Put Old Greeting Cards to Use

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

  1. 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!
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 cardstock 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).
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Make a gift pouch using greeting cards. Cards can be reused to create a pouch for the insertion of a small gift such as jewelry, a CD, an MP3 player, a gift voucher, perfume, etc.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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:
  11. 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.
  12. Make place cards for your next casual gathering. The stiff, colorful paper makes an excellent background for them.
    • Read Make a Place Card for more instructions.
  13. 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.
  14. Turn a greeting card into an envelope. You can also make matching or other themed cards into envelopes to accompany the card.
  15. Make a puzzle out of the card, substituting the front of a card for the drawing or picture.



Tips

  • 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.
  • 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 cardstock. Then they sell them as a fund-raiser for the kids.

Things You'll Need

  • Old greeting cards
  • cardstock
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Markers
  • Decorative elements

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