.) Crochet Now

Order this brand new issue
through MagsDirect.

(8.) Simply Knitting

Buy this copy
through MagsDirect.

(9.) Love Embroidery 

Buy a copy through Etsy.

(10.) American Patchwork & Quilting

Order a brand new
copy from Craft Stash.

(11.) Simply Cards & Papercraft

Order through Our Media Shop.

(12.) Mollie Makes

Order a preloved 
copy through ebay.

(13.) Stamp It!

Buy preloved copies on ebay.

(14.) Bead Style

Buy this copy preloved through ebay.

(15.) Crafts

Buy this copy pre-loved
from Amazon. 

(16.) Make It Yourself 

Get this copy from Amazon.

(17.) Daphne's Diary 

11 Best Experience Gifts for Women Who Love Crafts

Experience gifts are often thought to be superior to material gifts because they create lasting memories, foster strong bonds, and recipients can garner a greater sense of emotional fulfillment.

Experiences range from traveling to taking a trip, to watching performances or sharing an activity. This blog post is about experience gifts that crafty women are highly likely to enjoy.

Why Choose Experience Gifts Over Material Ones?

Experience gifts can be more unique and meaningful than store-bought presents. 

Experience gifts beat taking someone shopping for a pricey leather handbag or a pair of pumps. 

You can tailor the experience gift according to the occasion, or your crafty female friend's tastes and preferences. 

You can rent a venue if your friend doesn't mind mingling among a larger circle. If your friend is more introverted, you can share a low-key, crafty activity with a limited number of friends. 

Should crafts be incorporated into a bachelorette party or hen do for an engaged friend, think about the type of crafts with which everyone can have fun. 

Experience gifting can be ecologically friendly.

Enjoying experiences with your crafty women friends instead of buying presents can help prevent stuff or items from accumulating and ending up in a landfill.

Experience gifting helps strengthen the bond among relatives and friends. 

Bonding over experiences such as crafty activities provides a safe environment for women friends to open up and socialize. It also helps keep the communication lines open.

Having said all of the above, here are the 11 best experience gifts for your crafty women friends: 

(**DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links. I'll be collecting a commission any time you click on those links and make a purchase.)

(1.) Host a crafty adult pajama party. 

Imagine the uniqueness of a crafty adult pajama party. Instead of having a movie marathon or playing board games as the main activity, crafting will be the focal point. 

A few things to consider, though: 

• Make sure to choose an inclusive craft, which means everyone can do it regardless of skill level.
• Look for a supplier of craft materials that offers wholesale prices, or allows bulk orders at discounted rates.
• Keep food and refreshments as simple and fuss-free as possible, or just enough to fuel your guests. 

(2.) Enroll in a craft class or workshop.

If you want to treat a dear cousin, aunt, or grandma on her birthday, why not enroll in a class or workshop that teaches a specific craft?

Look into announcements at your local community or livelihood center first, before scouring through social media platforms.

(3.) Turn a sporting weekend into a themed craft party. 

If you and your women friends are more into sporting events than makeup, mani-pedi sessions, or weekends at the spa, then sports-themed crafts are for you.

(4.) Volunteer. 

Volunteering will require at least a few hours from you every week, but you and your crafty friends will reap tremendous benefits.

Whether it's something as simple as starting a ministry at your church that sends handmade greeting cards to orphans, the elderly, prisoners, or soldiers, or an activity that requires more involvement, like facilitating arts and crafts therapy, you'll surely find a place or an opportunity where your creativity and crafting skills are needed.

Need more ideas on how crafty women can volunteer? Read --

9 Volunteer Activities for Crafters

(5.) Make a scrapbook. 

Photo from freepik

If you and your girl friends enjoy taking trips, going on vacations, attending music festivals, going camping, etc., you may have already accumulated a lot of photos. 

Or, you may have ephemera or paper mementos, like concert tickets, movie passes, cupsleeves from a cafe, etc.

Why not get together and make a scrapbook, to remind everyone in the group of all the things you've experienced?

(6.) Host a craft supplies swap. 

Hosting a craft supplies swap is a frugal way for your crafty women friends to get brand new supplies in exchange for their surplus. 

To know more about planning a craft supplies swap, read --

How to Host a Craft Supplies Swap

(7.) Recycle or upcycle old stuff.

If you want to cut back further on craft materials, look into anything you may have at home, and turn them into something new by recycling or upcycling them.

For ideas on projects, read --

Quick Crafts: Recycling Old Greeting Cards

7 Ways to Upcycle Old Magazines

(8.) Why buy when you can DIY decorations?

If you and your women friends have been crafting for more than a couple of years, you may have realized how making stuff can be more cost-effective in the long run.

Why not skip buying decorations altogether for occasions like birthdays, Valentine's, Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, gather some of your craft supplies, and craft your own decorations? 

To help get you started, here's a tutorial: 

DIY Wreaths Done in 3 Ways 

(9.) Make snow globes. 

An attractive snow globe tends to brighten up a coffee table, a bedside table, or a working desk. Snow globes are also a cost-effective DIY project.

You don't need to buy a bunch of mason jars to make snow globes. You can recycle empty jars of mayonnaise, pickles, fruit preserves, etc. 

You can also gather any old figurines or miniature toys in order to place something inside your snow globe. 

(10.) Incorporate crafting into ladies' afternoon tea or a pancakes and prosecco brunch.

You don't need any occasion (or any good reason at all) to host a ladies' afternoon tea or a brunch of pancakes with prosecco.

The Bevvy's Lagioiosa
prosecco wine (750 ml)

Decide on a couple of crafts and work on them after you've fed all your crafty women friends.

(11.) Create photo booth props. 

If you and your crafty women friends enjoy taking turns in hosting intimate events or parties in each other's homes, why not have everyone take home memories of the events instead of shelling out more cash for giveaways, loot bags, and loot bag fillers? 

How? By making photo booth props and having everyone whip out their phones and taking pictures.

You can create cutouts of a jack-o'-lantern, ghost, black cat, and Frankenstein's monster from colorful cardstock for Halloween. 

For Christmas, you can make headbands with reindeer antlers, sew Santa Claus hats, and make snowmen hats from black cardstock.

The 12 Best Mother's Day Gift Packs/Set for the Budget-Conscious Giver

Who says you can only give Mom an item (or 2) as a present for Mother's Day? 

This blog post is packed with suggestions on gift packs or gift set that come in affordable prices.

(**DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links, which means I'll be getting a commission each time you click on any of those links and make a purchase.**)

Magic nail polish gel set
(12 ml/bottle) by Sassy Colors

(1.) Nail polish gel set 

If Mom is the type that keeps her hands well-maintained and well-manicured, she would surely appreciate a set (or 2) of Sassy Colors' Magic Gel Polish. Colors come in neutral and muted tones.

PENSHOPPE
All Day Pulse Pink
limited edition gift set by
Watsons Official Store

(2.) Body spray + lotion gift set

Does Mom long for a body spray that's appropriate for daytime wear and running errands? This All Day Pulse Pink limited edition gift set from Penshoppe comes with a tube of lotion and a bottle of scent that can be spritzed on quickly before making a dash to the grocery or convenience store.

Fashion Rack's
Victoria's Secret
body lotion (236 ml)

(3.) Body lotion

If you want something high-end for your mom at an affordable price, avail of any of these tubes of body lotion from Victoria's Secret. Comes in 5 fragrances. 

Sanrio characters checked manicure kit
(3 pieces + storage bag) by MINISO

(4.) Manicure kit

Help mom hit 2 birds with 1 one stone -- keeping her digits neat and trim and waxing nostalgic over her fondness for her beloved Sanrio characters -- with these manicure kits from MINISO.

Happy Island's scented soy candles

(5.) Scented candles 

If you have the type of mom who loves getting fit by lighting up a scented candle and sweating through a Pilates or yoga routine, or taking long, hot baths in a tub during weekends, take your pick among Happy Island's soy candles. Comes in 5 scents and 3 sizes. 

It's Coffee O'Clock
wooden coasters
by Simply Creative

(6.) Wooden coasters 

Does Mom enjoy an ice cold beverage during warm days, or maybe a nice cup of coffee or tea while knitting, doing puzzles, or reading her favorite paperbacks? Then giving a set of these wooden coasters would be the most appropriate Mother's Day gift. 

Peanuts ballpoint pens
by meijoon10151.ph

(7.) Set of Peanuts ballpoint pens 

Does Mom consider journaling one of her positive habits -- something that helps her clarify her thoughts, relieve stress, deal with negative or troublesome emotions, or track harmful patterns of behavior? 

Or, is she a paper and stationery addict that still believes in writing notes and letters and mailing cards? 

Well then, these Peanuts ballpoint pens will never leave her without a writing instrument to glide smoothly over her journal pages or letter writing paper.

Set of scrunchies with box
by Madeline Fashion Shop

(8.) Scrunchies 

Chic, pretty scrunchies are a frugal way for Mom to upgrade her looks. All she needs is to put her hair up in a bun, ponytail, or half-ponytail, and apply a bit of makeup.

Necklace and earrings jewelry set by
JEWELRY&ACCESSORIES&HAT

(9.) Set of accessories

Is Mom the social butterfly and frequents parties and events? Then give her this necklace-and-earrings jewelry set to help jazz up a classic black dress and a pair of pumps or a strapless gown. 

3 pieces/pack gumball design
bookmarks by GabieBear

(10.) Bookmarks

Have a bookworm for a mom? Does she pride herself for her massive collection of classic and contemporary literature, graphic novels, crafts and cookbooks, magazines, etc.?

GabieBear is an artist and designer that sells merchandise (like this pack of 3 bookmarks) through platforms like Shopee and Instagram.

Handmade woven
storage baskets
by zhiya001.ph

(11.) Storage baskets

Have a neat freak for a mom? These cute storage baskets come in just the right sizes to keep items like rubber bands, paper clips, buttons, and makeup brushes organized.

Dark chocolate gift set
by Beautifully Yours PH

(12.) Chocolate gift set

Help Mom indulge her sweet tooth without going overboard by giving her a box of dark chocolates with a cute boba tea plushie.