Upcycle Christmas cards into a festive garland with this simple DIY. It’s free, eco-friendly, and makes a charming holiday decoration.

Each year, after Christmas, I end up with a pile of beautiful cards, and as a bit of a hoarder, I tend to hold onto them.

One way to give them new life is by turning them into an inexpensive upcycled Christmas card garland. This project costs nothing, keeps cards out of landfill, and adds a nostalgic, handmade touch to your festive decorations. It’s also a great way to display especially beautiful and handmade cards that people have given me.

You can make a garland from whole cards, or cut them into bunting-style triangles — either way, it’s an easy and fun craft for both adults and kids.

Some of the best decorations are the simplest – personal, homemade, and free. These are what we attach memories to, not some plastic gimmick from the shops.

This is a super-easy project, great for kids.

If you’re doing an advent calendar like we do, you can add ‘make a garland’ to your list of projects. Even better, it doesn’t take too long, so it’s a quick and easy Christmas activity to slot into your week.

What You’ll Need

materials to make upcycled Christmas card garlands

Old Christmas cards
String, wool, or ribbon

If you don’t have string or wool on hand, check your local op-shop for string or wool for a very cheap and completely upcycled project.

Tools You’ll Need

Scissors
Hole punch (single or double)
Ruler (optional, for cutting evenly)
Pencil (optional, for marking lines)
command hooks or blue tac

command hook I use for hanging my Chrimstmas card garland

Making the Christmas Card Garland

This is a quick and forgiving project – no need to be perfect. In fact, a mix of card sizes and colours can make the garland look even more festive.

Option 1: Whole Cards

Step 1: Cut the front off each card. You can trim them to a uniform size, or leave them all different for a quirky look. If you don’t want to lose the handwritten message on the back, just leave it attached and punch through both layers.

Step 2: Punch one hole in each of the top corners of the card.

Step 3: Run string, ribbon, or wool through the holes. Keep the pictures facing forward.

Step 4: Adjust spacing between cards and hang your garland on a wall, window, bookshelf, mantle (if you have one), or even the tree.

Option 2: Triangle Bunting

Step 1: Mark out and cut triangles from the cards, centring them as shown below.

marking the flag on the back of the card

Step 2: Punch two holes along the top (wide edge) of each triangle.

Step 3: Thread the string through, spacing triangles evenly.

Step 4: Your bunting-style garland is ready to brighten up your space. Hang using mini command hooks or drape over existing furniture (like a bookshelf) for a hook-free version.

christmas garland hanging over a picture feature

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Yield: 1 garland