For some reason I find it hard to toss my old magazines. At first I thought I may be taking my green obsession to another level. However, after finding so many creative purposes for them, I just decided I was being smart! I have put together a list of the top 12 ways to upcycle your very own used magazines.
1. Decorative panels
Image: Crea Mamma
There are endless ways to decorate a wall to make it more interesting, including hanging an elegant piece like this in your home. However, there is no need to pay those high art gallery prices. The decorative panels above are made modestly with a little paint and old magazines that you probably already have lying around. So, instead of allowing them to take up space in your home or in a landfill, use your magazines to create a beautiful piece of art in the comfort of your own home.
2. Vase decoupage
Image: gr3een
We all have been there: Making the decision to throw out that empty beautiful glass blown bottle or keep it. With this idea you won’t have to decide; it’s a no brainer. All you need is a few supplies and a little imagination to create your own masterpiece. This is a perfect way to display wise or meaningful words in your home while helping the environment at the same time.
3. Bows
Image: How About Orange
Magazines, old newspaper and fabric scraps are probably items you already use as eco-friendly gift-wrap. However, did you know that you can create your own beautiful bows as well? Using this is fun DIY project, you will never need to purchase another bow again. I can assure you that your friends and family members will rave about these crafty accessories.
4. Recycled paper beads
Image: Bohemian Hellhole
Beaded doorways are awesomely fun! There is just something about the sounds the beads make while walking through them. The upcycled beads are made by wrapping strips of magazines around paper clips and then stringing them together. Get creative and you can come up with a variety of uses for your own original paper beads besides this cool curtain!
5. Recycled magazine envelopes with notecards
Image: PopularDesigns
We all use cards to show our love, well wishes and genuine concerns for others. It reminds our loved ones of how precious they are to us and that they are on our minds. Besides, who doesn’t want to receive a gift made straight from the heart? Create and personalize your own with magazines and just a few household supplies. This is something the kiddos can get in on as well.
6. Recycled newspaper and magazine wallpaper
Image: Tyner Construction Co. Inc.
Eighty years ago, one would cover his or her walls with newspaper to conceal any visible cracks. Today, however, we are using the same process as a part of our home décor. This is a simple way to make a significant change to your bathroom without having to go through an entire remodel. You can use this idea to show off your personality, and it is a great way to upcycle those worn magazines. Depending on the size of your space, it should only cost around $6 and a few hours of your time to transform any room.
7. Distressed mixed-media origami bookmarks
Image: H and G Studios
Check out these cool origami corner bookmarks. They are super functional and hold around 10 pages apiece. I don’t know about you, but I am always tearing up a piece of paper to act as a bookmark and save my spot. This way, instead of wasting paper on bookmarks, you can do the earth-friendly thing and reuse old paper to do the same thing a bookmark would.
8. Lamp base of magazines and newspaper clippings
Image: Clark Miller Photography
These pair of lamps serve not only as a light source, but also a conversation piece. Their bases are comprised of magazine and newspaper clippings. That, along with the sleek black shades with an inner red accent, make these lamps both modern and artistic at the same time. There was definitely a lot of creative talent and imagination that went into producing these beauties.
9. Modern mix with custom hand-cut bird art
Image: Jen Talbot Design
This art piece adds pizzazz to your home’s décor, as its brilliant colors will brighten up any room. Although it is only crafted from hand-cut paper, it certainly has a mosaic quality to it. Get cutting now to create your own custom design to become a focal point in your home.
10. Text dangle earrings
Image: AnotherUse
These handmade upcycled dangle earrings are surefire conversation starters. They have an article placed right inside them to achieve this unique look. You can even request a custom order from AnotherUse. Just imagine the possibilities, from your favorite quotes or scriptures, to song lyrics or initials. This is definitely a gift idea that will be unforgettable.
11. Upcycled magazine bowl
Image: theSquib
“Whoa” is all I have to say about this decoupage project. I am amazed about how stunning yet useful this bowl is. What a great idea, and what’s even better is that it is very simple to make. Summer is almost over, so get your kids off the couch, away from social media for a day, and do this fun activity together. The magazine bowls can be used for as many purposes as your creative mind can come up with!
12. Christmas wreath
Image: gr3een
When the holiday season approaches I do fun projects around my home to get in the spirit. Decorating is always at the top of my to-do list. This Christmas wreath is a gorgeous, eco-friendly addition to any holiday decoration. It is very different from the standard wreath, as it is handmade entirely from recycled magazines and cardboard. Here we have found a great way to display your love of the earth as well as the holiday season!
All images used are copyrighted and used with permission of the photographers/artists.
