Instead of pitching all your paper in the recycling bin, try some of these creative ways of recycling.

Wallpaper

Use old wallpaper to decorate boxes, photo frames and shelves. Create a makeshift crate out of a sturdy wallpapered cardboard box or decoupage a candle. Make and decorate a dollhouse with cardboard and wallpaper.

Magazines

Make gorgeous beads out of old magazines. They’re easy, colorful and make pretty bracelets and necklaces. See Paper University for more on creating recycled paper beads.

Cut out pretty pictures and use them to make mobiles, decoupage a container or just make a fun collage.

Toilet Paper Rolls

Toilet paper rolls are extremely versatile. How about using them as molds to create chalk? (Chalk Recipes)

Newspaper

Create a paper mache sculpture or a piñata as pictured here. To make paper mache paste, mix 1 cup of flour with 4 cups of water, add 4 cups of boiling water and six tablespoons of sugar. Reduce or double as needed. You could also use wallpaper paste. For more recipes see Planet Pals Paper Mache Recipes.

Heat on the stove until the paste has thickened. Remove to cool. Dip your strips into the paste and start shaping them on your frame. You can use wires, balloons or even paper tubes to help create the skeleton structure.

Use newspaper to protect your table and prevent spills when painting and crafting.

• Paper is handy for using in your garden for mulch. It’s good for preventing weeds as well. If you want to save your back and get rid of some grass, line the area with damp newspaper and it will eventually kill it.

• If you have a paper shredder, use it for your pets bedding. This would work for cats, rabbits and even lizards. Alternately, simply line your pet’s cage with full sheets of paper to absorb messes.

Michael Nolan from Frugal Living has written a helpful post on recycling paper called Stop Throwing it All Away & Recycle! I don’t have a paper shredder but I will get one now thanks to Michael.

Tissue Paper

Use tissue paper you get for gifts to make colorful decoupage crafts with a stained glass effect. Recycle yet again with an old baby food jar for a coin collector, candle holder or use the tissue to decorate a glass vase.

You can also use paper for origami, windmills, hats, fans, paper lanterns or to start fires. If you’re feeling ambitious you can even create some new recycled handmade paper!

For more ideas, see MakeStuff.com

Tags: Crafts, General, Recycling //