Recycled Christmas Cards with Crochet
Add lovely crochet edges to old Christmas cards to create ornaments or to decorate photo albums. Use metallic thread in Christmas colors to crochet the hole-punched edges.
Materials:
- Old Christmas cards
- hole punch
- Kreinik metallic thread in Tapestry #12 Braid, in your choice of colors
- crochet hook to coordinate with your hole size and braid size
Instructions:
- Cut card to desired shape or size.
- Punch holes in outer edge of design area.
- Using your favorite crochet stitch, crochet a border using the Tapestry #12 Braid.
- When finished, glue onto a photo album, or use as an ornament.
Tip: use a different Kreinik Braid size to achieve a different look. The Fine #8 Braid, for example, is a thin thread and will create a "lacy" look. Medium #16 Braid is thicker, and may be easier to use for beginners or with larger crochet hooks.
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AngelicAng
Oct 27, 2016
I have seen these in my family's homes since I was very young. They were already old at that time. This idea of recycling cards has been used to created bookmarks, pictures, and boxes. If you want them to last for years to come, it is best to laminate the card and then crochet the edges. People will appreciate the item for decades if the cards are protected.
algiftsnthings 012 4652
Jan 27, 2014
For those who don't feel they are crafty, but want to recycle your cards, see if your local Girl Scouts or pre schools can use them; if not, they can be sent to Saint Jude's. Children re-make them in to new cards that that sell.
algiftsnthings 012 4652
Jan 27, 2014
My aunt made these as bookmarks. A great way to recycle old cards. If they have writing on the back, use two, back to back. I still use mine and she has been gone some 20 years.
cle6951 8846120
Oct 14, 2012
can these recycled cards be sold, or is there a copyright on them? even after being cut up and re-invented?
dolli in fraser
Jan 09, 2012
MY BEST FRIEND DID THE BOXES FOR ME BUT SHE DIED THIS YEAR AND I DIDN'T COME ACROSS ANY IN MY CHRISTMAS STUFF WHERE CAN I FIND INFO ON HOW TO MAKE THESE?
moonglow 1222458
Jan 09, 2012
I've done this, too, with 5 cards, making a box with a bottom and then attach a 6th one only on one side for a lid. These little boxes were made by my mother and aunt in the 1950s and were kept to hold hankies, nylons, and undies. :)
dixiland2 5854854
Jan 08, 2012
I did this a long time ago. However, I did this stitch and joined the cards and put a bottom in it.....It created a bowl. I used this bowl to put candy and cookies to give as gifts. The receivers all loved it. In fact many used them over & over again. Another thing I did was to cut out the pictures, using decorative scissors and glued the pictures to bag lunch bags and then put hole punches in the top, thread narrow ribbon thru and they became gift bags to use. also great for using on contact paper and making place mats to use for holidays. These are some of my suggestions. Dixie
gaduncil 4593294
Jan 08, 2012
I did this probably over 20 years ago. Cut circles, placed them back to back, crocheted around them with scalloped edges and added loops to hang them. I used variegated Christmas yarn. Have used them every Christmas.
angelcollector56 8 268396
Nov 22, 2011
Adhere to cardstock, add a ribbon decoration down side, across bottom or top, a sentiment inside and you have wonderful cards to send to friends and family.
storknurse
Oct 14, 2010
great idea. Try adding cut out ornaments, glue on glitter and ribbons. I give these to ladies in my different groups. Linda Bricker
Dorothey B
Oct 05, 2010
I have always done things with my Christmas cards, but this is all new. However; I have grandchildren I miss, and one I am raiseing, and you have given me a great idea! Use a lamated child's photo, and do all the steps you have, then fill with pictures of the child doing all the things he/she does, and send it to Nanna & Pawpaw (how they say it), and I am thinking of using just one year, with a sentence at the top (not sure what I will make it out of yet). Like, My 2nd Grade Year! Using a school picture on the cover. What do ya think? Dorothey B.
Member 8771224
Aug 03, 2010
all of the articles are food for thought and have some valuable advice. Dorothy
KJo
Jan 06, 2010
I have a number of cards from some dear friends and relatives I just couldn't part with. So I wouldn't forget who gave me which card, I cut out their hand written message and placed it on the back and crocheted the pieces together. This way one side has the beautiful design and the other side has a special message from the loved one who gave me that card.
ohiojo1953
Jan 02, 2010
Using two cards back to back, crochet them together for lightweight, 'green' ornaments.
LjAtk
Dec 25, 2009
Nice... I have been recycling old xmas cards into tags since I was a little girl with my mom, made them with my girls and now make them JanFeb every year for next season...pkg. them in xmas gift bags (20 to a bag) and give as gifts to friends next season.
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