How to Make Thrifty Crafts Using Old Christmas Cards: Part 2

You can make nice holiday place mats out of old Christmas cards. It's simple, easy, and recycles your cards. Beautiful Christmas cards end up table top displays for guest, family dinners, and make a great gift on a budget.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Old Christmas cards and post cards
• Scissors
• Poster board
• White glue or glue stick
• Clear contac paper

1. 
    

   Cut your poster board to the size you which to use for a place mat, approximately 11 x 14 inches. Some stores sell poster board in this size. Lay your poster board on a protected flat protected surface. Poster board can be purchased at most office supply stores, and the office/school supply section at your retail stores.

2. 
    
   Christmas Card Placemat (photo and craft by Kristina N

   Cut as many Christmas cards that are need to completely cover the area of the poster board, keeping the cards all flat and not overlapping. Because your poster board contains straight edges, you will be cutting straight edges on your cards with your scissors.

3. 
    

   Glue the cards to the poster board and let dry. You may have to cut cards to fit the area.

4. 
    

   Measure enough clear contac paper to cover your card covered poster board and cut two pieces to seal (one for the back, and one for the front).

5. 
    

   Seal your edges and trim, leaving a 1/4 inch (or more) edge of contac paper. Carefully work out any air bubbles, smoothing out.

6. Set your table with these creative yet classy place mats. You'll feel like your as a restaurant with these fun table top helpers. Save money by making your place mats for yourself, for gift giving.

Tips & Warnings

• These are easy to wipe off, store flat and make great gifts
• Cut a piece of poster board to make a table runner
• Ask friends, neighbors and relatives to save their cards for you.
• S.C.R.A.P. stores may have cards if you don't receive them during the holidays.
• Use on serving trays.
• Make place mats and donate to retirement homes or nursing homes.

[vrogers]

on 4/1/2009 I did this with my children's Valentine's Day Cards when they were little. Now that they are older, they love to look back at the designs that were popular.