Wedding Blog

Find a fabulous photo of the two of you, cut out all the background, and then simplify it in Photoshop using the stamp filter (duh). Mess with the settings, until you get it just so, and then save it as a .jpg or .pdf or whatever type of file your stampmaker wants. Take it to the stampmaker. I used ACE sign and stamp in Los Angeles, because it was on my way home from work. There are plenty of online companies for this. Send it off to be made, but just make sure the size of the stamp is correct for your save the date layout.

Get your layouts done in Photoshop or whatever program you feel comfortable in. Keep the top right corner clear for a stamp; only the address can go on the right side and the bottom of the postage side needs to be kept fairly clear, for that barcode thing that gets put on during mailing. This is the link to a company that makes postcards, but it shows the guidelines. Be sure to keep the layers for easy editing and address changes. Find some fun fonts at DaFont.

Print all the fronts and backs (meticulously changing the address each time). Then, it’s time for stamping.

I used watermark (clear) ink and rustique weather vane embossing powder on the chartreuse postcard-sized paper. I stamped thrice for a more graphic effect. Sprinkle on the powder, flick off, and save the excess. I did about 15 at a time. Then, get out the heat gun and set all of the powder. I bought all of the supplies at PaperSource.

Find some 28 cent stamps and send them off.

Update: The embossing smears a bit during postage, so best to use this technique on something in an envelope. You live and you learn.

Did you DIY your save the date postcards? Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to postcard layout?