There is an emphasis on becoming more green in the way that we do things and we hear everyone talk about recycling to help our environment, well the holiday season is no different. There is a way to make eco-friendly Christmas cards and recycle our old cards all at one time. Friends and family will never know that you have made your cards from recycled cards.
Begin by gathering all of the cards that you have save from previous years and even scraps of wrapping paper that you have saved. Cut out favorite scenes from these cards and paper. If there is nothing really scenic about the card, try just cutting the scene on the front into odd shapes. Glue these scenes or shapes onto card stock of a contrasting color. If you are creative enough, you could cut trees, stars, or even snowmen out of the old card to make a scene on the new card.
Once all of that is dry, add embellishments of ribbons, glitter, buttons, or even seasonal postage stamps to make the cards even prettier and to aid in making them completely new. I have even used a rubber stamp or stencils to add letters or a greeting to mine. Whatever you need to add to make it more personal and make it yours.
For the greeting if you don’t prefer to waste the old cards, cut the words out of the other card and add to your card. The card will be just as meaningful as the message that you add to it. I find that it is best to make up your own greetings instead of using something from another card.
I have used cookie cutters to make shapes out of cards as well. Plain card stock cut in the shape of Santa or a reindeer with some felt added to it and possibly some movable eyes can make a nice card for those special loved ones in your life.
Making these cards will help protect our environment, your wallet, and you will have the pleasure of saying that you had a little greener Christmas than others around you. Recycled Christmas cards would normally be considered tacky, but not when you recycle them to make a new one.