This holiday season we wanted a crafty project that used our personal photos, but not the usual photo-mug or predictable keepsake. We found inspiration from Moo, a small printing company known for stylish photo cards, postcards and stickers. Their MiniCards—tiny, stick-of-gum-sized cards printed from your own photos—seemed perfect. We ordered a $20 pack of 100 cards and set out to create two simple, festive projects that feel personal and polished.

For the first project we followed a suggestion from Moo’s list of craft ideas and made personalized gift tags. We used a playful photo we’d created for last year’s holiday card—our dog edited into a silly festive scene—and cropped it for the MiniCard front. On the back we had the cards printed with a simple “To:” and “From:” so they’re ready to attach to gifts. The result is a charming, compact tag that feels custom without requiring a lot of time or supplies.

The second project came from noticing that MiniCards are almost the same size as the small rectangular glass and marble tiles that are popular for home decor. We took a photo of an Alaskan glacier from our honeymoon and cropped different sections to create a collection of tiles that resemble natural stone. Slight color adjustments gave each card subtle variation so the finished grouping looks cohesive and organic.

To showcase the faux-photo tiles we found a $10 holiday tray at Target and decided to tile the tray surface. This was a true family project: I attached small loops of mounting tape to the back of each MiniCard, Sherry arranged them in a neat brick pattern, and our dog Burger supervised—mostly by getting in the way and offering moral support. Working together made the process quick and enjoyable, and we trimmed corners in place with a utility knife for the best fit around the tray edges.

By luck and careful planning we ordered exactly the number of MiniCards needed for the tray—no extras and no shortages. Once the cards were aligned and secured, the arrangement already resembled an elegant tile installation. The varied glacier images blend into a stone-like pattern that elevates the inexpensive tray into a custom piece of decor.

To protect and finish the surface we applied a bar coat. We mixed 16 ounces of a thick clear resin—Envirotex Lite Pour On High Gloss Finish—and poured it evenly over the tray. This resin creates a durable, glossy layer similar to commercial bar tops and seals the cards beneath, making the surface waterproof and easy to clean. Because the resin is very thick it needs about 72 hours to cure fully, after which the tray will have a high-gloss, professional appearance.

Although the resin needs time to cure before the tray can be used, we’re already pleased with how authentic the faux-tile effect looks. It’s an affordable, personal way to transform inexpensive materials into a decorative accent that feels custom-made. The same MiniCards make excellent gift tags, small art pieces, or accents for other DIY projects, so they’re a versatile option for holiday crafting and beyond.

If you try a MiniCard project, consider images with texture or contrast for the best tile-like results. Cropping, minor color edits, and a clear protective finish will help your project look finished and professional. Happy crafting—and have fun turning personal photos into memorable, handcrafted gifts and decor.