How to Make Moving Announcement Postcards
Big News needs Handmade Announcements! I made Moving Announcement Postcards to share the news with friends and family that we moved, and want to share with you how I made these.
I love all kinds of paper crafts, but making postcards was a first for me! While my greeting card style tends to involve multiple layers, embellishments, and embossing, I didn’t think either A) the post office would deliver a non-flat postcard or B) layers would make it to their destinations still attached to the postcard! So in effect, I had to design a Just Moved Postcard that was only one layer and used #simplestamping.
I used and combined a few different retired Stampin’ Up stamp sets with my current inks for these Moving Announcements. You never know when a favorite set of yours will find new life.
While I’m definitely an advocate for clearing out (selling, donating, etc) craft supplies that you no longer enjoy in order to enjoy new ones, there’s nothing wrong with keeping a few sets that you love and that have more ideas to bring you. This is a great way to give those retired stamp sets a second look, and DIY some announcements for your friends and family!
Because these postcards were a single layer, the paper costs for lots of postcards, as well as the time spent creating, was very low!
See below how I created 50 of these quick and easy Moving Announcement Postcards.
Steps to Make Your Own Moving Announcement Postcards
First, I started at the USPS website.
- All of the postcards I was sending would be within the United States, so I checked their regulations for sizes. Here’s the link to their first-class rules, but in short: to use the $0.35 postcard stamp, the Postcard Length can be 5-6 inches, and Width can be 3 1/2-4 1/4 inches. Starting with 8 1/2″ x 11″ cardstock, 5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″ would be the easiest and fastest to cut with zero waste.
- Tip: You can send “over-sized” postcards, but then you’ll need a letter stamp (which is currently $0.55).
Next, I cut my paper.
- From each 8 1/2″ x 11″ sheet of Very Vanilla cardstock, I was able to cut 4 postcards.
- I cut each in half — on the long side at 5 1/2″.
- Then I cut each of those in half at 4 1/4″.
- Using a ruler and a pen, draw a straight line on the back to separate the message from the “To Address.” I put mine at 3″ from the left (or 2 1/2″ from the right).
Intimidated to create so many postcards at once? Check out these tips for creating cards in bulk!
Design your postcards.
- The beauty of crafting and stamping is that you can CUSTOMIZE what you send!
- Sketch out an idea, and pull out a few stamp sets that might work to create your idea.
- If you need something new, check out the current catalog, and I’m sure you’ll find something that you’ll enjoy making and sending.
Stamp all outlines.
- I used Memento Tuxedo Black ink for simplicity and so the images pop on the postcards. The Memento ink dries quickly, so I didn’t worry about smudges while I piled the stamped postcards from the unstamped pile in my assembly line.
- I masked and stamped the truck first because it is the center feature of the postcard. The houses were next, followed by the “big news” sentiment. Lastly I stamped the back with the address lines (or you could draw these) and the “sending smiles” sentiment.
Stamp all colors, and hand color what remains.
- I stamped what colors I could to minimize the amount of hand coloring I had to do. When you have 50 cards to make, it makes a difference!
- Pick one color first, and do all of your cards. Then switch to another color until you are done!
Write out a quick message and address your postcards.
- It honestly doesn’t need to be much beyond “We Moved!”
Tip: To save time (and your hand muscles), print out (or order) return address stickers with your new address to stick to the left side of your announement with your “We Moved!” message.
Slap on some postage and send!
- The post office now has cute stamps, even for postcards! You can either check those out online or ask when you go to the post office.
Supplies Used
Big News Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$32.00
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In The City Photopolymer Stamp Set
$16.00
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Lift Me Up Clear-Mount Stamp Set
$21.00
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Sending good news is always the best kind of mail. Likewise, receiving (handmade) good news is equally great!
If you are looking to make your own Moving Announcement or other postcards to share news, email me at laurascraftcloset@gmail.com. I can help you find stamps and inks that fit a good design and convey your message to your friends and family.
Thanks for crafting with me today, and Happy Crafting!
