Share anything holiday related!
Make handmade holiday greeting cards using recycled paper, markers, glitter, and simple collage techniques to practice creativity, measurement, and writing warm messages.
About this activity
Make handmade holiday greeting cards using recycled paper, markers, glitter, and simple collage techniques to practice creativity, measurement, and writing warm messages.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all the materials from the list and clear a flat workspace to make your card.
- 2
Step 2
Choose one sheet of recycled paper and fold it in half to make the card base.
- 3
Step 3
Use the ruler and pencil to measure and lightly mark where you want the front collage pieces to go.
- 4
Step 4
Cut out shapes from the scrap magazine or colored paper along your pencil marks using scissors.
- 5
Step 5
Arrange the cut-out shapes on the front of the folded card until you like the layout without gluing them yet.
- 6
Step 6
Apply glue with the glue stick to one collage piece and press it firmly onto the card.
- 7
Step 7
Repeat gluing each collage piece onto the card until the front design is complete.
- 8
Step 8
Use markers to draw extra decorations and a border around the collage on the card front.
- 9
Step 9
Write a warm holiday message inside the card with a marker and sign your name.
- 10
Step 10
Sprinkle glitter onto any glued areas to add sparkle and let the card sit flat to dry for at least 15 minutes.
- 11
Step 11
Share a photo of your finished holiday greeting card on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I make handmade holiday greeting cards with recycled paper?
Start by folding recycled paper or thin cardboard to form your card base. Measure and sketch a simple layout, then cut shapes from magazines, scrap paper, or old greeting cards. Arrange pieces into a collage and glue them down with a glue stick or craft glue. Add details with markers, stamps, or a touch of eco-friendly glitter. Let everything dry, then write a warm message inside. Provide scissors supervision for younger children and allow extra drying time for layered glue.
What materials do I need to make holiday greeting cards from recycled paper?
You’ll need recycled paper or thin cardboard (scrap paper, old cards, cereal boxes), scissors (child-safe and adult pair), glue stick and craft glue, markers or colored pencils, a ruler and pencil for measuring, and envelopes. Optional extras: stickers, stamps, ribbon scraps, buttons, eco-friendly glitter or sequins, and a hole punch. Keep small items and liquid glue out of reach of toddlers and consider stickers instead of glitter for younger kids.
What ages is this holiday card activity suitable for?
This activity is adaptable: toddlers (2–3) can scribble, stamp, or place large stickers with supervision; preschoolers (3–5) can cut with safety scissors and glue simple shapes; school-age kids (6–9) can measure, cut precise shapes, and compose messages; older children (10+) can create more detailed collages, lettering, and pop-up elements. Always supervise cutting and small embellishments and adapt tools to each child’s skill level.
What are the benefits, safety tips, and fun variations for holiday card making?
Making cards builds fine motor skills, measurement practice, creativity, and emotional expression through written messages. Safety tips: use non-toxic glue and markers, supervise scissors and small embellishments, and swap glitter for biodegradable or sticker options. Variations include pop-up cards, accordion family message cards, themed sets (animals, winter scenes), or turning cards into gift tags. Encourage recycling by using found materials and invite kids to personalize messages to practic
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have recycled paper, scrap magazines, or a glue stick?
Use printer or construction paper for the card base, wrapping paper or fabric scraps for collage pieces, and swap the glue stick for white craft glue or double-sided tape when applying glue to collage pieces.
My card is buckling or pieces won't stay put—what should I try?
Apply only a thin layer of glue to each cut-out, press each collage piece firmly onto the folded card, and let the card dry flat under a heavy book for at least 15 minutes to prevent buckling and keep pieces stuck.
How can we adapt the activity for very young children or older kids?
For toddlers, pre-cut large shapes and let them stick pieces with a glue stick and draw with washable markers, while older kids can use the ruler and pencil to measure detailed layouts, cut intricate magazine shapes, add hand-lettered messages, and sprinkle glitter for more sparkle.
How can we personalize or extend the holiday card project?
Add a small photo or handwritten note inside, glue on ribbon or sequins before sprinkling glitter on glued areas, or create a pop-up element by cutting and folding a tab from scrap paper before gluing it to the card front.