Make Your Own Postcard Instructions

Postcards have been used as an efficient way to send messages to loved ones since the 1840s. Whether mailed from a faraway place while on vacation or sent as a quick pick-me-up, postcards are an easy way to show someone that you are thinking of them. Using the Anna May Wong postcard images provided, print out your own postcards and drop in the mail.

Supplies:
Glue
Pen/pencil
1 piece of blank 8.5” x 11” paper
1 First Class postage stamp
Printer
Scissors
1 thin cardboard box (i.e. cereal box)

Directions:
1. Print out the front and back images of your chosen postcard on blank 8.5” x 11” paper. Cut out both images along the dashed black lines.
2. Glue one of the two postcard images to the thin cardboard. Cut the cardboard to the same size as the postcard image. Glue the second of the postcard images to the other side of the cardboard, carefully aligning all edges. Trim as needed.
3. On the three horizontal lines to the right of the vertical line, write the address of the recipient. Remember, postcards do not require return addresses like letters do. Any brief, personalized message you would like to include should fit in the space above the recipient’s address.
4. Attach a stamp on the rectangular box above the address lines and drop in your local collection mailbox.

How can you be a changemaker in society?

Anna May Wong was a changemaker in Hollywood as the first Asian American movie star, but her rise to fame came with many obstacles. If you are interested in learning more about the life and legacy of Anna May Wong, check out this topical Learning Lab collection for access to short videos, articles, and objects from the Smithsonian collections to guide your learning.

Brought to you through a partnership between the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, National Portrait Gallery, and National Postal Museum.

Make Your Own Postcard Instructions

Postcards have been used as an efficient way to send messages to loved ones since the 1840s. Whether mailed from a faraway place while on vacation or sent as a quick pick-me-up, postcards are an easy way to show someone that you are thinking of them. Using the Anna May Wong postcard images provided, print out your own postcards and drop in the mail.

Supplies:
Glue
Pen/pencil
1 piece of blank 8.5” x 11” paper
1 First Class postage stamp
Printer
Scissors
1 thin cardboard box (i.e. cereal box)

Directions:
1. Print out the front and back images of your chosen postcard on blank 8.5” x 11” paper. Cut out both images along the dashed black lines.
2. Glue one of the two postcard images to the thin cardboard. Cut the cardboard to the same size as the postcard image. Glue the second of the postcard images to the other side of the cardboard, carefully aligning all edges. Trim as needed.
3. On the three horizontal lines to the right of the vertical line, write the address of the recipient. Remember, postcards do not require return addresses like letters do. Any brief, personalized message you would like to include should fit in the space above the recipient’s address.
4. Attach a stamp on the rectangular box above the address lines and drop in your local collection mailbox.

How can you be a changemaker in society?

Anna May Wong was a changemaker in Hollywood as the first Asian American movie star, but her rise to fame came with many obstacles. If you are interested in learning more about the life and legacy of Anna May Wong, check out this topical Learning Lab collection for access to short videos, articles, and objects from the Smithsonian collections to guide your learning.

Brought to you through a partnership between the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, National Portrait Gallery, and National Postal Museum.