There are various methods of making placemats for your table, but this one is perfect for right after the holidays because you can recycle your greeting cards! These holiday-themed placemats will make a fitting seasonal decoration for next year.

1. 

   Save your Christmas cards to recycle...
   Dig out last year's greeting cards.
2. 

   Trace a round object. Center the pictures in the circle.
   Scribe 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) circles on the picture areas of ten (preferably color coordinated) greeting cards. Center the photo/pic in the circle.
3. Cut out the circles.
4. 

   Contact paper curls and may need something to hold it down during placement of card circles.
   Cut two sheets of clear contact paper to approximately 20x26 inches (50x65 cm).
5. Peel away the paper backing from one sheet of contact paper.
6. 

   Arrange the circles.
   Arrange the greeting cards on the sticky surface so that they are overlapping in three rows. (A row of three cards, then a middle row of 4 cards, and then a bottom row of 3 cards). Overlap so that there are no gaps between rows or adjacent circles.
   
   • 

     Alternative "wreath" arrangement.
     Feel free to experiment with different arrangements, for example, a wreath, tree, or dove. Consider using more cards back to back for a two-sided placemat.
7. Peel away the paper backing from the second sheet of contact paper.
8. Carefully place the second sheet over the cards and smooth out any bubbles.
9. Trim the contact paper approximately 1/2 an inch from the edges of the greeting card circle(s).
10. Pat yourself on the back for creating an easily cleanable placemat from recycled greeting cards!