Recycled Christmas Cards: Two Easy Craft Projects

Do you hate to throw away all those beautiful Christmas cards you get each year? You can recycle them by making your own cards or simple gift tags using supplies you probably have on hand. It's fun, easy and economical!

For any craft project, follow common sense guidelines. Keep newspaper handy to protect work surfaces, and a roll of paper towels to quickly mop up spills or dry hands. Read package directions first for products you are unfamiliar with. Gather all the supplies you will need beforehand so you can spend your time doing the fun stuff.

Make your own Christmas cards

Supplies needed
Several old Christmas cards
Cardstock or pre-made blank cards (construction paper will not be as sturdy)
Glue stick
Scissors
Markers or gel pens
Ruler
Pack of pre-made envelopes, optional

Keep it simple
If you are using cardstock, first fold it in half. You may want to use a ruler or bone folder to make the fold sharp; just run it over the folded edge. Next, cut out images you like from the Christmas cards. Don't be afraid to cut several images from different cards that work well together. Pre-assemble your images onto the front of the blank card to ensure they fit and are pleasing to the eye. Glue to the card stock using the glue stick. On the inside of the card, you can either glue words you have cut from your old cards such as "Happy Holidays" or write your own greeting using markers or gel pens. If you use gel pens, let the ink dry before closing the card. Mail to your friends in pre-made envelopes you can purchase at your local craft store.

Jazz it up
If you would like to add more pizzazz to your cards, here are some ideas. Tear cotton balls into long shreds and glue to your cut image (you can use white glue rather than a glue stick for better adherence, but use sparingly as it will cause your paper to wrinkle). Apply decorative chalk around front edges of card to frame your image. Use colored pencils to add color to your cut images or to the card stock. Try using glitter glue pens, but test first on scrap card stock, as many of these glues will wrinkle paper. Apply stickers that enhance your images, and don't forget you can add any decorative element to the inside of your card, too.

Make your own gift tags

Supplies needed
Several old Christmas cards
Scissors
Ribbon or string
Markers or gel pens
Hole punch

Keep it simple
Study your old Christmas cards to determine which part of the image can be cut into a tag shape. Some cards have images or designs large enough to cut more than one tag. Punch a hole at one end. Thread string or ribbon through the hole and tie using a square knot, pulling tightly. For most tags, you will need to write "to" and "from" on the back using markers or pens. On some tags, however, you may be able to write on the front.

Jazz it up
If you would like to embellish your tags, try these ideas. Instead of cutting a traditional rectangle tag, cut around images and create a silhouette. Use a glitter glue pen and color in or outline an image. Add stickers. If you find that your Christmas card has writing on the back of the image, cut out a backing from card stock or construction paper, and glue to back of tag before punching a hole. This also creates a frame for your image. Glue bits of lace or rickrack to edges of your tags.

Save your holiday cards every year, and make it a tradition to recycle them into other craft projects. These projects are so simple, the kids can help or even create their own. Happy holidays!