by Debora Dyess
Bright colors, intriguing designs, nice, heavy paper … hmm. There must be something to do with all these Christmas cards after the season is over, rather than just thrown them away. If you’re also looking for some Christmas card craft ideas, here are a few to help you put those greeting cards to good use.
WALL HANGINGS
Materials:
Cards, frames and mats
Some cards are just lovely enough to demand attention after Christmas is over. For beautiful winter scenes, mat and frame, then hang in a cluster on the wall in the entryway.
CHRISTMAS TREE
Materials:
1” dowel rod (cut to 18-24”), wooden base with 1” hole cut in the center
12-15 Christmas cards
scissors
tape or stapler
gold or silver glitter spray
hot glue gun and stick
Choose one card (light colored or bright) to become the star. Cut the desired star shape from both sides. Spray with glitter spray. Set aside.
After cutting all cards in thirds lengthwise, bend a 1” tab from the top, right ides together. You may fringe the cards if you wish. Set aside.
Place dowel into base. To make a permanent tree, secure with wood glue.
Beginning at the bottom of the rod, place tabs against dowel, slightly overlapping. Tape or staple in place. If using tape, tack until entire row is in place, then tape around the dowel rod, securing all with a continuous strip.
Move to the next row up and repeat. As you move up the rod, you may stagger the cards to better mimic tree boughs.
At the top of the tree, mount the star. Secure and glue points together with hot glue.
‘Fluff’ tree branches.
To store, remove rod from base and smooth branches down. Wrap in newspaper.
GIFT BAGS
Materials:
Brown gift bag
Christmas cards
white glue
hole punch
ribbon
Cut desired elements from Christmas cards. Glue one element to each bag.
Roll the top of the bag down 2-3 times, making a1” ‘cuff’ on the top.
Hole-punch through the cuff twice, spacing holes about 3” apart. Thread ribbon through and secure on the inside of the bag with a knots or tape.
Repeat on other side.
Re-fold and store until next Christmas.
There are so many wonderful ways to do a Christmas card craft. No need to pitch such a great paper resource. Merry Christmas, and enjoy crafting!
