The one thing I do is cut them out to make gift tags. I use pinking shears which are scissors with zig-zag blades to cut out the tags on front of the cards. I punch a hole in them to tie them onto the presents using curling ribbon. I haven't had to buy gift tags in years and they are always unique.
Before:
After:
Another way of reusing them, is to make Christmas cards with them. Here is a link showing you how. Now you're saying to yourself what about the envelopes, well if you go to your local Hallmark or card store, they have surplus envelopes, and all you have to do is ask nicely. They generally get more envelopes than cards, and are generally more than willing to part with a bundle. That way you can make the cards to fit the envelopes. One cheap way of getting card stock paper, is buying Bristol Board the type of paper the kids buy at the dollar store to use for projects in school.
Another idea is to make a box so you can put a gift in it for next Christmas, here is the link to that.
Of course there are the usual, place mats, coasters, use for scrap booking, use as postcards and make a Christmas ball. Here is a link explaining how to do those crafts. Here is a how to on how to make the Christmas card ball.
You could also donate your used cards to local charities, where they recycle them. Check out your local charities for more information.
I hope this has given you some ideas? Also make sure you write down who you got Christmas Cards from so you know who to send to next year. If you can, buy your cards and wrapping paper in the sales, so you are all set for next year. Got no room to store them, place them in a garbage/bin bag and put them under the bed. Write down on your 2009 calendar that you have bought them so you won't forget.
Don't forget that 25 cents for your pot today!
18 comments:
green ideas; Bravo!
(I'm an artist who tries to use recycled products whenever possible and some of my ideas surprise my patrons!) We must preserve our natural resources.
here via SWF
I love these ideas! I especially like the gift tag idea. Thank you so much for sharing your ideas. Have a wonderful New Year!
Hello gill
Happy New Year - you certainly sound a lot better now
I've used this idea for a few years now and it certianly saves a bit of cash.
Its also easier to write on card rather than those funny stick on lables that only have a tiddly bit of space.
Can relate to reminding yourself you bought things and also where you hid/stored them lol
Take care
Cathy
These are some great ideas. I will definitely use some of them.
Thank you!
Great idea - I have 2 years worth of cards laying around - but am always running out of gift tags.
Kris
I always recycle things like that too. They do make beautiful gift tags - much better than just throwing them out!
Gill, you've given us some great ideas. Thanks!!
Great ideas, Gill. We do alot of recycling --but haven't done Christmas cards before. Thanks!!!
Hugs,
Betsy
If you get some particularly beautiful cards which are pictures in themselves, cut out the whole card front and either stick it onto the lid of a plain gift box, or to the front of a plain gift bag. They look gorgeous!
I am glad you enjoyed the ideas, and thanks for the comments...
Gill
Thanks for this Gill.
I usually keep a few that I think will make good designs for cross stitch or other sewing ideas.
The rest go to my grandson's school where they recycle them.
Hi Gill,
Love your green ideas!Some I already do . Also you can glue lace around the edge and make an ornie.I recycle all my cards and make new ones cut words Happy birthday etc. with fancy edge scissors, glue to card stock. Catologs is a good way to recycle pics. into cards.
THank for sharing!
Blessins',Lib
The gift tag ideas are a very good idea. You are so thrifty in everything that you do!
Hello I came by for sky Watch, but I like your Christmas Tags, my daughter made cards with our old cards.
Recycling is wonderful.soc
That's a good idea! Or should I say, a green idea like "gel" said! hehehe
Great post!
I think people are going to find out how much fun it is to make-do and mend! I save all this year's cards so that they help me make next year's card-list. So I'll be recycling the 2007 lot.
We have a bin outside our supermarket for the collection of old cards.
Thanks for those ideas Gill - have done the tag one for a few years now but will check out the other links.
A x
You can also visit a print shop and buy card from them. They will sell you the card in big sheets and then cut it down to A5 if you ask.
At least that's what I've done at print shops in Australia.
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