CC: Layers of Flavor

For this swap, we will use multiple layers to make unique postcards.

Step 1: Procure either a cereal box or similar weight cardboard about 8 1/2 by 11".

Step 2: Use your favorite glue to apply a layer of ripped or cut papers to your piece of cardboard. Use a brayer, the palm of your hand or your fingernails to make sure the paper is stuck really well. Let it dry completely.

Step 3: Use at least 3 more techniques from the choices below...feel free to use more...to create fabulously layered backgrounds.

• Add paint or ink using an unconventional household item as a stamp (potato masher, head of cabbage, flip-flop shoe)
• Add a wash of watered down paint
• Remove some paint with a paper towel
• Add (glue) more paper cut-outs or punches
• Write random words or a poem across the whole surface with a marker (Go ahead and overlap them)
• Use masks or stencils and more paint or ink
• Stamp a commercial or handcarved rubber stamp(s) all over
• Gently scratch into the surface
• Use either a regular pencil or colored pencil to draw random shapes
• Use sandpaper to roughen it up a little in spots
• Add some tissue paper or paper napkin bits (glue them in place)

Step 4: Cut your cardboard in half and send one to each of your partners.

Include a note about what processes you used to create your layered postcard.

When is the background done? When it looks right to you! Just keep adding layers and if it doesn't look "right" or "done," put it away for a day and by the next day, it will look totally different.

This is sender's choice!

I'm lifting this swap from FarStarr who held a similar one back in 2011.

Image from FarStarr at Flickr