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CLICK HERE FOR FAUX POSTAGE TEMPLATE

Note: Please make sure your printing margins are set to .5 inches (half an inch) or the template may not print completely. In your browser's Menu bar,  select File > Page Setup, and change the margin settings to .5. (The selections may be slightly different between browsers.)

The finished postage sheet measures approximately 6 x 6.25 and contains 20 faux postage stamps.

• Template copied onto transparent acetate (the kind used for overheads) or card stock. The acetate will be reusable indefinitely, but the card stock will have to be thrown away after a couple of sessions (because it becomes saturated with ink).
• Self-adhesive paper, or plain paper (see below for a glue recipe you can use on your faux postage stamps)
• Removable tape
• Post-It Notes (optional)
• 1/16" metal letter punches (from Harbor Freight) (optional)
• Extra-fine pen (optional)

• Very sharp craft knife and cutting mat
• Ruler with metal edge
• Postage-edge decorative scissors, or access to a sewing machine (see below)

• A variety of rubber stamps, inks, cosmetic sponges, stipple brushes, etc., as desired

• Mix equal parts white glue (such as Elmer's Glue) and white vinegar. Add several drops of peppermint extract (or other good-tasting extract). Use a CLEAN brush to apply to the entire back of your plain paper. Allow to dry. Repeat with second coat. Allow to dry. You will be able to lick the stamps just like in the olden days! (This is also an excellent glue for home-made envelopes!)

1. Print or copy the template onto transparent acetate (or card stock if you don't have acetate -- but try to use acetate!).
2. Using your craft knife, ruler, and cutting mat, carefully cut out all of the rectangles.
3. Use removable tape to adhere the template to your paper. You can situate the template so the faux postage is tall or wide.
4. Sponge, stipple, or otherwise create a background for your postage, if desired.
5. Stamp images inside each rectangle. If you want to use a larger image, use Post-It Notes to mask off areas where you don't want to stamp.
6. Hand-letter words along one or two of the edges, or as desired. If you have small metal letter punches, this is a great project for them!
7. Remove the template and trim paper to 7 x 7.25, centering the faux postage block.
8. If you used plain paper, apply glue as directed above.
9. Use postage-edge decorative scissors to cut out each faux postage image, exactly in the middle of the blank grid lines.
10. OR use your UNTHREADED sewing machine to "sew" along the middle of the blank grid lines. This will make separating the individual stamps easy. If you are using self-adhesive paper, use an old needle because it will get gummed up.

Make faux postage for your holiday or special occasion cards!