Holiday Cards: 6 Ways to Repurpose Those Received

Holiday cards are the best! Don't you just love receiving all those beautiful holiday cards this time of year? I know I do. They're great for staying in touch, but often you just don't have time to give them your full attention. With so much shopping, entertaining, and decorating to do often the cards are quickly opened, glanced at and then set aside. Now that the rush is nearing its end, here are a few suggestions for getting the most enjoyment out of your annual holiday greetings.

Holiday Card Displays.

Proudly exhibit your cards. Stand them up, tape them to windows or doors or staple them to a long wide piece of ribbon. Each card is a pretty piece of art that should be enjoyed and shared with many pretty enough to display all year long.

Recycle Cards.

Save the cards you have received this year for use next year by cutting them up to use as gift tags or package decorations. Or check online for charities that can reuse the fronts of cards and donate them to a worthy cause.

Thank You Cards.

Cut the cover off your holiday greeting and fold it in half to use as a thank you card for all those gifts you received during the holidays. Trim if necessary to fit envelopes purchased at any office supply store. Not only attractive, you are helping the environment by recycling.

Mailing Lists.

Remember to update your mailing lists. Note any cards that may have been returned to sender and add names to your list of those that sent cards to you this year that may not already be on your list.

Keepsakes.

Many cards make great keepsakes, especially photo cards. It is fun to pull out your collection of cards and see how much everyone has changed. Save them for years and surprise someone special with a framed collage of cards sent from years past.

Original Art.

Take cards received and cut them up to make a beautiful original piece of artwork. Greeting cards come in bright colors with special foils, embosses and metallic inks. Chopped up and pasted together, they easily create a beautiful piece of mosaic art suitable for framing.

With a bit of organization now, you'll be all set for the holidays next year!