Save the earth and some money with these 25+ crafts with magazines! These projects allow you to repurpose magazines into other things you can use.
As far as I can remember, my first exposure to Mod Podge (where I actually knew the brand name) was in high school. There was a humanities class where we were required to make a piece of art that represented us, and I chose to use decoupage medium and magazines.
And I had SUCH a fun time making a magazine collage “about me.”
I don’t really remember any of the pictures I used, but when you’re 17 or 18 you’re all about defining who you are and telling everyone about it. So I was all about the project. And I remember that I was very careful in how I selected what I wanted the world to know.
So yes, my first introduction to Mod Podge was through crafts with magazines. Since then, I’ve done about 1 billion decoupage projects (think Dr. Evil) . . . but I’ve never forgotten that first one. Nor have I forgotten how delightfully simple it was.
And inexpensive!
That’s why I’m bringing back magazine crafts today, and I would love for you to check out what I’ve pulled together. Because the truth is, there is SO much you can make with a magazine or catalog.
And not only are you keeping the publication out of the landfill, but you’re turning it into something useful. On a budget. What could be more perfect?
I think you’ll be surprised at how nice these crafts with magazines look. Because I know some of you have your doubts about turning what is essentially recycling bin filler into something pretty.
But I want you to check out these projects and then let me know what you think in the comments. Recycling magazines 4evah!
Continue reading below.
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Magazine Bowl
Learn to make the coolest bowl ever out of a stack of old magazines! You'll love this easy recycled craft idea.
Folding and weaving is a skill a lot of us learn in elementary school! You can apply it to "big people crafts" with these cool coasters woven out of old magazines.
A collage doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, Marisa shows you how to do several on the front of notebooks with old magazines. I love her colorways!
Crafts with magazines are nice enough even for weddings, and these paper flowers prove that! Save some trees and make some flowers. Doesn't that sound lovely?
You might not be able to quilt, but that's okay. You can make a "quilt block" piece of decor using old magazines! All you have to do is roll the pages.
For those of us whose pocketbooks can't handle buying holiday gifts at Anthropologie . . . why not MAKE your pocketbook out of Anthropologie (magazines, that is.). Meg provides a PDF tutorial with pattern pages.
What can you do with the pretty pages of your home decor magazines when you're done reading? Turn them into home decor! These woven page placemats are cute, and would look great with seed catalog pages too.
These easy DIY votive candle holders are made from old glasses and use Mod Podge – you won’t spend a lot of money for this pretty, vintage inspired home decor.
Make a pretty butterfly garland from old magazine pages. A simple and easy upcycling idea that looks great in a kids' room, craft room, or anywhere you need inexpensive decor.
There are a few different ways you can make a recycled magazine basket out of old magazines. This basket weave design is probably the simplest and quickest, and I love the checked pattern which it creates! Try it with Sarah's tutorial.
This frame is visually stunning with lots of texture and pops of color! It takes some time, but this is one of those craft with magazines that is worth the time because it makes such a big impact.
Some magazines have really colorful pages and it would be a shame to throw them away. But you don't have to! Kristi turned hers into a statement making magazine page wreath.
Learn how to make simple gift bags out of magazines or catalog pages! If you're wanting to give a gift last minute and don't have wrap, this a great budget friendly, recycled idea.
This clock was made by folding IKEA catalog pages accordion-style, then gluing them to a wooden disk. It's such a statement piece! If you make it, I would spray it with sealer to keep the pages stiff.
What a unique way to decorate a wood frame! Use magazine or catalog pages and roll them – attach them to the frame – then seal the entire thing with Mod Podge.
