Repurpose Holiday Cards Into a Colorful Garland

Breathe new life into last year's holiday cards by reinventing them as this season's Christmas tree garland.
Garland Made Out of Holiday Cards

Repurpose Holiday Cards Into a Colorful Garland

Breathe new life into last year's holiday cards by reinventing them as this season's Christmas tree garland.

Follow Brian on:

Materials Needed:

  • holiday cards in assorted colors and patterns
  • decorative-edge craft scissors
  • standard scissors
  • pen or marker
  • ribbon or twine
  • hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • round objects in various sizes to use as templates

Trace Circles and Cut Out

Using a cup, plate or coin as a template, trace various-size circles onto holiday cards (Image 1). Cut out circles using standard scissors for a clean edge or decorative-edge scissors for added visual interest (Image 2).

Attach Circle Cut-Outs With Hot Glue

Unroll a section of twine along a flat, level surface. Use hot glue to attach twine to the back of a circle cut-out (Image 1). Add more hot glue to the twine then top with a second circle, face up, that's the same size as the first (Image 2). Press tightly until both circles have firmly adhered to the twine (Image 3). Continue attaching cut-outs to the twine until you're satisfied with the length of the garland.

Hang Garland

Drape garland around your tree, turning the card circles so the most colorful side is visible.

Next Up

Festive Front Porch

A few special decorating tips will add even more holiday cheer to your front entryway.

Holidays Made Easy: Delish Deer Cookies

Need a quick cookie with maximum cute factor? Look no further! Triangle-shaped butter shortbread cookies (AKA Petticoat Tails) are made even tastier with a dip in melted chocolate. Little hands can help arrange the pretzel ‘antlers’ and mini semisweet chips which create the eyes and nose of our woodland deer. This recipe can easily be adapted for Christmas cookie trays by replacing the semisweet chocolate chip nose with a red candy-coated chocolate piece.

Cranberry Pistachio Sables Recipe

These little gems are a great standard recipe to know. They incorporate holiday colors and flavors in a treat that’s both sweet and a little salty. The cookie's texture is crumbly, the cranberries are chewy and the pistachios lend just the right amount of crunch to finish it off. These sables are holiday perfection. 

Falling Snow Holiday Shaker Card

What would the holidays be without a little snow? Send warm-climate friends and family an interactive holiday shaker card with a magical falling-snow effect.

Card Stock Christmas Ornaments

These scallop-edged card stock ornaments are a quick and inexpensive way to add a colorful touch to your Christmas tree.

75+ Printable (and Free!) Christmas Templates

Ready to start your Christmas crafting? We've got you covered with free printable gift tag templates, patterns for handmade Christmas cards, party favors, kids' crafts, decorations, handmade gifts and more.

Yarn and Button Holiday Topiaries

Get a little help from the kids to create these cheery Christmas topiaries. Great as a centerpiece or mantel or foyer decoration, these yarn-covered trees will add a colorful pop to any room.

Two Ways to Wrap Gorgeous Gifts With Plain Brown Paper

Plain brown craft paper doesn't have to be boring. Check out these two fresh and inexpensive ideas for wrapping pretty holiday presents.

Make a Hand-Painted Cookie Plate for Santa

Get the kiddos involved in creating a custom plate for Santa's cookies. Durable ceramic paint allows the plate to be washed and reused year after year.

Holiday Entertaining: Marshmallow Tree Pops

Kids big and small will have a blast making (then devouring!) these cute, easy-to-create treats.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

About HGTV

HGTV’s expert editors and writers share home decorating, garden and home improvement ideas, inspiration and advice based on our brand’s 30+ years of expertise and experience. We also give you the latest updates on HGTV shows and stars, cleaning tips and shopping recommendations. Learn more about us and our editorial standards.