Innovative ways to recycle Christmas cards

By Doug Warner, NEWS 9

Valentine's Day is only a month away, but some of us are still holding on to the last major holiday, Christmas.

Family and friends spend a lot of time and effort making their Christmas cards, so it's no wonder you can feel a little guilt-ridden tossing them in the garbage.

But it turns out you don't have to toss out the old. Hold the Hallmark presses! You can keep your old cards and turn them into something new.

Believe it or not there is a "card" market-a card recycling market for last year's wishes. 

• One way to recycle the cards is to make a candy holder out of them. Decorate an old coffee can with cut-outs from the cards, along with ribbon and paint.


• Cut them into Christmas ornaments and hang them from next year's tree.


• Old cards also make lovely coasters or placemats.

"That's a good idea," said one Oklahoma City resident.

• For scrapbookers, add your favorite Christmas card into a scrapbook for memory's sake. 


• Keep the card for next year, cut it in half and you got an instant postcard for next year.


• You can also decorate and make gift tags for next year's presents. 


• And if you really like it, stick it in a frame for all to see.

For more on how to recycle and reuse your old Christmas cards, log on to http://www.make-stuff.com