Happy National Postcard Week 2012

This is the first year that I have been able to participate in National Postcard Week. I have wanted to participate in a postcard swap ever since I was sent an invite to one about 10 years ago. At that time I didn't know how to even begin designing my own postcards and about two years ago I was very determined to figure it out. Unfortunately so far the most inexpensive place to get your postcards done is Vista but they are the 4 x 6 continental sized card. I would love to find a place that was inexpensive, that you didn't have to order more than a couple hundred of each kind, and printed a size that is closer to the traditional 3.5 x 5.5 inch cards of years gone by. So if anyone knows of a site that fits this criteria please leave a comment for me with the information; thank you in advance.

I am excitedly sending out my first (non-envelope) batch of postcards today. Because many of the people on the list requested a card sent in an envelope I am going to go on a search for Dollar Store envelopes tonight after work and will be sending the rest out tomorrow. I am mailing one of the following cards this year:
This one is called Forgotten Memory since it reminds me of the old abandoned buildings and how
they are filled with people's memories even if they don't look like it today.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/98795105/1-fine-art-postcard-the-forgotten-memory

This one is called Homestead Lost In Time; both images were taken from Central Cal.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/98795187/1-fine-art-postcard-homestead-lost-in?ref=v1_other_1

I love old buildings and I wanted to send something from my own photography collection of California, especially since most of the people on the list are from other states. What I have learned this year is that I should have put National Postcard Week May 6 2012 on the card. I never even thought about it until I received a few sent to me. My hand is aching from having to hand write on the back my celebratory greetings. But considering this is my first year I figure I am going to give myself a break and just enjoy the fact I was able to participate; everything is a learning process.

Here are some of the postcards I received so far, these came already last week; talk about prompt!