Mostly Postal Collage
Updates from Mostly Postal Collage
December 25, 2025
A very merry Christmas to you!
December 18, 2025
The new year is almost here - where has the time gone? This photo is from New Years Eve December 1955 - 70 years ago. My mom has a stopwatch - games, balloons, music are other photos from that night. Others in this photo are my great grandmother, my dad, one of my aunts and my mom’s cousin’s husband. What are your plans for the new year? I am posting some new pieces - take a look! The rest of this year will be spent with family, so there won’t be a newsletter or anything mailed out next week. Wishing you and yours all the best!
December 11, 2025
Look at all the snow! The photo is Minneapolis, early 1960’s. It snowed here yesterday and early this morning. Plows are out, though the flakes are still coming down. We’ll be out with snowblower and shovel, digging ourselves out. Right now it is beautiful. If you are one who enjoys the snow, take a look at this week’s collages. They celebrate the fun, the beauty and wonder at this time of year. It’s not too late for mailing something for Christmas out to you!
December 4, 2025
A happy December to you! Our family always went to the Como Park Conservatory in St. Paul every December. My grandma loved both the poinsettias and the warmth of the building. This is one of my favorite photos. Grandma made the coat, and I had a fuzzy white hat and my all-time best mittens - little puppy dog mittens that were like puppets. At our house, it’s time to get ready for Christmas. I’ve posted more Christmas collages as well as a few favorites. Hope you find some favorites too; email me if you have something special in mind but can’t find it.
November 27, 2025
What are you thankful for? I was looking for a Thanksgiving photo and realized that probably none existed because the women of the family were exhausted from making and serving the traditional Thanksgiving meal. But here we are back at the lake on a cold autumn day; dad has waders on so he must have taken the dock out. Grandma has on her coat and babushka and I have my warm coat, boots, hat and mittens. And I am smiling. I’m sure I was well fed and I was with the people I loved who loved me back. A thanks to you for enjoying my art enough to follow it.❤️
November 20, 2025
I have been very fortunate that I have grown up around strong women. My aunt was the eldest daughter. Her mom was also the eldest; my grandmother. Next to her was the youngest; my mother.They were all farm girls in their early years.They were all resourceful and held their own place. So, here’s to strong women: May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them. The women I’m sharing today are all strong in their own ways. Find the strong women in your life and give thanks for them.
November 13, 2025
This week’s post is “Going Hunting”. I’m don’t know why this photo was taken; it looks like new boots and coat. Grandma made the coat. It was wool and airtight. But dressed like this usually meant hunting season. My dad hunted deer with bow and arrow.I hunted for wintergreen berries and clamshells. What are you on the hunt for? Whether it’s wild game or a Christmas gift, I hope you’ll take a look at my newest posts; you just might find what you’re looking for. (Dad was a softie; couldn’t shoot anything with big brown eyes.Tho there’s a buck story…)
November 6, 2025
Music revisited. This was our player piano. Long before I took lessons, music was a part of our lives. Mom liked classical, my dad was a fan of big band. My grandma would sing songs like You are my Sunshine and Clementine. This week, I’m highlighting some of my favorite music collages. I happen to like jazz. Hope you enjoy them! For those of you in MN, my only craft fair of the year starts tomorrow - check the Oct. 23rd newsletter for more info. Have a great week!
October 30, 2025
I went to find a different photo, but I found this. It is one of my birthday parties. I am the left-handed one. The girl to my left (your right) was my good friend Sylvia. She was funny and artistically talented. It is also the last photo I have of her. She was swimming in a river the next summer, was pulled into the undercurrent and drowned. I missed her terribly. So, this week, my emphasis is on friendship. If you haven’t been in touch with a good friend for awhile, maybe it’s time. A reminder that Nov.7-9 I will be at Rush City’s Bountiful Boutiques.
October 23, 2025
It’s that time of year! The Rush City (MN) Bountiful Boutiques is the only craft fair I participate in. It is a fundraiser for the local food shelf. There are ten venues to craft hop; I will be located in the Rush City Community Center. This year it is November 7-9. Hours are Friday 11-7, Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 11-3. I will have a number of my collages there along with other postage stamp related items & handmade cards. So here is your chance to see me and my wares in person and benefit a worthy cause. For more info, check out Bountiful Boutiques on FB.
October 16, 2025
It is birthday time in rhe next two weeks for at least four people I know, including myself. This is a photo of me at one of my grandparents houses sitting on their very scratchy couch with all my gifts. Wish I still had the board game…. When you’re planning your next “what shall I get (add name here)?, consider one of these collages. They make great gifts and work anywhere: a kitchen, a desktop or a nightstand. I’m sure there’s something here that makes you think “this would be perfect for so & so.” And I do custom orders if you need something special.
October 9, 2025
This is at our cabin. I was outside playing when this deer came wandering into the yard. I yelled for my mom “There’s a deer out here and it’s letting me pet it!” At first she thought it might have rabies, but it came right up to us. My mom grabbed a box of oatmeal cookies and it snarfed them down. We found out from neighbors that a pet deer had jumped a fence around five miles away. The owners brought a horse trailer and picked her up. This week’s collages feature our animal friends, whatever form they take. They almost always delight.
October 2, 2025
My mom always had two things I could be for Halloween; a hobo or a witch. The witch was always more fun; otherwise we looked destitute. As it is now October, I thought I’d put out some Halloween/spooky collages to get you in the spirit, so to speak…I’ve also put a couple of more autumn-like pieces, because even if it doesn’t quite feel like fall, you hate to miss it! Have a great week.
September 25, 2025
Not sure what is stuck to this photo.It was in a drawer at my folks place. This week I’m calling Just for Fun. My brother and I would take turns riding in this wagon. We would take it up the hill; one would push and the other would ride down. We tried it together a few times, but 2/3 of the way down, he would lean way over and purposefully tip it over - every single time. This week’s collages are just for fun - quirky quotes that I’ve come across or stamps that remind us that life can be humorous and even tipping over a wagon on your way down can be fun.
September 18, 2025
Coffee Klatch, tea party, what is your favorite beverage? I’m sure this little party was having Kool-Aid with their fine china. This week’s collages are all based on beverages - coffee, tea, and their accompaniments. They’re perfect for a little kitchen art or for the the friend that can’t start their day until they have their cup of Joe. So, grab your favorite brew and browse through this week’s features.
September 11, 2025
We woke up a week ago today to a temperature of 43 degrees. The leaves turning brilliant colors and you can tell autumn is in the air, and definitely my favorite season. So, this week I’m celebrating its coming by showcasing some of my favorite fall pieces. Enjoy an armchair walk around my store and you might be able to hear the leaves crunch under your feet and geese flying overhead!
September 4, 2025
The week is dedicated to food. The apples are turning red, we’ve been eating corn on the cob, tomatoes, green beans and a because we have a number of birthdays in the late summer, desserts. What is your favorite food? It’s obvious I liked apples from the get-go and still do, but now and then a little chocolate with sea salt satisfies for quite a while. Hope you enjoy this week’s featured pieces!
August 28, 2025
The last hurrah of summer; here in Minnesota that means the state fair, closing up a cabin, or the last family trip before school begins. Here I am with my brother waiting for a parade to begin; one of the last hot days before the leaves turn. So this week’s pieces are celebrating the end of summer; hope you have had a wonderful time!
August 21, 2025
It is back to school time around here! This is probably my favorite first day of school photo. The dress is red calico with a matching side purse; quite stylish for the sixties! The collages and recommendations this week all have a tie to school in some way, shape or form. Take a look!
August 14, 2025
With all the heat and humidity we’ve been having, my flowers are going crazy. And have we had the visitors! The hummingbirds make the rounds a few times each day, as do some monarchs and this Giant Swallowtail. It seems to me this week should be about butterflies.
August 7, 2025
This week’s photo was taken on the US/Canadian border in North Dakota, where we lived for 8 years. It is the International Peace Garden and it is stunning. My grandmother would have loved it! I moved some more flower collages to the front so that they’re easier to locate, along with a couple of newer ones. Hope you’ve enjoyed the bouquet!
July 31, 2025
My grandmother loved flowers. There were irises, dahlias, lilacs, petunias, bleeding hearts, and of course, roses. This looks like a “Sunday after Church” photo of me posed in Grandma’s garden. Because they are so prolific, the next couple of weeks are devoted to collages with flower stamps. I will try to give you a variety of options; much like Grandma’s garden. Let me know your favorites!
July 24, 2025
It’s been a busy week! Thanks to those of you who made comments on my newsletter; it’s appreciated. I thought it might be fun to have a little Christmas in July! So, I have posted some of my older Christmas collages on sale, plus you get a sneak peek at a couple of new ones. The sale runs for just a week. Just type Specials into the shop tags and they should appear. There are also some others on clearance, so take a look around. You may find just the right gift to put under your tree - if you can remember where you put it!
July 17, 2025
Books, books, books. Our whole family loves to read. I spent many years teaching pre-reading skills to toddlers and preschoolers. My favorite books are children’s books. My all-time favorite was Charlotte’s Web, but since I was young, more fabulous books have appeared. So, this week, I’m sharing collages based on children’s books. Characters such as Alice, Alexander, Emil, Jeremy, Meg, Paddington , Pooh, Nils and Wilbur as well as wild things, a fox, a train engine, ducklings and a tortoise all make an appearance; come and visit your favorites!
July 10, 2025
Remakes - Part 3. Probably my favorite remake artist is Eva Cassidy. Phenomenal voice.Though she died from cancer in her thirties,, her covers live on. Look her up; you won’t be disappointed. So, the final list of covers here include: Hotel California True Colors Stairway to Heaven (watch the YouTube video of Heart doing this!) Crazy (Patsy Cline) Summertime Mystic He Ain’t Heavy Sing Anton aus Tirol (DJ Otzi soccer fans) Jump Rope (Dessa) Blackbird Sailing Morning has Broken Don’t Worry Old Time Rock & Roll Have fun looking and listening!
July 3, 2025
The photo above is my cherished LP of the Carpenters “Now and Then”. Side 1 has a few remakes and side 2 is a bunch of remakes from the 50s. So, as promised , here is my “Covers: Part 2”; songs I re-made as collages. Guess what? I have enough to put out a part 3… Enjoy the list below and play a favorite or two! Don’t Stop Believin’ Something Just Like This Skeleton Key Heart Fortress Phantom of the Opera Lucy in the Sky Sir Duke So Far Away Our House Big Yellow Taxi Cheese of Happiness Swiss Polka
June 26, 2025
About a month ago, I noticed that a couple of my recommended artists listed their favorite playlists. One of my favorite albums is the photo above. Kate Rusby does some amazing remakes here. So, in the spirit of great music, I’ve put together a playlist of sorts from songs done in collage form. I’ll call it “Covers - Part 1.” My first list includes: You’re So Vain Take Five If I Had a Boat Wildest Dreams Feelin’ Groovy Pushbike Song Watch for more covers next week.In the meantime, think of your favorite songs and send me a list. It may show up in my art!
June 19, 2025
This is the only lighthouse I’ve ever been in; it is Split Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior near Beaver Bay, MN. Most people are fascinated with the history and stories of these towering beams of light, and they are a popular subject of postage stamps. So, this week I’ve posted a number of lighthouse collages - including the one on the above photo. Only this time, you’ll see it from a distance. If you are a lighthouse affectionado, take a look at what I’ve posted in the store.
June 12, 2025
School is out here, so it is unofficially the beginning of summer. Where does your summer take you? I usually spent a week or two at a cabin in WI with my grandma and my aunt - no electricity or running water. But we had a propane stove and fridge, a smoker for fish and sausage, and a Victrola! (Photo of my aunt and me picking strawberries.)Always a good time. I’ve loaded a number of nostalgic summertime pieces to the first page to make browsing a little easier. If you see something you would like held for you, let me know. Here’s to a great summer!
June 5, 2025
Father’s Day is just around the corner! Here’s an old photo of me and my dad doing one of his favorite things. He always loved an afternoon nap, but don’t try and change the TV channel! A couple of my favorite “dad-isms” are featured this week below. There are a number of pieces in my store with dad in mind - sports, nature, a favorite bible verse, etc. If there is something particular you have in mind, send me an email. I have a number of postage stamps on hand for that something special piece.
May 29, 2025
Camping - the photo above is our family tent where we lived most summer weekends while my dad built our cabin. My brother was still in diapers; no electricity, though we did have a pump for water. What were my parents thinking? We had a lot of fun and I still love the north woods - but now my body loves a bed! So, make some s’mores and browse the store for your favorite nature scenes. Keep checking in as new items continue to appear. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you’re looking for something special! And welcome new subscribers; glad you’re here!
May 22, 2025
My grandma loved staging photographs. Here I am with the neighbor kids; I’m pretty sure the boat is tethered to the dock. Anyway, this week is all about boats and “messing about in them”. There are a number of boat collages, from ships to sailboats, rowboats, kayaks and more. Just go to Shop and in the drop-down menu go to Boats. I hope you get a chance to enjoy some time in a boat, either alone or with those you love.
May 15, 2025
Do you hear Pomp and Circumstance in your head? Graduation time is here! We have a number of invites; what to do for gifts? Dorms can be picky on what you can put on the walls. How about a piece of tiny postage stamp art? It fits easily on a desk or nightstand and adds a splash of color as well. The collages here are as varied as the graduates. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, send me a note - there are some not posted yet! I have also added a clearance section to make room for new pieces. Just go to shop & use the tag “clearance.” Have fun!
May 8, 2025
Here in MN, it’s a conundrum on what to celebrate- Mother’s Day or opening fishing? If you’re lucky, mom loves to fish. 🎣 Yes, this is me a few years back, jacket tucked into pants and all. Little sunnies were easy targets! This week’s newsletter showcases a few of my favorite fish collages and art pieces. You can also browse the shop for others, such as Fresh Fish, Go Fish, Wish BIG, Fish Dream and more. There are lots of fish postage stamps worldwide. I’m also fishing for what you would like to see in the coming weeks; drop me a line with ideas!
May 1, 2025
A friend of mine in the Twin Cities posted a lovely photo of apple blossoms. It’s been a lot cooler here, but when I went out to get the mail, sure enough, a neighborhood tree was in bloom as well as dandelions across the street. Some will be coming along later, but spring has sprung! I’ve added a few new pieces that remind me of springtime.; I hope you can get outside and find your own signs too. I have a request. I have been making collages using song lyrics. Do you have some favorite lyrics that you’d like to see in a remake? Message me!
April 24, 2025
Ah, Mother’s Day.! It’s a time to remember the moms in our lives who know our shortcomings and love us anyway. This is a perfect time to shop for your mom, grandma, aunt or daughter. I have a selection of collages related to moms, or you can find flowers, coffee, inspirational or something “just for fun”. These are small enough to fit on a nightstand, desk or shelf. If you pick one to give away, let me know and I will wrap and tag it at no additional cost. I can even ship directly to them. And keep looking! I’m adding in new pieces every week.
April 17, 2025
Many years ago, my husband went with a couple of guys from the U.S. Forest Service to help with an eagle count and banding. He wasn’t allowed to climb up to the nest, but he sent his camera up. There were two eaglets in this nest, along with the tail end of a large fish, lots of bird droppings and one unhappy mama yelling from above. A unique experience, but a smelly job. Hopefully you’ll find the nests I’m featuring this week to be a little more to your liking! (Besides the nests below, check out Reflect, Small Things III, and Barn Swallows.)
April 10, 2025
“Here comes Peter Cottontail, hoppin’ down the bunny trail….” Easter is not too far away! For those of you new to my store, (including me!) there is a way to see what I have available for Easter or any other topic. At the top just under the name of the store, there is a drop down menu. You can find words like “spring” “Easter” and the like. That should narrow it down. FYI - if you still have snow in your yard, my mom used to make snow bunnies instead of snowmen. A few hard packed snowballs and old white pine needles for whiskers and you’re set!
April 3, 2025
Between the March and April line - Today is the day my mom died. Five years already. I miss her. She loved birds. The crows waited for her to throw out some bread. She was the official loon counter for the lake they lived on. Photos abound of birds at the feeders. Fast forward to this past weekend and I was at a Voces 8 concert. They didn’t sing this song at the concert, but it’s one of my favorites. It is based on a an Emily Dickinson poem. Be prepared for a little cry. I’ve put the link below: https://youtu.be/pwFlCIpmRo0.
March 27, 2025
From my house to yours! (Only I wish it was a little warmer so my yard would look as green as this picture from last year.) This is my first official weekly newsletter. I am ALMOST done uploading all my pieces. There are a lot of them! I won’t be sharing any autumn or winter ones just yet, but I’ll post some recent ones every week. With the current political climate, my mind went to our rights as citizens. So, even though I usually don’t post election stuff until fall, you’re getting it this week, because that’s what was in my head….