I've always tried to be a little earth friendly. I love
recycled crafts because they are so much fun, and can be a real to challenge yourself, you know? So, here's a couple of fun things you can do with
magazines. Personally, I love to use fashion mags best, but you can pick whatever you wish.
One popular idea on Etsy, is
re-purposed envelopes. These are easy-peasy to make.
1. You don't need a template, just save the envelopes from the greeting cards people give you. Be sure to open it nicely so nothing rips.
2. Take the envelope apart, so that all the parts are laid out flat. This will be your template.
3. Whip out those old magazines, and trace the outline of the envelope on them. Cut it out, then fold and glue at the sides.
That is all there is to it! Easy, right? Simple! Using this method, you can make envelopes of any shape you want, too! That's the fun of it. You can get pages that have similar themes, like cakes, fashion clippings, things like that, and sell them together. Or get old bridal magazines, and sell the re purposed envelopes in sets.
Another cool idea is to use the images and words in magazines for collage work. My husband does that a lot. That's so much fun because every page can be used for something!
You can also make
paper beads with recycled magazines.
There are two ways you can go about this: you can do the decoupage version, which is quick and easy, or you can get your heat gun, embossing ink, and ultra thick embossing powder and do it that way. Personally, I prefer the latter, but being a full time stay at home mom, I don't have the time. So I do it with Decoupage and Diamond Effects.
First thing you'll want to do is get yourself a good paper cutter. You'll also need Diamond Effects and a Decoupage medium.
1. You're going to cut your paper into 1/2" wide strips. Or however wide you want. Just remember that the width of the paper, will be the length of the bead you make. Got it? Good. So, cut up that paper! Each strip makes one bead, so cut away my friend!
2. You're going to use just a tap of glue (I prefer a glue stick, for less mess), and glue the end of the strip, then wrap it loosely around. When you get to within 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the tip, add a dab of a glue. You are going to be sitting there until this dries well enough to let go of, which is why I love my glue stick.
3. You can use wire to string the beads, then go over them with Mod Podge (decoupage medium), and Diamond Effects. But you can use anything! Depending on how tightly you wrap your beads, you can even use skewers, or something. But a nice sturdy wire works. I like to fashion a makeshift clothing line out of the wire to let the beads dry.
Voila! You have a paper bead. You can make pretty earrings, and all kinds of fun jewelry with it.
You can even paint them, or add glitter to it if you want.
Want more ideas?
Another cool thing you can do is
make an end table out of magazines! Or, you can
make gift bows out of them! What a cool idea! Don't feel like doing anything with them? You can always donate them to a local library, or nursing home or hospital.
Just use your imagination, and have fun!
The Craftaholic
Sweet Buddha Designs
Want to give something meaningful this Valentine's Day?
-Kimm
Alton Weekes - Alton Weekes is a lifestyle design studio that specializes in hand-crafted stationery products(greeting cards, invitations, announcements, notes and all things paper). Our products are carried by specialty shops and museum gift stores.
Aperture Agog - Even after 9 years in NYC it is a city I'm excited to wake up in every day. I photograph small moments of life in NYC that I love to share with you. All photographs are printed on premium quality, acid free, archival paper. I hope the moments I grab the world are ones you enjoy too.
Bluestitch Books - I have been making books for over ten years. I love typography. If i can can make a book that somehow incorporates type, I am a happy girl. I started printing notecards inspired by vintage appliances and patterns.
In Stitches - "In Stitches" was born literally overnight, after visiting a craft fair. I always enjoyed collage work and combining it with stitching was actually quite spontaneous. I consider my cards small pieces of art. Each and every one of them starts with nothing particular in mind and ends up taking a witty personality if its own. Even though these pieces are designed as postcards and bookmarks, their actual use is left up to its owner. They can be gifted, given as valentines or greeting cards to that special someone, collected and framed individually or as part of a series.
Designs by Aliza - love to make beautiful things. Especially out of paper. I create scrapbooks to tell life stories, record memories, and just to hold on to the sensory experience of photographs on paper. I also create note cards, with custom cards available by request. I am constantly looking how to enhance more everyday items with paper and glue.
Fisk & Fern - I'm Laura Fisk and am an illustrator and printmaker working in brooklyn, ny who got the printing bug early working at a stamp store in high school. The first time I carved a stamp I was hooked on the idea of taking an image from my head and being able to print it on almost anything. Piles of carved stamps spun into exploring every type of printmaking I could, and am still exploring. The bright colors in screenprinting allow me to bring my weird little creatures and monsters to life.
Gramkin Paper Studio - Gramkin Paper Studio is the place for modern personalized stationery and invitations. That includes our popular GLIB GREETINGS and COURTESY CARD line of paper goods
Little Bunny - I have been making books for over ten years. I love typography. If i can can make a book that somehow incorporates type, I am a happy girl. I started printing notecards inspired by vintage appliances and patterns.
PriaVanda - Using satin ribbons and a unique technique to basket weave her handcrafted products, designer PriaVanda has found the perfect medium to create the structures for her line.
