It’s the annual Christmas Party for my studio regulars tomorrow, and traditionally we do a project that upcycles the now defunct Christmas cards and wrapping paper. This time I thought we’d do a little home decor piece ready to pack away with the decorations to bring out again next Christmas. Here’s my example, created in a Tando Creative Mini Printer Tray (laser cut greybeard).

Top tips to make your own:

• Before assembling, use one of the frame layers as a template to trace the edges onto your cards, then cut out the card panels, edging each with a black marker
• Trace the frame onto the back sheet, and draw over the lines with a black marker – this makes sure there’s black all around.
• Stick down the card panels to the back panel, and then cover with clear gesso (to give the gloss card some tooth). After that’s dry, age with Hickory Smoke Distress Ink using a blending tool. This unifies all the different card panels. Spray with a matte varnish to seal.
• Use a permanent black marker to colour the edges of the frame layers and the front panel – it’s quicker, cleaner and far less fiddly than trying to do it with paint.
• Clamp the layers together until the glue has gone off – it’s a much neater finish.
• Finally, cut out elements from the same cards, mixing and matching, edging with black marker and mounting on foam pads.