The Polaroid photo stands as one of the most iconic symbols in photography history. We’re a bit obsessed with them, if you haven’t noticed already. In fact, you might recall us showing you how to transform a Polaroid into a scratch-off card, a pop-up card, and even a piece of chocolate. And today, we’re […]

Let’s get started! First, here’s a fun fact: Polaroids can be mailed without an envelope! (Though, I’d recommend mailing a Polaroid instead of, say, a water bottle—let’s not go too far with this concept.) This DIY is perfect for those of you looking to send a more personalized, creative note. All you need is a camera, a pen, a blank notebook, and a stamp!
To make your Polaroid postcard, have someone take a photo of you holding a blank notebook. It’s up to you whether your face appears in the shot, but Jessica tends to frame her photos from the waist up, which shifts the focus to the message instead. After all, that’s what this is all about!
Once you’ve got your photo, grab a fine-point pen or Sharpie and write your message on the blank pages of the notebook. Jessica uses these Polaroid postcards as thank-you notes, but you can write anything from “Happy Birthday” to “Miss You” to “Merry Christmas.” You could even include multiple people in the photo if it’s a group message (think: perfect wedding thank-you cards!).
After writing your message, add a stamp to the bottom right, address the bottom left, and feel free to write a longer note on the back.
Want to send a digital greeting instead? No pen needed! You can use Photoshop or any image editor to add text directly to the photo or combine multiple photos to create a longer message, then simply email it away!