Louise Gale hosts a global postcard swap several times each year. The Global heART Exchange is so fun, and very easy to take part in. You are given three names, and create three cards to share. And in return, you get three postcards in your mailbox. The theme this round was “Love”.

For my cards, I used acrylic paint and pen. I worked with wood block stamps from Michaels. Apparently they no longer sell the blocks, but here is a video that will show you what I am talking about.

I did not know that you needed to use a foam mat underneath the block, and did not have anything that I could use. So I struggled with making an impression. I used a heart, paisley and feather design. The impressions were broken up, not solid. But I really like the effect, sort of aged and worn. The feather design did not turn out at all, so I traced over it with a pen. I added polka dots, hearts with dot borders, and the words love, lovely, loved.

The first fabulous card I received came from Phredkite in Texas. Hello Texas! I hope you can see the bamboo embossing. It runs the length of the card. So much more pretty in person! The sweet and simple message: “Be love!”

Beautiful!

 

 

From Susi Sanlier in Germany, one sweet surprise after another. The envelope was adorned with beautiful watercolor rose trimmed in gold pen. On the back a sticker that said, “All you need is love, and vegan chocolate”.

Inside, two gorgeous postcards, and her business card that is also a tiny piece of art. This first is watercolor, acrylic and pen I believe. Lovely springtime fresh! I didn’t remember to scan the back, but it is just as lovely. On the back:

“Let love fill your garden & you will reap utter happiness!

 

 

This next card is alcohol inks I believe. The scan does not do it justice, as the colors are metallic. And you know those never show well in photos. Susi did several of these tree affirmation cards, you can see them here. On the back:

“May LOVE be always by your side this spring.”

 

 

And for dessert, this lovable little lighthouse.

 

 

Susi also has terrific illustrated recipes on They Draw and Cook. Labskaus anyone?

My third treat is not a postcard. But that won’t surprise you when you see who it is from. She has her own way of doing things. It is a tiny treasure from the daring and dear, Dotty Seiter. The ex Michaels framer in me is truly appreciative of Dotty’s cutting and centering skills! On the back, as one might expect, words of profound wisdom.

Ruby used to say you just always had to believe
you’d find as many answers as it was questions.
Kaye Gibbons, A virtuous woman

 

 

This piece of art is five layers deep. Approximately 3 and 1/2 inches square. Creme matboard, black foam board, white paper, and decorative papers. On the back is a jagged edged, rough textured paper with the quote on it.  It feels almost like leather, but knowing Dotty recycles, I suspect it might be the inside of a cereal box.

Each of these cards includes something have a fondness for. And each message, feels as if it was chosen just for me. The universe works in mysterious and wonderful ways!

Do be sure and visit the exchange site. Sign up to receive notice of future events. You have the opportunity to decide later if you want to take part or not. You can take part in as many, or as few as you are able. Hope to see you there!