Over at the blog Sunshine Journal there is a darling idea for making recycled light bulb vases with tiny candle holders as bases. Hey Craft Gossip Recycled readers have any of you made anything with the curly newfangled light bulbs? Shoot me an email in the “suggest a post” I would love to see!
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45 amazing ways to reuse and recycle old playing cards
If you’ve got a pile of old playing cards sitting around — maybe they’re from incomplete decks, game nights gone wild, or just worn from use — don’t throw them out! Instead, consider turning those old playing cards into clever DIY projects. Playing cards are the perfect material for upcycled crafts thanks to their glossy finish, durability, and instantly recognizable designs. Whether you’re looking for sustainable craft ideas, eco-friendly decor, or handmade gifts, recycled playing card projects offer endless creative potential.
Recycling playing cards is a fantastic way to reduce waste and embrace a more eco-conscious lifestyle. Crafting with old playing cards is not only budget-friendly, it’s also a great opportunity to create unique home decor, personalized gifts, and fun DIY accessories. From upcycled wallets and purses to holiday ornaments and party banners, these projects make excellent use of something you’d otherwise toss in the trash. And the best part? Many of these playing card crafts can be done with supplies you already have at home.
Crafters around the world are discovering how easy it is to transform playing cards into DIY masterpieces. Want to make a recycled playing card wreath? Looking for a way to craft a handmade Valentine’s Day garland? Curious how to create a one-of-a-kind playing card clock or a quirky jewelry holder? Old playing cards are the answer. Their size, sturdiness, and vintage appeal make them ideal for crafting everything from bookmarks and gift tags to photo frames and tabletop decorations.
These upcycled playing card projects are perfect for holiday decorating too. Create a festive playing card Christmas tree, fold a deck into a Valentine’s Day heart wreath, or string together a DIY party banner for a casino-themed birthday bash. Playing cards lend themselves to all kinds of seasonal creativity, and the results are always charming and memorable. If you love making holiday decorations from recycled materials, don’t skip over that forgotten deck in your junk drawer!
Looking to get organized with your crafting? Try making a DIY playing card storage box or a desk organizer. Their compact size makes playing cards ideal for crafting stylish and functional items like ribbon holders, mini drawers, or office accessories. Want to go even further? Some crafters have even made earring holders, pencil cases, and tabletops using nothing but recycled playing cards and a little creative flair.
This is also a fantastic way to involve kids in upcycled crafting. Reusing playing cards for kids’ craft projects is fun, mess-free, and educational. Encourage them to make DIY bookmarks, garlands, or memory games using old cards. Not only does this teach creativity and motor skills, it also introduces the value of reusing and recycling materials in everyday life.
Crafting with vintage or recycled playing cards also makes for meaningful gift ideas. From a “52 Reasons I Love You” card flipbook to DIY wallets, photo displays, or trinket boxes, handmade gifts made from upcycled materials show thoughtfulness and care. These unique keepsakes are perfect for anniversaries, holidays, and just-because moments.
With the rising popularity of sustainable living and zero-waste crafting, upcycling playing cards has become a go-to choice for eco-friendly creatives. Whether you’re making a repurposed playing card chandelier, a recycled playing card lampshade, or simple DIY gift tags, there’s no shortage of ideas when it comes to turning old playing cards into new treasures.
So if you’re on the hunt for recycled craft ideas, DIY playing card projects, or eco-friendly handmade gifts, it’s time to dig out those old decks and start creating. With over 45 inspiring ways to reuse playing cards, you’ll never look at your game night leftovers the same way again.
Ready to start your next upcycling adventure? Explore the world of playing card crafts and discover how to transform your clutter into creativity — one card at a time.
Playing Card Wallet — CraftBits.com
Clear Duct Tape Card Purse — CraftBits.com
Turn old playing cards into decorative elements – Recycled Crafts
I “Heart” heart Valentine’s Day wreaths – Recycled Crafts
DIY Valentines Wreath • Refresh Living
paper craft – folded decorative playing card houses – full instructions
DIY UNO Card Game Art – One Mile Home Style
Upcycling Playing Cards – craftygardener.ca
Alice in Wonderland Crafts – Card Soldiers – Red Ted Art – Kids Crafts
How to make a Twisted Alice in Wonderland hair accessory
Playing Card Bookmarks : 6 Steps – Instructables
Holiday How To: Unconventional Wreaths | Brooklyn Limestone
Purposeful Play Time: DIY Playing Card Valentine’s Day Banner
Upcycled Playing Card Dolls Make Great Gifts! • Recyclart
Almost Alice – DIY & Craft tutorials: How to: Playing Card Bow Necklace
Feeling a little punchy today!
StampOwl’s Studio: Playing Card Box Tutorial
AIM DIY: Playing Card Ornaments – So, There.
Industrial Vegas: Repurposed Upcycled Vintage Playing Cards Wall Art
The Craft Project: More Playing Cards!
https://myblessedlife.net/2013/08/specimen-art.html
DIY Drink Charms – Today’s Creative Life
Queen of Hearts Art – A Playing Card DIY – Parties With A Cause
DIY Upcycled Vintage Playing Card Lampshade
DIY Earring Holder – Jewelry Display – Birdz of a Feather
Repurposed Playing Cards into DIY Christmas Tree – Color Me Thrifty
DIY Playing Card Banner – Petticoat Junktion
Craft With Me – Playing Card Frames – A Fun Way To Use Playing Cards
Party Top-hat Made of Playing Cards : 10 Steps – Instructables
Playing Card Wreath – Sarah Hearts
Table Centrepieces From PLaying Cards
Playing Cards Clock : 7 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables
Origami Desktop Organizer From Playing Cards : 7 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables
Awesome Wallet Made Out of Playing Cards : 11 Steps – Instructables
Nifty, and pretty! An idea to keep in mind for the future, definately!
The curly lightbulbs have mercury in them, so I wouldn’t think it is a wise idea to try to use them for crafting!
The new energy efficient bulbs have higher levels of mercury in them (which is why they have to be recycled in a special way instead of just thrown in the garbage). Please tell people to make sure that their new bulbs are safe before cutting into them!