A few summers ago I experimented with thin, 3/16-inch plywood to produce textural finishes on top of which anyone could compose a visual engaging, personalized collage. I then took the dried mixedmedia work, sanded it up a bit, and wrapped in an arresting detail/section from a magazine cover. I composed little packages of collage items in cellophane envelopes and tucked them in, sealing it all up with those clear plastic sticky dots. It was a fun and whimsical product that I haven’t really had the time to pursue further.

The steps are pretty easy:

1. Prepare and texturize one side of a large surface of  3/16″ plywood. Let dry.
2. When dry, cut the plywood into 4×5 postcard-sized pieces.
3. Find some interesting, card-weight magazine covers that are large enough to enclose the postcard when folded (at least 8 1/4-inches tall).
4. Glue the plywood, untreated side down, to the bottom edge of magazine covers. Use a brayer to achieve a firm, consistent application. Let dry.
5. When dry, fold the magazine cover into the correct postcard cover shape. Unfold when crisp lines are formed and trim off the excess magazine cover.

Voila! You’ve got a nice gift ready to send to your friends who love collage! Personalize by enclosing a few collage items that you think they’d enjoy.