Upcycle Your Old Greeting Cards into Notebooks: Crafting for Mental Wellness and Sustainability

Discover how to upcycle your old greeting cards into beautiful notebooks, gift tags, or bookmarks. No glue or special equipment needed! Boost your mental wellness and embrace sustainability with this eco-friendly project.

We most probably all have greeting cards laying around the house. I sometimes have old ones, but also seconds from printing gone wrong! However, at this time of year now Christmas has gone and the new year approaches, I really struggle with depression due to the short days and inactivity on my allotment. To help me regain balance and release some Serotonin, I have a small nature journal, part research, part incentive to go out for a walk and note down or draw the nature I see. I have begun a project that I will share later.

Instead of buying a new notebook I upcycle my greeting cards and old paper ribbon, twine or string from gifts or off cuts combined with recycled paper to make a notebook, gift tag or bookmark. See this photo guide for how to make one. No glue or special equipment needed!

Why Upcycling Matters

Upcycling is more than just a trend—it's a sustainable practice that breathes new life into items that would otherwise be discarded. By transforming old greeting cards into useful items, you reduce waste and contribute to a healthier planet. Plus, it’s a creative outlet that can boost your mood and mental health, an essential factor during those long winter months when the sun seems to shy away.

The Benefits of Upcycling Greeting Cards

• Eco-Friendly: Reduces waste and conserves resources.
• Cost-Effective: Saves money by reusing materials you already have.
• Creativity Boost: Encourages innovation and artistic expression.
• Mental Wellness: Provides a therapeutic activity that can alleviate stress and depression

Making an Upcycled Notebook

Embrace the art of upcycling this season and watch as your mental well-being flourishes alongside your sustainable creations. Share any notebooks by tagging us on instagram @smoothscribespace.