Hanging like ornaments from an arrangement of graceful winter berry branches -- or supported by a ring of whimsical handmade wire clips crowning an evergreen wreath base -- Christmas cards look wonderful.

Making a Card Tree

Tools and Materials
Branches
Galvanized florist's bucket or other container
Stones
Assorted ribbons
Christmas cards
Hole punch
Beads
26-gauge wire

Making a Card Tree How-To
1. Branches containing berries will need some water. Branches without berries will not. Weigh down a bucket with some stones before inserting branches into it.

2. Choose any ribbon color scheme you like. For top-folding cards, punch a hole through the top of the card. You can do this with side-folding cards as well. If you still want to be able to read a side-folding card, punch a hole through the top left corner instead. You can also punch two holes at the top and bottom of the fold and thread ribbon through from top to bottom. Knot or tape the bottom, and make a loop at the top.

3. String a length of ribbon through the hole, and thread the ends through a bead or two. If a bead has a narrow opening, take about a foot of 26-gauge wire, and fold it in half. Stick the loop through the bead, thread your ribbon through the loop, and pull the ribbon back through the bead (it's just like a needle threader). Tie the ribbon ends in a knot or a bow. We used unfinished-wood craft-store beads, which we tossed in a little bowl of wood stain, then removed and dried. You can alternate using beads on some cards and a simple bow or knot on others. Arrange on tree.

Making a Wire Card Wreath

Tools and Materials
Round-nose pliers
18-inch lengths of 18-gauge annealed wire
10-inch wire double-reinforced wreath forms
Evergreen branches of your choice (we used fancy cedar)
Floral wire
Christmas cards

Making a Wire Card Wreath How-To
1. To make a star-shaped clip, use round-nose pliers and make a sharp bend about 3/4 of an inch from the end of an 18-inch-long piece of wire. Repeat, bending 3/4 of an inch away at a less severe angle. Continue bending the wire eight times, creating an eight-pointed star.

2. Wire circles are another option. To make circles, use round-nose pliers to curl wire, at first tightly, then continue around in an outward spiral. This coil will grip the card, the other end will be secured to the wreath form. Secure by wrapping the last 3 inches around frame, and crimp with pliers.

3. Wire card holders to wreath form so they are upright and secure.

4. After all card holders are in place, cut 6-inch pieces of evergreens, and wrap them into little bundles using floral wire.

5. Secure bundles to wreath frame. Using a continuous strand of floral wire, work around the circle, placing the pieces until you have a beautiful wreath.

6. Slip cards into the stars or other holders. You might try grouping cards based on theme. Place several wreaths in prominent places around the house.