from: linziehunter.co.uk
From: Jeanne
Today I found some lovely, small Christmas card sets at the Tuesday Morning store near me. The designs are old-fashioned—Victorian and early 20th century—and very charming. I bought several sets because I want to turn the cards into handmade Christmas gifts and decorations.
One idea I had was to use grosgrain ribbon to create a wall hanging, attaching different cards along the ribbon. Each box contained six designs, four copies of each, which makes it easy to create a repeating pattern. I also considered making paper ornaments for the tree, or using the cards as gift tags since they are blank inside. The paper and printing are high quality, so they should hold up well.
I’d love to hear readers’ suggestions for repurposing recycled or new Christmas cards. The packs I bought were inexpensive—$3.65 for 24 cards—so this could be an affordable project for anyone. I don’t consider myself especially crafty, but I’m sure many readers have creative ideas to share. With the holidays approaching, now is a great time to collect ideas and get started.
I appreciate any thoughts or tips—thank you!
Reader suggestions
Here are a few straightforward, attractive ways to reuse Christmas cards, based on Jeanne’s finds and common crafting techniques:
- Gift tags: Cut cards into tag shapes, punch a hole at the top, and add a ribbon or twine. Use a corner or a focal image from the card for a polished look.
- Ornaments: Cut the cards into shapes (stars, circles, hearts), laminate or back them with cardstock for strength, and add a loop of ribbon to hang on the tree.
- Garlands and banners: Fold cards in half or cut them into pennant shapes, then attach them along a length of grosgrain or baker’s twine to create a mantel or wall banner.
- Mini wall hangings: Layer cards on small stretched canvas panels or wooden plaques, then glue and seal with decoupage medium. Add ribbon at the top to hang.
- Handmade postcards: Trim and glue card fronts to sturdy cardstock, write a personal note on the back, and mail them as unique seasonal postcards.
- Advent calendar pockets: Use card fronts to make small envelope pockets, number them, and attach to a board—fill with treats or small notes.
- Bookmarks: Cut long rectangles, round the corners, laminate or back with cardstock, and add a decorative tassel or ribbon.
- Table place cards: Fold cards into tent shapes or cut and write guests’ names on the fronts for a festive place setting.
- Collage art: Combine elements from several cards into a single framed collage—great for a vintage or nostalgic theme.
- Decorative magnets: Mount small card images on heavy cardstock or thin wood, seal, and attach a magnet to the back for holiday fridge decor.
These ideas work well with vintage-style cards because their detailed illustrations and muted colors lend themselves to classic, elegant holiday decor. Since Jeanne’s cards come in multiple copies of each design, you can repeat motifs for a coordinated set of gifts or decorations.
Any readers with photos or step-by-step tips to share? Please add your suggestions—simple, budget-friendly projects are especially welcome.
—Tawra