Years ago while our children were growing up, I saved old Christmas cards in a shoebox with the intention of using them in craft projects.  That was back in the day when I was still optimistic about developing crafting skills.   Sigh.

That lonely shoebox sat there day in, day out, month in, month out.  For years.  In a cleaning frenzy, I finally threw it away.

Now it’s ‘in’ to be green and to recycle and reuse.  It’s also ‘in’ to make your own gift tags. So, I think I’ll start collecting cards once again.  There are so many beautiful Christmas ones that it’s a shame to throw them away.  However, this time, I’m going to focus on using them with my grandchildren.  (Is this my crafting self resurrecting its optimism?)

I’ve since learned two tricks of the trade in making the tags.  Before, it seemed that after snipping away, I wasn’t happy with how the picture looked on the tag.  So here’s the first trick.  Cut out a rectangle (or whatever shape you desire).  Then, with an X-acto knife, cut the inside away leaving about 1/4 inch.  This makes a small ‘picture frame.’  Then before you start cutting, you can hold your template over the card to get a good idea of what the tag would look like.  (This could save lots of grief . . . at least for me anyway . . .)

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of making the template, here’s the second trick.  Simply use your cookie cutters.  Hold the cookie cutter over the card to determine what portion of the picture you want to use.  When you’re ready, trace around the cookie cutter and cut out the tag.

I think using cookie cutters for making the tags with your grandchildren is much easier than making a template — unless you make the template beforehand.

If your still looking for ideas of things to do when the grandchildren come to visit this Christmas, you could make some tags with them.  Or, you can save your cards and make the tags next year.

Related posts:

1. Cookie Cutters Galore! I love cookie cutters. I have a weakness for...
2. Making Home Made Play Dough For Your Grandchildren Children are naturally creative. Creating something speaks to the...
3. Send Christmas Cards to Grandchildren Are you one of those oh-so-organized people who have...
4. Crayon Cookies So, have you made any chunky crayons yet?  What...
5. A Tea Party for Your Granddaughters Over the Memorial Day Week-End, our family went Jeeping...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.