Make Recycled Christmas Cards or Holiday Cards

Why not make your own Christmas or Holiday cards this year? It may be easier than you think. This simple design is fast to do, economical on the budget, easy enough for a beginner who has never made a card before, and attractive enough that no one will ever guess it was your first try.

Even if you're an accomplished craft person, you may find some money saving tips here that will help minimize the Holiday spending.

And, if you value eco-friendly projects that help protect our environment, then you will definitely approve of this approach to making your own cards for the winter holidays.

To make this card, all you do is take an existing Christmas card, perhaps one recycled from last year, or perhaps one form the Dollar Store. Cover the front with two strips of patterned paper and add some ribbon and other embellishments to jazz it up. If there is a sentiment on the inside, you can leave it as it is, or better yet, cover it with some cardstock or paper and add your own message.

Oh, and one more thing. I apologize to those visitors who do not celebrate Christmas. I try to use the term "holiday cards", but since the holiday is Christmas for me, I often forget and say that without thinking. Please excuse me and substitute whatever winter holiday you celebrate.

-- these are actually "altered cards" or altered art' --

To make these cards for the winter holiday, I purchased a box of Christmas cards from the Dollar Store and altered them to form my own unique cards. I like this approach to card making because you also get the envelopes to go with them. As any card maker knows, finding suitable envelopes for our creations is always a challenge.

You could also recycle cards that you received in previous years, or you could, if you wish, make the card from scratch. To do the latter, you simply cut card stock to the size you want and fold in half.

To decorate the cards, you will need two kinds of scrapbook paper or patterned card stock in colors that work well together. You could also use recycled gift wrap or any recycled paper that has a pleasing color or design.

To embellish, you may choose from any number of items.

Embellishment Suggestions

ribbon, lace, yarn, fiber or rickrack, either new or recycled

Miscellaneous small decorations of the type used to decorate gifts

Stamped images

Stickers

Buttons, beads, rhinestones, recycled jewelry

Glitter, glitter glue, 3-D glue

Eyelets or brads

Punched shapes, die cuts, scraps of patterned paper cut or torn into shapes

Hand drawn or hand written images or text

Dry Embossed shapes, images, backgrounds

There are only two tools that you absolutely must have. There are many optional tools that you might add to your arsenal as you become more enthusiastic about card making and paper crafts.

Tools you must have:

1. cutting tools or scissors

2. adhesives to attach your papers and embellishments

Miscellaneous tools that you might use:

1. Paper Trimmer
2. Embossing Gun or Heat Gun
3. Rubber Stamps and Stamping Ink
4. Eyelet Setter
5. Bone Folder
6. Embossing Tools
7. Die Cutting Tool

Remember to use your imagination. The more recycled items you use, the more ecologically friendly these hand made cards will be.

Here in the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas in July has become a popular theme for get- togethers and parties. In hot weather, it's a nice way to focus on things cool and wintery. How about making these cards as invitations to your Christmas in July parties, or as placements or other small gifts, etc?

Another "cool" idea is to make Christmas in July cards to give to a shut in or someone with ongoing health issues. It's a nice thought.

These videos demonstrate techniques and tools that may you may find helpful when making cards for Christmas, holidays or for other occasions.

You've seen how easy it is to make attractive, eco-friendly and recycled cards for Christmas or the winter holidays -- using old greeting cards or less-than-beautiful cards purchased from places like the Dollar Store. Add some pretty papers, a bit of glitter or other embellishments, a greeting of your own and you're all set.