At Epiphany, following each Christmas holiday, it feels horrible throwing away the lovely collection of Christmas cards we've received in the mail. If you, too, have a hankerin' to remember this particular Christmas, consider this craft to keep the memories around for years to come:

You will need at least 10-20 cards for a 12" wreath, but if you are like me, you could make three wreaths that size each year, or tons of smaller ones to use as Christmas ornaments next year!

Separate your cards into groups by color theme. Can you make a purple/blue/silver wreath? A red/green/gold one? How about other color combinations? Photo cards are not a good candidate for this project, as you will be cutting the cards...however, you could do an entirely photo card wreath, if you received enough photo cards and you can get over the taboo of cutting up a photograph of your darling relatives.

At the craft store, purchase a foam wreath. These come in various sizes, and depending on your number of Christmas cards, you can go larger or smaller.

While you are at the store, visit the floral section for decorative holiday picks, which should be super-affordable post-Christmas. The next thing you need is some sturdy crafting wire. The choice of color and size is up to you. You could even use pipe cleaners if you'd like. Use your imagination. This wire will hold your cards to the foam, so it will definitely be seen, and should coordinate with your card colors and pick accents.

Choose a geometric shape you like-a circle, a triangle, a star-something easy to cut is preferable, and size it so that you can get several shapes out of each card front. Once your shapes are cut out, arrange your colorful card "quilt pieces" in a circular pattern so you can envision how they will look once attached to your wreath.

Cut four-inch sections of your craft wire, and bend one end of each into small circle. Slide a card piece into your wire, and then attach it to the foam in the position of your choice. You can bend the wire around so that the card pieces are at different angles, completely camouflaging their foam base. Continue placing your card pieces into the foam wreath until the wreath is well-plumed. Use the colorful accent picks on the wreath, and if you are feeling inspired, try hot-glueing on a satin ribbon, or silk flowers, or other decorative touch. Perhaps a few inexpensive holiday ornaments in complementary colors.

Once your card wreath is dry, store it in a leftover garment box-don't we all have plenty of those around after Christmas?

This is an excellent way to keep the colorful holiday memories evoked by your greeting cards around for years to come!

Learn more about this author, Leslea Harmon.
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