Sandra Coan's Holiday Card Paper Chain

Something you probably don't know about me is that I love holiday decorations.  Like, LOVE them.  And I'm not ashamed to say it!

I'm also kind of a pack rat.  And I can not bring myself to throw away any of my holiday cards at the end of the year.  

For years I stored them all in a big box in the basement. But I never looked at them.  They just sat there.  Collecting dust. Then one day, about 9 years ago,  I decided to merge my two loves.  I took all those old cards and turn them into a decoration, a beautiful holiday card paper chain.

Ever since then, the making of the holiday card paper chain has become one of my family's favorite traditions.

Every year when I take down the decorations in January, I store all of the old cards in a box, and then, the next year, when the decorations come out, my family and I get to work turning last year's cards into a colorful festive chain.

We add the new links onto the old chain, and so every year it grows. And it's so fun to be able to look up and see faces of friends and holiday wishes from years past.

This is how its done.

Step one:  Cut your old cards into one inch(ish) strips.

Step two:  Make a loop and staple it together.  (In the beginning I used tape, but I have found that staples work best!)  Then make your next loop and start building your chain.

Step three:  Decorate and enjoy!   Isn't it pretty!!

Happy Holidays!

xoxo,
Sandra