Well, Christmas is over. It’s always a bit of a bittersweet feeling after the holidays, isn’t it? It’s sad to see it go, in all its excitement and happiness, family get-togethers, exchange of gifts, cookies and smiles. But at the same time, it’s exhausting and there is always something peaceful in the idea that we can all get back to our (relatively) normal lives. As you clear away the Christmas decor, you may be wondering what to do with old Christmas cards. Before you toss them in your recycling bin, consider upcycling instead. Here is what to do with old Christmas cards- make one of these 7 fun card crafts!
You’ll Love These Crafts Using Old Christmas Cards
What do I do with old Christmas cards? Personally, as I start to look around the house, I see all the Christmas cards I haven’t brought myself to throw away yet. I LOVE receiving cards every year. It’s one of the only times people still use “snail mail” and I think there is really something special there. It’s a way of saying… (even if I haven’t spoken to you all year) I still think of you in these times of celebration. There are several creative and environmentally friendly ways to repurpose old Christmas cards instead of just throwing them away.
Are you ready to find a crafty way to turn a festive card, a pair of scissors, and some glue into a fun Christmas craft idea? Throwing old Christmas cards away always seems a bit sad. So here are a few quick ideas for crafts that use old Christmas cards.
Pages of a Photo-Album
Use old Christmas cards for pages in a handmade photo album, or scrapbook if that’s more your style. This is a GREAT and beautiful project from thenerdnest.com. Basically, you can use old cards as the background tape on some pictures, bind it together and end up with a lovely keepsake. The one she makes here is not only totally Christmas themed, but I loved the idea. I made one myself with a dozen or so of my favorite Christmas cards, and a bunch of black and white photos of the family. It came out beautiful.
Make Ornaments- 3 Ways
Use the images and designs from the cards to craft ornaments or other holiday decorations. You can cut out shapes, punch a hole at the top, and add a ribbon for hanging. I am using some old cards to make ornaments that I’ll give as gifts for next year. I am looking forward to saying “I loved your card so much I couldn’t bring myself to throw it away. Often a single card can be turned into several cute Christmas card ornaments.
Better Homes and Gardens had a great idea to put cutouts from the front of the card inside canning jar lids:
Lindycottagehill.blogspot has a tutorial I can’t WAIT to try for turning your favorite cards into beautiful vintage looking Christmas tree ornaments:
Or if you’re into more folding and a few more steps, try this idea from DIYInspired. It’s not nearly as complicated as it looks!
Make Next Year’s Tags
Looking for crafts with old Christmas cards that will save you money for next year? Have some scissors and string? Cut pieces of the cards out and turn them into simple tags for next year’s gifts! Extra bonus? You’ll be ahead of the game for next year! Just cut out festive shapes or rectangles from the cards to create unique and colorful gift tags for future presents. Then use a hole punch and ribbon on string to tie them onto gift bags and gift boxes.
Next Year’s New Decoration
I love how these art projects give a second life to old photo cards. Every year I like to have an exciting new decoration. Am I the only one? Cut out interesting patterns, images, or messages from the cards and use them for collage art or scrapbooking. If the cards are made of sturdy material, cut them into coaster-sized pieces and laminate them for festive, reusable coasters.
This year, I’ll be using old Christmas cards for making my New Year’s banner. This was my favorite idea! Take your favorite cards (preferably with some sort of color theme) and glue letters onto them. Then string them together to make a holiday garland banner. I plan on making this in the next week or so (keep your eyes peeled for a full tutorial). You can buy one like this from the LazyCaterpillar on Etsy. But what a great decorative centerpiece this would make for a holiday get together if it was made by the very cards they had sent you!!
Conclusion
I bet you aren’t wondering what to do with old Christmas cards now. Instead, I bet you are now wondering which of these crafts to chose for using your old Christmas cards! Reusing special cards is a great way to add a personal touch to your Christmas decorations. Remember, the key is to get creative and have fun finding new uses for your old Christmas cards rather than letting them go to waste. So which crafts with old Christmas cards will you make? You an also choose to store the old holiday cards away until next holiday season when you may be more full of holiday cheer and more into finding creative ways of crafting. Comment below or tag us in your photos at @familyfocusblog @NJFarmScribe and tell me all about your best ideas for crafts using old cards!
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Adelina Priddis says
AWesome! As I pulled out our Christmas stuff this year, I realized I also packed away all the old Christmas cards I couldn’t toss out. These ideas are perfect for reusing beautiful Christmas cards! Though I did already reuse one as a DIY postcard. I just carefully tore the pretty front from the back, and sent the picture with a new note on the back!
Sally says
If you are lucky enough to receive old-fashioned Christmas Cards in the mail, it is a great idea to reuse these beautiful cards. I am going to set my favourite Christmas cards aside to make gift tags for next Christmas as you suggested.
Cadet says
Such creative ideas! It’s a great way to repurpose old Christmas cards and make something beautiful. I love the thought of turning them into crafts instead of just throwing them away. Thanks for sharing these fun and eco-friendly ideas!