A fun little decorating idea.

Our budget for holiday decorating is pretty small this year--I suppose we used it all up on buying our Christmas tree. But I really wanted to do something to brighten up the drab grey walls of this rental house. So I decided to make some paper garlands cut from old Christmas cards, of which I had a large stack (most of them were given to me for the very purpose of making crafts).

I originally got this idea from this post on the blog Like Mother, Like Daughter. All I did was cut a bunch of circles from the fronts of the old cards, string them together using needle and thread, and then tape them up to the wall. Yes, it would have been better to wrap the thread around a tack or a nail but what can I say, I was feeling a bit tired (lazy?) today so I just taped the garlands up.

Here's the smallest one I made:

(Whatever you do, don't notice the state of that switchplate, please!)

I also put a garland above the kitchen sink (no, you are not going to get a photo of my cluttered and dirty sink area), one above the bathroom sink (ditto), and one along the stairs going up to the bedrooms.

I know this probably looks silly and shabby to some people, but I am pleased with the results. We're not fancy people, and our house is anything but stylish...I don't care if our holiday decorations look cheap and homemade, I like it that way. I like it that I was able to cheer up our main floor a bit at absolutely no cost. And this project is fun and easy. Children could definitely do this! I have more Christmas cards around (I think I have an endless supply) so perhaps if I have more time over the next few days I'll make some more garlands. At the very least, it's a relaxing activity to do when all I feel like doing is sitting on the couch...unfortunately I've reached the third trimester of my pregnancy now, so I'm starting to feel my energy levels wavering, and the couch is looking better and better all the time. I hope I can keep up my energy long enough to get all the gifts finished and all my cookies baked...it's only 10 days till Christmas!

Comments

[Stephanie]

Not shabby at all! Quite brilliant actually.

[Mrs. Trixi]

I love your garland. It's very sweet and cute.

[Citysister]

I quite like it myself...And it's a great way to remember people from the past if you write on the back of the circle who it was from.

[Tania]

This is a great idea. I have plenty of Christmas cards from past years hanging around, might give this a try.

Plain and simple suits me best too!

Your garlands look fabulous!

[Leigh]

It always seemed a waste to throw Christmas cards away, they are so pretty. What a great idea to use them. I think simple and hands on is a truer way to celebrate Christmas. Christmas as a retail holiday leaves it so devoid of meaning. I love the way you make it special.

[anita]

Love this - and the idea that the kids (or in my case kiddo) can do this is wonderful! Thanks Laura for the constant inspiration and ability to stick to a budget!

[PlainandJoyfulLiving]

Laura,
That is a great idea.
Thanks for sharing.
Warm wishes, Tonya

[Homesteadgirl]

Drat! After YEARS of holding on to old cards and doing nothing with them, and my newfound de-cluttering obsession, I threw all my old cards in the woodstove the other day! This idea is so cute! Not shabby at all!! Homemade is charming!

[maria]

Very pretty garland! I like the idea of re-using the cards. They are always so pretty at this time of year!

M.

[Shannon B.]

It looks great! Nothing you buy could ever bring a smile to your face like something you made! This is lovely.

[Brenda]

There is nothing shabby or silly about these garlands, they are lovely!

[Suzanne]

They look wonderful!