Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure
This is so unique and adorable. I bet this idea for making totem poles could be made out of all sorts of things. The first things that come to mind are TP tubes or recycled doll or stuffed animal heads maybe? Pop on over to the blog by Karen McCallum to see more photos of this super cute and creative totem pole art project.
Looking for more Totem pole resources? Check out these Totem pole books 
You know that one drawer? The one stuffed with old magazines you swore you’d read again someday? Yeah, I had one too. Mine was a jumbled pile of home décor issues, a few random cooking magazines, and—don’t judge—some celebrity gossip ones from 2011 (I was emotionally invested, okay?). But here’s the thing… instead of tossing them all into the recycling bin, I discovered a whole new world of DIY that completely changed the way I looked at those glossy pages.
Rolled magazine crafts are the ultimate combo of relaxing, colorful, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s the kind of project that starts with “I’ll just roll a few pages” and ends with you surrounded by a vase, a bowl, three coasters, and plans to make a full-blown wall installation. There’s something magical about taking something destined for the trash and turning it into something genuinely beautiful. It’s like giving your old mags a second life—and honestly, they deserve it.
The best part? These projects are super versatile. You can go small with beads or bobby pins, or go big with wall art, wreaths, or even furniture pieces. (Yes, furniture! There’s a magazine stool in this roundup that blew my mind.) And don’t even get me started on the gift potential—handmade goodies like these make thoughtful, one-of-a-kind presents without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just looking for a mindful weekend project, there’s something incredibly rewarding about rolling paper into art. You’ll be amazed at how meditative the process is, and how quickly you’ll start eyeing every glossy page as potential craft material.
Recycled Magazine Mirror – Home and Garden
Great idea for making a recycled magazine modern vase
Etsy Feature – wall art- made from recycled magazines
Tea Set Made from Rolled Magazines
Making a Magazine Stool – Green Issues by Agy
Recycled Paper Beads — CraftBits.com
Paper Bead Bobby Pin — CraftBits.com
Face With Recycled Paper Cylinders : 7 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables
Making a Box with Magazine Rolls
Magazine Craft Step By Step: Reuse And Make Art! – Smiling Colors
Recycled Magazine Pages Bowl : 6 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables
New art from old rolled up magazine pages-easy and colorful! : r/crafts
Magnificent Magazine Paper Beaded Bracelet : 10 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables
Magazine Vase and Pencil Holder : 3 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables
Upcycled Rolled Paper Frame DIY Craft!
Rolled Paper Candle Holder : 4 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables
DIY Crafted Paper Basket: Made From Waste
Waste Paper Baskets From Real Waste Paper/
West Elm Coiled Paper Ornament Knock Off
Tutorial: Coiled Magazine Paper Bowls – Frugal Upstate
Rolled paper Christmas Tree Ornament – Her Tool Belt
How to Recycle Magazines into Jewelry Beads
Recycled Magazine Bowl – DIY Inspired
Recycled Magazine Page Nesting Bowls! – creative jewish mom
Upcycled Magazine Art – Oh My Creative
Rolled Magazine Wall Art | walnuthollowcrafts
Cool DIY Clock Of Rolled Up Magazine Sheets – Shelterness
DIY – Recycled Magazine Wreath
So if you’ve been looking for an excuse to clean out that drawer, this is it. Not only are you decluttering, but you’re also creating stunning pieces that spark conversation and bring a pop of personality to any room. It’s a total win-win.
Personally, I’ve turned some of my oldest, most faded magazine pages into colorful bowls and ornaments—and every time I walk past them, I smile knowing they were rescued from the recycling bin. Crafting with rolled magazines isn’t just fun; it’s a little reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places (even between old perfume ads and articles on how to organize your pantry).
So go ahead—grab those scissors, pour a cup of tea (or a cheeky glass of wine), and start rolling. And hey, if you make something amazing, I’d love to see it! Tag me on social or drop a comment below so we can all ooh and ahh together. Happy crafting, and remember: no magazine left behind.
As a First Nations person, I appreciate the fact that you have included books on totem poles. Totem poles do tell a story and they are considered sacred. Having participants research before working on a project like this would be important. It would be encouraged that an elder be contacted to come in and share the importance of totem poles.