The lost art of postcard writing
There’s something undeniably magical about opening your mailbox to find a handwritten postcard. That small rectangle of card stock carries not just words, but a piece of someone’s day, their thoughts, and most importantly—their time. When someone chooses to send you a postcard, they’re saying, “I paused my life to think about you”.
A postcard is a tangible reminder that someone cares. Unlike texts or emails that disappear into the digital ether, postcards can be displayed on refrigerators, tucked into books as bookmarks, or saved in memory boxes. They become little treasures, physical evidence of connection in an increasingly virtual world.
The beauty of a postcard lies in its simplicity and constraint. With limited space, every word matters. This constraint often leads to the most heartfelt, distilled messages—the essence of what we truly want to say to one another.
So, how do you write the perfect message on your postcard?
Start your postcard with a greeting that immediately conveys your affection:
“My dearest friend,”
“Hello from the mountains that made me think of you,”
“Sending sunshine your way,”
Share a moment.
The middle of your message should capture something meaningful—a snapshot of your experience or a reflection:
“Watching the sunset over the ocean tonight, I remembered our conversation about finding peace in small moments.”
“The café where I’m writing this reminds me of our favourite spot back home—they even have those almond cookies you love!”
Find the connection.
Bridge the distance by connecting your experience to your relationship:
“The ancient buildings here have stood for centuries, solid and unwavering—like our friendship.”
“Every time I see something beautiful, I wish you were here to share it. But sending this piece of my journey is the next best thing.”
And close the message with heart.
End your message with words that linger:
“Missing your laugh and counting the days until we meet again,”
“Carrying you in my thoughts as I wander,”
“Until next time, holding you close in my heart,”
Some examples to inspire you.
Dear Mum,
The gardens here bloom with such vibrant colours that I immediately thought of your own garden back home. I found myself describing your roses to a fellow traveller today. Funny how the things we love most follow us wherever we go. Sending you the fragrance of these flowers through this little card. Love you endlessly.
– Your wandering daughter
My resilient Abigail,
I visited the lighthouse on this card and saw it has weathered countless storms, yet still stands tall, guiding ships safely to shore. It reminds me of you. This little piece of paper can’t solve everything, but I hope it brings a moment of brightness to your day. I’m holding space for your journey, always.
– All my love, Jenny
Babe,
Day 3 in Miami and the sunset just now wrecked me because all I could think was how much you’d love it here. Found this cheesy postcard that made me laugh. The bed feels too big without you and I keep taking pictures of random things to show you later. Can’t wait to be home Sunday and steal all your hoodies again.
– Love you tons, Alex
The lasting impact of a few carefully chosen words.
In just a few sentences on a small piece of card stock, you can brighten someone’s day, strengthen a bond, or even begin healing a rift. A thoughtfully crafted postcard message says, “I see you. I value you. You matter enough for me to send a piece of my world to yours”.
In an age of instant messaging and never-ending social media updates, the postcard stands as a rebellion against forgetting the art of slowing down to truly connect. It teaches us that sometimes, the most meaningful messages don’t need flashy technology or endless words—just a genuine heart and a moment of undivided attention.
The next time you want to reach out to someone who matters, consider the humble postcard. In its simplicity lies its power: the power to bridge distances not just in miles, but in hearts.
What moments of yours are waiting to be shared? Whose day could you brighten with just a few heartfelt words? The perfect postcard is waiting to carry your message across the miles.
What to do with postcards you don’t want to throw away?
We’ve all been there–staring at a collection of postcards that hold too many memories to discard, yet seem to lack a purpose beyond taking up space in a drawer.
1) Create a memory wall
Transform a blank wall space into a gallery of connections. Use washi tape, string and clips, or a large cork board to display postcards that bring you joy. Group them by sender, location, or simply by the feelings they evoke. This living collage becomes a visual reminder of the people and places that have shaped your story.
2) Craft a keepsake journal
Paste postcards into a blank journal, leaving space to write your memories of the sender or the time in your life when you received it. What was happening then? How did you feel when this card arrived? This becomes a deeply personal memoir that combines others’ words with your own reflections.
3) Make seasonal decor
Rotate your postcard display with the seasons or holidays. Those beach scenes can brighten winter days, while snowy landscapes might offer refreshing visual coolness during summer heat. This rotation keeps your spaces feeling fresh while honouring these tangible connections.
4) Create practical art
Laminate favourite postcards to create unique coasters, or frame a series of them for a personalised gallery wall. Some crafters even create functional items like gift boxes, bookmarks, or place cards for special dinners from cherished postcards.
5) Start a giving tradition
When you’ve enjoyed a postcard for years but are ready to let it continue its journey, consider passing it forward. Add your own message on the back (if there’s room) or attach a note explaining its journey, then send it to someone new who might appreciate its sentiment or imagery.
6) Sell them
If you’ve got retro or vintage post cards lying around the house, consider selling them. There are plenty of collectors out there looking for what you have in the back of your closet!
7) Reuse them
You can put tabs on them and use them as dividers for organising or in a recipe card box. You can also use them as-is as bookmarks or cut them into skinnier strips and use that as a bookmark.
8) Digitise the collection
For those who want to preserve memories while reducing physical clutter, consider scanning or photographing your postcard collection before finding new homes for the originals. Create a digital album that captures both sides of each card, preserving the handwriting and sentiments of loved ones.
The beauty of postcards lies not just in their arrival, but in their ability to continue connecting us across time. Whether displayed proudly or thoughtfully repurposed, these small pieces of card stock can continue to bring warmth to our spaces and hearts long after they’ve completed their postal journey.
You can extend the life and meaning of postcards beyond their initial purpose, turning them into cherished mementos that continue to bring joy and inspiration long after they’ve been received.
Check out the postcards in my shop here!
