Handmade Upcycled Greeting Cards

21st May 202621st May 2026 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

Welcome to another fabulous upcycling project! ♻️ This time, I’ll be showing you how I turn used wall calendars into these stunning greeting cards!

Three handmade nature greeting cards made from upcycled wall calendar images.

Some of these cards are currently available in my NEW Etsy shop and come complete with a recycled brown Kraft envelope.

A handmade butterflies and bees greeting card made from upcycled wall calendar images.

To make one of these cards, you will need:

* used wall calendar
* square greeting card blank measuring approximately 15cm x 15cm / 6″ x 6″
* square metal die measuring approximately 4cm x 4cm / 1.5″ x 1.5″
* die cutting machine
* sticky note
* pencil
* ruler
* eraser
* craft glue
* brayer

If you are not using a metal die, you can make a simple template by cutting a 4cm / 1.5″ square of card.

Watch my video tutorial showing how to make the greeting cards, and be sure to follow the tips below.

TIP 1 : Cut around the photos on the back of the calendar carefully, making sure that you leave a small border.

TIP 2 : Use a sticky note to hold the metal die in place. This is so that the glossy surface of the photos doesn’t pick up any scratches from the cutting plates.

TIP 3 : Arrange the photos in a 3 x 3 formation so that they look balanced. I like to put similar colours on opposite sides and, if there are animals, I like to face them inwards towards the centre.

TIP 4 : Lightly draw two diagonal lines with a pencil from corner to corner to find the centre of the card. After gluing the first photo in place, any visible lines can then be rubbed out.

TIP 5: Leave a gap of approximately 0.5cm / 0.2″ between each square.

Very often, the front and back covers of a wall calendar are printed on glossy card, which gives the greeting cards a lovely, shiny, professional finish!

Don’t forget to check out my NEW Etsy shop for these cards and other upcycled gifts!

How to make upcycled greeting cards from used wall calendars

Happy upcycling! ♻️
Suzanne

Beach Hut Gift Card Holder

16th May 202621st May 2026 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

If you’ve ever struggled to know what to buy someone as a gift, you will have undoubtedly opted for a gift card at some point. But how can you turn that gift into something fun and memorable? By making your very own personalised gift card holder, of course! 🎁

Three papercraft gift card holders in the style of beach huts, each decorated with blue and white stripes, a red and white lifebuoy and colourful paper bunting.

Disguised as a classic beach hut, this interactive gift card holder is super easy to assemble, and will bring an element of surprise to your gift recipient! 🎁

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a beach hut, decorated with blue and white stripes, a red and white lifebuoy and colourful paper bunting.

The templates for this gift card holder come as SVG cut files, and can be found in my Etsy shop.

To make one, you will need:

* Beach Hut Gift Card Holder template (available as an SVG cut file)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended)
* Craft glue / double-sided tape

Watch my video tutorial showing how to assemble the gift card holder, and be sure to follow the tips below:

TIP 1 : To make sure the white stripes are evenly spaced, use a spare stripe in between.

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a beach hut, decorated with blue and white stripes.

TIP 2 : When attaching the two roof pieces to the insert, make sure they are lined up neatly along the top edges (front and back).

TIP 3 : If you wish to decorate your beach hut with bunting, start with one in the centre (just below the top of the main piece), then arrange the others, three on each side. Use some small scraps of cardstock or foam pads to give added dimension.

TIP 4 : If you wish to personalise your beach hut with a letter, there is a BONUS set of capital letters included in the download!

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a beach hut, decorated with a red and white lifebuoy, colourful paper bunting and personalised with a letter B on the door.

Once assembled, your little beach hut gift card holder is ready to go and, because it’s fairly flat, it can easily be popped into an envelope for posting! ✉️📮

You might also like to team it up with some printable beach hut favour boxes for a cool coordinating gift 💙

Three colourful papercraft gift boxes in the style of beach huts, each decorated with white stripes and a grey anchor on the door.

Perfect for beach-themed parties or summer holiday gifts! 💙🎁

Happy crafting!
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Favour Boxes · Papercraft Projects · wedding favour boxes

Flower Treat Box Papercraft Template

10th Apr 202617th May 2026 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

Similar in design to my hexagonal Flower Favour Box this pretty, square-based Flower Treat Box is super easy to make, and can be filled with sweets or small treats!

Two papercraft favour boxes in the style of a flower made from lavender paper and closed with a satin ribbon

Perfect for birthday parties, Mother’s Day gifts, wedding favours and so much more, the template for this box is available through my Etsy shop as an SVG cut file, as well as a PDF if you prefer to cut out by hand.

To make one, you will need:

* Flower Treat Box template (SVG and PDF available)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF template and instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double sided, patterned cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended)
* Craft glue / double-sided tape
* Ribbon

If you are not using a cutting machine, you will also need:

* Craft knife / scissors
* Scoring tool
* Ruler

Watch my video tutorial showing how to assemble the box and be sure to follow the tips below:

TIP 1 : Make sure that the base is lined up carefully against the score lines. Adding the extra square piece to the inside of the box will hide the tabs and strengthen the base.

A papercraft favour box in the style of a flower made from lavender paper and closed with a satin ribbon

TIP 2 : The petals need to be pinched carefully at the top half only (following the score lines).

TIP 3 : When tying the box up for the first time, pull the ribbon gently to allow all of the petals to meet neatly in the centre

These are such useful little boxes for gifting small treats, so I hope that you are now inspired to create your own pretty flower treat boxes!

Happy crafting 🌸
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Favour Boxes · Papercraft Projects · wedding favour boxes

Mr & Mrs Wedding Treat Box

8th Mar 20268th Mar 2026 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

This impressive Mr & Mrs treat box is the perfect way to add a little handmade happiness to your wedding gift giving.

Mr and Mrs papercraft treat box svg template for wedding gift giving

Designed with simplicity and creativity in mind, it can be filled with chocolate hearts, sweets, small gifts or thoughtful surprises for the bride and groom, and can even be personalised with the date of the wedding!

The templates for this heartfelt box come as SVG cut files, as well as printable PDFs if you prefer to cut out by hand.

To make one, you will need:

* Mr & Mrs Treat Box template (available as SVG cut files and printable PDFs)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF templates and instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended)
* Craft glue / double-sided tape

Watch my video tutorial showing how to assemble the treat box, and be sure to follow the tips below:

TIP 1 : After gluing the backs of the letters, slide the two top pieces together, so that the words Mr & Mrs line up perfectly.

TIP 2 : Glue the individual letters on before gluing the finished top piece to the top of the box, so that you can lay it flat.

TIP 3 : Personalise the box with the date of the wedding using the three little hearts and the numbers supplied. Alternatively, you could keep the hearts plain, or stamp initials / numbers onto them.

Whether you’re crafting for family or friends, this little treat box comes together quickly and easily – perfect for wedding favours or an anniversary keepsake!

Happy crafting!
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Favour Boxes · Gift Card Holders · Papercraft Projects · Valentine's Day · wedding favour boxes

LOVE Treat Box Template

8th Feb 202617th May 2026 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

This impressive LOVE treat box is the perfect way to add a little handmade happiness to your gift giving.

A red papercraft treat box for Valentine's day with the word LOVE on the top and decorated with paper hearts

Designed with simplicity and creativity in mind, it can be filled with chocolate hearts, sweets, small gifts or thoughtful surprises for the people you love most ❤️

The templates for this heartfelt box come as SVG cut files, as well as printable PDFs if you prefer to cut out by hand.

To make one, you will need:

* LOVE Treat Box template (available as SVG cut files and printable PDFs)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF templates and instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended)
* Acetate or vellum for the window
* Craft glue / double-sided tape

Watch my video tutorial showing how to assemble the treat box, and be sure to follow the tips below:

TIP 1 : If you are using acetate for the window piece, use double-sided tape or red-liner tape to attach it securely to the inside of the box.

A red papercraft treat box for Valentine's day

TIP 2 : After gluing the backs of the letters, slide the two top pieces together, so that the word LOVE lines up perfectly.

TIP 3 : Glue the individual letters on before gluing the finished top piece to the top of the box.

A red papercraft treat box for Valentine's day with the word LOVE on the top

TIP 4 : You have the option to decorate the front of your box with two little paper hearts, either keeping them plain or stamping initials onto them. You could also stamp XO, or simply leave the box with just the central heart border in place.

Whether you’re crafting for family or friends, this little treat box comes together quickly and easily – perfect for Valentine’s Day or wedding favours! ❤️

Happy crafting!
Suzanne ❤️

3D Papercraft Projects · Christmas Papercraft · Gift Card Holders · Papercraft Projects

Christmas Stocking Gift Card Holder

31st Oct 20251st Nov 2025 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

Four festive paper craft gift card holders in the shape of Christmas stockings decorated with snowflakes and bows

Disguised as a Christmas stocking, this interactive gift card holder is super easy to assemble and will bring an element of surprise to your gift recipient! 🎁

The templates for this gift card holder come as SVG cut files, and can be found in my Etsy shop.

To make one, you will need:

* Christmas Stocking Gift Card Holder template (available as an SVG cut file)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended)
* Craft glue / double-sided tape

Watch my video tutorial showing how to assemble the gift card holder, and be sure to follow the tips below:

TIP 1 : When attaching the two rectangular pieces to the insert, make sure they are lined up neatly along the top edge.

Making a festive paper craft gift card holder in the shape of a Christmas stocking

TIP 2 : After slotting the gift card into place, slide the insert into the holder, then apply glue to the tab and around the curved edges. Once assembled, check that the insert slides in and out freely.

TIP 3 : If you wish to decorate your stocking with a bow, simply layer the three bow pieces and glue it on.

TIP 4 : There’s also the option to add snowflakes (which you can duplicate if you need more) and if you wish to personalise your stocking, the download also comes with a bonus full set of capital letters. Just choose your letter and size it to approximately 5.5cm / 2.16″ high.

Once assembled, your little stocking gift card holder is ready to go – it doesn’t need to be wrapped – and because it’s fairly flat, it can easily be popped into an envelope for posting! ✉️📮

You could also try punching a hole in the top of the insert, adding a length of ribbon or festive twine and hanging it on the Christmas tree or mantelpiece 🎄

Paper Craft Christmas Stocking Gift Card Holders

Happy crafting!
Suzanne 🎁

3D Papercraft Projects · Hair Bows · Papercraft Projects

Daisy Double Bow Template

18th Oct 202518th Oct 2025 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

Following on from my pevious posts, where I introduced you to my Halloween Bat Bow, my Butterfly Bow, my Crown Bow and my Mermaid Bow templates, I now have this Daisy Double Bow design, which can be used in similar ways.

A papercraft gift bow made from yellow cardstock with a white and yellow paper daisy in the centre for adding to gift packaging

This is such a pretty bow for all occasions! If it was made from fabric, it could be clipped onto your hair or worn as a statement brooch! Alternatively, if it was made from cardstock, it could be added to a gift bag, a greeting card or used for home decor!

This multi-purpose bow is super easy to make, and the templates come in SVG and PDF format, making them accessible for a variety of crafting needs.

A hair bow made from yellow faux leather with a white and yellow faux leather daisy in the centre for adding to a hair clip or headband

To make one, you will need:

* Daisy Double Bow Template (SVG and PDF included)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF template and instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided, solid core cardstock (220gsm / 80lb recommended) or faux leather / felt / fine glitter fabric
* Hot glue / E6000 glue
* Optional : Alligator clip

If you are not using a cutting machine you will also need:

* Craft knife / scissors

All of my templates come with step-by-step instructions, but you can also follow the tips below:

TIP 1 : When curling the ends of the bow pieces to the centre, try not to crease them or fold them. This is especially important if you are making a paper bow.

TIP 2 : Attach the centre of the bottom bow to the centre of the bow tails with a dot of glue, then attach the top bow on top.

TIP 3 : Wrap the centre strip around the bow (not too tight) and secure the ends at the back with a dot of glue.

TIP 4 : You can leave your bow like this, or add the daisy pieces to the centre with a dot of glue.

If your bow is made from paper, then you can glue it directly onto your gift packaging. Alternatively, glue it to a small, wooden peg so that it can be reused. If your bow is made from fabric, then you can glue it to an alligator clip or other hair accessory, like a headband 🎀

I can’t wait to see how you use your little daisy bows!

Happy crafting
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Hair Bows · Papercraft Projects

Mermaid Bow Template

14th Oct 202514th Oct 2025 EsselleCrafts1 Comment

You may have seen my last three posts, where I introduced you to my Halloween Bat Bow, my Butterfly Bow and my Crown Bow templates. Well, now I have this Mermaid Bow, with its fabulous fish tails and seashell detailing.

A mermaid gift bow made from blue glitter cardstock and teal and cream cardstock that can be used on gift packaging or home decor

If this bow was made from fabric, it could be clipped onto your hair or worn as a statement brooch as part of a seaside / beach-themed costume! Alternatively, if it was made from cardstock, it could be added to a gift bag, a greeting card or used for home decor!

This multi-purpose bow is super easy to make, and the templates come in SVG and PDF format, making them accessible for a variety of crafting needs.

A mermaid hair bow made from blue glitter fabric and teal and cream faux leather that can be used on a hair clip or worn as a brooch

To make one, you will need:

* Mermaid Bow Template (SVG and PDF included)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF template and instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided, solid core cardstock (220gsm / 80lb recommended) or faux leather / felt / fine glitter fabric
* Hot glue / E6000 glue
* Optional : Alligator clip

If you are not using a cutting machine you will also need:

* Craft knife / scissors

All of my templates come with step-by-step instructions, but you can also follow the tips below:

TIP 1 : If you want a 7.8cm / 3″ bow, size your template to 12cm / 4.7″ wide. For a larger, 10.5cm / 4.1″ bow, size your template to 16cm / 6.25″ wide.

TIP 2 : When curling the ends of the bow piece to the centre, try not to crease them or fold them. This is especially important if you are making a paper bow.

TIP 3 : Glue the bow to the centre of the fish tails, then glue the seashell piece to the centre of the bow.

TIP 4 : Glue one end of the centre strip to the back of the bow, wrap it around the front and secure the other end at the back with glue.

If your bow is made from paper, why not try embossing the tails with a fish scale embossing folder? I did mine half facing one way and half facing the other way. Then you can glue it directly onto your gift packaging. Alternatively, glue it to a small, wooden peg so that it can be reused. If your bow is made from fabric, then you can glue it to an alligator clip or other hair accessory, like a headband 🎀

I can’t wait to see how you use your little mermaid bows!

A mermaid bow made from blue glitter cardstock and teal and cream cardstock that can be used on gift packaging or home decor

Happy crafting
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Hair Bows · Papercraft Projects

Princess Crown Bow

2nd Oct 20257th Oct 2025 EsselleCrafts2 Comments

You may have seen my last two posts, where I introduced you to my Halloween Bat Bow and my Butterfly Bow. Well, now I have this sparkly Crown Bow, which can be used in very similar ways.

A princess crown bow made from gold glitter cardstock that can be used on gift packaging or home decor

This is such a pretty bow for so many occasions! If it was made from fabric, it could be clipped onto your hair or worn as a statement brooch as part of a princess or queen costume! Alternatively, if it was made from cardstock, it could be added to a gift bag, a greeting card or used for sparkly home decor!

This multi-purpose bow is super easy to make, and the templates come in SVG and PDF format, making them accessible for a variety of crafting needs.

A princess crown bow made from faux leather and thin gold glitter fabric that can be used as a hair bow or a brooch

To make one, you will need:

* Crown Bow Template (SVG and PDF included)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF template and instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided, solid core cardstock (220gsm / 80lb recommended) or faux leather / felt / fine glitter fabric
* Hot glue / E6000 glue
* Optional : Alligator clip

If you are not using a cutting machine you will also need:

* Craft knife / scissors

All of my templates come with step-by-step instructions, but you can also follow the tips below:

TIP 1 : If you want a 8.5cm / 3.3″ bow, size your template to 12cm / 4.7″ wide. For a larger, 12cm / 4.7″ bow, size your template to 16cm / 6.25″ wide.

Two princess crown bows one made from faux leather and thin gold glitter fabric that can be used as a hair bow or a brooch and one made from gold glitter cardstock that can be used on gift packaging or home decor

TIP 2 : When curling the ends of the bow pieces to the centre, try not to crease them or fold them. This is especially important if you are making a paper bow.

TIP 3 : Glue the centre of the bow tails and the bows to the centre of the crown piece (between the two cut lines) before attaching the centre strip.

TIP 4 : Push one end of the centre strip in through the top cut line (from the front) and the other end through the bottom cut line (from the front). Pull the ends through the back (not too tight) until they are an equal length.

TIP 5 : Overlap the two ends (trim them down if they are too long) and secure them in place with a dot of glue.

I can’t wait to see how you use your little crown bows!

Happy crafting
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Hair Bows · Papercraft Projects

Multi-Purpose Butterfly Bow

1st Oct 20257th Oct 2025 EsselleCrafts3 Comments

Following on from my last post, where I introduced you to my Halloween Bat Bow design, I now have this Butterfly Bow, which can be used in similar ways.

A pink butterfly bow made from textured cardstock that can be used on gift packaging or home decor

This multi-purpose bow is super easy to make, and the templates come in SVG and PDF format, making them accessible for a variety of crafting needs.

A pink butterfly bow made from faux leather and thin glitter fabric that can be used on a hair clip or head band

To make one, you will need:

* Butterfly Bow Template (SVG and PDF included)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF template and instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided, solid core cardstock (220gsm / 80lb recommended) or faux leather / felt / fine glitter fabric
* Hot glue / E6000 glue
* Optional : Alligator clip

If you are not using a cutting machine you will also need:

* Craft knife / scissors

All of my templates come with step-by-step instructions, but you can also follow the tips below:

TIP 1 : If you want a 7.5cm / 3″ bow, size your template to 12cm / 4.7″ wide. For a larger, 10cm / 4″ bow, size your template to 16cm / 6.25″ wide.

Two pink butterfly bows one made from faux leather and thin glitter fabric that can be used as a hair bow or a brooch and one made from cardstock that can be used on gift packaging or home decor

TIP 2 : When curling the ends of the bow piece to the centre, try not to crease it or fold it. This is especially important if you are making a paper bow.