Baseball cards are a nostalgic piece of Americana that bring back memories for many. Instead of simply storing them away in boxes, consider getting creative by using baseball cards for fun crafts and projects. From picture frames to decorations, baseball cards can be transformed into unique artwork while still showcasing your favorite players.
One of the most popular crafts with baseball cards is making a baseball card picture frame. This is a simple project that allows you to display a favorite photo behind a baseball card. Start by cutting a standard 8×10 photo down slightly smaller so it fits neatly behind a baseball card. You can then glue the card directly onto the front of the frame, or for a more polished look, glue it onto a piece of cardstock that matches the frame color first before gluing that onto the frame. Add a dab of glue to each corner and center of the card to securely adhere it. Displaying a family photo or team picture brings new life to an old baseball card.
For a more elaborate framed display, arrange multiple baseball cards of the same team or player cutouts into the shape of a team logo or name. Glue the cards onto black cardstock first before gluing the entire collage onto an 8×10 frame. You can also arrange cards randomly and glue them directly onto the frame for a scrapbook-style look. Add a small plaque with information about the team or player for context. Framing baseball cards in this way turns them into unique wall décor for any sports fan.
Another craft idea is making baseball card coasters. Cut rounds out of cork, felt, or cork-backed vinyl using a circle punch or scissors. Glue a baseball card face-up onto each coaster. For protection, cover the front with a round piece of clear contact paper pressed smooth. These personalized coasters add nostalgia and protection for drink surfaces. As an alternative, glue several cards together and cut into different shapes like diamonds, squares or ovals for a variety of coaster designs.
For gifts or decorations, try weaving baseball cards into wreaths, garlands or wall hangings. Cut cards in half vertically and glue them back to back so they stand up straight. Then weave the card halves in and out of string, twine or fishing line in overlapping rows like shingles on a roof. Secure the ends by tying or gluing. Hang the finished garland or display it leaning against a wall. The colors and graphics of cards make an eye-catching seasonal or sports-themed decoration.
Another craft that showcases baseball cards is making baseball card booklets. Punch holes along one edge of several cards and thread ribbon, string or twine through to create a mini book. Glue cards back to back so the book opens like an accordion for more pages. Add a title card and you have a personalized book to display stats, highlights or memories. Cards can also be hot glued together edge to edge like a flip book to create moving images as it’s flipped through.
For storage and display, create baseball card shadow boxes. Cut a piece of foamcore or mat board to fit inside a shallow picture frame. Glue cards directly onto the board or mount on cardstock first. Arrange them however you like with room for captions. Cover the display with a piece of clear acrylic or plexiglass cut to fit inside the frame and secure all around with small binder clips. The finished shadow box protects cards while showcasing them in a decorative way.
Baseball cards can also be transformed into one-of-a-kind works of art. Cut out player images and glue them onto canvas boards, wood panels or thick paper to create baseball card collages and portraits. Arrange, overlap and layer cards however you like, gluing them down securely as you go. Finish the piece by coating the front with clear acrylic sealer for protection. Sign and date the back. These unique art pieces add visual interest while preserving memories.
Baseball cards are so much more than just cardboard collectibles taking up space. With a bit of creativity and crafting, they can be transformed into fun and meaningful homemade gifts, artwork, decorations and more. Whether displayed in frames, made into books or woven into wreaths, repurposing cards through these craft ideas breathes new life into the nostalgia of the national pastime.
