10 Funky Ways to Reuse Old Magazines

by 12/06/11 15 Comments

Empty out those magazine racks! Here are 10 crafty ways to reuse old magazines, newspaper and junk mail.

Christmas, Christmas tree, magazine, paper, Santa, holiday

Craft #2: Use those old magazines to create a fun paper tree just in time for the holidays. Photo: Lilly/Just Like Martha

1. Decoupage accessories

If you or the kids have a pair of shoes, a backpack or even a T-Shirt that looks a little plain, why not spunk it up a bit using old magazine pages? This step-by-step tutorial from FaveCrafts.com teaches you how to use your magazines to decoupage accessories and clothing in a snap. That’s right, decoupage isn’t just for furniture anymore! Pick out the photos and pattern you like best, and you’ll be left with a fun accessory that’s perfect for the young or young-at-heart.

2. Paper Christmas tree

Add a touch of recycled fun to your holiday decor with a Christmas tree made from recycled magazines. And the best part is – no tools required. The tree shape is formed simply by folding each page diagonally and bending the finished product into a cone shape, as described in this tutorial from craft maven and Just Like Martha blogger Lilly. Paint your tree with nontoxic paint if desired, or leave it alone for a rustic look.

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Mary Mazzoni

Mary Mazzoni

Staff Writer


  1. Lucia Dominici

    posted on December 7th, 2011 at 3:45 pm

    This activity will really get you in the Holyday spirit! From an old magazine I created a beautiful Christmas Three for my son’s apartment. It kept me busy; it is also very relaxing and helped me to stay in tune with the recycling idea. A simple activity with a purpose. Thanks Mary Mazzoni for this interesting article. I love it!

  2. Good Green Guru

    posted on December 14th, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    I know it has to do with seeing more advertising BUT - I really wish you'd just list all 10 on one page rather than make us waste time, & electricity paging through all of them to see them.

  3. Jessica Buch

    posted on December 19th, 2011 at 3:43 am

    I tear out all the drug advertisements because it takes up too much of the magazine and they don't have the magazine articles on them (majority of the time). I do this before even reading one story...makes it nicer to read.

  4. Jacque Baxter

    posted on December 18th, 2011 at 11:32 pm

    The sad thing is that sooner or later it will all end up being garbage.

  5. Patsy McMichael

    posted on December 18th, 2011 at 11:53 pm

    Well...old mags end up that way anyway....might as well use them for something else to before they end up in the trash....Hell....make them....paint and decorate them....and give them as gifts.....lol.....then they end up in someone elses trash.....LMAO!!!

  6. Jacque Baxter

    posted on December 20th, 2011 at 6:38 am

    True that lol

  7. Jacque Baxter

    posted on December 20th, 2011 at 6:40 am

    I messed up some how now my phone wont connect to facebook and my facebook works when it feels like it...wait maybe its not me !!!!!

  8. Kelly Drummey

    posted on December 19th, 2011 at 5:38 am

    So creative, love the end table.

  9. D Diane Reed Burr

    posted on December 20th, 2011 at 2:04 am

    What fabulous ways to recycle. I cannot wait to make some of these.

  10. Cathy Kutasi

    posted on December 21st, 2011 at 3:27 am

    Great Recycling.. Wonderful Idea

  11. Elisa Edgington

    posted on December 22nd, 2011 at 6:34 pm

    I always have magazines that I am recycling... sounds like I need to try some of these ideas too!

  12. Simon Robson

    posted on December 26th, 2011 at 4:09 pm

    Cool

  13. Gloria Hartley

    posted on December 28th, 2011 at 6:12 pm

    MADE THESE TREE'S YEARS AGO THEY ARE AWSOME. EASTER IS COMING UP SOON MAKE A EASTER TREE TOO.

  14. Ghida Neukirch

    posted on December 29th, 2011 at 9:38 pm

    Great web site - thanks for the resources!

  15. Susan Coburn Tucker

    posted on January 24th, 2012 at 7:45 pm

    There are a bunch of tutorials on upcycling magazines on the Hipcycle blog. Here is one for coasters: http://hipcycle.com/blog/2011/08/23/magazine-coaster-tutorial.

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