Did you know there are some pretty clever ways to recycle Christmas cards? This year instead of taking down all of those beautiful Christmas cards and tossing them into the trash consider using one of these fun methods to recycle them into something fun and beautiful! We all send and receive Christmas cards during the holiday season; most of them come with beautiful messages and images. It seems such a shame to let their lives end after just a few weeks hanging on the doorframe or the refrigerator. Give those beautiful cards a second chance at life with these fun and inventive ways to recycle Christmas cards.
Ways to Recycle Christmas Cards
Gift Tags
One of the easiest and most fun ways to recycle Christmas cards is by making them into gift tags for next year’s gifts. You can use a stencil, a holiday cookie cutter, or even freehand them with craft scissors; all you need to do is select a pretty section and go to two with your scissors! Once they are all cut out, you can store them in a bag or box with your decorations, and come wrapping season next year, you will be prepared!
DIY Christmas Cards
Using holiday-themed stencils or cookie cutters, you can select beautiful images and messages from the cards you receive each year and repurpose them into elements for your Christmas cards! Hand-making your holiday cards might only be feasible if you have a small list, or perhaps you can personalize handmade cards for your closest family and friends instead of your entire list! Add some ribbon, stickers, and stamps; your Christmas cards are ready to mail! You have some free craft supplies; you can see those beautiful messages and images live on for another season!
Christmas Garland
Using a few simple items, you can create a beautiful Christmas-themed garland. You will need some scissors, fishing line (or fine twine), a small punch, and a pile of Christmas cards from friends and family! Cut out shapes (matching or mismatched) to dangle from the garland using scissors. These can be large or small and in any pattern you might like! Using the punch, you will need to put a small hole near the top of each piece. String the cutouts onto the fishing line and secure them with a simple knot. Leave a few inches between each piece and continue stringing on cutouts until your garland is as long as necessary! If you are hanging your Christmas garland low enough for guests to read, you can even include some cutouts with beautiful messages on the inside of your cards.
Puzzle Time
One super simple idea you can use to recycle your old Christmas cards is excellent for kids: cut them into puzzles! You can create a homemade puzzle by cutting off the front side of each card and then cutting the image into smaller sections. These are great to keep kids busy during the holiday seasons, and because they’re so slim, you can travel with them! Pack a few in your travel bag to keep kids interested and happy while driving, flying, or hanging out at grandma’s house!
No matter what you decide to do with your Christmas cards, these fun ideas are great to keep in mind for crafting during the holiday season! If you are ever stuck for a craft project, you can easily pick up some Christmas cards and upcycle them into any of these fun and beautiful objects! What do you do with your Christmas cards each year?
Leave a Reply