Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

How to make your own alcohol inks

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Have you ever found yourself frustrated when your favorite markers run out of ink? It can be disappointing to toss them away, especially if they have unique colors that you can’t find in any other set. However, instead of throwing them out, you can recycle your dried up markers into usable ink again. This not only saves money but also helps reduce waste in the environment.

There are many tutorials available on how to recycle dried up markers, but one that stands out is the technique of cutting open the interior foam part. This tutorial is a great way to repurpose your markers and create alcohol ink that you can use for a variety of art projects. The technique involves disassembling the marker and extracting the ink-soaked foam from the interior, which is then mixed with rubbing alcohol to create a vibrant and versatile ink.

This technique is especially useful for markers with unique or interesting colors that you can’t find in traditional ink sets. It’s a great way to customize your ink and make it truly one-of-a-kind. If you’re interested in trying out this technique, be sure to check out the tutorial on the blog Dream a Little Bigger. The tutorial is easy to follow and provides step-by-step instructions for creating your own alcohol ink from recycled markers.

In conclusion, recycling dried up markers into usable ink is a great way to save money and reduce waste. By cutting open the interior foam part of the marker, you can extract the ink and mix it with rubbing alcohol to create a versatile and vibrant ink. This technique is a great way to repurpose your markers and create custom ink colors that you can’t find anywhere else. Be sure to check out the tutorial on Dream a Little Bigger and give this technique a try for your next art project.

Pop on over to the blog Dream a Little Bigger for the tutorial on how to make your own alcohol ink.

Love working with recycled items? Check out this amazing recycled Crafts book.

 

 

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35 Rolled Magazine Crafts -You’ll Never Throw Away a Magazine Again

rolled magazine crafts title

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

How to Make Magazine Rolls

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Face With Recycled Paper Cylinders : 7 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables

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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

Paper Bead Bracelet

Rolled Paper Candle Holder : 4 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables

DIY Crafted Paper Basket: Made From Waste

Rolled Magazine Leaves

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

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Recycled Magazine Bowl – DIY Inspired

Recycled Magazine Page Nesting Bowls! – creative jewish mom

DIY: Recycled Magazine Bowl

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.