Tiny Treasures - The Timeless Charm of Postcards

this vintage postcard from my collection was issued in 1914 and is 110 years old

So, most of you probably already know about my obsession with gift cards, but did you know that I am also a huge fan of postcards? I just love receiving them and sending them out into the world.

As I was getting ready to write this blog post, I was a bit worried that postcards might be going out of style. But guess what? I found out that October 1st is World Postcard Day! So, today is the perfect day to celebrate the joy of sending and receiving postcards.

I was really curious to find out how these little cards became part of our culture and communication. And here is what I found out.

The postcard’s origins can be traced back to the mid-19th century. The concept of the postcard as we know it today began in Austria in 1869 when Dr. Emanuel Herrmann, a professor of economics, proposed the idea of a "correspondence card." His suggestion was to create a simpler and cheaper means of communication—one that didn’t require the formality of a letter. The Austrian government embraced the idea, and the first official postcard, known as the "Correspondenz-Karte," was issued on October 1, 1869. It was an instant hit, providing a convenient way for people to send short messages. So the postcard was born. The popularity of postcards spread rapidly across Europe and the United States. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, postcards became a global phenomenon, often referred to as the "Golden Age of Postcards." During this time, postcards were not just a means of communication but also a form of art and social commentary. The front of the cards often featured beautiful images—scenic landscapes, famous landmarks, romantic scenes, and humorous illustrations.

As technology advanced, so did the design and use of postcards. The rise of color photography in the 1930s and 1940s brought vibrant, full-color postcards into popularity.

Now, you might think that in today's digital age, postcards would have fallen out of favor. But there is still a loyal following, and there are still people who enjoy sending postcards to share their experiences or just simply say hello.

In fact, recently there has been a resurgence of interest in postcards as a form of slow communication—a deliberate and thoughtful alternative to the instant nature of texts and emails.

So, why not give it a try and send a postcard this October? It is a small gesture that can have a huge impact on someone's day. Plus, I have designed a few whimsical postcards that you may consider.

Please check out my website to find the perfect postcard that speaks to you!