How to Craft Recycled Christmas Ornaments from Old Holiday Cards

If you come across a stack of old Christmas cards when unpacking your holiday decorations this year, don't throw them away. Instead, turn them into beautiful holiday ornaments for your Christmas tree or other areas of your home. These great handmade items also make terrific holiday gift ideas for teachers, co-workers, friends, and family.

What You Need:

You'll only need a few simple supplies to get started on this fun family craft for Christmas. You probably already have just about everything you need stashed in drawers somewhere in your house. If not, you can easily get the items you need from a local craft supply or "Everything's a Dollar" retailer.

Supply List:

• Old Christmas Cards
• Small Picture Frames (wallet size or smaller)
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Round Hooks
• Glue
• Ribbon or Yarn

Directions:

1. Remove the backs from your collection of picture frames.

2. Trace cutout areas onto the old Christmas cards, being careful to select areas that will look attractive when framed.

3. Cut along the lines.

4. Place the cutouts in the frames.

5. Replace frame backs.

6. Attach hooks to the back of the frame with glue.

7. String ribbon or yarn through the hook once the glue is dry.

8. Tie a loop in the ribbon.

Ready to Decorate

You're now ready to decorate your tree with beautiful, homemade Christmas ornaments that made good use of old Christmas cards that would have likely ended up in the trash can other wise. These ornaments look great on your own Christmas tree, and they are also terrific gift ideas for friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors.

Alternate Suggestions:

If you love this idea, but don't have a stockpile of old Christmas cards, simply convert this year's cards to ornaments as they arrive.

If you want to give your ornaments a uniform look, spray paint the picture frames all the same color before you start creating your ornaments.

Plan Ahead for Next Year

If you plan to make this Christmas craft idea a holiday tradition in your home, watch for sales on miniature picture frames throughout the year. Keep your eye out for seasonal sales after Christmas, and check for bargains whenever you go shopping. Many crafters discover unique and beautiful find small frames in thrift stores and yard sales.

Making Christmas decorations from old cards is economical, fun, and environmentally responsible. What better way to spend time with your family while also teaching lessons about the importance of recycling than by creating recycled holiday decorations?