DIY Vintage Christmas Postcard Poinsettia…
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Hey y’all…I’m so excited to show you a sneak peek of one of my Christmas decorations!
You know those serendipitous moments – the ones that are few and far between? I had one of those moments while I was crafting this week. A Christmas decoration idea suddenly came to me, I had all of the materials in my home already and I got a chance to take out my beloved vintage Christmas postcards to use for my project. Aren’t they beautiful?
These cards are the real deal…dated from 1900 to 1913. I have been collecting them for many years now and I prefer the cards with Santa Clauses on the front. And, as pretty as the fronts of the postcards are, I am drawn to the back of the cards as well. I like to read what people wrote to loved ones at Christmastime – what part of the country was the card sent from, whom was it delivered to and I’m really intrigued by the penmanship. I thought that the pretty neutral and creamy white postcard backs would be perfect for what I had in mind.
So…I placed several cards on the photocopier. I chose to print on both sides of heavy card stock.
This is what it looks like after printing…isn’t it pretty?
I created three leaf patterns – small, medium and large.
I stacked three printed sheets together and cut out each leaf size twice – giving me six leafs of each size.
I started with the bottom layer first and added a dab of glue to each leaf. Using a glue gun is the quickest way to complete this project, but you can also use Elmer’s Glue or any other adhesive you are happy with.
I found these floral stems a week ago at the dollar store. At the time, I didn’t know what I was going to use them for but I like the gold clusters. I glued three of these clusters onto the center of the flower.
I pulled back each leaf layer so that the flower wasn’t flat.
This is what it looks like…I love it! One down, 20 more to go 🙂
I really like how the green stamps stand out as well as the postal cancellation and markings…do you see the 1909 postmark?
So, what do you think? This was quick, fun and easy and will make a huge impact on our tree. I can’t wait!
Very clever. Where did you get those amazing post cards?
Hey Rebekah –
I’ve collected vintage postcards for a long time. I have found them at antique shops, vintage stores and flea markets 🙂
These are stunning! I love love love these! Send them to Florida immediately!
Hi CoCo-
They will be sent to you in our next shipment!!!
You’ve out done yourselves with his one! Love serendipitous crafty moments ~ and this one is marvelous. Love everything ~ the use of postcards to create paper, the clever flower paper craft, the end result is beautiful. Can’t wait to see how you use them!! Bwg ~~~
Hello Bobbi-
YES! We love when we have an idea and don’t even need to leave the house to collect materials. It keeps the creativity flowing 🙂 Stay tuned for our Christmas decor!
These are so pretty! Such a good idea to photocopy the cards so you can use them in a different way without damaging them!
Hey Amy!
You are always so sweet! And yes, we love to preserve the antique and vintage whenever possible 🙂
As a fellow lover of vintage mail, I am real inspired by these. Found you over at Your Turn to Shine Link Party, I’d love for you to come on by The Be. YOU. tiful link party and link these up. Pinning!
Hi there Adrienne!
We can’t thank you enough for the invitation to your link party! So glad you introduced yourself and your blog – can’t wait to get to know you better!
Vicki and Jennifer, this is sooo beautiful and I LOVE how you used photocopies of vintage post cards!!! So brilliant and love that vintage look. Great idea, Lisa
Lisa , you are so sweet!!! I love the creamy neutral tones. And I would never cut up my antique postcards :))
Received a Christmas present from a friend that was a similar commercial version & already was wondering how to make something classic-like for my daughter to give to her in-laws without spending a lot of money [rehab house & new baby]. Love this idea. I do not have tons of paper ephemera, but do have a combination of some things. I’m going to try to pull things together & try to do one for her. I like your method of cutting 3 pieces at a time. Thank you so much for sharing.
Hi
Is it possible for you to send me a pattern For the leave of the of the poinsettia decoration or te?l me where I can find it
Thank you
Patty
’bout had a heart attack when I thought you had cut up those beautiful post cards! Whew! So glad I read on. What a great project this turned out to be. I’m always looking for ways to dress up packages without using those awful store-bought bows, Gonna try this!