Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards

 Top 10 ideas for recycling greeting cards

    3D card by Meri Meri

The cards on the market today are more creative, visually appealing, and expensive than ever before. The 3D cards are spectacular.

Many of us keep cards that are from a special someone, or because they are too beautiful or expensive to toss. Whether you are a card keeper or tosser, be thrifty and repurpose your cards. At the very least, if you are going to toss greeting cards, put them in the recyle bin.

   Meri Meri card inside a $5.99 Home Goods frame

1) Art * - Frame cards using use frames you have on hand or pick up frames at Michaels, Jo-Ann Fabrics, Home Goods, Target, Walmart, Dollar Stores, Hallmark, etc.

2) Gift Tags* - Cut out the picture, punch a hole, tie a ribbon, write to/from and a note and attach to the gift.

3) Scrapbooking* - Use the pictures, words and letters to decorate pages.

                                                                                                   Photo: Cottage Lifestyle

4) Holiday ornaments * - Cut out pictures and words, punch a hole, tie a ribbon and hang from a tree, window, or door.

5) Arts & Crafts projects* - Cards are the perfect items for kids to learn how to cut and paste, and make homemade, one-of-a-kind cards, pictures and collages.

6) Bookmarks * - Cut card into  2" x 5" strips or whatever size you wish. The kids could make these for gifts for their grandparents, aunts and uncles.

   Frame this card for a child's room. Meri Meri card.

7) Note cards* - Cut the front of the card off (provided there isn't anything written on the back), and keep by the phone for taking notes.

8) Special Occasion Banners - Cut out pictures, words, and letters, punch a hole, string together and hang across an entry, wall or piece of furniture. 

   Frame this card for a child's room. Meri Meri card.

9) On display - Place keepsake cards under glass on a coffee table or desk. This way you will see them often versus having them tucked in a box you may only open every 10 years. Rotate cards if you wish.

10) Coaster - Cut into a circle and place under a glass when entertaining guests (especially handy for a kid's party).

* Ideas from Thrifty Ways and Ideas

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• Decorating with drop cloth curtains
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• Organizing with Gladware