It happens every year. You invite friends and family to celebrate your kiddo’s birthday and after everything is said and done, you have a pile of thoughtful birthday cards that your child has already forgotten. You don’t want to toss them but you also don’t feel like storing them in a box for years to come. Find out how to turn birthday cards into picture frames that capture your child’s birthday and become a fun piece of decor for your home.

I was compensated by Dollar Tree for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Read the full disclosure here.

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Let’s face it, when you spend your hard earned money on something, you don’t really want to think about it being carelessly tossed away. Too often this happens with birthday cards.

That’s why I’m so excited about Dollar Tree carrying Expressions from Hallmark for $1 each and Heartline from Hallmark for 2 for $1! Seriously, I am a bit of a Dollar Tree addict. If I can get it at my local store, I probably am.

Expressions and Heartline Cards by Hallmark

These new cards, available starting today, are absolutely gorgeous and available for a multitude of occasions all without breaking the bank. Even better, they are high quality and sturdy. Some even come with my personal favorite embellishment: glitter!!

You can also find them with your kid’s favorite characters on them. It makes them the perfect budget-friendly option for all of those birthday parties you get invited to during the school year.

When you aren’t blowing your budget on cards, it makes it so much easier when you think about them getting tossed or shoved in a drawer somewhere. Of course, you can prevent that in your own house now. Keep reading to find out how how to turn birthday cards into picture frames with this easy tutorial.

Materials

Kids Birthday Card
Circular Object to Trace (Or whatever shape you want)
Pencil
Awl
Scissors
Puff Paint (it doesn’t have to be fabric paint that is simply the only puff paint I own)
Picture of Birthday Boy or Girl
Glue Runner

Step 1

First, determine where you want your photo to show on your card front.

Step 2

Then trace a circle in that spot in pencil on the front of the card.

Step 3

Next, punch a hole in the center of the circle with your awl.

Step 4

After you punch your circle, carefully wedge your scissors in the hole and cut out your traced circle.

Note:

You can recycle the cut out circle. You don’t need it for this project.

Step 5

Then, test your photo behind your cutout to ensure that the opening is sufficient. If not, trim it as needed.

Step 6

Remove your photo and place your card open, with the inside facing down, on a scrap piece of paper.

Tip:

The envelope is perfect for this step. Simply make sure that your cut out opening is centered on the envelope.

Step 7

Now, add a line of puff paint around the edge of your cut out area to create a “frame”.

Step 8

Carefully lift your painted card from the scrap paper and set the opening over a can or bowl to dry.

Note:

That red tray I used above totally came from the Dollar Tree too. I told you I was obsessed!

Note:

You don’t want the opening to touch anything as it dries otherwise it will stick.

Step 9

After your paint is dry, center your photo in the cutout opening and tape into place.

Step 10

Then use your glue runner to attach the inside of the card together.

Step 11 (Optional)

Lastly, place your card in a picture frame and hang it on the wall.

Now that you know how to turn birthday cards into picture frames, you can feel better about that stack of cards after every birthday party. Now that you can get amazing, high quality Expressions and Heartline Hallmark cards from Dollar Tree, you can feel good about your budget. It’s a win-win!