Greeting cards are like tiny time capsules. Filled with memories, heartfelt handwritten messages from loved ones, and stunning art, they are too beautiful to throw away. Yet most of us eventually find ourselves staring at the growing stack of cards, unsure what to do.
I have been there too, and that’s why we’re here with some amazing craft ideas to turn them into memorable and meaningful keepsakes.
In This Article
What You’ll Need for Most Projects?
You don’t need expensive supplies to start crafting with old greeting cards (except your determination to keep them, I bet that is expensive! 😉). The real magic lies in your vision.
And to make your crafting experience smooth like butter, here are all the mandatory and optional tools for greeting card crafts.
Basic Supplies
- Craft scissors
- Craft knife
- Ruler
- Pencil/pen
- Hole puncher
- Cardboard
- Craft glue
- Ribbon/twine
- Spare cardboard
- Spare blank paper
- Needle
- Colorful thread/yarn
Optional Embellishments
- Beads
- Charms
- Buttons
- Glitter
- Metallic ink pens
- Stickers
- Washi tape
- Top coat like Mod Podge
Must-Try Old Greeting Card Crafts
Whether you want to keep your kids busy or crave fun, relaxing time as an adult, these gorgeous projects will surely have your creative juices flowing. Let’s get started!
1. Gift Tags
Store-bought generic tags are so meh. So, why not personalize presents with handmade gift cards?
Cut out the stunning artwork from old greeting cards in any shape of your choice. Punch a hole in a corner and tie a ribbon/twine. Write the recipient’s name and some heartfelt words. Voila! Your gorgeous gift tag is ready!
2. Mini Jigsaw Puzzles
Have a greeting card that’s too precious to be repurposed? Turn it into a jigsaw puzzle and have fun piecing it together with loved ones later.
Glue the front page to sturdy cardboard and dry. Mark the back with squares, interlocking pieces, or abstract shapes. Cut with a pair of scissors following the drawn lines as a guideline. Store it in an envelope and stick a picture of the completed puzzle on it.
3. Scrapbooks and Accents
The gorgeous motifs on greeting cards are perfect for beautifying your scrapbooks and journals.
You can snip off and attach the cute little elements and pair them with other memorable photos.
For the final touch, add handwritten notes in colourful pens about the memories attached to it. This can be about who got it for you, when, and how you felt about it!
4. Bookmarks
For all the bookworms out there, this one’s for you. Transform the big greeting cards from your collection into bookmarks!
The task is simple: Cut them into long strips with a 2-inch width. Punch a hole in one side and tie a ribbon of your favorite color. And you’ll have your own little reading companion… dipped into the memories of your loved ones.
5. Card Bowls and Baskets
If you’re planning to surprise loved ones with jewelry, trinkets, or baked goods, here’s a fun little twist to it.
Cut old greeting cards into six similar-sized pentagons. Punch small holes around them and weave a contrasting color yarn. Sew the pieces together in the shape of a bowl, like the image. You can also add two little woven loop handles to turn it into a basket!
6. Framed Pictures
Some greeting cards are so breathtaking that they deserve to be framed and displayed with pride!
Pick a card with a decorative front, cut off the front image from the back piece, and frame it. If you have multiple favorites, frame all of them and create a beautiful gallery wall.
7. New Greeting Cards
Yes, you read that right. You can even make brand-new greeting cards from old ones.
Buy blank cards or cover an old card with white paper. Add different motifs and textures from other cards. Mix and match colours, layer designs, and watch a whole new design come to life.
Write something meaningful according to the occasion, and Ta-Da!
Bonus: It’s super eco-friendly and thoughtful.
8. Card Garlands/Card Bunting
For birthdays, Halloween, Christmas, or any small party, a garland of cards is just the thing to amp up your space.
Cut card fronts into circles, triangles, or simple squares. Punch two holes on the top side of each piece and string them with a long piece of twine. Adorn windows, mantles, party tables, your little one’s nursery, and even that lush green Christmas tree!
9. Collage Covering Christmas Eve Box
This Christmas Eve, help your little ones wind down with cozy treats like warm pajamas, fluffy socks, a bedtime storybook, or just about anything that makes them feel loved. But don’t just hand them over. Make it magical with a dedicated Christmas Eve Box.
Cut out the most vibrant images of Santa, reindeer, Christmas trees, stars, balloons, lights, snowflakes, snowmen, bells, baubles, and the phrase “Christmas Eve” from your greeting card collection.
Grab a plain box and decorate the top by sticking these cut-outs all over it. And voila: you have a little heirloom made with love that becomes the centrepiece of a family ritual!
10. Custom Postcards
Missing someone who lives far away? Don’t just text; send them something delightful and tangible with this unique craft.
Grab a greeting card with a unique illustrated front and a blank back. Make sure it’s no larger than a standard postcard. On the back, draw a line down the center. Write a sweet note, add a vintage stamp, and mail it!
11. Binder Covers
Dull, plastic binders? No more!
Stick images of one large card or a collage of multiple smaller cards to plain binders. Generously apply a layer of top coat to boost durability.
It’s amazing how this quick, creative craft can add a splash of joy to daily life, turning mundane binders into little sparks of inspiration.
Pro Tip: You can also do this to plain school notebooks, journals, and travel planners.
12. Memory Book of Cards
If you’re the sentimental type, the idea of cutting them probably scares you. So, consider crafting an aesthetic home for them!
Grab a ring binder or blank album with photo corners or clear sleeves so each card front is visible. Add annotations about dates and names.
This craft is a walk down a curated memory lane, where every piece invites a wave of sweet nostalgia.
13. Gift Card Holders
If you’re that fun person who believes in surprising everyone with gift cards, here’s a way to level up your gift!
Store-bought gift card covers do you no justice. So, grab a sturdy embossed greeting card and fold it into an envelope shape. Secure the sides by creating pockets with leftover cards. Place the card inside and tie it with a decorative fabric or paper ribbon.
14. Christmas Tree Ornaments
If you can’t have enough of Christmas tree ornaments, here are two ideas.
Trace and cut out four identical Christmas tree shapes from old greeting cards. Vertically fold each piece down the middle. Glue the back side of one half with the other until you get something like a 3D Christmas tree. Punch a small hole at the top, loop a ribbon or twine through, and add a bead or star to finish.
Alternatively, cut 12 equal-sized rectangular pieces from the cards. Punch a hole at both ends of each strip. Knot one side of a ribbon and pass it through one hole of each rectangle, and then the other hole of the other rectangles. Pull to tighten so the strips naturally bend into a rounded shape. Tie another knot. Gently fan out the strips to create a full sphere. You can add some leaf cut-outs on the top for a finishing touch!
15. Christmas Paper Stockings
Looking for the perfect festive touch? Mini paper stockings are this season’s must-have for small gifts and party favors.
Trace a card’s blank side with a simple stocking template. Glue the edges together and then sew with yarn for extra oomph! For some extra glam, decorate with glitter and stick paper bows and name tags. Punch a handle and add a little ribbon loop so you can hang it!
Don’t Shy Away from Creating Your Own Keepsakes
Crafting with old greeting cards is all about preserving love, laughter, handwriting, and lasting memories.
So, don’t let the mentioned ideas constrain you. These are just a starting point; your imagination holds the real magic. Mix materials, layer textures, experiment with shapes, or combine several ideas into something totally new.
Remember, however you choose to repurpose your cards, the goal is to hold onto the memories. So no matter the output, it will always be beautiful!
