4 Easy Crafts You Can Do With Cards

by Katie Coopersmith © 2017 Gifts for card Players

We are so lucky to live in a day and age in which a pack of cards can generally be bought for a relatively cheap price at any corner store or supermarket. For the crafty folk among us, cards’ abundance and price make them a perfect material with which to make a wide array of crafts. Whether you’re a parent of a young child, a lifelong crafter and Pinterest fan, or even a staunchly craft-averse person, there’s almost definitely a card craft out there for you! Let’s take a look at some of the easiest, most fun card craft ideas we’re loving right now:

“52 Reasons Why” Deck

This is an absolutely adorable and seriously touching gift idea for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, a partner’s birthday, or any spontaneous occasion you can think of! The only materials you’ll need are a deck of cards (any type – Bicycle brand packs work well, in our anecdotal experience) and a sharpie or otherwise legible pen.

The basic premise? Simply write one reason why you love your partner (or whoever you’re giving the deck to…this could work well for a parent, sibling, or friend, too!) on each card. Your reasons can range from funny to serious, and from small to broad…it’s totally up to you. Of course, you might have to get a bit creative to come up with 52 different reasons…but we can promise that the recipient will absolutely love this personalized, loving gift.

Gift Tags

Ever looked at a card and thought it would be the perfect size for a gift tag? No? Well, now’s your chance! If you have an old deck of cards that’s missing a few cards or that you simply don’t want to use for playing cards anymore, each card can easily be transformed into a versatile, reusable gift tag in just a few steps.

All you’ll need to do this craft is a hole punch, deck of cards, and writing utensil(s) of your choice. Simply punch a hole in the corner of each card (thread or ribbon can later be poked through this hole when you’re wrapping presents) and write on and/or decorate the card as you please. Voila! An easy, free, environmentally-friendly gift tag that your loved ones will probably marvel over (especially if they play cards themselves!).

Card House for Toys

Ever tried to build a house of cards (and no, we’re not talking about the popular political TV show)? Ever been frustrated when it falls over and over again? Hot glue to the rescue!

If you’ve got an old deck (it doesn’t have to be complete) at home, all you’ll need is a hot glue gun to do this quick craft. All you need to do is use the glue gun to secure the edges of the cards together as you build a card house to your liking. It can be as tall as you want (within what the laws of physics allow, of course!), and, best of all, you can even put little toys inside once it’s done for a unique display that will please kids and adults alike. Got a Lego, My Little Pony, or Playmobile collection? Perfect! Your toys will love their new home, and we can bet your roommates or family will appreciate it too.

Card Garland

At a loss for decorations for your next party or holiday gathering? Playing cards (once again) to the rescue! All you’ll need for this craft is a deck of cards (again, it doesn’t have to be complete), a hole punch, and a long length of string or ribbon. Optionally, if you’d like to cut your cards into shapes (think hearts, flowers, or whatever else your heart desires!), you’ll also need a pair of scissors.

Simply punch a hole in the top or middle of each card, then thread all of the cards one after another on to the string or ribbon. If you’d like, you can alternate cards to make an aesthetically-pleasing pattern (say, alternating red and black or alternating different shapes you’ve cut). Then, hang the garland up around the room, and boom! You’ve got yourself a darn festive party.

Etsey

Etsy is a peer-to-peer e-commerce website focused on handmade or vintage items and supplies which individuals are able to create and sell online. If you search for ‘card decor’ on Etsey you’ll be amazed at some of the things creative people around the world do with playing cards. The flowers are especially beautiful.