Don’t Throw Away! Make 8 Useful DIY Items from Old Magazines

In today’s world, it’s easy to accumulate a large number of magazines. Whether they’re fashion magazines, cooking magazines, or lifestyle magazines, we all tend to collect them over time. But what do you do with all those old magazines once you’ve read them cover to cover? Throwing them away seems like a waste, but keeping them all is impractical. Fortunately, there are a number of creative and useful DIY projects you can undertake with old magazines that will give them a new lease on life. In this article, we’ll explore 8 different DIY items you can make from old magazines.

  1. Magazine Bowls

One of the easiest and most useful DIY projects you can make with old magazines is a magazine bowl. Simply cut the pages of the magazine into long strips, roll them up tightly, and glue them together. Once you’ve created a sufficient number of rolls, you can arrange them in a bowl shape, glue them together, and let them dry. The resulting bowl is perfect for holding fruit, keys, or other small items.

  1. Coasters

Another simple DIY project you can make with old magazines is coasters. Cut the pages of the magazine into squares or circles, and glue them together. Once you have enough layers, the resulting coaster will be thick enough to protect your furniture from water stains. You can even use a clear varnish to give them a glossy finish.

  1. Gift Tags

If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your gifts, consider making gift tags from old magazines. Cut out interesting images or patterns from the pages of the magazine, and attach them to blank gift tags with glue or tape. You can also add your own handwritten message for a truly personalized touch.

  1. Picture Frames

If you’re looking for a unique and eco-friendly way to display your favorite photos, consider making picture frames from old magazines. Simply cut out strips of magazine pages and roll them tightly around a cardboard tube or frame. Once you’ve covered the entire frame, you can add your favorite photo and hang it on the wall.

  1. Bookmarks

If you’re an avid reader, you can put your old magazines to good use by making bookmarks. Simply cut out interesting images or patterns from the pages of the magazine, and attach them to a strip of cardstock or ribbon with glue. You can also add a tassel or other embellishment to give your bookmark a unique flair.

  1. Wall Art

Old magazines can be used to create stunning and unique wall art. Cut out interesting images or patterns from the pages of the magazine, and arrange them in a pleasing pattern on a canvas or piece of cardboard. Once you’ve created your design, you can frame it or hang it on the wall as is.

  1. Gift Boxes

If you’re looking for a creative and eco-friendly way to package your gifts, consider making gift boxes from old magazines. Cut out a rectangle from the magazine pages, and fold it into a box shape. You can also add a ribbon or other embellishment to give your gift box a festive touch.

  1. Paper Beads

Finally, you can use old magazines to make unique and colorful paper beads. Cut out long, thin triangles from the pages of the magazine, and roll them tightly around a toothpick or thin dowel. Once you’ve rolled the entire strip, add a coat of clear varnish to make them more durable. You can then string them together to make a necklace or bracelet.

Conclusion

There are many creative and useful DIY projects you can make from old magazines. From magazine bowls and coasters to picture frames and wall art, there’s no shortage of ways to put your old magazines to good use. By repurposing these materials, you’re not only reducing waste, but you’re also giving new life to something that might otherwise have been thrown away. Plus, making your own DIY items from old magazines is a great way to express your creativity and add a personal touch to your home decor and gifts.

Another benefit of repurposing old magazines is that it’s an eco-friendly way to craft. By using materials that you already have, you’re reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Additionally, crafting with old magazines is a more sustainable option than buying new materials, as it doesn’t require the production and transportation of new products.

When it comes to selecting magazines for your DIY projects, consider choosing ones that have interesting patterns, colors, or images. For example, a fashion magazine might have beautiful photos of clothing and accessories, while a cooking magazine might have mouth-watering images of food. Don’t be afraid to mix and match pages from different magazines to create a unique and eclectic look.

In addition to the DIY projects listed above, there are many other creative ways to use old magazines. For example, you can make paper flowers, paper mache bowls, or even a woven rug. The possibilities are endless, and only limited by your imagination.

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