How to Make Cards with Recyclable Items

Crafts are often expensive to set up, but they do not have to be. Card making is one craft in which it is completely possible to operate just for the cost of some card stock, envelopes, a good pair of paper scissors, glue, and your imagination. It is unnecessary to buy additional supplies unless you want to, and can afford to. With these basic supplies and items from around your home, you can create wonderful, personal works of art. You save money making them, and you save money by giving them away, instead of purchasing printed cards from the store.

Card-making is a rewarding hobby, and everyone likes to receive something that was made just for them. The tips listed below not only save your wallet, but are also beneficial for the environment. Exploring recycling in the art of making handmade cards is an incredible resource -- for your creativity and your fingers.

Some of the tips listed mention additional resources like stamps and punches. They are not necessary, but do make the most of opportunities. Local craft groups, friends, or a family member may have resources you can borrow. Use spare paper to punch, cut, or stamp a supply of images and designs for later use. Check out your children's craft supplies, too - children's rubber stamps make a great background when stamped repeatedly over the surface of a card.

Here is a list of Top Ten household items to recycle. Why not springboard your own unique ideas from these?

Old Greeting cards

The backs make good bases for layering or stamping of images. The front can be cut up for borders, wording, and images. Take smaller elements from an image to complement your own design. Received more than one card of the same design - use repeated elements for your own form of paper tole.

Wallpaper

Do you have some old wallpaper lying around after finishing the children's bedroom, or the dining room? Cut out the individual elements of large patterns to make into decoupage or paper tole. Use medium-sized pictures and patterns spaced symmetrically to create new patterns. For smaller patterns or no pattern, use for backgrounds, layering and paper piecing.