mail art...

Last year I started making a postcard every weekend, and mailing them on Monday morning to my daughter at college.  The theme for last year was music.  She LOVES music, so I would pick a line, or phrase, from a song and make a card about it.  When I would be driving in the car, I would hear something on the radio and jot it on a piece of paper so I wouldn't forget it. 

I really started listening to the words.  Sometimes they were inspirational, and sometimes just for fun...

I made the cards with a set of Jumbo playing cards someone had given me (from Bed,Bath & Beyond, I think)...

they are 4 1/2" x 7".

Some things fell off in the mail, like rhinestones, so I started putting a layer of Mod Podge on the cards after I collaged them, to seal everything. All the cards here have been through the mail, and so some might be dirty or damaged...

I made them bright and fun, and she put them on the wall in her dorm room...it looked pretty cool to see them all together...

She loves getting mail, but I never have anything to say in a letter, because we talk on the phone every day (usually 2 or 3 times a day!), so this was a perfect way to send a little mommy love to her. 

I was going to switch to inspirational quotes this year, but I think I might stick with music...I am making my first card of the new year this weekend, so I better decide!  I used all kinds of papers...magazines, wrappers, foreign newspapers, color copies of things (like my flower pins)...I would staple down ribbon, and try to keep the card pretty flat. I used the plain back side for the address...

and decorated it to match the front.  It is a fun quick project, and I encourage you to send a little mail art to someone this year! They will love you for it!

Comments

[lulu sparkles]

I love that idea! very clever indeed :)

[JEANIE]

HEY sUZ,

You still in for a swap with Jamie, Wendy, Jenn and I?
:)
Jeanie

[Present Past Collection]

Suzanne,
This post is so sweet and thoughtful. What wonderful mementos she'll have to remember her college days and the bond between you both. I'm very inspired to "borrow" this idea when my own little girl leaves the nest.

[Lori]

Suzanne, Lovely post, great idea! my you sure have a beautiful family! Purses in the kitchen, boy is she creative!!!Later, Lori

[Bari]

These are wonderful!

[Daisy Cottage]

((((((hugs)))))))
Just stopping by to give you a hug seeing as how we both are saying goodbye to our girls today - for now.
Precious treasures you have made for your daughter too.
Love,
Kim

[Melissa]

Hi Suzanne! Send me your email address and I'll send you the details for the heart art Swap!

Melissa

[Jamie Walker]

You are the best mom ever!!!! how original!

[Denise Fontaine]

Thank You for your lovely comment hugs Denise

[Maggie]

What a fantastic idea, I'm going to look for some cards...! XOX

[Teresa]

Can I just say thank you from the bottom of my heart for this idea!!! My baby girl just went back to college today and after my tears settled and set down and started to read blogs...this was the most perfect post for me ever. I am going to be more diligent of doing this same thing until spring break!! Thank you!!

Teresa
xo

[Alison Gibbs]

What a fabulous idea.
Alison

[Holly]

What a good idea. So cool! ~Fingers crossed~ I'll get something like this done.

[lucy]

Wow--that had (has) to mean so much to your daughter, what a labor of love! I remember how much it meant to me to get a letter every week from my Mom, bringing that little piece of home back into my hands.

[melissa @ the inspired room]

Great idea, anything to keep that connection to college age daughters! Although WOW you keep in great touch via the phone! I am sure your weekly mailing really touches her heart and is such a sweet gesture of motherly love! (I have my own college age daughter so I know how important that is!)

Thanks for the inspiration! (found you via Heather Bullard)

Happy New Year,

Melissa

[Kim]

I am here through a link on Heather Bullard's blog and I'm so glad that she has "introduced" me to you & your blog! Your posts are so full of inspiration! I will be back many times.

[Sue]

Hi Suzanne, love the mailart! I dont have anyone to send them to, but just love them!
I found your blog through Presentpast collections, and I find we have a few things in common...My parents will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on the 15th of Feb,not sure what to do yet.We have to get through my mum's 70th birthday in two weeks first!
Im also making a list of things I'd like to experience, do,though my paper is blank, it's all in my head!
Your blog is lovely to read, I'll be back,
Sue

[Kathy Jacobson]

What a wonderful idea. Your cards are incredible. They are so fun and creative, your daughter must really look forward to receiving one each week. Maybe you can keep sharing them with us too???

[laura]

those are so sweet - i'm sure she loves them! :)

glad to find your blog from heather bullard's blog. happy new year! :)

[Jen ~ ARTful Dreamer]

Suzanne - wonderful idea for sharing a little of yourself without saying a word! Using the playing cards is so clever. My little boy is many years out from college, but I might try slipping a few of these into his lunch box as a little surprise from mom :~) Thanks for sharing your creativity!

[heidi]

hi, just stumbled upon your lovely blog ~ i love this idea! my son is away at school too, and would love to get something special from mum! ;)

[Heather - Speckled Egg]

This is such a sweet thing to do for your daughter! I'm sure she treasures them!