what to do with old magazines: 12 creative upcycle ideas

If you have stacks of old magazines collecting dust, you're not alone. While it's tempting to toss them directly into the recycling bin, those glossy pages hold immense potential for creativity, organization, and practical use. Before you declutter, consider the wealth of opportunities waiting within your collection. Knowing what to do with old magazines can transform a clutter problem into a resource for innovative projects and household solutions.

This guide moves beyond generic advice to provide a comprehensive roundup of actionable options. From stunning home décor and personalized gifts to eco-friendly solutions for your home and garden, your magazine collection is a treasure trove of possibilities. We will explore numerous innovative and practical ideas, helping you reduce waste, save money, and unleash your creative side.

Whether you're a seasoned crafter looking for your next project, someone living in a small apartment trying to manage space, or simply looking for sustainable ways to repurpose common items, you'll find inspiration here. We'll cover everything from artistic endeavors like collaging and papier-mâché to practical applications such as creating custom gift wrap, packing material, or even garden supplies. Each item on our list provides clear, step-by-step insights to help you give those outdated periodicals a vibrant and purposeful new life. Let’s dive into the specific ways you can transform that paper pile from a source of clutter into a source of value.

1. Collage and Wall Art

One of the most creative answers to the question of what to do with old magazines is to transform them into vibrant, personalized artwork. The glossy pages, rich with colorful images, unique fonts, and striking textures, are the perfect raw materials for collage and wall art. This method involves cutting and arranging these elements onto a surface like canvas, wood panels, or poster board to create a completely new visual narrative.

Why It's a Great Option

This approach is not only a fantastic recycling initiative but also an accessible art form for all skill levels. It allows you to create custom décor that reflects your personality, goals, or aesthetic preferences without the need for expensive art supplies. From a small, framed piece for your desk to a large-scale mural that becomes a room's focal point, the possibilities are endless.

How to Get Started

Creating a compelling collage is about more than just gluing down pictures. Following a few key steps can elevate your project from a simple craft to a work of art.

• Define Your Vision: Start with a theme, color palette, or feeling. Are you making a motivational vision board, an abstract color study, or a piece that captures the energy of city life? This focus will guide your image selection.
• Gather and Cut: Flip through your magazines and cut out anything that catches your eye: textures, words, images, and blocks of color. Don't be too selective at first; you can refine your choices later.
• Arrange and Adhere: Lay out your clippings on your chosen surface before gluing anything down. Play with different compositions until you find one you love. Use a quality adhesive like Mod Podge or a matte gel medium for a smooth, durable finish.
• Seal and Protect: Once your collage is dry, apply a clear acrylic sealer or varnish. This will protect the paper from moisture and sun damage, ensuring your artwork lasts for years.

Pro Tip: For a more dynamic, mixed-media piece, incorporate other materials like paint, ink, fabric scraps, or found objects alongside your magazine clippings. This adds depth and texture.

For those looking to turn a collection of magazine cutouts and photos into a stunning room feature, this comprehensive guide to creating a pictures wall collage offers excellent techniques and inspiration. As your collection of art supplies grows, consider implementing dedicated craft storage solutions to keep your creative space organized and efficient.

2. Papier-Mâché Projects

Another imaginative and resourceful answer to what to do with old magazines is to use their pages for papier-mâché projects. This classic craft technique involves layering strips of paper soaked in an adhesive mixture over a mold to create a hard, lightweight object. Magazine pages are particularly well-suited for this, as their glossy finish and vibrant colors create a unique, mosaic-like effect once sealed.

Why It's a Great Option

Papier-mâché is an incredibly versatile and budget-friendly craft suitable for all ages, making it a perfect family activity or educational project. It allows you to sculpt three-dimensional items from scratch, transforming stacks of old magazines into everything from decorative bowls and holiday ornaments to piñatas and theatrical masks. The inherent strength of the layered paper makes the final products surprisingly durable.

How to Get Started

Creating sturdy and visually appealing papier-mâché objects requires patience and a bit of technique. Following these steps ensures your project will be a success from start to finish.

• Prepare Your Materials: Tear your magazine pages into small, uniform strips, about one inch wide. For your adhesive, you can use a simple mixture of one part flour to two parts water or a solution of white school glue and water.
• Build Your Form: Select a mold for your project, like a balloon for a mask or a bowl for a decorative dish. To prevent sticking, you can cover the mold with plastic wrap or a thin layer of petroleum jelly.
• Layer and Dry: Dip each paper strip into your adhesive, wiping off any excess. Apply the strips to your form in overlapping, crisscrossing layers. Allow each layer to dry completely before adding the next one for maximum strength.
• Finish and Seal: Once your object is fully dry and hardened, you can remove it from the mold. You can leave the colorful magazine finish as is or paint over it. Apply a coat of varnish or acrylic sealer to protect it from moisture and add durability.

Pro Tip: For a smoother final surface, use smaller pieces of paper for your final layer. You can also lightly sand the dried papier-mâché before painting or sealing to remove any bumps or rough edges.

For a great visual guide on making a classic papier-mâché bowl, the video below offers step-by-step instructions perfect for beginners.

3. Bookmarks and Gift Wrapping

Another wonderfully practical and creative solution for what to do with old magazines is to repurpose their pages as custom bookmarks and unique gift wrap. The vibrant, glossy pages filled with compelling photography, bold typography, and interesting patterns serve as a free, eco-friendly alternative to store-bought materials. This approach transforms potential waste into beautiful, functional items for personal use or gifting.

Why It's a Great Option

This method is incredibly low-cost, requires minimal crafting skill, and offers a sustainable way to package gifts or save your place in a book. It’s a perfect activity for both kids and adults, allowing for endless personalization. Instead of buying wrapping paper that gets torn and discarded, you can give your presents a distinct, artsy look that stands out and reduces environmental impact.

How to Get Started

Creating high-quality bookmarks and gift wrap from magazine pages is simple. A few thoughtful steps can make your creations look polished and professional.

• Select Your Pages: Browse your magazines for pages with striking visuals. Look for full-page ads with bold colors, interesting textures like landscapes or fabric, or even pages with unique font layouts. Glossy covers work especially well due to their durability.
• Create Bookmarks: Cut a sturdy page into a standard bookmark shape (around 2x6 inches). For a more durable and long-lasting bookmark, you can glue the cutout onto cardstock or laminate it. Punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon or tassel for a finishing touch.
• Prepare Gift Wrap: Carefully tear or cut out large, visually appealing pages. You can tape several pages together from the back to create a larger sheet for bigger gifts. This patchwork style adds to the unique, handcrafted charm of the wrapping.
• Assemble and Embellish: Wrap your gift as you would with traditional paper. Consider using natural twine or fabric ribbon to complement the recycled aesthetic. The magazine's existing text and images provide all the decoration you need.

Pro Tip: Create themed gift wrapping by selecting pages that match the gift or the recipient's interests. For example, use pages from a cooking magazine for a kitchen-related gift or travel imagery for a friend who loves adventure.

4. Paper Beads and Jewelry

Another inventive solution for what to do with old magazines is to transform their colorful pages into stunning, custom jewelry. This eco-friendly craft involves cutting magazine pages into thin strips, rolling them tightly into beads, and sealing them to create durable, lightweight components. These beads can then be strung into unique necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, turning yesterday's reading material into today's fashion statement.

Why It's a Great Option

This project is exceptionally budget-friendly and requires minimal specialized tools, making it accessible to crafters of all ages and skill levels. It's a fantastic way to create personalized gifts or even start a small business selling handmade goods at craft fairs or on Etsy. If you're passionate about upcycling, you might be inspired by other initiatives like those launching a sustainable jewelry brand from repurposed materials.

How to Get Started

Creating beautiful paper beads is a simple process, but a few techniques can significantly improve the quality and appearance of your final pieces.

• Cut Your Strips: Cut magazine pages into long, triangular strips. The width of the base will determine the length of your bead, while the strip's length determines its thickness.
• Roll Tightly: Apply a small amount of glue to the pointed end of a strip. Tightly roll the strip, starting from the wide end, around a thin tool like a skewer, toothpick, or knitting needle.
• Seal and Glaze: Once rolled, coat the bead thoroughly with a clear sealer like Mod Podge or a gloss varnish. This step is crucial for making the beads water-resistant and durable. Apply several thin coats for the best result.
• String and Design: After the beads are completely dry, slide them off your rolling tool. You can now string them together, mixing them with other types of beads or spacers to create your desired jewelry design.

Pro Tip: The colors and patterns on the magazine page will create the final look of your bead. Be intentional with your page selection; vibrant, glossy pages with interesting graphics or solid blocks of color often produce the most striking results.

As you dive into this craft, you'll quickly accumulate materials. Keeping them sorted is key to an enjoyable creative process, so exploring different ways to organize your craft supplies can help maintain a tidy workspace.

5. Drawer Liners and Shelf Organization

Another surprisingly practical answer for what to do with old magazines is to repurpose their pages as decorative and functional drawer or shelf liners. This simple project instantly adds a splash of color and personality to mundane storage spaces like kitchen drawers, closet shelves, and office cabinets. The glossy paper provides a smooth, protective barrier that makes cleanup easier and prevents small items from falling through wire shelving.

Why It's a Great Option

This upcycling idea is a cost-effective alternative to buying expensive, pre-made liners. It allows you to customize your storage with patterns, colors, or themes that match your decor, from vibrant food photography in kitchen drawers to sleek, minimalist fashion ads in a closet. It’s a low-effort, high-impact way to bring a touch of creativity to even the most hidden corners of your home.

How to Get Started

Transforming magazine pages into durable liners is straightforward. A few simple steps will ensure your liners look great and last longer.

• Select and Prepare Pages: Choose pages with colors and images that complement the space. Look for thicker, glossier pages as they tend to be more durable. Carefully remove them from the magazine.
• Measure and Cut: Measure the interior dimensions of your drawer or shelf. Cut the magazine pages to size, trimming them for a precise fit. For larger surfaces, you can neatly tile pages together.
• Secure in Place: While not always necessary, you can use a small amount of double-sided tape at the corners to keep the liner from shifting. This ensures a clean, flat surface.
• Add Protection (Optional): For areas prone to spills, like kitchen or bathroom cabinets, you can "laminate" the pages by covering them with a layer of clear contact paper. This makes them waterproof and easy to wipe clean.

Pro Tip: Change out your liners seasonally to give your storage a quick and festive refresh. It’s an easy way to celebrate a new season without a major redecorating effort.

Using magazine pages as liners is just one step toward better organization. For more strategies on managing documents and other paper goods, this guide on how to organize papers provides a systematic approach to decluttering your home and office.

6. Plant Pot Coverings and Planters

Another wonderful answer to what to do with old magazines is to give your houseplants a stylish and eco-friendly makeover. The vibrant, colorful pages are perfect for transforming plain plant pots into custom décor pieces. This approach can range from simply wrapping a magazine page around an existing pot to creating intricate decoupage designs or even constructing biodegradable starter pots for seedlings.

Why It's a Great Option

This project is a fantastic way to coordinate your plant containers with your home's aesthetic without buying expensive decorative pots. It’s a low-cost, high-impact craft that adds a personal touch to your green space, making it ideal for renters or anyone looking to refresh their décor on a budget. Furthermore, creating biodegradable seed starters from magazine paper is an excellent sustainable practice for gardeners.

How to Get Started

Turning magazine pages into beautiful planters is simple with the right technique. A few key steps will ensure your creations are both attractive and durable enough to house your favorite plants.

• Choose Your Method: Decide if you want to create a simple decorative wrap, a decoupage design, or rolled paper pots. For wraps, simply cut pages to size and secure them around a pot. For decoupage, tear or cut small pieces and layer them onto a pot using an adhesive.
• Select Your Pages: Flip through magazines and look for colors, patterns, or images that match your plant or room décor. A succulent might look great in a pot covered with desert landscapes, while a flowering plant could be paired with vibrant floral imagery.
• Prepare and Adhere: For a lasting finish, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge or a similar craft glue to the pot, place your magazine clippings, and smooth out any bubbles. For simple wraps, use double-sided tape for a clean, temporary look.
• Waterproof and Protect: This is the most crucial step. Apply several coats of a waterproof sealant or acrylic varnish over the entire papered surface. This protects the magazine paper from moisture, drips, and splashes during watering, preventing it from getting soggy and tearing.

Pro Tip: To maximize protection, place your plant in a simple plastic nursery pot that fits inside your decorated magazine container. This creates a barrier, keeping the decorative paper completely dry when you water the plant.

7. Paper Mache Fire Starters and Kindling

For those with a fireplace, wood stove, or a love for camping, old magazines can be transformed into highly effective fire starters and kindling. The dense, compressed paper and flammable ink create a slow, reliable burn that is perfect for getting a fire going. This practical repurposing method turns what would be clutter into a valuable resource for warmth and outdoor activities.

Why It's a Great Option

This approach is a cost-effective and resourceful way to manage a surplus of magazines. Instead of buying commercial fire starter logs or kindling, you can create your own for free. These homemade fire starters are excellent for household fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, and are compact enough to include in camping gear or emergency preparedness kits.

How to Get Started

Creating effective fire starters from magazines is a simple process that requires minimal supplies. With just a few steps, you can produce a batch of reliable kindling that will last you through the season.

• Roll and Secure: Take a few pages or an entire magazine and roll it as tightly as possible. Secure the roll with natural twine or a thin strip of paper to keep it from unraveling.
• Create Wax Logs: For a longer-burning, more water-resistant fire starter, dip the tightly rolled magazine logs into melted paraffin wax or old candle remnants. Let them cool completely on wax paper.
• Shred for Tinder: Alternatively, use a paper shredder to turn magazine pages into fine tinder. This shredded paper can be mixed with dryer lint and packed into an old egg carton, with melted wax poured over the top to create individual fire-starting pods.
• Store Properly: Keep your finished fire starters in a dry location, like a covered bin or a waterproof bag. Moisture will render them ineffective, so proper storage is crucial.

Pro Tip: Glossy magazine covers often contain more ink and coatings, which can make them burn hotter and longer. Prioritize using these for the core of your rolled fire starters for an extra boost.

While magazines are great for starting fires, their shredded form can also serve other purposes. Similar to how you can repurpose materials for one task, shredded paper can double as effective packing materials for fragile items, providing cushion and support during a move or for storage.

8. Decoupage Home Décor Items

Another fantastic solution for what to do with old magazines is to use their vibrant pages for decoupage. This classic craft involves adhering paper cutouts to an object and then covering them with multiple layers of varnish or sealer. The result is a beautifully decorated piece where the cutouts appear painted on, transforming ordinary items into unique works of art. Magazine pages are ideal for this due to their thinness, glossy finish, and vast array of colors and images.

Why It's a Great Option

Decoupage is an incredibly forgiving and versatile craft, making it perfect for beginners and experienced DIY enthusiasts alike. It offers a sustainable way to upcycle outdated furniture, plain storage boxes, or thrift store finds into personalized décor that perfectly matches your style. This method allows you to give functional objects a high-end, custom look with minimal expense, turning clutter into cherished home accents.

How to Get Started

Bringing a decoupage project to life is a straightforward process that requires patience and a bit of planning. Following these steps will ensure a professional-looking, durable finish.

• Prepare Your Surface and Images: Ensure the object you're decorating is clean, dry, and smooth. Carefully cut out your desired images, words, and patterns from the magazines using a craft knife or small, sharp scissors for precision.
• Plan Your Layout: Before applying any adhesive, arrange your clippings on the surface. Overlap edges and play with the composition until you are happy with the design. This "dry run" prevents mistakes and ensures a cohesive look.
• Apply and Smooth: Brush a thin, even layer of decoupage medium (like Mod Podge) onto a small section of your object. Place a cutout on top and gently smooth it from the center outwards with your fingers or a burnishing tool to eliminate air bubbles. Repeat until the surface is covered.
• Seal for Durability: Once the initial layer is completely dry, apply several thin coats of your decoupage medium over the entire piece, allowing each coat to dry fully before adding the next. This builds up a protective, durable finish.

Pro Tip: For a truly seamless finish on wooden or dark surfaces, you can paint the edges of your paper cutouts with a marker that matches the background color. This simple trick helps the images blend in and look less like a sticker.

For those new to this timeless craft, this detailed beginner’s guide to decoupage offers step-by-step instructions and project ideas. To keep your growing collection of craft supplies neat, consider exploring these craft room organization ideas, which can help you maintain a functional and inspiring creative space.

9. Stuffing Material for Packaging and Crafts

One of the most practical and eco-friendly solutions for what to do with old magazines is to repurpose them as stuffing and packing material. The paper, whether crumpled or shredded, provides excellent cushioning for fragile items during shipping, moving, or even just for storage. This transforms potential waste into a valuable, free resource for protecting your belongings.

Why It's a Great Option

This approach is a fantastic, no-cost alternative to buying plastic bubble wrap or packing peanuts, reducing both waste and expense. It's an ideal solution for small business owners shipping products, individuals moving to a new home, or anyone looking to add a protective layer to a gift box. Using magazine pages is a sustainable choice that gives the paper one final, useful life before it is recycled.

How to Get Started

Effectively using magazines as packing material requires a bit of preparation to maximize protection and minimize potential issues like ink transfer. A systematic approach ensures your items arrive safely.

• Shred or Crumple: For most applications, shredding the magazine pages into thin strips creates a versatile filler that can conform to any shape. For larger voids, simply crumpling individual pages loosely provides excellent cushioning.
• Layer Strategically: When packing a box, start with a base layer of crumpled or shredded paper. Wrap fragile items individually, then place them in the box, filling all surrounding gaps and empty spaces to prevent shifting.
• Prevent Ink Transfer: The glossy, heavily inked pages can sometimes transfer color onto items, especially if exposed to moisture. To avoid this, use pages with less ink (like text-heavy articles) for direct contact or place a single layer of tissue paper around the item first.
• Organize for Future Use: Keep a bag or box of pre-shredded magazine paper on hand. This makes it readily available for your next shipment, gift, or craft project, saving you time and effort.

Pro Tip: Combine shredded magazine pages with other recycled paper, like newspaper or junk mail, to create a large volume of mixed-texture packing material. This blend offers varied density, which can enhance its protective qualities.

Whether you're packing for a move or shipping products, using the right materials is crucial for keeping your items secure. For a complete overview of protective options, explore this guide on the best packing supplies for moving to ensure everything is properly cushioned.

10. Seed Starter Pots and Gardening Supplies

For the green-thumbed individual wondering what to do with old magazines, an incredibly practical and eco-friendly solution lies in the garden. Glossy pages can be transformed into biodegradable seed starter pots, offering a sustainable alternative to plastic containers. This method involves rolling or folding magazine paper into small, sturdy pots that can be planted directly into the ground, reducing transplant shock for delicate seedlings.

Why It's a Great Option

This approach is a brilliant way to recycle paper while supporting your gardening hobby. It completely eliminates plastic waste from the seed-starting process and is incredibly cost-effective. Because the pot is planted along with the seedling, the paper simply decomposes in the soil, preventing root disturbance and helping young plants establish themselves more successfully. This technique is perfect for home gardeners, community garden projects, and even school educational programs focused on sustainability.

How to Get Started

Creating your own magazine seed pots is a simple and rewarding activity. With just a few common household items, you can produce a batch of eco-friendly pots in no time.

• Choose Your Paper: Select pages that are not overly glossy or heavily inked, although most modern magazine inks are soy-based and safe for soil. Thicker paper, like covers, can create a more durable pot.
• Form the Pot: Roll a single magazine sheet tightly around a small can, spice jar, or toilet paper tube to create a cylinder. Leave about an inch of paper overhanging at the bottom.
• Create the Base: Fold the overhanging paper inward to form the bottom of the pot. Press it down firmly against a flat surface to create a solid base, then slide the can or tube out. No glue is needed if folded tightly.
• Fill and Plant: Fill the newly formed pot with your preferred seed-starting mix, plant your seeds, and water gently. When the seedling is ready for the garden, simply plant the entire pot in the soil.

Pro Tip: When placing your newly made pots in a tray, arrange them snugly together. This helps them support each other and retain moisture more effectively, preventing them from drying out too quickly or losing their shape.

For those dedicated to sustainable living, using old magazines in the garden is just one of many options. If you find your collection is still too large, services specializing in decluttering and storage can help. For instance, you can use a box-by-box storage solution to safely store valuable editions while you decide on their final purpose, keeping your living space tidy and organized.

Comparison of 10 Repurposing Ideas for Old Magazines

Choosing the Right Future for Your Magazine Collection

Navigating the future of your magazine collection is a journey that intertwines creativity, practicality, and mindful living. Throughout this guide, we've explored a vast landscape of possibilities that transform a simple stack of glossies into a resource for artistic expression, home organization, and sustainable practices. You now have a comprehensive toolkit for deciding what to do with old magazines, moving far beyond the default option of the recycling bin.

The core takeaway is that the value of an old magazine is not in its cover date but in its potential. Each page offers a unique opportunity, whether you're seeking a creative outlet or a practical solution to an everyday problem. The choice is entirely yours, guided by your lifestyle, space constraints, and personal interests.

From Creative Reuse to Practical Solutions

We've seen how easily you can turn vibrant images into stunning wall art or intricate paper bead jewelry. These projects are more than just crafts; they are a form of personal expression, allowing you to curate a home filled with unique, handmade items that tell a story. By transforming magazine pages into decoupage furniture, custom gift wrap, or charming drawer liners, you infuse your personality into your living space and daily routines.

Simultaneously, we explored highly practical applications. Creating eco-friendly seed starter pots or reliable fire starters showcases a commitment to sustainability. Using shredded pages as protective packaging material for shipping fragile items is both cost-effective and environmentally conscious. These actions demonstrate that a resourceful mindset can have a tangible, positive impact.

Key Insight: The most effective approach is to view your magazine collection not as clutter, but as a library of raw materials. This shift in perspective opens up a world of possibilities for both artistic and functional projects.

Making the Right Decision for You

So, how do you choose the best path forward? Your decision-making process can be broken down into a few simple, actionable steps:

1. Assess and Sort: Begin by categorizing your collection. Separate the magazines you wish to keep for sentimental or reference purposes from those you're willing to repurpose or part with. This initial sort is the most crucial step in reclaiming your space.
2. Identify Your Needs: Are you looking for a weekend craft project? Do you need a better way to organize your drawers? Are you planning to ship a gift soon? Aligning your magazine repurposing with your immediate needs makes the process more rewarding and less overwhelming.
3. Consider Your Space: For many urban dwellers and those in smaller apartments, space is the ultimate deciding factor. If a cherished collection is contributing to clutter, it doesn't mean you have to discard it. This is where modern storage solutions become invaluable.

Preserving your favorite issues, whether they are rare collectibles, sources of professional inspiration, or simply hold sentimental value, is just as valid a choice as repurposing them. You don't have to choose between keeping what you love and living in a tidy, organized home. By combining creative reuse for the magazines you can part with and smart, off-site storage for the ones you can't, you achieve the perfect balance. You're not just decluttering; you're curating your life with intention, ensuring that every item you own serves a purpose, whether that's sparking joy on your coffee table or being safely preserved for future enjoyment.

Ready to reclaim your living space without parting with your treasured magazine collections? Endless Storage offers a secure, flexible, and convenient box-by-box storage solution perfect for protecting your valuables. Visit Endless Storage to see how easy it is to declutter your home while keeping your favorite magazines safe and accessible.