Connecting Through Postcards
All Hail the Mail
Postcards got their start in February of 1861 when Congress passed an act allowing privately printed cards weighing one ounce or less to be sent in the mail. John P. Charlton copyrighted the first “post card” later that year. If you think about it, postcards are to “snail mail” what text messages are to our virtual communication – a picture with a short message sent to someone to stay connected.
It’s sometimes difficult to keep in touch with others. Think of someone you may not have seen in a while that you’d like to reconnect with by sending a note of encouragement. Use the postcards provided to create a picture and write a note.
If you’re not sure what to create on the front, try the following:
Both video instructions and written instructions below!
Step 1: Draw a Squiggle
Start anywhere on the card and draw a continuous line that moves around the space and crosses over itself in several places. End the line where you started. If you’re feeling nervous about starting, take a deep breath and just let yourself have fun!
Step 2: Decorate the Spaces
Look for shapes in the squiggle you have drawn. Find spaces in your outline that might look good with designs like stripes, polka dots, squiggles, whatever you like, and fill them in with a variety of colors.
Step 3: Add More Color!
Find other spaces that might look good filled in with solid color and complete your creation.
Things to Think About:
How did it feel to draw that continuous squiggly line? If you weren’t aware at the moment, retrace the line with your finger and tune into what comes to mind.
Are there any images that appear out of the squiggles and shapes? If so, what do you see? If this feels strange, think about looking at the clouds and finding shapes and use this same “imaginative looking” to find shapes in your creation.