After the Wedding: How to Reuse Your Wedding Cards
Turn Those Wedding Cards You Received into a Beautiful Wedding Keepsake!
Like many brides, after my wedding, I had all of these beautiful wedding cards that I received, but had no idea what to do with them. I knew I didn't want them to sit in a box by themselves and collect dust, however, I'm not a very crafty person, so I felt that my options were rather limited.
I needed an easy project for the "craft challenged." After scouring the internet and collecting a variety of ideas, I decided to try my hand at decoupage. I've never done decoupage before, but it seemed relatively simple...and it was!
I went through all of my wedding cards and cut out pretty pictures, patterns, words, and quotes. I decided to create a decoupage collage on picture frames that we can then put our wedding pictures in.
For those of you out there who are "craft challenged" like myself, I took pictures every step of the way! Read on to find step by step instructions accompanied by photos. I was so impressed with the end result and it was so easy!
**All pictures featured below were taken by me and belong to me. Please ask permission before using.**
The Dilemma
My husband and I were married on 3/30/2013. I had just finished sending out roughly 100 thank you cards for gifts and well wishes, but found myself faced with a dilemma...what to do with all of the beautiful wedding cards we received??!!
I didn't want to just stow them away in a box, never to be seen or looked at again. So I scoured the internet for neat ideas on how to turn these cards into some sort of keepsake. As I was browsing, I came across a great idea: Decoupage!
Choose an Item to Convert into a Wedding Keepsake - (I Chose a Picture Frame)
If found this simple picture frame at my local Wal-Mart in the crafts section. It cost me a whoppin' $0.97! I'm sure you could also find frames or other items at Michaels, a thrift store, or other craft store. I also found some great options on Amazon.
Here are some other things you will need for this project:
- Modge Podge or Any Decoupage Glue of your Choice
- A Small Brush or Sponge for Application
- Scissors
Here Are A Couple Really Fun Ideas for Items You Can Decorate
Gather All of the Wedding Cards You Received
Once you have gathered all of the wedding cards you received, create a stack and briefly look at each card. You don't have to spend an excessive amount of time on this step, you are only looking for cards that catch your eye. Here are some things to look for:
- Pretty Pictures and Images that Catch Your Eye
- Patterns or Colors that Would Make an Interesting Background
- Cute and/or Meaningful Quotes
Arrange Your Cut Outs
Arrange your cut outs where you want them on the frame before gluing. Keep in mind you can place the cut outs at different angles to create more interesting lines. As you can see in my picture above, you also don't have to worry about bits and pieces of cards hanging over the edge of the frame, those will be trimmed off later.
Glue On the Background & Trim the Edges
Once you have decided upon the arrangement of your cut outs, remove them all from the frame. Cover your table with newspaper or some other cover to protect the table...this could get messy!
Brush on Modge Podge or other decoupage glue onto the surface of the frame with a small paint brush or sponge. Before the glue dries, carefully place the first layer of cut outs on the frame, where you want them. Gently smooth out each cut out as you place it on the frame to ensure there are no air bubbles trapped beneath. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the glue to dry.
Once the glue is dry, flip the frame over so the decorated side is facing down and trace the edges of the frame with an exacto knife or razor blade to remove the excess cards hanging off the sides.
Tip: Only glue on one layer of cut outs at a time.
Glue On Another Layer & Brush Glue Over the Entire Surface to Create a Glossy Finish
Next, apply Modge Podge or decoupage glue of your choice onto the backs of the remaining cut outs. Carefully place them where you like on the frame and smooth out the air bubbles.
Then apply a thin coat of glue over the entire surface of the frame. This will seal the cards on and create a pretty, glossy finish. Allow to dry for 10-15 minutes.
Repeat this step until you have added all of the layers you want to your frame and until the glossy finish on the surface is to your liking.
(I added about 3 coats and was really happy with the result!)
Voila! You Have Created a Beautiful Wedding Keepsake!
I was so happy with the result of my picture frame! I love that I put all of those beautiful wedding cards we received to good use. Every time I look at the picture frame, I think of all of the well wishes and am reminded of all of the wonderful family and friends that attended our wedding.
Also, I loved how easy this project was! This is my first experience with decoupage, but I have a feeling I will be doing a lot more of it!