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Who doesn’t love searching through garage sales and thrift stores? It’s a treasure hunt, you never know what you’ll find. I recently spotted packs and packs of beautiful greeting cards recently at a GoodWill store. They were promotional items sent out by various charities to their donors. BUT they had their imprints on the back of each one. I didn’t want to send a special card with their big logo, so I had an idea! It was time to UPCYCLE thrift store cards and easily transform them to look like something handmade!
THIS would also be a perfect use for all of the Christmas Cards you have received each year!
There are many ministries that LOVE to receive cards: The Angel Card Project, Operation Gratitude (for soldiers), to include in an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift, Cards for Hospitalized Kids, and if you are on Facebook there are groups such as From the Heart (focusing on nursing homes), Comfort and Joy (for adults that need cheer) plus many more! So many need encouraging cards, perhaps even the seniors in your community or church?
Here’s How to Upcycle Thrift Store Cards:
GATHER YOUR CARD RESOURCES
Whether it’s thrift store or yard sale finds, or old Christmas cards, the first thing you need to do is carefully rip off the backs. The scored fold makes the cards easier to tear. You could be more careful and use scissors.
The next step was to trim the fronts. I used my Fiskars Paper Cutter like these from Amazon to cut around the design. (I personally love the guillotine type such as this paper cutter. I’ve had it for years and it hasn’t dulled yet. I also have one with a sliding blade, but I find it rips the paper if I’m not careful.)
NEXT GATHER BLACK CARDS OR CARD STOCK
I picked up this craft paper set from the TARGET Dollar Spot. They were blank Valentine’s Day cards for only $1 for an 8 pack of cards and envelopes (half with red sparkles!). That is a good deal. BUT I picked them up after the holiday at 75% off or only 25 cents a pack! It’s one of my best bargains. However, I have purchased several packs from Amazon like THESE and was very happy with the quality. Michael’s also sells blank card sets.
You could also use plain cardstock instead to make a card. Michael’s and JoAnn Fabric sell solid color packs. Here are the ones from Michael’s. (Order online and have free curbside pickup!) Then simply fold them in half for a card – OR cut them in half for postcards! That would be a wonderful option and cheaper to mail!
Now you have your blank cards and the fronts. It’s time to finally upcycle thrift store cards and transform them. Let’s have some fun!
GATHER YOUR CRAFT SUPPLIES AND DECORATE
All your scraps and little bits are perfect for this! Scrapbook paper, hole punches, tiny ribbon, decorative duct tape, stickers, doilies, and my favorite – WASHI TAPE – like these from Amazon
There is no right or wrong here! This is a perfect time to have the kids help and a wonderful craft to do with scouts, VBS, Sunday School, and adult craft groups. You could even incorporate your children’s drawings – elevate them by cutting and “framing” them on the front of the card. Seniors in particular love these!
Time to practice your lettering and calligraphy skills. Add as many paper and sticker layers as you like! It can be as complicated or as simple as you want.
Most of all, HAVE FUN!
Do you like to upcycle? Then try my Pencil Cases made from Cereal and Soda boxes!
Check out all my other Craft Tutorials as well!
I love finding great deals and crafts to save on our family budget - AND have plenty to share. Join me in finding JOY through the PURPOSE of helping others, and have lots of fun along the way!