Every Christmas, we are inundated with Christmas cards from friends and family.  Each one is a special reminder of the people we care about the most, but too often, the cards and pictures end up in a pile because I don’t know where to put them.

My mother-in-law had a great solution.  Years ago, she had purchased a Christmas card holder which resembled a branch.  It was decorated with bright red birds and greenery.  Ribbons hung down off the branch so she could attach and display all her cards in a cute and very organized way.

It was perfect, but I had never seen one like it in the stores.  Thankfully, it seemed like a very easy craft to replicate, so I decided to make my own.

With the help of some coupons for Michael’s and some creative recycling, the entire project cost less than $5 and took about half-an-hour (minus time rummaging through my craft supplies) to complete.

Here’s how to do it:

Gather:

*One interesting and sturdy branch, 20-24” long, preferably with at least one fork in it

*One wire coat hanger (try to find one with paint chipping off–it’s a great look)

*About 13” of ½” ribbon (not wired).

*1 or 2 decorative birds in coordinating colors

*Artificial holiday berries or greenery picks (recycle an old wreath or use leftovers from another project!)

*Hot glue gun

*wire clippers (helpful, but not completely necessary)

Optional: paper clips and assorted buttons

You probably don’t even need directions once you see the pictures, but here you go, just in case:

Step 1: Using a wire cutter, clip off the hook end of the hanger.  Wrap the remanding wire around the ends of the branch to create a hanger for your branch.  Bend the wire in the middle until the branch hangs straight.

Step 2: Cut 5 pieces of ribbon of varying lengths, no shorter than 2’ each.  Space the ribbon along the branch, wrapping it over the back of the branch and securing with a dot of hot glue.

Step 3: Carefully melt the long ends of the ribbon with a flame to prevent fraying.

Step 4: Decorate!  Secure the bird(s), nest, berries, pine cones, greenery, etc. to the branch with hot glue.  Be creative!  You can use the traditional reds and greens of the season, or go with metallic ribbons or jewel-tones—whatever you like.

Optional: If desired, glue assorted buttons to paper clips for a fun way to secure cards to the ribbon.  Package these in a cute tin (recycle and decorate a breath mint) and they’re gift-ready!

Hang your Christmas card holder and use the paper clips to display your Christmas cards as they arrive.