Old credit cards and gift cards are tough to get rid of. They get tucked away in some wallet or pop up between books, forcing you to throw them in thrash.
Well, how about making something innovative with it instead of throwing it? You just have to put some energy into upcycling them. It would also be a great idea to engage kids at home.
I made fridge magnets. And am tempted to make more. I made three magnets using two methods.
The result is somewhat different with each.
MATERIALS
Square magnets Sanding sponge or sandpaper Old nail polish or acrylic paint with brush Decorative stickers Decoupage glue and sealant (you can try Mod Podge) A variety of card paper or card stock Multi-surface craft glue Used and old credit cards and gift cards A pair of scissorsMETHOD ONE
I picked up a red piece of paper from my cardstock book and kept it aside. You need to use the sand paper, to roughen up both the sides of the plastic credit card or gift card. And glue the plastic card to the cardstock neatly. Let it dry.
Use the nail polish to draw out a design. I made a rangoli to blend with the red-oxide floor like paper and added the word ‘Home’ over it.
Apply decoupage glue and sealant – double coat is ideal. First coat adheres, the second seals. This gives the piece a glossy finish.
Once both the sides dry out from the sealant’s stickiness, peel and stick the square magnets to the decorated card’s rear.
In this picture are – the rangoli design credit card and my favourite cartoon sticker on another card, both smeared with the decoupage glue and drying out.
METHOD TWO
You can avoid using the sandpaper here. Fold the card stock over the card, in a way you would gift wrap a small gift - folds and tucks, and all.
Here I have cut out the protruding parts so I can tuck them into the folds. This design I have tried with the black paper. A similar effort went into the green cardpaper. Make sure you glue out any dry gaps. And the paper must stick to the paper and not the plastic beneath it.Fix your favourite sticker and use the decoupage glue to give its front and back sides a glossy finish.
Let the cards dry. Peel at least two pieces of magnet each from the magnet strips, and stick firmly on the rear side of these cards. If need be, give these another coat of sealant for the shine and longevity. Your brand new magnets are ready to sit proudly on the fridge.
(Radhika Malladi blogs at www.imprintshandmade)