Printed Burlap Postcards

Happy Monday everyone!  We all know burlap has been a big trend for the past while.  And really, who doesn't love it?  There are so many possibilities!

I recently entered 'The Crafter Bowl' hosted by Amie over at Pinkapotamus, and have been paired up to go head to head with another crafty blogger, this Tuesday, to see who can come up with the winning craft using ... you guessed it, BURLAP!

I really hope you will all head on over to Pinkapotamus and Vote for SaltTree!

Since burlap is such a trend, I was trying to think of something a little different then the projects I've been seeing on the web lately.  I do love the printed burlap pillows and chairs so I went off of that and decided to combine burlap with something I really enjoy.  Postcrossing!

If you haven't heard of Postcrossing before, it's really fun.  I've written a couple posts about it before so check out the details if you are interested.  This means, we are making printed burlap postcards!

Supplies Needed
Heavy card stock (8.5x11)
Burlap (8.5x11)
Inkjet printer
Freezer paper
Iron
Scissors
White Glue or Mod Podge

Here we go!

Rip off a piece of freezer paper and cut it so it is 8.5x11 (no larger).  Lay shiny side of freezer paper against the burlap and iron on with medium heat until it has adhered.  Make sure the edges are stuck well.

Cut off the excess burlap so it is 8.5x11 just like the freezer paper (no larger).

Now, choose a graphic or text that you like and size it to print the size of your postcard (I'm doing 4x6).  You can fit two graphics onto the burlap (can cover two postcards), but leave space between them and around the images..  Keep in mind, burlap is a large weave, small / fine text will not show up very well.  Stick with bolder texts.  If you like the graphics that I chose, you can download them here.

Load your burlap / freezer paper into the manual feed part of the printer proper way up so the printing goes on the burlap side.  Print the graphic.  I know, I was very hesitant doing this the first time too.  But it works!

Cut the graphic out from the burlap slightly larger then the card you are going to adhere it to.  Once you are sure you have it cut the way you want, peel off the freezer paper carefully.

Either cut some card stock down to 4x6 cards and leave them plain, or you can feel free to use the graphics I used, printed on 8.5x11 card stock to make the hand written side of the card a little more special.  You can download the graphics here.

Using something like Mod Podge or a white glue, cover the backside of the printed card stock and adhere the burlap.  Don't glob on too much glue, or it will seep through the weave.  Let it set for a bit, then press it flat under a heavy book if it starts to curl.

Once dry, you can trim off any excess or fray the edges a bit.  If you do want to mail it as is, I suggest giving it a coat of either fabric Mod Podge or applying a fabric stiffener, at least to the edges so they don't fray in the mail too much.

I think they are amazing and I would absolutely love to get a postcard like this in the mail!  What do you think?

Pssst... don't forget to vote for SaltTree!

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