The occasion has come and gone and the sentiments have been
expressed. Now you have a stack of cards, many of which
can't easily be recycled because they include foil,
plastic, or other non-paper materials. Instead of disposing
of them or even recycling them, why not reuse or remake
them?
!! Steps !!
Scan the cards into the computer or make notes of who sent what, if
you want a record of the greeting cards. This is particularly
important if you need to send thank you notes to people who gave you
gifts. It's also a much neater and easier way of storing the lovely
things people have sent to you in the past than simply hoarding
piles of old cards; you can even catalog them if it helps!
Find a good storage box Think about what you'd like to do with
the cards. There are many possibilities for using old greeting
cards, limited only by the materials you have to hand and your own
preferences. The following steps make a number of suggestions to
help inspire you.
* Keep the cards in one easy-to-access box. A large shoe box is
ideal, such as the types that hold hiking boots. Or, use any box
that is no longer needed, provided it has a lid to keep off dust
and to prevent the cards from slipping out. You'll be able to
delve into this box every time you start a new project, and if you
order the cards by color, texture, size, etc., this will make it
easier to be inspired.
One method is to stick the old card's picture onto new card stock
Turn the cards into new cards. Turning old greeting cards into new
ones is a simple process and fun too. Glue the front cover of the
card onto a new, blank card or cardstock. If you want, you can also
redecorate or improve upon the design of the card and add your own
new embellishments, such as small ribbons, costume gems, glitter,
etc.
* Read How to make a birthday card, How to make a Christmas star
card, and How to make Christmas cards for more inspiration.
Make gift tags for presents. Cut the greeting cards into smaller
sizes to turn them into gift tags. Simply cut a strip or rectangle
out of the card, fold it down the middle, and write the "to" and
"from" in it.
* Another method is to add interesting features from the original
card to small card stock tags that you've already made. Simply
glue in place and write the "to" and "from" on the blank part (as
shown in the image).
A gift box made from a greeting card. Make a gift box from greeting
cards. This can make use of several greeting cards that look good
together, whether by color, theme, or texture.
* Read How to make a gift box out of a greeting card for more
details on this project.
Make a notebook or portfolio from the cards. Gift cards can be
turned into a notebook or portfolio by cutting the card in half and
inserting blank paper or even other greeting cards (as a memento) in
the middle portion. Then, simply punch holes through the lot,
including the front and back of the card, which will also form the
front and the back of the notebook or folder. Sew or weave through a
binding thread or coil and knot or tie at the end of the looping.
Check that it can move freely, and make any adjustments needed.
A gift pouch for smaller gifts. Make a gift pouch using
greeting cards. Cards can be reused to create a pouch for the
insertion of a small gift such as jewelery, a CD, an MP3 player, a
gift voucher, perfume, etc.
* Read How to make a gift pouch from a greeting card for the
instructions on making this project.
A bookmark made from a card. Make bookmarks from old greeting cards.
Greeting cards can make excellent bookmarks and they're as simple as
anything to produce quickly. Cut the greeting card into strips about
an inch and a half (4cm) wide and 6 inches (15cm) long. Punch a hole
near one end and add a tassel to the hole. Tuck a homemade bookmark
into each book you give away.
* Read How to make a bookmark tassel for more details.
Create a memento greeting card tradition. Agree with a friend to
send the same greeting card back and forth year after year, or trade
two cards between yourself and a friend. Over the years, the card
accumulates notes and becomes a memento, and it might just keep both
of you in touch longer. Feel free to enclose sheets of paper as many
years' notes accumulate in the card, or use the portfolio method
suggested above to keep cards together.
Use the cards for artistic purposes. There are numerous paper crafts
that are just ideal for using old greeting cards. Here are just some
possible ideas, using the most interesting or colorful parts of old
greeting cards:
* Use the cards for decoupage,
* Do a collage,
* Make scrapbooks.
Greeting card placemats. Use the cards to make placemats or
coasters. Pretty card designs can be treasured while eating or
enjoying a drink, especially great for nature, animal, and seasonal
themes.
* See How to make placemats from greeting cards for further
instructions.
A place card. Make place cards for your next casual gathering. The
stiff, colorful paper makes an excellent background for them.
* Read Make place cards for more instructions.
Make the cards into postcards. Simply cut off the front "cover" of
the card if it is flat and send it as a postcard to someone else
next year. Postcards usually cost less to send, too.
Turn a greeting card into an envelope. You can also make matching or
other themed cards into envelopes to accompany the card.
* Read How to make a greeting card envelope for the instructions.
!! Video !!
!! Tips !!
* If you are not using the front of a greeting card, and you live in
the United States, you can donate cards to St. Jude Ranch for
Children. They reuse them to make "new" greeting cards by pasting
the front to a folded piece of card stock. Then they sell them as
a fund-raiser for the kids.
* Don't forget to reuse or recycle the envelope too, especially if
you do any scrapbooking or collage. Often, greeting card envelopes
have colorful paper and shiny liners. They may not be suitable for
general paper recycling, but they can be cut up for backgrounds,
borders or decorative motifs.
* Another idea is to make a room bin from cards; weave the edges
together with plastic twine. It's a good idea to cover the cards
in plastic to prevent staining from items thrown into the bin.
!! Things You'll Need !!
* Old greeting cards
* Card stock
* Glue
* Scissors
* Markers
* Decorative elements
!! Related WikiHows !!
* How to Make Your First Soulcollage Card
* How to Create a Collage As Birthday or Valentine Card
* How to Design Beach Party Invitations
* How to Make a Pop up Greeting Card
* How to Make Greeting Cards Using Decorative Rubber Stamps
* How to Make a Greeting Card
!! Article Tools !!
* Read on wikiHow
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