The easiest yearlong project EVER

Last year, Thrfty Decor Chick made really cute gift tags from recycled Christmas cards.  As far as crafts go this is my speed.... Cheap, fast and easy.  Flashback to Christmas 2008.  Not only did I make a special trip to Joann's to buy a pretty punch, I kept the bin that is full of old cards out, and I kept my card storage out.  I was ready!  All year long.....  I finally got to it in late November (2009).  Not quite a full year after launching the project but pretty close.  I was able to work on the 2008 cards that were still hanging out in the Christmas card storage snowman, and that covered all of the gifts for 2009.

Tonight, I conquered several years of Christmas cards and found a $100 bill for my trouble.... worth the wait, no?  Oh and by the way, I was too lazy to get up and grab my camera, (sitting on the counter 4 steps away from my perch) so you get some marvelous phone pics again.  ENJOY, I'm such a slave for my art.

Meet my puncher.  Square.  I couldn't find the rectangle one like TDC's.  Can you see my Benjamin?  I sorted through hundreds of cards and letters and pictures.  It was kind of fun to see all of the memories from our friends and family.  I haven't been through all of the cards for a long time (ok never). 

I did this project with "help" aka Keith so you know it is easy (his favorite cards include Baby Jesus.  He would "pick" what to punch: Baby Jesus and help me line it up and punch it.  Then he would kiss Baby Jesus and run over to show his brother who would respond: I know what Baby Jesus looks like!).  You take a super cute card, because that is the only kind of card you all send to me.  If you are lucky the card will have several opportunities for punching.  This snowman card (KZ shout out!) not only has cute snowmen to punch but cute background too.

See look...  Cute with a scalloped edge x 3.    If I had a rectangle puncher or a different shape I am sure that I could get several from a card like this.  But that would require a trip out of the house and real clothes and *sigh* Riverpark is NOT vacation.  So, now you just punch a hole and write your recipient's name on the blank side and you are ready to gift.

About a thousand times.

OBSERVATION (free of charge): Christmas cards have changed A LOT.  As in, hardly anyone sends an actual card anymore.  Don't get me wrong, I love the pictures and creativity.  And I can't remember the last time I purchased an actual Christmas card.   Do you think Hallmark has noticed?