Anyone who is acquainted with me knows that I worship at the church of Martha Stewart. I understand that she (deservedly) has her detractors. But she and her inordinately creative minions are responsible for endless hours of my wonderment and joy. Their use of common and not so common items to transform a home’s décor, a party, or another common item enthralls and inspires me. Some of their ideas are complicated or require hours of dedicated and loving work to produce. Some are just brilliantly simple.

I present to you The Postcard.

I’ve used it mainly as an instrument of torture and annoyance. You know. “Ha ha! I’m here in Venice enjoying my view of the Grand Canal eating a yummy meloni gelato while you’re stuck at work plugging away on your brief! Wish you were here. Toodles.” Then they, The Martha et al, opened my eyes. The Postcard could be used for good as well as evil. I’ll share a few borrowed and semi-original thoughts.

1. Invitations—A Parisian themed party? Send out your party information on Parisian postcards.
2. Art—Insert a few into basic Ikea frames for instant and inexpensive art.
3. T-shirts—Use transfer medium to create picturesque apparel.
4. Greeting cards—Paste your favorite postcard to a piece of folded card stock. Voila. A blank card awaiting your wise words.
5. Gift tags—Punch a hole in a corner and attach it with ribbon to a supersized gift.