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. Here are five fun ways to upcycle and make crafts with old Christmas cards.
You’ll Love These Crafts Using 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.
Throwing old Christmas cards away always seems a bit sad. So here are a few quick ideas for crafts with 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
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.
Better Homes and Gardens had a great idea to put cutouts inside canning jar lids:
Lindycottagehill.blogspot has a tutorial I can’t WAIT to try for turning your favorite cards into beautiful vintage looking 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!
Next Year’s New Decoration
Every year I like to have an exciting new decoration. Am I the only one? 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!!
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! So which crafts with old Christmas cards will you make? Comment below or tag us in your photos at @familyfocusblog @NJFarmScribe and tell me all about your best ideas for crafts using old cards!
Related Posts:
Christmas Table Decorating Ideas
Personalized Christmas Letters From Santa Claus Kids Will Love
Adelina Priddis says
AWesome! As I pulled out our Christmas stuff this year, I realized I also packed away all the cards I couldn’t toss out. These ideas are perfect! Though I did already reuse one as a resent card. I just carefully tore the pretty front from the back, and sent the picture with a new note on the back.