How to Make Thrifty Crafts Using Old Christmas Cards: Part 1

Every Christmas, when you receive greeting cards, recycle them into inexpensive crafts. Part 1, on this topic, will explain how to make a simple crocheted Christmas tree ornament.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Old Christmas Cards or post cards
• Scissors
• Yarn of various holiday colors
• one hole hand punch
• crochet hook, size h or smaller to fit through hole punch easily
• pen or marker

1. 

   Using your scissors cut your Christmas card into a shape, that enhances the part of the card you which to make into the ornament. Templates can be made using recycled cereal box cardboard,or you can use stencils to assist is cutting an even shape.

2. 

   Going around the edge of your card, punch holes evenly spaced, with your hand punch. Be careful not to punch your holes to close together or the card space between holes will rip when you crochet.

3. 

   Start your beginning crochet loop and draw through the top punched hole. Try to start your beginning point at the top center of where you want your hanger finished. If you have never learned how to crochet, visit Web site, http://www.crochetkitten.com/tutorials/sc.html, to view a tutorial on how to single crochet.

4. 

   Single crochet around the card, ending where you started.

5. 

   Chain stitch as many times as you like for your ornament hanger, and tie off after stitching once into the beginning stitch. You are finished. Write a personal message on the backside and give as gifts, or add to your child's hope chest.

Tips & Warnings

• Use these for gift tags
• Give as Christmas Holiday party favors
• Give as Teacher gifts
• Give to nursing home patients or shut-ins
• Buy yarn at local thrift stores or an area S.C.R.A.P. store

[vrogers]

on 4/1/2009 I am a saver of Christmas cards and always look for ways to use them! Great idea!

[Ancestor]

on 7/30/2008 Since I love to crochet, this is a great tip. Thanks!
It is a wonderful way to recycle.