Old Business Cards, Don't Throw Them Out Just Yet!
If you have ever asked yourself what can I do with old business cards, then we have the perfect solution for you. Easy, creative, and not your average homemade gift tag idea.
This past weekend, my husband and I tackled one side of our basement. Let me just say, he’s the best organizer around! If his day job ever falls through, he could organize homes from here to Timbuktu.
He explained the process to me using Tetris. If you’re an '80s kid like me, you know the game I’m talking about: tiles dropping from above, and you had to stack them perfectly before the next drop. The goal was to avoid leaving gaps or letting tiles pile up to the ceiling.
The jury is still out, that's why today I'm sharing an upcycling project instead of my mad organizational skills, or lack there of.
Don't Forget to Pin for Later!
The idea for the phone book came about after hearing to my mother complain that she could not locate a phone number she had written down on a piece of scrap paper.
Once upon a time, I was a Job Developer for a small rehabilitation agency. We helped people with disabilities find gainful employment. I met so many incredible individuals—some who gave me a run for my money and others who were absolute sweethearts.
Through my work, I made a lot of contacts, and this past weekend, I happened upon my collection of business cards. I had them all organized in plastic sleeves (see, I can organize... a bit 😉).
When I stumbled upon my latest find, I knew throwing them away wasn't an option. So now, they are living a new life, kind of like myself.
Let's see how they turn out.
Materials:
- Old business cards
- Gift tag press punch
- Wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, scrap paper, newspaper, magazines, napkins
- Ribbon
- Glue Stick
- Decorative pieces of your choice: stickers, grommets, antique gold rub n buff etc...
Instructions:
- Cover side of business card with glue stick that has writing, place decorative wrapping paper, napkins, scrapbook paper, newspaper, or magazines of your choice to the front of the business card
- Smooth out glue and paper with fingers or a brayer
- Place covered business card into the press punch, push down to create a scalloped edge and hole to hang by, continue until you have reached the amount of cards you need
- On plain side of gift tag, write to and from. I could not locate my stamps so I had to go with handwritten (sorry, my handwriting is horrendous!) I have all kinds of ideas below for the blank side so check them out below.
- Apply antique gold rub n buff or ink of your choice to both sides of tag all along the edges for a vintage weathered feel. I added both to some of the tags.
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| Using scraps reduces waste |
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| This punch press makes 3 different size tags |
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| Business cards are the perfect size for medium tags |
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| I began mixing and matching papers together to create Christmas gift tags |
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| You can use Rub-n-Buff or even an ink stamp pad as I am here above |
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| Use pages from a magazine for an even more thrifty craft |
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| Add stickers to the front and back to personalize for recipients hobbies |
I had to see if napkins would work, so if you have been here awhile, you may recognize our kitchen backsplash design below.
Tips for Beginners:
Do not be afraid to use napkins, you may have a little bleed through, but the darker the napkin, the less you will have.
If using a glue stick, prevent tearing by pressing the napkin into the glue firmly; do not scoot fingers across paper. Here is where a brayer would be helpful to use. I still need to pick one up.
Use sharp scissors when trimming paper down around the tag, this will prevent paper from tearing. Be careful while handling scissors.
Tip: I found applying the paper of choice to the old business card before cutting worked best. This way you do not need to match up the cards, and holes, etc...
Apply stickers to gift tags to match the recipients likes, I added a small postcard to one side, and an airline sticker on the other for the traveler in our family
Not Just For Christmas
This idea isn't just for Christmas, think about when you go to dinner at a friend's house, and pick up a bottle of wine, add a thoughtful gift tag to the wine bottle with a nice sentiment on one side, and decorative paper on the other. They will never know it was once an old business card, but I am sure they will appreciate the kind words shared.
If you have friends who do not drink like us, how about a nice bottle of olive oil? I do love a glass bottle, and this olive oil is one of my favorites. I added a stars and stripes tag here for the Fourth of July.
You see, you can create a gift tag for any sort of gift giving. There are birthday gifts, anniversary gifts, wedding gifts, commencement gifts, First Communion gifts, and how about those just because gifts (they are my favorites!).
But gift giving aside, there are even more ideas for these simple tags!
More Ideas Using Hand Cut Tags
- Create an address book for loved ones with family contact information written on tags, address, phone number, etc... this can be hung by the phone for easy access
- Create a rolodex of sorts for those who really despise getting on the internet to look up contractor info, provide contacts: plumbers, electricians, lawyer, fire department, police, doctor office, etc... color code tags according to profession
- Give as ornaments with handwritten personalization on one side, and decorations on the other
- Create chalkboard tags, paint business cards with chalkboard paint, and provide chalk to erase and rewrite on tags (talk about upcycling time and time again)
- Get the kiddos involved, let them create art on the businesses cards, and then cut into tags to create a one of a kind art keepsake (plus this takes up so little space, and is mobile)
- Make vintage map tags using old maps, we all know how much I love maps! Create a bucket list of places you would like to visit showcasing that location on each tag. Once you have visited your destination, add to a board of completed vacation spots, and another of places to still see.
- Monogram tags are a unique way to use old business cards, you can add them to your luggage for a personal touch while traveling.
- Craft key chains and cover with resin to prevent wear and tear. This would be a perfect idea for small business owners to create, and give to new customers with their logo and contact info.
Year Round Ideas
Like I said, gift tags don’t have to be limited to Christmas. With a little creativity and help from the seasons, they can add charm and thoughtfulness to any occasion. Here are some ideas to inspire you year-round:
Aromatic Tags
Infuse your gift tags with seasonal scents. Add a drop of essential oil like cinnamon, pine, or peppermint for the holidays. The recipient will enjoy a delightful burst of fragrance when they open your gift.
New Year’s Eve Tags
Think black and white for an elegant New Year’s theme. Use these tags as stylish place cards for your dinner party. Write each guest’s name and a fun resolution or inspiring quote to spark conversation at the table.
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| I attempted making a shadow, my hand writing is terrible. |
Valentine’s Day Tags
Make your Valentine’s tags deeply personal. Write a line from your favorite love letter or the lyrics to the couple’s favorite song. These small gestures can make a gift extra special and memorable.
Summer Picnic Tags
Gift tags can double as menu markers for outdoor gatherings, or ahem... holiday gatherings. Attach them to serving utensils or set them next to dishes. For guests with dietary restrictions, use tags to identify gluten-free, vegetarian, no salt added, and allergen-free items. It’s a thoughtful touch that makes everyone feel included and safe while preventing cross contamination using utensils.
Baby Showers
Use pastel colors and add cute embellishments like onesies or footprints. Write, "Can't wait to meet you!"
Weddings
Create elegant tags using lace or metallic accents. Use them as escort cards, or attach them to favors.
Thanksgiving
Use warm colors, feathers, or burlap. Write words of gratitude for the holiday, and those around the table.
Scrap paper can easily end up in the trash if not paying close attention, but if you have tags corralled together with ribbon and hanging by the phone... well, we will just say, they will probably not end up in the trash.
My mother was also the inspiration behind the rolodex for contractors. You see, mom is not a fan of the internet, nor does she fancy a smart phone. She gets aggravated when she wants to look up one number, and everything but the kitchen sink comes up in her search.
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| DIY Address book |
Mom misses her good old phone book.
Enter rolodex tags... and she can even hang it by the phone in the kitchen that has been there all of my life. Tip: Tie tags together with a bow to easily add and delete contacts from book.
Let's make life easier for our loved ones who do not like to look up every little thing like we tend to. I've added contractors who we have used to the list, with a call, and do not call list. You can even write small notes on the tag, like, do not call back, left dripping paint on walls.
Mom likes easy and simple, and hey, who am I to argue that. Personally, I like simplicity myself.
In fact, can you believe we have a home phone?
Gasp!
I know, but I am just not that person who carries the phone around with me, strapped to my hip. I tend to set it down, forget where I left it, and since I have never taken it off vibrate from my days working in the office... I cannot hear it when I set it down somewhere.
I'm a hot mess when it comes to keeping track of my cell phone, and you know what? Sometimes I prefer it that way.... only family can still track me down when I'm working around the house by calling our home phone.
If you ever ask yourself, "When did life become so hectic, why are we always within reach?" You are not alone. Sometimes I miss the good ole' days of the busy signal, it gave us some down time between calls.
I hope you enjoyed today's upcycle project. I had so much fun creating new uses for old business cards, who knew there could be so many? I can honestly say, I will no longer look at a business card in the same manner again. Let's stop wasting money on store bought, and see how we can use our creativity to save money and a creative life. I've got to say, this was a stress reducer project, I got lost in the creative process which always brings a smile to my face.
Merry Almost Christmas!
Cara
