Anita asked if I had a collection of things made from vintage greeting cards. I do. I have seen different objects crafted with greeting cards since it used to be quite a popular craft. My collection is composed of vintage containers (bowls) made from cards.
I am drawn to these containers for two reasons. Number one, the graphics on the greeting cards and number two, the fact that these are a hand-made item. I usually pick these up at sales for a small price and I put them to good use in my studio and in my decorating.
When I did this post it made me look at these containers and realize the different levels of crafting that went into these home made projects.
This woman got quite fancy with her stitching, alternating color of thread. She also covered her cards in a plastic material to protect them.
This crafter kept their stitches simple. They also did not pay much attention to all of their images as the dog is upside down.
The crafters also often used a greeting card theme when creating these objects. I have some that use floral cards, some that use only Christmas cards and some that are just willy nilly with graphics.
I love the whimsical images on this bowl.
Christmas themed card bowl.
I do put these containers to use. Here are a trio that store goodies in my studio.
My favorite card containers are the Christmas themed ones as I use them to decorate for the holidays. Here I have used them to gather holiday ornaments and to contain a holiday tree.
A silly, handcrafted collection! Thanks Anita for the suggestion. If you have an idea for a future collection challenge, leave me a comment and finish the sentence "Show me your collection of _____." I enjoy seeing what I can come up with.
I haven't seen those bowls in years! It's interesting how there are so many variations. Crochet or sew, 5, 6 or 7 sections, etc. See kids, math does come in handy.
Posted by: janet | September 20, 2011 at 07:56 AM
I love these. I have found only two of these so far and they were awful 70s colors so I passed on them. But may I say when I see yours at Christmas filled to the brim I love them. Imagine ladies and girls crafting them. What fun! These are truly stories in and of themselves. Smiles...Renee
Posted by: Renee | September 20, 2011 at 08:29 AM
I LOVE these!!! And I probably have enough old Christmas cards in the drawer that I could make a few of my own.
Posted by: GardenOfDaisies | September 20, 2011 at 09:07 AM
The perfect something-out-of-nothing craft - love these. I see them from time to time, but I think your collection is the most for me in one spot!
Posted by: barbara | September 20, 2011 at 09:14 AM
These are so cute, and would you believe that I don't own even ONE of these! Amazing to me, guess I just never come across them.....oh well, something to keep searching for.....:).
Love your collection!
Posted by: Gail | September 20, 2011 at 09:14 AM
I'm always drawn to these too. They're just so...FRIENDLY! I especially love the Christmas ones, my little magpie!
xoxo
Dot
Posted by: One Gal's Trash | September 20, 2011 at 09:26 AM
SIGH.....
I've seen some greeting card containers but none like your collection. These are so cute it makes me want to make one!(or find one):-) I'll have to pay more attention next time I'm rummaging.Thanks for giving me another idea (item) to look for now.. LOL..Love those vintage graphics on those cards.
Posted by: Doreen | September 20, 2011 at 09:33 AM
I used to see those containers years ago when the women were making them. Very nice collection you have there Laurie.
Posted by: Nan | September 20, 2011 at 10:04 AM
I have always loved these and thought they would make a great collection (and they do).
Danielle
Posted by: My Blessed Serendipity Life | September 20, 2011 at 11:00 AM
What a fun collection. I remember my grandmother having some of these out at Christmas. Makes me want to try and attempt them with my girls. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Musings from Kim K. | September 20, 2011 at 11:01 AM
I have several of these myself. I love them!
Posted by: AntiquesGaloreGal | September 20, 2011 at 11:52 AM
I would love a Christmas one of these containers. Off to search on ebay! I loved the last Christmas picture and did I spy one of Amy's Christmas banners hanging? I never bought one from her and always wish I had. I don't know if she makes those anymore. Fun post.
Posted by: Carol T. | September 20, 2011 at 12:10 PM
They are so sweet!!!
I have one that is a chair made from the old greeting cards. Nice collection!
Deb
Posted by: deb | September 20, 2011 at 03:23 PM
these are so cute Laurie! You have a nice collection. I made one yrs ago, that looked like a house, and the roof opened. It got squashed. Now, I want to make another one. Love yours! thanks for sharing yet another great collection. :)
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie | September 20, 2011 at 04:57 PM
Love the Christmas one!! I have never seen these:) Nice collection
Posted by: Elma | September 20, 2011 at 07:02 PM
Well, there is something I don't collect and don't think I have ever run across, or maybe I have but just wasn't paying attention. Yours are adorable (of course) and I may have to start hunting for them! Now if only I had Laurie's studio to house all these new collections life would be grand! LOL
Posted by: Marci | September 21, 2011 at 02:38 AM
You know... those are really sweet. I'd like to make one! I wonder if,,, there was a card-basket-making club (like a knitting club?).... can you imagine, sweet, little old ladies in their house dresses, bringing a red-jello dessert and getting together... cranking these out?
nice collection, miss ethel!
Posted by: Mich in Mich | September 22, 2011 at 04:09 AM
These are great. Believe it or not, I have never seen one before! I have one item along this theme that I just picked up this summer. It is a little round topped treasure chest sort of thing that is made from postcards that have been stitched together. I thought it was so clever I had to bring it home
Posted by: Kathy | September 22, 2011 at 11:58 AM