But after the holidays are over, then what? It’s heartbreaking to toss them, but also seems pointless to store them. Many of these cards feature the dear faces of family and friends and their kids, after all. Though this particular holiday season may lack traditional family gatherings, these three creative crafts from experts using recycled holiday card photos will help to keep ties strong with those we love but perhaps can’t be with.
DIY Holiday Card Placemats
In this kid-friendly craft project, Sara Kappler, director of marketing for Green Kid Crafts, literally offers your loved ones a seat at the dinner table all year long. Kappler’s pro tip: Do a mock-up of your arrangement before beginning. Supplies:
Scissors Tape or glue Paper or cardboard Clear packing tape or self-adhesive laminating paper
Directions: Your finished masterpieces work well for kids’ activity mats as well as daily placemats. “We’ve even been known to use them as tea party and special birthday party placemats,” says Kappler. However used, they’re bound to be great conversation starters and powerful reminders of the people who love us.
DIY Holiday Memory Book
Amber Kemp-Gerstel, TV personality, full-time crafter, and blogger at Damask Love, challenges you to summon your inner crafter and assemble a holiday memory book to celebrate those you love. Consider making it a tradition, and assemble one each year to watch the people in your life grow and change. Kemp-Gerstel’s pro tip: If applicable, include a photo featuring you holding the gift that accompanied the card. This will help you make the connection between giver and gift all year long. Supplies:
Scissors Glue stick Scraps of holiday wrapping paper, tinsel, ribbon or other festive accessories Blank scrapbook with expandable spine Packet of page protectors
Directions:
DIY Holiday Ornaments
“A great way to upcycle photo Christmas cards received from loved ones is to turn them into ornaments!” says Anna Olsen, crafted content manager for JOANN stores. Rather than tossed in a basket, as happens in my home, the Christmas tree offers a perfect backdrop to showcase beloved faces. Anna adds that this idea entails just a little bit of creativity—but will offer endless amounts of heartfelt memories throughout the season. Supplies:
Holiday-themed cookie-cutter Scissors Hole-puncher Glue stick and/or glue gun Holiday fabric, decorative ribbon, chenille stems (also called pipe-cleaners) to use as hooks for hanging Beads, stickers, glitter glue, or other add-ons to embellish your ornament
Directions:
