Learn some ideas for creating projects from greeting cards. What's outlined here can work for anytime, not just for Christmas cards.
It’s not unusual to collect bounties of Christmas cards year after year. What should they be used for, though? Is it best just to store them to look at after a few years have passed? Or, would it be better to change them into works of art? Visitors to this topic will likely choose the latter of the two, so let’s see what can be created.
- Scrapbook layouts: Not only do cards have attractive fonts, but they also have attractive artwork. If using the fonts holds the most interest, consider tracing them out or reproducing them on a copier. That way, both the art and the fonts within the card can be used in the scrapbook layout. Don’t be afraid to cut the card apart. However, the choice might be made to keep the card whole and use it as the theme of the pages being created; for example, if artists are interested in creating a themed book about an event. Hold all the cards in using photo corners or pockets in cases such as these.
- Collages: Finding interesting elements for collages doesn’t have to be limited to just junk mail, magazines, and newspapers. Consider cutting up greeting cards to achieve the look in mind. Be sure to use a strong adhesive to hold the cardstock down, particularly if there’s a glossy surface. Gel medium or decoupage medium will work well.
- Art Journal Pages: A lot of talk has been centered on art journal pages being worked too heavily or consisting of too many elements. Mixed media artists seem to be looking for more compact, easily transportable mediums. Why not throw some greeting cards in with the other supplies being toted along? They’re trim enough to fit within an envelope (of course), a pouch, or tucked into the book until they’re ready to be used.
- Altered Book Pages: Interactivity in an altered book is such an interesting element and, the use of greeting cards certainly help in that regard. Simply affix the cards in place on the altered book’s pages, and then alter them as desired. Some artists will work these cards prior to affixing them to pages, but that all dependants on the project and the artist’s vision.
Let’s discuss some further options for greeting cards in mixed media art projects. Feel free to use the discussion area to get into further detail, offer more suggestions, and discuss how particular projects have (or have not) worked out.
The copyright of the article Christmas Card Creations in Assemblage Art is owned by Jennifer Hollowell. Permission to republish Christmas Card Creations must be granted by the author in writing.
