RECYCLED CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY GREETING CARDS

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TIP:
For most ideas, keep the front of the cards or cut out the figures and/or sentiments, discarding the rest.


Birthdays and Anniversaries To "Remember"
Cut out mini or small figures from greeting cards, such as little boys, little girls, gifts, etc. and glue to special dates in your calendar to remind you of Uncle George's birthday or Aunt Gerties anniversary.

Bookmarks
Using fancy edged scissors or pinking shears, cut the card into a bookmark and glue to a colored cardstock. Write the date and name of person sending you the card as a reminder. These also make a wonderful gift to send back to the recipient next year in "your" holiday card to them.

Children 
Alphabet Book: Use one piece of colored construction paper for each letter of the alphabet. Ask children to illustrate each letter. For example, "A" can be an angel or apple; "B" can be a bell or bow; "C" for cookie cutters or cat.

Story Basket: Cut the fronts out of all the cards with holiday themes and put them in a basket. The children can select their favorite, glue it to a piece of colored construction paper and write a story describing what they think is happening.

Refrigerator Puzzles: Using cards with scenes, cut the scene into pieces using pinking shears. Glue a magnet on the back (inexpensive strips are sold at craft shops) of each piece. Mix them up on the refrigerator and while you are making dinner, the kids can put the puzzle together. 

Puppets: Cut out the figures (Santa, snowmen, angels, Wise Men, trees, houses, etc.) and glue or tape them to Popsicle sticks (craft store) or small twigs or dowels. The kids can create their own puppets "and" plays. 

Paste on card fronts to old or inexpensive plastic place mats 

Using the front of heavier paper cards, punch holes along the edges or around the main character. Give children yarn to use on their new sewing card. (Use a little glue on the edge of the yarn, letting it dry till it is hard so it is easier for the children to thread in and out of the holes).

Cut and glue to construction paper. Use back for children to write notes to grandparents, aunts/uncles, friends. Also can be used for children's thank you notes.

Cut the card in half and glue the picture of the front on to a piece of construction paper or lightweight card stock, then fold in half and trim around the edges of the picture to give you the makings of another 'brand new" greeting card. On the inside, children can write a poem or greetings - a great way to let them practice their printing or hand writing.

Let children create new artwork for your refrigerator!

Cut out designs and glue to a piece of cardstock or lightweight poster board, draw puzzle type lines over the entire surface, cut out and put in a ZipLock Storage Bag for children to put together. In permanent marking pen, write theme or design in a funny title for children.

Using new or recycled envelopes, "pretend-mail" them to your younger children. Draw a stamp in the upper right hand corner and in large letting, print their names. They will delight in receiving their very own mail!

Flash Cards: Cut out individual words and glue to 3x5 Index cards to help children learn their words and play school.

Shoe Box Shadows: Cut out figures to form Christmas scenes inside a shoebox. A stable scene is very appropriate for this craft idea.

Kids Choir Instruments: Cut fronts of two greeting cards and glue three sides of the cards together. Drop in corn or beans and glue the top shut. Punch holes around the sides of the card. Tie curly ribbon pieces through each hole and curl the ends. Instant tambourines to accompany them when singing Christmas Carols.

Shoe Box Keepsakes: Provide an empty shoe box, glue, and greeting cards so children can create their own special box to keep their treasures.

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