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I save a fortune on buying birthday & xmas cards

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If you have a creative streak and want to help the environment by recycling, aswell as saving yourself a fortune in the process, then this is for you.

I have been doing this ever since I was younger. Back then it was because I was too poor to buy cards. Now (although I'm still quite poor), it's because I love to be creative. And I know that each one given out is unique. The recipients are always happy that I've taken the time to create them myself and they know that no one else in the world will have one the same :D

I buy plain white cards with blank envelopes (usually from ebay) and with my hoard of used cards (recycling) I cut the words and pictures off and make in to new cards. Then I browse around various craft places at christmas and also online and buy cheap embellishments, card toppers, fancy sheets and other odds and ends and set my creativity to work! It has saved me a fortune on birthday, valentines, new baby and xmas cards. And my Mum even told me they look very professional which is an added bonus.
£5 a day challenge ~ May £56.72/£155 July £125/£155

Comments

  • krustylouise
    krustylouise Posts: 1,501 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    If you have a creative streak and want to help the environment by recycling, aswell as saving yourself a fortune in the process, then this is for you.

    I have been doing this ever since I was younger. Back then it was because I was too poor to buy cards. Now (although I'm still quite poor), it's because I love to be creative. And I know that each one given out is unique. The recipients are always happy that I've taken the time to create them myself and they know that no one else in the world will have one the same :D

    I buy plain white cards with blank envelopes (usually from ebay) and with my hoard of used cards (recycling) I cut the words and pictures off and make in to new cards. Then I browse around various craft places at christmas and also online and buy cheap embellishments, card toppers, fancy sheets and other odds and ends and set my creativity to work! It has saved me a fortune on birthday, valentines, new baby and xmas cards. And my Mum even told me they look very professional which is an added bonus.

    Have you tried selling them? Very MSE :)

    PAD 2023 Debt total as of Dec 2022 £18,988.63*April £17,711.03

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    #22 - 1p savings challenge 2023 £166.95/£667.95

    Saving for Christmas - £1 a day savings challenge 2023 £50/£1000

  • Torry_Quine
    Torry_Quine Posts: 18,874 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    I do the same. Keep anything I think will be useful such as ribbons from from boxes I get or paper bags. Whenever I get a card I always find myself thinking how I can re-use it.
    Lost my soulmate so life is empty.

    I can bear pain myself, he said softly, but I couldna bear yours. That would take more strength than I have -
    Diana Gabaldon, Outlander
  • PenguinOfDeath
    PenguinOfDeath Posts: 1,863 Forumite
    That's great if you can do, unfortunately I don't have a creative bone in my body... If be better asking the neighbours toddler to make them! :rotfl:

    Whistle fish is my saviour :)
  • maman
    maman Posts: 29,763 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    They sell 'embellishments' in some £ stores I've noticed. The ribbon tags that are on the shoulders of various tops/jumpers are good too.


    I don't make cards myself but often make tags to attach to gifts.


    I mostly buy charity birthday cards from Cancer Research shop (or other CSs) as they tend to be really good cards for about £1.
  • Bublin1
    Bublin1 Posts: 724 Forumite
    I've been Money Tipped!
    Mmm how much do you think each of your cards cost?

    These days you can buy greetings cards for 39p each. Admittedly they're not all that great but available if on a tight budget.
    Dave Ramsey Fan[/COLOR]
  • glynisrose
    glynisrose Posts: 199 Forumite
    I prefer to make my friends and relatives a nice card rather than buy a present. What would I buy people who have everything?
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