Playing card paper is often discarded once the deck wears out. But this versatile, durable paper has many creative uses around the home. Repurposing playing cards into papercrafts is an enjoyable family activity that reduces waste. Read on for six ideas to inspire your next project night.
What Kind of Paper Are Playing Cards Printed On?
Standard playing cards have a card stock paperboard core layered between two paper faces. This gives the cards flexibility to withstand frequent handling without damage. The smooth paper finish allows the customized print designs to stand out.
Playing card paper has an optimal thickness, around 0.3-0.4mm. This gives it more substance than regular printer paper without becoming too bulky for card shuffling. The core paperboard layer gives playing card paper its stiffness. The paper itself is formulated for extra durability to prolong deck lifespan with repeated use.
The finish and texture of playing card paper make it ideal for upcycling. The eyecatching colors and patterns can liven table decor or gives artwork an abstract flair. Its hardy constitution is perfect for papercrafting functional items. This versatile material brings new opportunities for eco-conscious families seeking sustainable ways to refresh their living space.
1. Make Labels and Tags
One of the best ways to repurpose playing cards is using them for labeling storage containers or identifying belongings. Simply cut out cardstock of your preferred size and punch holes in the corners. Thread colorful twine, ribbon, or string through holes to attach your new custom labels.
You can get creative by cutting cards into interesting shapes rather than using basic rectangles. Or layer two contrasting cards for a more dynamic look. Let kids decorate blank backs of cards with markers and stickers to personalize labels for their bedroom.
Making playing card labels and tags is fast, inexpensive, and reduces waste destined for landfills. Visually coordinate storage spaces by color coding with different decks. Bold graphics make items easier to identify when hunting through cluttered drawers or boxes.
2. Decoupage Finished Wood Products
For an easy upcycling project, use playing cards or cardstock to decoupage coasters, trays, frames and other finished wood crafts. Decoupage uses adhesive to layer decor paper on an object to add texture and pattern.
Collect a variety of playing card designs and cardstock scraps to decoupage. Brush craft glue evenly on the wood surface. Smooth cut paper pieces on glue, overlapping edges slightly. Apply more glue over paper, removing air bubbles and excess adhesive. Allow to dry fully. Apply protective sealants if desired for added durability.
Kids can unleash their inner Matisse and cover basic wooden art boxes or clipboards with bold collage designs made from playing cards! This simple craft instantly adds life and character to bare wood.
3. Construct Paper Boxes
Playing cards are perfectly suited for paper engineering thanks to their durable construction. Follow paper box folding patterns to transform flat cards into 3D containers.
Score cardstock where folds occur using a ruler and craft knife for crisp edges. Fold along score lines, glueing tabs at seam edges to hold shapes. Small boxes are great for holding keepsakes, displaying favorite items, or organizing hair accessories on a dresser.
Kids can make a playing card city for action figures and toy cars. Construct buildings, towers, ramps and roads from cardstock for imaginative play without big expense. Add skyscrapers over time as skills improve to expand this creative paper village! Open-backed displays let little hands access toys from any angle.
4. Create Scrapbook Embellishments
Spice up cherished scrapbook memories and handmade cards using playing cards for unique accents. Diecut intricate card shapes using a manual die cutting machine and metal wafer dies. Or hand cut free-form confetti, scalloped circles, pretty flowers and custom motifs.
Involve family in card crafting parties to make personalized scrapbook elements. Let everyone select top playing card designs to cut and include with vacation journaling or special event layouts. Capture distinctive travel photos besides related playing card imagery in creative pairings. Graphic complementary colors boost visual dynamism when positioned on album pages or handmade greeting cards.
5. Upcycle into Statement Jewelry
Transform unwanted playing cards into one-of-a-kind jewelry perfect for gifting. Use metal jewelry findings like clasps, jump rings, pins and bezels in silver, copper or gold finishes. Glue cardstock inside bezel settings as pendants, or cut thin strips to wrap as bangles or cuffs.
Apply clear resin on selected cards, allow to cure, then glue resin cabochons to jewelry findings to create funky mixed media pieces. Make matching earrings and necklaces for polished looks, with kids assisting in card selection and layout design before resin application. DIY jewelry from playing cards saves money while keeping beloved card graphics intact.
6. Fold Paper Flowers
Custom playing cards printing already feature dynamic colors, patterns and graphics which translate beautifully when folded into paper roses. Customize flowers by combining complementary or clashing hues for impact. Group varied sized rosettes in empty pots or jars for quick dining table centerpieces.
Follow paper quilling basics to roll narrow playing card strips into curlycues before shaping into floral bouquets. Or watch paper flower folding tutorials on YouTube to learn beginner origami techniques suitable for kids aged 6 and up. Let little ones pick the cards for their creations.
Paper flower making helps younger kids practice fine motor skills and patience. Display their playing card bouquets proudly to encourage artistic confidence! Bonus: made blooms never wilt, offering long-lasting interior decor.
In 2025 and beyond, seek out everyday items before discarding them to uncover their creative hidden potential. Repurposing often-overlooked resources like playing cards is an eco-friendly family activity which reduces environmental impact. With a bit of skill and imagination, you can give worn out possessions new life while making treasured memories together.