You know that drawer.
The one filled with birthday cards, Christmas cards, Mother’s Day notes, and handwritten messages you can’t quite throw away.
Some are from people we’ve lost. Some from the kids when they were little and their handwriting was all wobbly and enormous. Some are just too beautiful to toss because the artwork is gorgeous.
If you’ve ever searched for what to do with old greeting cards, this greeting card treasure journal is about to become your new favourite memory-keeping project.
This is a recycled greeting card craft that turns sentimental clutter into a keepsake junk journal you’ll actually flip through.
And the best part? It’s simple. No fancy tools. No complicated binding machines.
Just cards, memories, and a little crafty magic.
Why Make a Greeting Card Journal?
Creating a greeting card junk journal or treasure book lets you:
- Preserve handwritten messages
• Reduce paper waste
• Create a sentimental keepsake album
• Repurpose beautiful card artwork
• Store years of memories in one place
It’s part scrapbook, part memory journal, part recycled craft.
And honestly? It feels far more special than leaving them in a box.
Supplies You’ll Need
You likely already have everything.
- Saved greeting cards
• Paper trimmer or scissors
• Hole punch
• Ribbon, twine, or binder rings
• Optional: decorative paper, stickers, washi tape
• Optional: journaling pen for notes
That’s it.
No expensive binding kits required.
Step 1: Sort Your Greeting Cards
Start by sorting your cards by:
- Year
• Occasion
• Person
• Colour theme
If you’re anything like me, you’ll end up reading them all again and getting completely sidetracked. That’s allowed.
This is part of the process.
Decide whether you want:
- A yearly greeting card journal
• A Christmas card keepsake album
• A baby milestone card journal
• A “Loved Ones” memory book
Grouping them makes your journal feel intentional rather than random.
Step 2: Trim and Prepare the Cards
If cards open like a book, keep them intact.
If they’re bulky or oversized, trim them to a uniform size so they stack neatly.
For cards with writing on the back, consider:
- Trimming carefully to preserve messages
• Mounting onto cardstock for stability
If a card has glitter or raised elements, leave them as-is for texture. That dimension adds charm.
Step 3: Decide on Binding Style
There are three easy ways to bind your greeting card treasure journal.
Option 1: Binder Rings (Beginner Friendly)
Punch two holes along the folded edge and secure with large binder rings.
This allows you to:
- Add more cards later
• Rearrange pages
• Remove cards if needed
It’s flexible and perfect if you’re still collecting cards.
Option 2: Ribbon or Twine Binding
Punch holes and thread ribbon or baker’s twine through.
Tie in a bow for a softer, vintage look.
This works beautifully for cottagecore or farmhouse-style memory journals.
Option 3: Simple Book Binding with Stitching
If you’re comfortable with a needle, you can stitch through the folded edges using a pamphlet stitch.
This gives your recycled greeting card journal a more traditional book feel.
Step 4: Add Journaling Pages Between Cards
This is where we elevate this project beyond the original tutorial.
Insert:
- Blank cardstock
• Lined journaling pages
• Scrapbook paper
• Tea-stained paper for a vintage look
Write things like:
- What was happening that year
• Family updates
• Funny stories
• Notes about the sender
Now your greeting card scrapbook becomes a full memory journal.
Step 5: Create a Cover
Choose your most beautiful card to use as the cover.
Or make one from:
- Kraft cardstock
• Recycled cardboard
• Fabric-covered board
Add a simple title:
“Family Cards 2020–2025”
“Christmas Memories”
“Letters from the Kids”
Keep it personal.
Optional Upgrades (To Make It Pinterest-Worthy)
If you want this project to shine:
- Add pockets for small notes
• Include envelopes for loose inserts
• Attach tags for milestone years
• Use washi tape for decorative hinges
• Add a small charm to the binding rings
You can go as simple or elaborate as you like.
Storage Tip
Store your finished greeting card journal upright on a bookshelf.
It looks like a handmade book rather than a pile of paper.
And it’s far more likely to be pulled down and revisited.
Why This Project Matters
In a world of digital everything, handwritten cards are rare treasures.
Turning them into a greeting card keepsake album preserves not just paper — but voices, moments, and tiny pieces of life.
And let’s be honest.
It feels good to finally do something meaningful with that overflowing card drawer.
