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Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

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Making Popsicle Stick Playing Cards – Surprisingly Fun and Totally Charming!

May 15, 2025 by Shellie Wilson

Okay, I’ll be honest — when I first saw the Popsicle Stick Playing Cards project floating around on Instructables, I wasn’t entirely sold. Popsicle sticks and playing cards? Sounds like a summer camp throwback, right? But curiosity got the best of me (as it usually does with anything slightly crafty and slightly quirky), and I decided to give it a whirl.

And let me just say: I loved this project way more than I expected to.

At its core, this DIY is super simple. You’re basically fusing old playing cards with humble craft sticks to create chunky, tactile “cards” that are durable enough for little hands — or just to enjoy as a cool novelty set. The end result? A full deck that feels a little bit rustic, a little bit retro, and totally unique.

What I really appreciated about this project was how accessible it was. You don’t need anything fancy to get started — just some basic glue, scissors, popsicle sticks (standard size worked fine for me), and of course, a deck of cards that’s either past its prime or missing a few members. We all have one of those lying around somewhere, right?

I ended up using an old UNO deck that was looking pretty rough around the edges, and it turned out great. The cards stick well to the wood, and once everything’s dry, you get these sturdy, chunky pieces that have such a fun hand-feel. It almost reminds me of vintage tile games or big wooden dominoes.

This would be such a great project for kids — whether it’s as a rainy-day craft, a classroom activity, or even as part of a DIY learning game (think memory matching or number recognition). I can see this also being a hit with older adults or people who need cards with a little more grip or visual clarity.

Plus, if you’re a DIY gift-giver like I am, imagine pairing these with a handmade fabric pouch or wooden box for a personalized twist. It would make a really thoughtful and low-cost present for a game lover or nostalgic friend.

Now, one tiny tip: make sure to let everything dry completely before stacking or using them. I rushed a bit on my first batch and ended up with a few cards stuck together. A bit of sanding or sealing would probably help prevent that too, especially if you want them to last.

Overall, this craft hit all the right notes — easy, upcycled, fun, and surprisingly satisfying to hold in your hands when they’re done. It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into something old, and I honestly can’t wait to make a few themed sets as gifts.

So if you’re on the fence, give it a try. It’s playful, it’s practical, and hey, it might just be your new favorite weekend project.

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Have you read?

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

Magazine Bowls

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

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

How to Recycle Magazines into Jewelry Beads

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.

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