3 Ways to Pretty Up and Recycle Card Fronts

Turn Those Christmas Cards Into Something Beautiful and Useful

These were cards, the fronts cut off and they will be used as present or gift bag toppers

I know some of you have already done this, but recycling last year's Christmas card into gift tags and even little gift card holders is simple, easy and quick. It's also a good way to keep some money in your gift budget! It may only save you $2 or $3 but that money can be used to buy materials for another gift on your list, and keep you on budget.

This year we had some really pretty Christmas cards and I wanted a way to recycle them and keep the "pretty" on them.

First I cut the fronts from the backs. Actually I very carefully ripped them apart, but you could cut them if you wanted to. 

Then I put them into piles:
Pile A: gift tags
Pile B: gift card holders
Pile C: present toppers

To make the gift tags I cut the card fronts down to either 3-1/2" x 2" or 3" circles, depending on the image I wanted to use. Then I just punched a hole near the top and threaded through 8" of gold cord folded in half.

These were all cut from the backs of Christmas cards. Even the back can be recycled into a tag so don't forget to look at them!

Sentiments cut from the fronts of Christmas cards and embellished with bows. They can be used as present toppers or gift tags.

These were all cut from the insides of Christmas cards and repurposed into gift tags

This was one card front cut into five gift tags - you really are limited only by your imagination

To make the gift card holders I cut the card fronts down to make a little card and folded it in half. On the inside I centred a gift card, then marked the corners. Use a scalpel or very sharp knife to cut slits at the corners to hold the gift card in place.

Present toppers were so much fun. I chose the part of the card front I wanted to feature and fussy cut around it. Then I pulled out the gel pens and glitter and ribbons and lace and flowers and started embellishing the picture. Some double sided foam tape on the back so it can be stuck to a gift or a gift bag and they were done. 
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This is a present or gift bag topper made by combining two different card fronts and embellished with some red ribbon

This card front is so pretty I'm not sure if I'll use it as a present topper or make a little frame for it and use it as Christmas decor

Card fronts cut with dies to trim to size. I use these as present or gift bag toppers.

​So use your imagination. Don't toss those cards or shove them in a drawer to just take up space. Put them to use and extend their life. Oh, and save some money in your gift budget. 

Don't forget to check in for our Make It Monday show and tell over at Cheapskates Chatter, we'd love to see what you've made.