The Sustainable Spot

Have you collected a pile of cards, announcements or invitations over this past year from loved ones that you would like find new homes for?  Here is the perfect way to reuse those special documents and give creative thoughtful gifts that your loved ones will cherish forever.  From birthday invitations to baby announcements to wedding save-the-dates, make them into ornaments and give them to their senders for them to remember their special day for years to come!

As for me, this is my first Christmas as a married woman and as such I want it to be the most memorable ever!  To start, I wanted to get something special and symbolic as our first ornament that we will have always to put up on our tree to commemorate this special occasion.  And luckily I stumbled upon this simple sweet DIY idea on the Nature Conservancy blog and have created my perfect piece!  And since I had to cancel the reception that this invitation was intended for due to my husband’s schedule in the Navy, I have decided to send them to friends and family since I have so many extras that were never sent.

All you need are a few items that can be purchased at most craft stores (I got mine at Michaels).  They are:

Card, invitation or announcement

Empty craft glass ornament

Pen

Scissors or paper cutter (I recommend paper cutter as it cuts down your time and makes simple straight snips)

Ribbon

Hooks

In total I spent $16.16 since I splurged on a paper cutter but still made four priceless ornaments for that low price.  Without the paper cutter, it would have been $5.97 all together.

Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1 – Cut invitation into thin strips about a quarter inch wide

Step 2 – Wrap strips facing outward around a pen and hold firmly for a few seconds for the curl to set in.

Step 3 – Insert curled strips into glass ornament

Step 4 – Secure silver top back onto ornament by pinching until secure

Step 5 – Attach ribbon of choice and hook for hanging

And voila!  You have made a special, heartfelt, customized and custom made holiday ornament.

Enjoy!