It’s time to put holiday decorations away but what do you do with the stack of Christmas cards that you received?  I like to recycle Christmas cards into pretty gift tags.  It’s an easy craft for you and the kids and you can use them for next year’s Christmas gifts.  (You can also do this with birthday cards!)

Recycle Christmas Cards

Go through your stack of cards and select ones that would make a pretty gift tag.  The snowman in the card below is a great example.  You don’t need to cut out the whole snowman.  Just a portion of it.  Cards with a lot of wording or large scenes may not work as well.

Tools Needed for Recycling Christmas Cards

I use my biscuit cutters to outline the circle for cutting the gift tags.  They come in a set and in a variety of sizes.  You can also use a custard cup, drinking glass or whatever else you have handy.

I also like to use scalloped craft scissors which help hide imperfections in my cutting.  I don’t know about you but I find it  hard to cut a perfect circle!  If you have a more intricate item to cut out such as a Christmas tree trunk, you can use an X-Acto knife but this is not a tool you would want to use with children.

 

Once you select the area of the cards you would like to cut, use a marker to outline the circle and start cutting away.

I use a paper hole punch so that I have a way to attach the gift tag.  If you prefer the tag to dangle from the bow, you can attach it with fishing line which is opaque. You can also just thread the tag onto your ribbon.

On the back side of the gift card, you can write the “to and from” information.

My Favorite Ribbon & Gift Wrap

I am a huge fan of organza ribbon which ties so nicely into bows.  My friends and family tease me as the organza ribbon is my personal signature on my gifts.  I also like wired ribbon which ties well.  Stock up on ribbon now for next year.  They should be on sale at your local craft store.

I also like to use more neutral wrapping paper such as this striped gold foil paper.  The ribbon and tags don’t compete with a busy pattern.  The paper can also be used for other occasions throughout the year.

That’s my simple and easy craft for recycling Christmas cards into gift tags.  How do you recycle your cards?  Please share below in the comment section.

Happy New Year!

Tonight is New Year’s Eve.  Whether you spend it at home or out on the town, enjoy, be safe and may you have many blessings in the new year!  Thank you for stopping by my blog.  I look forward to connecting with you in the new year.