Display your pretty holiday cards with this easy to make decorative Christmas card holder that uses ribbon and a thrift store frame.
I promised you last week that I would post how I made the framed Christmas card holder I have hanging in my kitchen.
The Christmas card holder is very easy to make. No sewing is needed and making it is a great way to use up small amounts of ribbon leftover from previous projects.
I even used a piece of leftover plaid fabric, so even if you don’t have ribbon, fabric can be used to make the holder, too.
The frame is a thrift store find that I added glitter to using spray glue. I used it in a different way at Christmas in my previous house. It used to hang in my dining room.
When I first started blogging, I made what I called a ribbon memo board to place inside the kitchen cabinet at my previous house to tuck in notes, invitations, receipts, etc. It is made the same way I made the Christmas card holder. No tacks necessary so your memos or cards stay hole free. It didn’t have a frame, but I still use it in my studioffice on the inside of my crafts cabinet door.
Adding a frame makes it look more decorative. I hung the card holder on the end of the cabinet wall in my kitchen where it can be easily seen and adds to the Christmas decor.
I tacked on a few pom-poms for fun. I posted how to make them in this post.
Each ribbon becomes a pocket for tucking in Christmas cards you receive over the holiday season.
You can use all the same ribbon or mix them up like I did. The bottom piece is plaid flannel fabric.
How To Make a Ribbon Pocket Christmas Card Holder
I wrote this tutorial for the memo board I made. The Christmas card holder is made the same way.
supplies needed:
- Picture frame
- Foam Board – I got mine at the dollar store.
- Ribbons – each piece should be long enough to cover the width and to wrap a few inches to the back of the board. Use a variety of ribbon widths for added interest to the board. You can also use fabric that you fold over and press to resemble a ribbon.
- Duct or Packaging Tape
- Straight
- Mat Knife
- Scissors
- To hang: Picture hanger or 4 – Sticky Back Velcro Dots or Command Brand Picture Hanging Strips
- Using a mat knife and straight edge, cut a piece of foam board or piece of cardboard to fit into a frame.
2. Determine how you want the ribbons stacked up on your board and then set them aside in order. I wanted to use a scrap of fabric I had to add more color and pattern to my board. I pressed the raw edges over with an iron to create sharp creases so it looks like a wide ribbon.
3. Starting at the top of the board – lay the top ribbon across and wrap the ends around the back of the board. Make sure it is taut. Secure ends on back with tape.
4. Turn board back to front and attach duct tape along the entire length of the bottom edge of the ribbon. Wrap the ends of duct tape around the back and tape down. This will turn each ribbon into a pocket. Add the next ribbon under the first, slightly overlapping it.
5. Secure ends onto the back with tape and add the duct tape along the bottom edge of the ribbon. The next ribbon will hide the duct tape. Repeat this process for the rest of the ribbons until you have the board covered.
6. To attach the bottom fabric or ribbon, bring about 2 inches of the bottom edge to the back of the board and tape down as if you were gift-wrapping a box.
The back of the board will look like this when all the ribbons and duct tape are attached.
To hang: Add picture hanging hook or if hanging inside a door, use Velcro dots or Command Brand picture hanging strips.
If using a frame, here is what the back of the Christmas card holder looks like. I placed the ribbon covered foam board in the frame and attached it with clear duct tape.
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Erica Green says
I love, love, love, this!! What a great DIY and so festive :) I may make mine with some plaid red ribbon for the holders :-D
Diane Henkler says
Thanks Erica – It will look great with plaid ribbon. Happy Holidays!
Adrienne says
I saw this post and was inspired to make my own ribbon board because it looked to festive and simple. Sadly, it looked SO simple, I didn’t actually read all the steps and missed the one where you tape the bottom of each ribbon. Oops! My cards all slipped down through! Folded cards are fine – I just slide the folded half in and hang the top out. Flat cards were a challenge… luckily, I had a pack of teeny Christmas clothespins handy, so I was able to clip the flat cards on. It looks adorable, is functional, cuts the card clutter on the mantel, AND adds a pop of Christmas to a formerly blank surface. Thank you for the inspiration and Merry Christmas!
Hope says
I love that this project is so simple. Super cute and fun. Thanks for sharing!
mary heicher says
Oh my gosh…love this, I need one. All my cards are taped to a door frame at the moment.
Thanks Diane!
Trudy says
Wow, very doable project and it looks great. Thank you!
Joan says
So cute. I have a roll of plaid ribbon. Think I’ll use that. Great way to display cards. Very clever idea. Thank you!
Diane Henkler says
Making the holder with plaid ribbon will look very festive and right in style this season.
Susan says
I love this idea. I have been looking, looking, looking for some type of holder for mail, coupons, etc. Something I like and doesn’t cost a fortune…hard to find. -:) This is perfect for my small apt kitchen and can be hung on my pantry door. Thanks!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Susan – I have been using the ribbon memo board in my studioffice for about 6 years. It is one of the best ways to organize small papers. I know you will love it
Lori W says
Love this! But I love anything plaid for the holidays.