A Birthday in Shanghai and Hand Made DIY Postcards.

To celebrate my 65th birthday in a positive way, not only did I make 65 collaged postcards and send them to arty friends and family - but I also went to China. We spent most of our time in


Yu Gardens

Shanghai - and had the day of my birthday - 31st October - walking around the traditional Yu Gardens and Market; Xintiandi, an area of Shikumen Houses restored as shops and restaurants and Tianzifang, an area of local craft and art galleries in narrow alley ways and restored Shikumen houses.

Xintiandi



Tianzifang on 31st October

That evening we stayed at one of the "coolest" hotels on the planet! The Indigo - on The Bund - amazing decor and facilities. Loved every minute I was there!.



Daytime view of Pudong

Night view of Pudong.

Our room.

Then, when I got home, a week later I had 3 week's worth of mail delivered! Some gorgeous arty postcards for me! Continuous birthday celebrations - love it! There are cards that have been painted, collaged, textured, sewn, glossed, stamped, coloured, watercolour, crayons, inks, acrylic, shim, recycled, repurposed, washi tape, packing tape... Receiving so many mixed media creations has amazed and thrilled me. It's been an interesting and creative experience and wonderful to now own so many mini works of Art from creative friends.
I've been fortunate enough to "meet" like minded creative people through my participation in the Lawendula's Paper Swaps, the 21 Secrets online class, Daisy Yellow's Index Card A Day and Daily Paper Prompts challenges, and Ro Bruhn's workshops.

Thank you Marleen, from Delft, Netherland.



Thank you Sabine, from Melbourne, Australia.



Thank you Wendy from Ontario, Canada.



Thank you Marlene, Albuquerque, USA.




Thank you Manu, from Berlin, Germany.



Thank you Laurie, from Glendale, USA.



Thank you Marianne, from Castlecove, Ireland.



Thank you Ro, from Melbourne, Australia.



Thank you Denyse, from Sydney, Australia.



Thank you Anne, from Melbourne, Australia.



Thank you Wendy, from  Western Australia.



Thank you, Carlene, from Nashville, USA.



Thank you Lee, from  Alberta, Canada.



Thank you, Marg, from Melbourne, Australia.



Thank you Lynn, from Ontario, Canada.
This one lost a phrase in the mail ..."made up of" is floating around some mailroom somewhere!





Thank you Betty, from Washington, USA.



Thank you Tammy, from USA.



Thank you,Tina, from Sweden.

Thank you Marie, from Melbourne, Australia.



Thank you, Evelyn from Ohio, USA.



Thank you Hanna, from Sweden.



Thank you, Sylvia, from Melbourne, Australia.



Some cards came in Mail Art envelopes too!
I have received a few more since starting this post and have a few more promised so I'll do another post again in a month or so.

TEN MAIL ART POSTCARDS

I've received ten beautiful postcards from some people I sent mine to. Every one unique and different and special. I feel very honoured.

I hope the postman who delivers them to me is cheered by them. The world wide postal service is something we take for granted - but it is so appreciated by me, especially at the moment!

 
I also hope whoever stamps them and sorts them in post offices where they're posted are brightened up by them. Long live Snail Mail and Art Mail!
 Here are the cards - all different techniques - all unique and all wonderful!


Thank you Joanne, from Victoria, Australia.

Thank you Gail, from Victoria, Australia.

Thank you Norma, from Victoria, Australia.

Thank you Anne, from Huttenberg, Germany.

Thank you Thea, from Queensland, Australia.



Thank you Deb, from Western Australia.

Thank you Christine, from Pennsylvania, USA.

Thank you Harriet from California, USA.

Thank you Nicky, from Victoria, Australia.

Thank you Sarah, from Tasmania, Australia.

More surprises - Deb's fabric, beaded, embroidered and stitched card came in this Mail Art envelope.

...and Sarah's also came in a Mail Art envelope with some goodies from her etsy shop.
 

HERE THEY GO ...

I have finished making the 65 postcards - and have started to write and post them. Hopefully I can post them all before the end of September.

 

First cards posted - to America, Australia and Europe.

 

65 makes a big pile - I have had a lovely time making them with collaged papers...

 

...and ribbon and machine stitching.

 

They're stamped and ready for writing on.

 

Some of my favourites am going to keep some as souvenirs!

 

 

 My trusty Singer machine performed very well through all the thicknesses.

 

I have received one lovely card already - from a Melbourne Art Friend. Thank you Joanne!