Last year, I asked for suggestions on ways to display my postcard collection. Everyone had great ideas. But this postcard “tapestry” idea came to me, and I had to try it. It would also work well for photos or Christmas cards. You can easily rotate in new ones whenever you like. I’m planning to make an advent calendar using the same concept.
Supplies
Tools
1. First sort your postcards by height. (Seriously, “they” need to hold a symposium to standardize postcard dimensions. Very few of my postcards were the same size!) Then lay them out in your desired pattern to determine the dimensions of your “tapestry.” I made mine 24 inches wide.
2. Using a miter box and pull saw, cut the trim into 2-foot pieces. Then sand the rough ends smooth.
3. Prime and paint. I painted one coat primer, two coats paint.
4. While the paint dries, measure, mark, and cut your fabric. I cut mine 25-1/4 inches wide (24 inches plus 5/8-inch seams on either side). Overestimate the height at this point.
5. Fold and iron the side seams flat. This makes it much easier to sew.
6. Sew both sides about 1/2 inch from the edge.
7. Fold the bottom edge 5/8 inch and iron. No need to sew this edge because it will be stapled down. When the paint is dry, staple a trim piece to the bottom edge of your fabric. Place a staple every few inches. Keep the staples parallel with the wood, and keep them as close to dead center as you can.
8. Place your first row of postcards under the stapled trim piece. Then measure where your next trim piece should go. The wood pieces should overlap the postcards about 1/4 inch.
9. Staple the next piece in place. Start with one staple at each end, then fill in the middle.
10. Continue on, measuring the height of each new row, then stapling.
11. When you get to the last row, mark the top edge. Next fold over the excess fabric and iron flat. Then staple the final piece along the top edge.
12. Finally, fold your ribbon at an angle and staple it to the top of your tapestry. Click here to learn how to make the fancy picture hanger. All you have to do now is insert your postcards and hang it on the wall.
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November 16, 2008 at 10:59 am
This is really cool and super versatile, I love it! I’ll be linking…
November 16, 2008 at 1:42 pm
I have TONS of post cards from all over and have always been looking for a cute easy way to display them! I think I found it. Hope you dont mind I linked to you!
November 16, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Fabulous idea for so many items! Photos, postcards, holiday cards, kids’ artwork… Bravo for coming up with such a great way to easily flip thru collections. Great photos and instructions. Thank you!
February 20, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Awesome idea ! Definitely want to try it ! Did you use half- round wood pieces, tho, rather than round ? Love it !
February 20, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Maureclaire, yep, I used half-round wood trim. I found it at Lowe’s. Send me a pic when you’re done. I’d love to see it.
August 7, 2009 at 11:44 am
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A Passion for Letter Writing ยป Blog Archive » Hanging Postcard Collage said,
August 25, 2009 at 8:05 pm
[…] out the hanging postcard collage! This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 at 9:05 pm and is filed under Crafts, […]
September 1, 2009 at 7:54 am
Looks like a great idea! Always looking for ways to hang postcards up on the wall. Take a peek at my REAL wall – I am hanging postcards on my wall all the time and your idea may just make my life a little easier!