Christmas cards were never thrown away at my house when I was growing up. As soon as the Christmas tree was taken down — always on January 2nd — you’d find my mom sitting at the dining table (which served as her craft table during the day) with pinking shears in hand, cutting up the cards to make gift tags for the following Christmas. She would simply find two that coordinated and staple them together.
My mom was raised by parents who lived through the Great Depression, so reusing and recycling came naturally. When you have to make do with what you have, you must be resourceful. This way of thinking must have been what led to the popularity of reuse in crafts during the 60s and 70s.
With the holidays just around the corner, I got to thinking about using old cards and turned to my collection of vintage craft books for inspiration. I found ideas for tote bags, desk organizers, fantasy slippers, and tissue box holders, all made using greeting cards. I decided to try my hand at a project called the Holiday Card Ball. Here’s my adaptation of the instructions so you can make one too.
Project Steps
Paper ball ornament.
Use a compass to draw 3 1⁄2″ circles on the cards, then cut out the circles. Print out the pattern at craftzine.com/09/oldschool, trace it on the back- side of each circle, then score the circles along the 3 pattern lines. Fold upward and crease along the lines (with the artwork facing up) to create 3 flaps.
Spread a thin, even layer of glue on the underside of one flap, and glue it to another circle’s flap. Start by gluing together 3 “domes” of 5 circles each.
Piece the 3 domes together with paper clips to form the ball shape. You’ll now see where your 5 remaining circles will fit so that the ball will be complete.
Glue everything into place and allow it to dry.
I like mine just the way it is, but you might want to trick yours up with glitter, pompoms, beads, or what- ever favorite craft supply you have in your stash.
And with the cards I didn’t use for my card ball, I think I’ll make a few gift tags!
Conclusion
This project first appeared in CRAFT VOLUME 09, page 152.
