I’ve discovered that I make a lot of things in sets. I like sets. I like that there are multiple items in the grouping, and that everything coordinates together. One project that I love to create for each current season is a notecard set. It’s so handy to be able to grab one when the need arises, and the size is perfect for a short, handwritten message. I do so little writing by hand that filling up a notecard is about all I can do before my hand starts to cramp.

But, I digress. I want to show you my Summer 2015 notecard set:

I designed the notecard fronts to look like vintage postcards using a few of my favorite summer-themed images and sentiments. Developing and creating a vintage look is a multi-step process, and I’d like to highlight and explain each step in more detail by taking one of the postcard images from start to finish.

The ultimate goal is to create an image that looks yellowed, worn and faded, so choosing the right paper, ink color, and image is key. Cream card stock is ideal, as it gives off an aged appearance just because of the yellow tint to the paper. Choosing a muted ink color helps add to that aged, faded appearance, and the ink color will dull even more when stamped on the cream card stock. The image you choose should be classic and timeless, as it lends credibility to the likelihood that it could be old or vintage. On a side note, you may recognize the sentiment used on this postcard design–it’s the sentiment I use in closing each of my blog posts. It came in a stamp set that I purchased back in 2008. I fell in love with the phrase the first time I read it, and when I started my blog, I knew it would be the perfect ending to my posts.

Once you have your images stamped, the next step is to create the illusion of age by sponging the edges of the paper.

It’s amazing how something as simple as sponging the edges of the paper can add so much. I chose to sponge the edges with the same color that I used for the wording, as I wanted it to blend in, rather than detract from the main image.

Our vintage card is getting there, but it needs some contrast and something to take up the blank space at the bottom.

I added the cancelled stamp image in the upper right corner, and the airmail stripe along the bottom in black, and that’s just what this card needed. I stamped each image on paper once before stamping it on the card to get the faded black color.

The final steps included distressing the edges of the paper with my fingernail to give it a “beat up” look, tearing the edges in a few spots, and mounting it onto a card base. Here is the final result:

Now that you know what went in to creating this look, you have a better appreciation for the end product. I have devoted many the hour to mastering this vintage look, and it’s like anything else, once you understand the how’s and why’s of the process, you have a greater chance of success.

Enjoy the rest of your day, and, as always, remember:

“May the waves kiss your feet, / the sand be your seat, / and your friends out-number the stars”.

-C