Recycled, Green DIY Winter Holiday and Christmas Card Making Craft Contest

We've been making our own Christmas and holiday cards for years now. Since 'Green' and 'Saving Money' are bywords this Christmas, this card making craft includes a contest to create unique, green designs from recycled materials. Set out the materials listed below and let students design creative holiday cards from recycled materials. Try not to buy anything. Use only supplies that you have available and particularly supplies from the recycle bin. Ask for donations but specify that they must not be purchased for the project. The supplies may be lent or borrowed (special scissors, paper punches). Consumable supplies must be saved or recycled materials. Supply list is optional and can be tweaked. Here are the materials you'll need:

Durable or Borrowed Supplies:

craft scissors with patterned edges (lots of styles)

holiday themed shaped paper punches (these are usually small and fit between thumb and first finger)

markers in lots of colors and styles

sharp straight edge scissors

holiday stencils: Here are some free printable stencil templates (click here) for you to copy and use. Transfer the image in permanent marker onto a piece of mylar (found in craft stores) or better still, use a recycled piece of cardboard from a cereal box. Tape the cut edges of the cardboard stencil to keep edges from getting rough. http://freebies.about.com/b/2006/05/18/free-stencils-to-print-and-cut-out.htm

school glue (Water the glue down to make it last longer. It isn't necessary to use glue 'full strength' and in fact school glue is tackier when watered down. Also teach students how to use every drop of glue, rather than leaving puddles to harden. Lastly, if the glue does harden, you can add a little warm water, let it soak and reactivate it.

Saved and recycle bin materials:

construction paper scraps

wrapping paper scraps

scraps from plastic packaging

mesh fruit bags

tissue paper scraps

non-corrugated cardboard boxes

recycled butter tubs, plastic lids, pie plates, egg cartons or pot pie plates

aluminum foil scraps

magazines

wallpaper sample books

carpet and fabric swatch books

old greeting cards

yarn, ribbon, fabric scraps

recycled bows and ribbon

packing peanuts

Display cards. Ask children to judge each other's cards. Look for creativity, design and best use of recycled materials. Award prizes such as durable craft supplies: decorative edged scissors, new markers, colored pencils, holiday stamps, paper punches. Holiday card making is a perfect craft for schools on Friday afternoon when the work is done. Making Christmas cards is a great project for after school day care, scout troops, CCD, Awana, Sunday School and crafts clubs. Christmas cards make a superb green, recycle bin craft.

For more green crafts visit me at www.greencrafts.blogspot.com