Winter White Landscapes

January 4, 2020
Sheree McKee

Fabric postcards are sometimes easy to make in groups.  These Winter White Landscapes were created in triptych fashion.

My beginning base layers were cut approximately 15" wide and 7" tall.  I planned the pine tree layouts in groupings of three.  

Once my fabric layers were fused, I simply used a 3.0 machine stitch length, and a metallic thread (with large eye needle) to quilt through in wavy horizontal lines.  They were cut apart into 4"x6" sizes with a rotary cutter.  I had some hand-painted buttons with snowflake-like designs and used my button sewing machine-setting to attach them.

The edges were finished in a tiny blanket-stitch choice.  Usually I create a fabric backside.  But for this project, decided to glue a postcard weight cardstock to the reverse.  I used fabric glue in a thin line along the edges only.  Then I weighted them down to dry.

If you would like to join a swap group - I am a member of PostCardMailArt@groups.io
You can subscribe using this link:
PostCardMailArt+subscribe@groups.io

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Another Past Blog Article you might enjoy, of mine

2017 Fabric Landscapes Winter

Hugs & Kisses Valentines (Fabric Postcard) Swap

February 2018

Sheree McKee
sewfabsew.blogspot.com

PostCardMailArt Yahoo Group - Swap Club
I received the top three Valentines, and sent the pom-pom versions out as my swap.

Cherub Created by Meena S.
Michigan
Fabrics are a die-cut heart and cherub image.  Appliqué stitching and rubber stamped 

Rainbow Created by Jeanette 
Idaho
Print background with machine stitched appliqué and button embellishment

Satin Red Created by Miriam 

Ireland

Satin fabric heart with layered organza ribbon and decorative machine stitching

Created by Sheree M.
Michigan
Three have a scrunched fabric background with decorative stitching overlay.  Band of heart images are fused in place.  Bands are trimmed with various picot ribbon trim or lace.  Outer edge has applied mini pom-pom trim. 

Here's a 2017 Valentine sent to my daughter last year.  The contrast fabric faced heart is dimensional, and sewn through the middle so it flips open like a book.

Creative Envelope Swap

Handmade Envelopes

December 2017
Sheree McKee
SewFabSew.blogspot.com

Made by Sheree McKee - my ten creations

I joined a unique swap, this past fall, that was recommended by a swapping friend, Sue Balchak, Admin of the PostCardMailArt group on Yahoo. 

This involved creating your own envelopes or embellishing pre-made ones.  I didn't know what to expect, since I hadn't seen any examples beforehand.

There was no limit to sizes and shapes.  Send in ten, and receive ten.  Some type of surface embellishment was required.  The envelopes were not related or intended for fabric postcards.

I drafted a rounded template shape that I was fond of.  But it had to fit on an old calendar I'd been holding onto.  This calendar was full of colorful Kaleidoscope images that I enjoyed.  I'm glad I saved it since 2007.

I glued shut the flaps but covered intersection with a sticker

The sentiment "Just Because" seemed like a nice addition.
If you look closely, I signed each envelope on the interior calendar.

I added a label for addressing

Embossed with metallic touches

The ten colorful envelopes I submitted made it worth saving that calendar for ten years!

And here's what I received in return!  A large manila sized envelope full of Wonderful SURPRISES!!  Next time I will keep better records of each contributor.  Their unique workmanship was thoughtful and amazing!  Sadly, many did not contain signatures or information on their creators.  Each participant contributed $5 for return postage... I would definitely play along again.

#1 and #2 Manilla Envelopes Front

#1 and #2 Manilla Envelopes Back

#3 and #4 Fronts

#3 and #4 Backs

#5 and #6 Fronts

#5 and #6 Backs

#7 and #8 Fronts

#7 and #8 Backs

#9 and #10 Fronts

#9 and #10 Backs

October Lottery of Fabric Postcards

November 2016
Sheree McKee
sewfabsew.blogspot.com
SewFabSew@aol.com

I WON the lottery in October... a fiber postcard lottery that is!  But this lottery makes me just as happy as any $$$ could.  For the last 3 weeks, nearly a dozen surprise postcards have been arriving at my home in Michigan.

My FAV swap group holds a monthly FPC (fabric postcard) lottery.  Anything goes!  Your theme, your subject, your experiments!  PostCardMailArt is a Yahoo Group with 80+ swapping members.

Here's what arrived ~

Alesia in Tennessee
My FAV colors of purple and orange!

Barbara in Maryland
Recycled selvedges from fabric yardage
turned into hexagon quilt shapes

Beverly in Georgia
Inserted a Frankie motif from a Halloween fabric 

Sheree McKee in Michigan
I used up my seasonal ribbons and trims,
but since I was the winner for October
this was moved into the following months lottery

Sue Balchak in California
Glow in Dark fabrics and threads really do glow!

Judy in B.C. Canada
Pieced triangles and sequin pumpkins

Regina in Ohio
Sparkly fabric, layered leaves, buttons and bugle beads

Norma in Florida
She actually tied real acorns on with twine!
Note: this costs extra to mail, due to thickness of envelope

Kayenderes in New York
The cutest dimensional skeleton and Boo ribbon. Another
style that takes extra postage due to special handling

Christine in Victoria, Australia
Adorable symbols of New Zealand and Australia

MaryLou in Ontario, Canada
Black sheep landscape with crewel embroidery

Check-out the PostCardMailArt group by joining and watching how the swaps work.  There are many active members who will help you out with swapping protocol.  Join the discussions, and ask questions about swapping responsibility.

Owner and Moderator, Sue Balchak from California, formed the group in fall of 2008.  And I've been an active member for about four years.

Subscribe by contacting
postcardmailart-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Another previous blog post of mine ~
Puffy Pumpkins

Get Ready to Swap Fabric Postcards

Spring Landscape

Easter Tulip

March 2014
Sheree McKee
sewfabsew.blogspot.com

So you're thinking of swapping some of your fabric postcards? 

How do you get started?

Here ten basic guidelines 
for becoming a responsible and valued 
swapping partner.

ShereeSews in Michigan
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1. Find a swap group and register properly.  I've listed a few below.
2. Learn the ropes and rules ~ by reading and understanding the group guidelines and requirements in advance. Some swaps might be one-on-one, others may require swapping with 3-5 partners.
3. Be responsible ~  that means check-in often and communicate with the whole group and your swap partners!  This is important and helps develop online friendships.
4. Keep records ~  put deadlines for mailing on your calendar, computer desktop, cell phone reminder list.  I also print out a hard copy of my swaps and keep it visible in my sewing room.
5. Keep with the current theme ~ creative interpretation is golden, but make sure it fits the theme
6. Keep the proper postcard size ~  your group will determine it, most often 4"x6"
7. Sign the back.  A few kind words always make a swap more enjoyable.  Double check the accuracy of address you are mailing to.
8. Do your best work ~  I always make a few extra fabric postcards (FPC) so I can mail out my best work.  Extras can then be sent to relatives and girlfriends.
9. Know your postal costs ~  you might be swapping domestically in the USA, or internationally.  Rates differ so visit the USPS.com  Flatter is cheaper, thicker will have specialty shipping costs added. 
10. Have fun, this simple hobby can become addicting!

POSTCARDMAILART YAHOO GROUP  (my choice)

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/PostCardMailArt/info

GREAT BIG STITCHED POSTCARD SWAP

http://dowhatyouloveforlife.com/swap/

POSTCARDPIZZAZZ

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/postcardpizzazz/info

FLICKR POSTCARD SWAP GROUP

http://www.flickr.com/groups/1475710@N21/

POSTMARK d'ART

http://postmarkdart.com/join-the-next-swap/

TRADING FABRIC POSTCARDS

http://tradingfabricpostcards.com/

A KISS for Valentines Day

February 2014
Sheree McKee
sewfabsew.blogspot.com

Recently, I was involved in a swap over at PostCardMailArt - titled "One Word".  Since Valentines Day was just around the corner, I decided to stick with a heart felt theme.

Here are a few of my "kiss" postcards being sent to other members of this swap group.

I'm not sure you can see it well in these pictures, but I layered some glitter tulle over my base fabric before appliquéing the letters.  I also tossed a few metallic threads under the glitter illusion.

The perfect button were these little red lips!  My first edge stitches were a bit weak looking, so I did some bobbin work on the third postcard.  I like it better because it stands out.

I love holiday fabric postcards and I love to decorate around the house with them.  Right now I have a  windowsill full of Valentine postcards, each one a labor of love, made by my swapping friends!

Happy Heart Day to you!

ShereeSews in M!ch!gan
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Pretty little Postcards ~ in fabric

Love stamp in reds, on silk dupioni

Love Stamp and rainbow colors

I added metallic decorative stitches in the background

Celebrate stamp was sent as a
birthday postcard to a friend

Postcards are 4"x6" even with this tail
it will still fit into a clear envelope

January 2014
Sheree McKee
sewfabsew.blogspot.com

Welcome !  This is my new blog, dedicated to a current obsession with fabric postcards.

Here are some recent creations I made to exchange with members of an online swap group.  Our theme was Every Stamp Tells a Story.

Dimensional fabric paint looks like metal rivets

I confiscated an old box of mixed stamps from my sons closet. He never really got interested in stamp collecting.  I figured recycling the postal treasures would make great sense
for this sewing project.


I began by selecting a story stamp, such as birds, love, flowers.  Then I took random portrait stamps and created a "stamp fabric" with them.  I  layered them onto the back sticky side of heavy duty, clear packing tape. Then I cut out a motif shape.


My first "stamp fabric" was attached to duct tape, but warning.... stitching through it gummed up my machine needle!  However, the clear packing tape was much cleaner to sew through.

The dimensional paint dabs (rivets) have a reason.  They hold down the intersection of stamps.  Some of the older stamps wanted to curl away from my tape.  Next time I will gently iron them flat before adhering.


It's rare that I ever make two identical postcards.  I like to experiment with changes in the background fabrics and edge finishes.  If you don't have old postal stamps, you could use a variety of stickers for this method.


Fabric postcards can be flat or embellished. They are often a collage of fabrics, trims, and other tidbits. The more dimensional you make your postcard, the more you'll pay for special postage rates to mail it.  I mailed some of these in clear cellophane envelopes.


Uncle Sam might be proud of my stamp recycling techniques. Or, as my sister stated, I could have just ruined a "really valuable" vintage stamp somewhere in these postcards.  Oops!


Thanks for stopping by.....

ShereeSews in M!ch!gan

                                                                           

                                                                                      A little glitter tulle and feathers add spark!