crafting

Every year through the mail we receive order forms with selections to order Christmas cards from NRA and Ducks Unlimited. Though some of all sales from the Christmas cards help fund their yearly events, the cards are quite pleasant. They make the Christmas cards from recycled paper and made into heavy card stock.

With each of these yearly sales events for Christmas cards, I find it a shame to throw the sample cards away. So, I decided to put theses sample Christmas cards to use in my home for Christmas and winter decorations.

The following are some tips for using sample Christmas card samples or even for the Christmas cards you receive from friends and families. The sample Christmas cards from NRA and Ducks Unlimited are 5″x7″ with what the sayings for inside the Christmas cards on the back.

Idea One: Framed Christmas Card Decorations.

The Christmas cards samples arrive as postcard samples rather than the actual folding card. With these types of sample Christmas Cards, I have framed them to use as a way to add color and Christmas decorations to any room in my home. You can arrange the framed Christmas cards in any many to decorate a wall in any room in the home.

Idea Two: Laminated Christmas Silverware or Drink Table Decoration

Laminating the sample Christmas cards can add to any table setting for the Christmas holiday and throughout winter. To cover the printed backs of the sample postcard-style samples, cut a piece or two of tissue paper to the size of the cards and sandwich it between the Christmas card sample and the laminating or clear contact paper.

The laminated Christmas cards can be used underneath silverware or as a coaster for drinks at the dinner table. Also, by adding names to the laminated Christmas cards, they can be used as place cards for guest seating arrangements at your special Christmas meals.

Idea Three: Christmas Window Decorations, Table Runners, and Garland

Using the same method as the table decorations, you can make window decorations with one or two simple steps. Once the Christmas card samples are laminated, punch a hole at the top of the laminated Christmas card. Place a suction cup hanger on your window and hang the card. You can also add a piece of ribbon
through the punched hole to create a hanger for the card. This type of decoration can also be used on the refrigerator and mirrors throughout the home.

For the table runners, there are two ways that this can be done. The sample Christmas cards can be placed end to end to create a runner. They can also lay them out with a spacing of two to three inches apart. By using the second method, stickers or other flat Christmas decorations can be used to add an extra touch of Christmas splash.

For the garland, cut the sample Christmas cards apart. Punch one or two holes in the ends of the Christmas cards and use red, white, green, gold or any other colors to tie the Christmas cards together. Cut the end ribbons long enough to enable the garland to have a swag.

This particular idea can be used to decorate any child’s bedroom. Also, college students living in a dorm room can use this idea to help decorate their room for the Christmas holiday for next to nothing.

There are many other ways to use sample or prior years’ Christmas cards to help decorate your home for the holidays. There isn’t any limit to the ways Christmas cards can be used for crafts.