What to do with old business cards

I had some of my own cards that became unusable when I changed my information. I hated to just recycle them! So, I started to keep them in a small stack next to the phone for writing messages and on my desk for writing down directions or appointment information I needed to remember when going out. Since they were business cards, they were already the perfect size for my wallet so it seemed like kind of a practical way to use them up :) If you were looking for something more "artsy" to do with them, I imagine you could turn them into gift tags? If the back is blank (so you can use that side to write the greeting), you could probably cover the printed side either by painting or by gluing on a clipping of gift wrap, fabric, comic strips, or even a piece from another used greeting card. If none of these appeal, they certainly make good bookmarks Good luck finding a use for them!

I shredded my last set of old business cards and used them as mulch in my vegetable garden. They kepts the weeds down, kept the moisture in and saved me money from having to buy regular mulch from a store.

I have a stack I've been using for notes, too, but to rise to the challenge, you could staple a couple together to make disposable coasters for all those cold drinks this summer. Or cut them into small pieces and use them for confetti.

This might be going to an extreme but if you are into crafting you can break them down and make your own paper from it. Just shred them or cut them into small piece and put them in a bucket of water. Let them break down for a few days and give it a stir every once in a while. I have a couple of old window screens that I use to make the actual sheets. When the cards have broken down into a pulp you pour it on to the screen and spread it out. I use a =n old cake spatula to do this. Then its just a matter of time for it to dry out. You can put the screen outside to speed things up but you will have water dripping off of it so keep that in mind. Once the water has dripped off and evaporated and the paper is dry you can trim it to whatever size you need. Ivory, cream and eggshell cards are great for calligraphy.

If you have or know any children give it to them and let them play with them to act like they are a business man or woman, doctor, etc. Of course if you don't feel safe with just handing it to them black out your info!