10 Creative Recycled Magazine Crafts You Can Easily DIY

Creating DIY recycled magazine bracelets is a fun and eco-friendly craft project. These bracelets are not only stylish, but also a great way to repurpose old magazines. Here’s how you can make your own recycled magazine bracelets:

Old magazines or colorful paper

Glue (craft or white school glue)

Scissors

Ruler

Pencil or pen

Clear adhesive tape or Mod Podge (optional)

Elastic cord or stretchy string

Beads (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Choose old magazines with colorful pages. You can select different pages for a variety of colors and patterns.

Carefully tear out the pages from the magazine.

Using a ruler and a pencil, measure and mark strips on the pages. A typical strip can be around 1 inch wide and 6–8 inches long, but you can adjust the size to your preference.

Cut out the strips along the marked lines. You will need several strips to create a bracelet.

3. Create paper beads (optional):

To add extra flair to your bracelet, you can turn some of the paper strips into beads.

Start at one end of the strip and roll it tightly around a pencil or thin dowel.

Apply a small amount of glue to the end of the strip to secure it in place.

Slide the bead off the pencil once the glue dries. Make as many beads as you’d like for your bracelet.

4. Begin weaving:

Take one paper strip and apply a thin layer of glue along its entire length.

Place a second strip on top, aligning the edges, and press them together. Repeat this process to create a chain of strips. You can make the chain as long as you need it to fit your wrist.

5. Form a bracelet:

Once your paper strip chain is long enough to fit around your wrist, overlap the ends slightly.

Apply glue to the overlapping portion to secure the bracelet in a circular shape. You can use clear adhesive tape or Mod Podge for added durability.

6. Add beads (optional):

If you made paper beads, you can thread them onto the elastic cord or stretchy string and intersperse them along the bracelet for added decoration.

7. Secure and Finish:

Allow the bracelet to dry completely, which may take a few hours.

Cut a piece of elastic cord or stretchy string long enough to string through your bracelet and tie securely around your wrist.

Once you’ve tied a secure knot, trim any excess cord.

Now you have your very own recycled magazine bracelet! These unique and colorful accessories are not only a great way to recycle old magazines but also make fantastic gifts or craft projects for kids. Get creative with your choice of colors and patterns to personalize your bracelets even more. Enjoy your eco-friendly and stylish accessory!

Creating DIY paper flowers is a fun and creative craft that can be used for various decorative purposes, from home decor to event decorations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own beautiful paper flowers:

Colored paper (you can use various colors and sizes for different flower types)

Scissors

Pencil

Glue or glue gun

Floral wire or green pipe cleaners (optional for stems)

Floral tape (optional for securing stems)

Buttons, beads, or other embellishments (optional for the flower centers)

Instructions:

Decide on the type of flower you want to create. Common choices include roses, daisies, and tulips. The shape and size of your petals will depend on the type of flower.

Use your colored paper to cut out petal shapes. The number and size of petals will vary depending on your chosen flower style. For a simple five-petal flower, you can cut out five teardrop- or oval-shaped petals.

To give your paper petals a more natural look, gently curl the edges of each petal using a pencil. This will add dimension to your flower.

Start with one petal as the base, and apply a small amount of glue to the bottom part of the petal. Place the second petal slightly over the first one. Continue this process until all your petals are attached. You can adjust the spacing and overlap to achieve the desired shape.

You can attach a button, bead, or other small embellishment to the center of your flower using glue.

To make a stem for your paper flower, take a piece of floral wire or a green pipe cleaner and attach it to the base of the flower using glue or floral tape. If using a pipe cleaner, you can bend it to create a realistic stem shape.

Experiment with different colors, shapes, and sizes to create a variety of paper flowers. You can also try different techniques for petal shaping and center embellishments.

Once your paper flowers are complete, arrange them in a vase or use them for your desired decoration. You can create bouquets, floral wreaths, or use them as table centerpieces.

Paper flowers are a versatile and cost-effective way to add a touch of nature to your space, and they make great gifts or party decorations. Get creative and enjoy the process of crafting your own unique paper blooms!

Upcycling old magazines into wall art is a creative and eco-friendly way to breathe new life into something that might otherwise end up in the recycling bin. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you turn those old magazines into a stunning piece of wall art:

Old magazines

Scissors

Glue or Mod Podge

Paintbrush

Canvas or sturdy cardboard

Optional: Acrylic paint, stencils, or other decorative elements

Step 1: Gather your magazines

Collect a stack of old magazines in a variety of colors and patterns. The more diverse the magazines, the more interesting and visually appealing your wall art will be.

Step 2: Cut out magazine pages

Carefully flip through the magazines and cut out interesting images, patterns, or text that you’d like to use for your wall art. You can create a theme or go for a more eclectic mix, depending on your preferences.

Step 3: Prepare your canvas

Select a canvas or a piece of sturdy cardboard as your base. If you’re using cardboard, you can paint it with acrylic paint to create a solid background color that complements your magazine cutouts. Let it dry completely before proceeding.

Step 4: Arrange and glue

Lay out your cutouts on the canvas to plan your design. Once you’re satisfied with the arrangement, begin gluing them down using either regular glue or Mod Podge. Apply a thin layer of adhesive to the back of each magazine piece and press it onto the canvas.

Step 5: Overlap and layer

Don’t be afraid to overlap and layer the magazine pieces to create depth and texture in your wall art. You can mix and match different sizes and shapes to make it visually interesting.

Step 6: Seal the artwork

After you’ve glued down all the magazine pieces and you’re happy with the result, apply a thin, even layer of Mod Podge over the entire surface of the artwork. This will seal the pieces in place and give your wall art a nice finish. Let it dry completely.

Step 7: Optional embellishments

If you’d like to add more personal touches, consider using stencils or adding painted designs on top of your magazine collage. This can further enhance the visual appeal of your artwork.

Step 8: Hang it up

Once your upcycled magazine wall art is dry and you’re satisfied with the result, it’s time to hang it on your wall. You can use picture-hanging hardware or adhesive strips to securely attach it.

Creating wall art from old magazines is not only a fun and creative DIY project, but it also reduces waste and adds a unique and personal touch to your home decor. Enjoy your one-of-a-kind masterpiece!

Creating a recycled magazine basket is a fantastic way to repurpose old magazines and create a functional and decorative item for your home. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your very own magazine basket:

Old magazines

Glue (strong craft or adhesive glue)

Scissors

Ruler

Pencil

Clothespins or paperclips

Clear adhesive tape (optional)

Step 1: Prepare your magazines

Collect a stack of old magazines. The more colorful and diverse they are, the more interesting your basket will be. Ensure the magazines are clean and free of any debris.

Start by folding a magazine page in half lengthwise, ensuring it’s aligned perfectly. Use a ruler to help you achieve a straight fold. Repeat this step for several pages until you have a small stack of folded pages.

Take one of the folded pages and roll it tightly into a tube. Secure the end with a dab of glue, making sure the tube maintains its shape. You’ll use these magazine tubes as the building blocks for your basket. Repeat this process with all the folded pages.

Step 4: Prepare the base

For the basket’s base, create a flat, circular shape using a piece of cardboard or a thick piece of poster board. Measure and cut the base to your desired size. The diameter of the base will determine the basket’s size.

Apply a thin line of glue along one of the magazine tubes and press it onto the center of the cardboard base. This tube will serve as the starting point for your basket. Use clothespins or paperclips to hold it in place while the glue dries.

Take additional magazine tubes and glue them around the center tube in a circular pattern. Make sure they are tightly spaced and secured to the base. As you work your way outward, the basket will begin to take shape.

Gradually build up the sides of the basket by stacking the magazine tubes vertically. Apply glue to the base of each tube and press it against the previous layer, ensuring a secure attachment. Continue stacking and gluing until the basket reaches your desired height.

If the magazine tubes extend above the desired height of your basket, trim them to create an even edge.

To finish the top edge, fold the last magazine tube over the edge and glue it down securely. This provides a neat and finished appearance to the basket.

For added durability, you can reinforce the entire basket by applying clear adhesive tape around the outside and inside. This will help hold the magazine tubes in place.

Your recycled magazine basket is now complete! You can use it to store items such as magazines, books, or even as a decorative piece in your home. It’s a great way to give new life to old magazines while adding a unique and eco-friendly touch to your space.

Creating an upcycled rolled paper frame is a creative way to give new life to old magazines, newspapers, or other paper materials. This project results in a unique and colorful frame that you can use to display your favorite photos or artwork. Here’s how to make an upcycled rolled paper frame:

Old magazines, newspapers, or colorful paper

Cardboard (for the backing)

Craft glue or a glue gun

Scissors

Ruler

Pencil

Craft knife (optional)

Acrylic paint and brushes (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the cardboard backing.

Measure and cut a piece of cardboard to the size you want for your frame. You can make it any shape you like, but a rectangular frame is most common.

If you want to paint the cardboard for a decorative touch, now is the time to do it. Let it dry completely before proceeding.

Choose your paper:

Select old magazines, newspapers, or colorful paper with patterns and images you like. The paper can be cut into strips or squares for this project.

Create paper strips or squares.

If you’re using long strips, cut the paper into strips about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.

If you’re using squares, cut the paper into small, equal-sized squares, typically about 1 inch by 1 inch (2.5 cm by 2.5 cm).

Roll the paper:

Take a paper strip or square and roll it tightly into a tube. Make sure to keep the colorful side of the paper facing out.

Apply a small amount of glue at the end of the strip to secure it in place. Hold it for a moment until the glue sets. If you’re using a glue gun, be careful not to burn yourself.

Start covering the frame.

Begin gluing the rolled paper tubes onto the cardboard frame backing. You can start at one corner and work your way around the frame, or use a specific pattern.

Overlap the rolls slightly to create a textured and colorful design. Continue adding rolls until the entire frame is covered. You can use different colors and patterns to create a unique look.

Trim excess paper.

Once you’ve covered the entire frame, trim any excess paper that hangs over the edges to create a clean, finished look.

Add a hanger (optional):

If you want to hang your frame, you can attach a piece of string or wire to the back. Secure it with glue or by making small slits in the cardboard to thread the hanger through.

Allow the frame to dry.

Let the frame dry completely before inserting your photo or artwork. This might take a few hours, depending on the type of glue you use.

Your upcycled rolled paper frame is now ready to display your favorite images or artwork. This project is not only environmentally friendly but also allows you to add a personalized touch to your home decor. Enjoy your creative endeavor!

Creating a DIY collage art piece is a wonderful way to express your creativity and showcase your artistic style. Collages are versatile and can be made from a wide range of materials, making them a perfect choice for artists of all levels. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own unique collage art:

Various magazines, newspapers, or colored paper

Scissors

Glue (stick or liquid)

A piece of cardboard or canvas as your base

Paints, markers, or other drawing materials (optional)

Brushes (if using paint)

A palette or mixing dish (if using paint)

Pencils and erasers (optional)

Old fabric, ribbons, buttons, or any other embellishments (optional)

Protective newspaper or plastic sheet to cover your workspace

Instructions:

Prepare your workspace: Lay down a protective surface on your workspace to avoid any mess. Gather all your materials.

Gather source materials: Flip through magazines, newspapers, or colored paper to find images, text, and patterns that inspire you. Cut out these elements with scissors. You can choose a specific theme or mood for your collage or go for a more spontaneous approach.

Choose your base: Decide on the size and shape of your collage. You can use a piece of cardboard or canvas as your base. If using cardboard, you might want to paint it or cover it with colored paper to create a background.

Plan your layout: Before gluing anything down, arrange the cut-out elements on your base to plan your collage’s composition. Experiment with different arrangements until you’re satisfied with the design.

Glue down your elements: Once you’re happy with the layout, start gluing your cut-out elements onto the base. Use a glue stick or liquid glue, applying it evenly to the back of each element before pressing it onto the base. Be mindful of the placement and overlap of your elements to create depth and dimension.

Add your personal touch: If you like, use paints, markers, or other drawing materials to enhance your collage. You can draw around or on top of your glued elements, add highlights, or create additional details.

Incorporate other materials (optional): Get creative by including fabric, ribbons, buttons, or any other embellishments you like. Glue or stitch these items onto your collage to give it texture and dimension.

Fine-tune your collage. Step back and take a look at your collage. If there are any elements that don’t quite fit or if you want to make adjustments, feel free to do so. This is your chance to fine-tune your creation.

Let it dry: Allow your collage to dry completely before handling it or framing it. The drying time will depend on the type of glue and materials you use.

Display or frame: Once your collage is dry, you can frame it or simply display it as desired. Collages make great wall art, and they also make unique gifts for friends and family.

Remember that collage art is a form of self-expression, so there are no strict rules. Let your creativity flow, and have fun with the process. Your collage can tell a story, convey emotions, or simply be a visual feast of colors and shapes. Enjoy your artistic journey!

Creating a DIY starburst clock is a fantastic way to add a mid-century modern flair to your home decor. This iconic design is characterized by its sunburst shape and can be customized to match your style. Here’s how to make your own starburst clock:

Round clock mechanism kit with clock hands (available at most craft stores)

A round wooden base or backing board (usually around 12–18 inches in diameter)

Wooden dowels or wooden craft sticks (for the starburst rays)

Small wooden beads (optional)

Acrylic paint and brushes

Ruler

Pencil

Sandpaper

Wood glue

Saw (if cutting wooden dowels)

Mounting hardware (to hang the clock)

Painter’s tape (optional)

Decorative items like metallic spray paint (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare your wooden base:

Begin by sanding the wooden base to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces. You can also paint the base with your desired color using acrylic paint. Let it dry completely.

Create the starburst rays.

Measure and cut wooden dowels or wooden craft sticks into equal-length pieces. The number of pieces you’ll need depends on the design you want. Typically, you’ll use 12 to 24 pieces for a starburst clock.

If you want to add small wooden beads to the ends of the rays, glue them in place at this stage. This adds a decorative touch.

Paint or decorate the starburst rays.

You can paint the wooden rays in a single color or create a two-tone effect by using painter’s tape to mask off sections before painting. Alternatively, you can use metallic spray paint for a classic look.

Arrange and glue the starburst rays:

Once your starburst rays are dry, arrange them evenly around the wooden base to create the sunburst effect. Use a ruler or protractor to ensure they are evenly spaced. The clock mechanism should fit in the center.

Glue the rays to the base.

Apply wood glue to the ends of each starburst ray and press them firmly onto the wooden base. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly. It’s a good idea to apply some weight on top of the rays to ensure a strong bond.

Assemble the clock mechanism.

Follow the instructions on the clock mechanism kit to install it on the wooden base. This usually involves making a hole in the center of the base and attaching the clock hands.

Install mounting hardware:

Attach mounting hardware to the back of your clock to hang it on the wall.

Set the time.

Install a battery in the clock mechanism and set the timer to complete your starburst clock.

Your DIY starburst clock is now ready to adorn your wall and add a touch of mid-century modern style to your decor. Customize the colors and design to match your personal taste, and enjoy the unique and timeless look of your handcrafted clock.