Sometimes you get a Christmas card that speaks to you. What can you do with this card, to use it from year to year and keep it where you can enjoy every Christmas Season? I have a few ideas to get you started.

Idea 1: Table Stand-up

Remove the back half, and use the card stock to make an easel for the card. This will make it a free-standing Christmas ornament that you can enjoy every year. Cut a long strip from the half without the image. Fold it so that one or both ends can be glued to the front of the card and make it stand up.

Idea 2: Gift Box

Another option is to make a gift card box from the Christmas card. Separate the front from the back, and trim the back 1/16th of an inch on two sides that meet at a corner. The cut and fold the halves according to this plan:

Cut along the heavy lines, and fold on the light lines. Fold the narrow tabs (extensions of the long sides) under as you fold in the short sides to form the sides of the box. Use glue or tape on the short ends to hold the box in shape. Since you trimmed the back, that half of the box should come out just a little smaller than the top, and fit nicely into the top with the Christmas image on it. Use the box for a gift card or other small gift. No wrapping or ribbon required.

Idea 3: Hanging Ornament or Gift Name Tag

For Christmas cards with a main motif you like, you can cut it out and make a Christmas tree ornaments from it. Just punch a small hole in the upper edge and use thread to hang it from. Such ornaments can be hung on a Christmas tree or elsewhere, as your decorating scheme permits. Or you can use it to identify the giver and recipient of a present by writing FROM and TO and the names on the back.

What ways can you think of to use an especially beautiful or meaningful Christmas card again?

Wallpapers are ideal for customizing the appearance of the walls in your home. New materials and manufacturing techniques have made them easier than ever to put up (and take down), and there are so many lovely designs to choose from. However, just because they are usually used as wall decor doesn’t mean you can’t use them anywhere else. Here are a few suggestions on how you can use them for other projects.

Leftover wallpaper can be used to cover storage boxes, books, tissue boxes, wastebaskets, pen holders, etc. They can turn a plain wooden storage box or even an ordinary shoe box to something cute and stylish. All you need is the wallpaper and some mod podge. You can also use them as gift wrap instead of the usual wrapping paper as they are stronger and won’t easily tear.

Instead of using contact or shelf paper, use wallpapers as shelf liners instead. You can use them inside cabinets, drawers, shelves, and kitchen cupboards. If you’re using vinyl wallpaper, it will be easier to wipe and keep clean too. You can create a coordinated look in your bedroom or kitchen by using the same wallpaper you applied on the walls to line the inside of cabinets and drawers.

Aside from the walls, you can use them on staircases and door panels. Measure the panels and/or the stair risers then draw the measurements on the wallpapers, cut them out, carefully stick them on, smooth down the wallpaper with a brush and remove visible air bubbles with a plastic float, then wipe off excess paste with a damp sponge. You can use the same design you have on the walls or use a different one to create contrast. Vertical designs usually work better on stairs and panels.

To create instant artwork, simply frame your favorite wallpaper then hang it on the wall. You can also use wallpaper as lampshades: just wrap one that you already have in wallpaper and voila!

A creative way to transform your bedroom is by making a headboard out of wallpaper. Just measure, draw the design on the back of the paper, cut and paste, and you have an instant custom headboard. Faux padded wallpapers work especially well for this since they create the illusion of a headboard covered in upholstery fabric.

Wallpaper can be used in so many different ways and once you start playing around with it, you’ll find yourself covering everything in the house! It’s quite an addictive hobby, and you are only limited by your own imagination.