How to Make Thrifty Crafts Using Old Christmas Cards: Part 5

With a few inexpensive aluminum cookie cutters, and a few old Christmas cards, you can create Christmas Tree Ornaments on a budget. You not only recycle your cards, but create a thrifty gift or ornament for the holidays.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• medium sized metal cookie cutters
• old Christmas cards
• scissors
• tacky glue
• string or 1/4 inch ribbon
• medium to large beads with larger holes
• large hole needle (optional)

1. Place cookie cutter on front side of Christmas card. Trace around the outside of the card, careful not to push in the sides of the cutter.

2. Cut your shape carefully, cutting from the very outside edge of your tracing line. You can always trim away excess if it shows around the edges.

3. Place your cookie cutter on your cut out card, checking to make sure it covers all the edges.

4. Cut a length of ribbon (approximately 12 to 14 inches), and tie around cutter, threading on a bead before tying the ends. Put tacky glue around cutting edge of entire cookie cutter and place on cut out card. Let dry on waxed paper.

5. You can also add the ribbon after you glue the cookie cutter to the card and let dry completely. Using Martha Stewart's instructions in the resource link below, you simply use a large needle to punch a hole through the card to add the ribbon.

Tips & Warnings

• Save beads from broken hair pieces and other jewelry, recycling those as well.
• Purchase aluminum cookie cutters when they are on sale or clearance throughout the year.
• Sign up with JoAnn Fabrics sale advertisement and receive discount coupons in the mail to save money on supplies.
• Sign up for an e-mail newsletter from Hobby Lobby to receive printable coupons to help save money.
• Visit thrift stores such as Goodwill Industries and Salvation Army for cookie cutters at very low prices.
• Visit thrift stores for large beaded necklaces for embellishing your ornament.
• Give these ornaments as party favors, teacher gifts, neighbors, friends, and family.
• Place a Christmas tree in your kitchen or dining room, and add these ornaments for a holiday cooking theme.
• Save waxed bags from cereal boxes instead of buying waxed paper to save money and recycle your cereal bags.
• Use any extra school photos of children, or other photos, and cut to fit and glue to the center of your card ornament.
• You may need the needle listed in the instructions to thread ribbon through bead hole, or for using Martha Stewart's instructions.

Resources

• Martha Stewart's Cookie Cutter Ornaments
• JoAnn Fabric and Craft Stores
• Hobby Lobby Stores