And without pinking shears in sight! Though gift tags made with pinking shears do of course have their own charm, but for the past few years I’ve been recycling my Christmas cards using my die cutting machine and a “luggage tag” type label shape.
I find it’s an afternoon well spent doing a task which is both mindful and productive - plus I get to use many of the cords and ribbons I’ve saved throughout the year too.
I find that often there’s more than one part of the card that can be reused, and the die cutters are a great way to test that.
This year to make the most out of the cards I used three different sized ‘label’ dies, the smaller ones will be especially useful on those smaller presents, which this year were engulfed by the larger tags! But I love the larger tags too, as they’re much easier for me to scrawl Christmas wishes on, as my handwriting gets messier the more I write, as like many of us writing is something that I seldom do much of.
With my labels cut, it’s time for the holes. A more typical hole punch would do just the same job, but I love to use the vintage ticket clipper I bought from eBay a few years ago.
Now I have the holes in place, it’s time for the strings. I only add short strings as we tape the labels in place. I’ve used a selection of ribbons and cords that I’ve kept from purchases or present wrappings, but I really love how they look together.
I’m not much of one for a coordinated Christmas look, and if you are then this approach is most probably not for you - but I love how these have turned out, and how my Christmas cards get another year of life.
With that task done, the remaining cards in the recycling bin and my gift tags all ready for use later this year, safely stored with the wrapping paper I had left over, I’m the most ready I can be for Christmas, even though it’s almost the end of January!
What do you do with your Christmas cards?