5 nice things to do with old greeting cards

Are you drowning in thoughtful cards and feeling bad about tossing them? Here are five great ways to reuse greeting cards, ranging from very simple to mildly crafty:

Frame and hang cards
This is an easy way to reuse artistic and memorable greeting cards. Purchase decorative frames, and use Christmas cards for seasonal decorations, or get plain frames at a craft store that you can decorate for a fun activity. If you still want to be able to see the message, purchase a two-sided frame, and enjoy the thoughtful card for many years to come.

Card wallets
This craft works best with postcards  that have a great deal of decoration, and it's very easy to complete. Fold the desired card in half with the decorative side face up, and cut a half oval from the top front of the postcard. Seal the card with clear vinyl, available at any craft store, and, using a needle and strong thread, stitch all the way around the edge. This can also be scaled down to create envelopes for small note cards, perfect for present-toppers.

Card mobile
Whether you want to decorate a baby's room or a communal space, consider using old cards as your materials. The best part is that there is no wrong way to do this project; start with purchasing a 12-inch embroidery hoop from a local craft store, strong thread or fishing line, and durable craft glue. The rest is up to you; you can hang  entire cards from the end of the mobile, or cut and fold them into interesting shapes. No matter what you choose to do, you will have something unique you made yourself.

Christmas decorations
This is a fun and festive way to decorate your home without having to purchase decorations. By simply cutting Christmas cards into interesting shapes and attaching them to ribbon, you can make garlands or ornaments. This is a fun craft for kids as well as adults, it's adds a nice personal touch, and there is really no wrong way to do it.

Card basket
This simple project is a unique way to reuse old cards and makes a nice holiday decoration. All you need is white glue, yarn and your favorite cards. Use this template to cut them so they will fit together, and with a thick needle and yarn, stitch the pieces together and then seal them with glue. You will have an interesting way to remember your favorite cards and a great place to store new ones.

Now go get busy and craft some spectacular card gifts!