The Great Octagon (handmade) Postcard Swap

Creativity + Community = Fun!

Join in the fun and brighten someone’s day! Draw, collage, cut, paint, punch, stamp, stitch — use whatever materials or techniques you like. Nearly 200 folks from 11 states have participated in the swap over the last two years. Invite your friends, neighbors, and  favorite Aunt Sue to join in!

 

In a nutshell:

 

 It’s easy to participate. Here’s how it works:

  • Fill out the simple form (below) by 5pm on May 25, 2022. Please note:  when you sign up, you are agreeing to allow the Octagon to share your name and address with one other person, your postcard swap partner. Your information will not be shared with anyone else.
  • Add “info@octagonarts.org” to your email contacts; that way, you will be sure to see the email from the Octagon with your partner’s contact info (otherwise, it might go to spam)!
  • Make a postcard! Use any materials you already have — here’s an excuse to use those craft supplies you’ve been collecting, to  “up-cycle” found materials, or to try something new. Keep it simple or layer it up. The only rule is that it must be handmade. Use any heavy paper/card stock you have and cut to size. You could even re-use an old postcard by painting or collaging over the original design. The USPS dimensions for a postcard are: 6.0 x 4.25 in (maximum) to 5.0 x 3.5 in (minimum).
  • Write a message to your recipient on the back side of your postcard. It’s a great time to encourage one another!
  • [Optional] Take a photo of your postcard (front side only — no names/addresses please) and post it in the Facebook event or on Instagram, so others can enjoy it. Use the #octagonpostcardswap (Check out a gallery of last year’s postcard here!)
  • Watch for an email from Octagon with your swap partner’s contact info after May 26. Add your partner’s address to your postcard.
  • Mail your creation by May 31! If you are concerned that your postcard will not survive the post office intact, you can always pop it into an envelope before mailing. Just be sure to use the correct postage. Just be sure to use the correct postage. USPS postage is currently $0.40 for a postcard and $0.58 for a first class letter (1 oz.).
  • Watch your own mailbox after May 31 for a postcard from your postcard swap partner! Give it some time, USPS can be a little slow sometimes.

The Great Octagon (handmade) Postcard Swap is open to all ages 18 and over. Families may create a postcard together, but the person who registers must be at least 18 years of age. There is no charge for registering for the Swap.

So sorry! You have missed The Great Octagon (handmade) Postcard Swap. See you next time.