Earth911 has coated craft tasks utilizing paper round your own home for a few years. Throughout our current residence waste audit collection, we discovered that paper is a big a part of the typical family waste stream. It renewed our dedication to the considerate reuse of paper, so we’ve up to date our greatest DIY paper tasks to deal with creating objects you’ll be able to actually use.
Whereas 73 p.c of Individuals have entry to curbside or drop-off paper recycling applications, we all the time love a very good do-it-yourself journey. Listed here are a few of our favourite concepts utilizing paper.
Editor’s observe: This text comprises affiliate hyperlinks that assist fund our work.
Cardboard Chair
Check your DIY expertise with the last word in cardboard reuse: furnishings. We designed and executed probably the most primary cardboard chair, and whereas even a easy design was exhausting work, it proved to be worthwhile as we discovered quite a bit. Instructables has step-by-step directions for one fashion of cardboard chair in addition to solutions for 4 different kinds of DIY cardboard chairs. And SofasandSectionals has five-step directions for a distinct fashion of chair you can also make from cardboard.
What you’ll want: cardboard, field cutter, straight edge, wooden glue, ornament supplies (markers, stickers, and many others.), string
Step #1: Collect the cardboard. You gained’t want a ton, however you will have some bigger items, akin to 4 24″ x 18″ rectangles to make your facet frames.
Step #2: Lower the assorted items wanted. We used 17 in whole. Observe: If you wish to enhance your items, do it now earlier than they’re assembled. It’s a lot simpler to attract on a flat floor than a accomplished chair.
Step #3: Assemble the items, utilizing the wooden glue as crucial. We additionally used string to assist maintain the items tightly collectively whereas they dried. We advocate at the least two hours for drying time, if no more. In a single day is finest — when you can wait that’s.
Step #4: Sit again, loosen up, and luxuriate in your exhausting work.
Taking extra time, having sharper field cutters, and perhaps extra skilled builders would have corrected a few of our points. Nevertheless, working with the cardboard itself was a little bit of a battle, which is difficult to rectify irrespective of what number of consultants you’ve gotten readily available. Ultimately, studying to just accept the issues could be the largest problem of all.
Tetra Pak Coin Purse
You might have Tetra Pak or related cartons in your kitchen, holding meals merchandise starting from juice bins to soup. Whereas this packaging is comprised of paper, the coated lining that makes it waterproof typically makes it exhausting to recycle as properly. However the nice half about this materials is that it makes for a sturdy materials for craft tasks. Our favourite discover was a small coin purse from Esprit Cabane. There’s a detailed instruction information for this venture at Instructables.
What you’ll want: A colourful Tetra Pak bundle (don’t fear about textual content or branding because the folding will make it unreadable), field cutter, staples or tape, self-adhesive Velcro, ornament supplies (buttons, beads, and many others.)
Step #1: Rinse out the carton, unfold corners, and flatten to dry.
Step #2: Lower off the highest and backside parts of carton utilizing a field cutter.
Step #3: Fold the carton in half and lower off one-third of considered one of “half sides” to make the flap.
Step #4: Refold the carton into three sections. Staple or tape the within edges to make the pockets.
Step #5: Add two items of self-adhesive Velcro to shut the purse. Keep in mind to permit for coin thickness. For a person contact, adorn with a bead or button.
Journal Bowl
The intricacy of this venture speaks for itself. This venture is time-consuming, however we predict the end result is attractive. It’s the proper speaking piece for any espresso desk.
Initially posted on A Little Hut by Patricia Zapata, this venture requires minimal supplies. Nevertheless, you will have an abundance of persistence. We advise you check out the pictures and directions for a visible step-by-step illustration.
What you’ll want: one journal (you in all probability gained’t use greater than half of it), glue gun
Step #1: Tear out particular person pages from the journal. Don’t fear about making them excellent. Fold every web page lengthwise in half. Then, fold each bit in half about 4 instances till you’ve gotten a strip that’s a few half-inch thick. Repeat this step for every layer.
Step #2: Add every strip to your basis piece by maintaining the folded edge outdoors of the circle and the open facet towards the within. When your base is extensive sufficient (about 5 inches throughout), begin to construct the bowl by putting every strip about one-eighth of an inch increased than the earlier row.
Step #3: Glue down every strip of paper, leaving a small piece unglued so you’ll be able to tuck it into the strip underneath it. Observe: Place every strip as rapidly and effectively as doable because the glue dries actually rapidly.
Step #4: Construct the strips up and out to make the bowl as huge as you want.
Procuring Bag Transport Envelope
As a lot as we vow to deliver our reusable luggage to the grocery retailer, generally we simply neglect when making these last-minute stops. It’s protected to say that almost all of us have each paper and plastic luggage stuffed underneath the sink or within the pantry. The unique directions have been on a EcoEtsy web page that’s now not stay.
What you’ll want: one brown paper bag, one plastic bag (used as a moisture barrier however shouldn’t be all the time wanted), stitching machine or needle and thread (stitching will make this extra sturdy throughout transport), packaging tape, and everlasting glue if stitching isn’t an optio.
Step #1: Neatly wrap the merchandise you wish to ship within the plastic bag — no want for tape — it’ll keep neatly wrapped in your completed envelope.
Step #2: Lower the paper bag on its seam and lay flat, then place your merchandise on high and begin folding. Make the envelope large enough for a bit of wiggle room plus a few half-inch on all sides for stitching. Lower away the surplus paper and fold the left and proper sides closed.
Step #3: Run a line of machine stitching down all sides or sew by hand. For these fully against stitching, it could be doable to make use of heavy-duty everlasting glue. However we haven’t examined this feature, so maintain that in thoughts when transport (particularly if the merchandise you’re transport is heavy).
Step #4: Place the merchandise within the envelope, fold the highest flap over, and sew or use packaging tape to shut.
Newspaper Seed Beginning Pots
Flip previous newspapers into biodegradable seed beginning pots that may be planted straight into the backyard. This venture is ideal for spring gardening, eliminates plastic pot waste, and the newspaper breaks down naturally in soil, feeding helpful microorganisms. HGTV, Instructables, and Backyard Betty all have glorious photograph tutorials exhibiting varied strategies for making these pots.
What you’ll want: Newspaper pages (keep away from shiny inserts), a cylindrical mildew (like a small can, jar, or shot glass about 3-4 inches tall), water (non-compulsory, for simpler folding), soil and seeds
Directions:
Step 1: Lower newspaper strips. Lower newspaper into strips roughly 8-10 inches extensive and 12-14 inches lengthy. You’ll want one strip per pot. For smaller pots, you should utilize narrower strips round a shot glass. Keep away from shiny promoting inserts as they might comprise extra chemical substances.
Step 2: Wrap the mildew. Place your cylindrical mildew horizontally at one finish of the newspaper strip, leaving about 2-3 inches of paper extending past the underside of the mildew. Roll the newspaper tightly across the mildew, overlapping by at the least 1 inch.
Step 3: Create the underside. Fold the surplus paper on the backside up and over the bottom of the mildew, creasing and overlapping the folds to create a closed backside. Press firmly to create crisp folds. Frivolously misting with water might help the paper maintain its form.
Step 4: Set the form. Slide the mildew out fastidiously, leaving the newspaper pot intact. Press the underside firmly on a flat floor to make sure it’s safe. The newspaper ought to maintain its form by itself. You’ll be able to fold the highest edge inward to create a steady rim.
Step 5: Fill and plant. Fill the pot with seed-starting combine, leaving about 1/2 inch on the high. Plant your seeds in line with bundle instructions and water gently. Place all pots on a water-proof tray.
Step 6: Plant straight in backyard. When seedlings are able to transplant, plant your entire newspaper pot straight into the bottom. Dig a gap deep sufficient to bury the pot so the rim is beneath the soil floor—uncovered newspaper might wick water away from the plant. The newspaper will decompose naturally, and roots will develop by it simply.
Advantages: Zero plastic waste, higher root growth (no transplant shock), and the newspaper provides carbon to your soil because it breaks down. You’ll be able to knock out dozens of those in lower than an hour!
Cereal Field Present Bins
Remodel empty cereal bins into charming customized reward bins. This venture is ideal year-round for birthdays, holidays, or any gift-giving event. The sturdy cardboard creates professional-looking bins that may be embellished to match any theme. Instructables, Turning the Clock Again, and Artful Journal all have detailed photograph tutorials for various field kinds.
What you’ll want: Empty cereal bins (or related sized bins), scissors or craft knife, ruler, pencil, glue stick or double-sided tape, ornamental paper (wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, or brown kraft paper), ribbon or twine, gildings (stamps, stickers, washi tape)
Directions:
Step 1: Put together the cereal field. Rigorously open the cereal field alongside its present glued seam to flatten it fully. Take away any plastic liner inside. You’ll be able to flip it inside out so the brown cardboard reveals for a cleaner look.
Step 2: Create your template. Resolve in your field dimension—small (4x4x2 inches), medium (5x5x3 inches), or customise to suit your reward. Draw your field template on the within of the cereal field utilizing a ruler. The template ought to embody an oblong base with 4 facet panels and 4 flaps for the highest closure. For an easier model, simply lower off the highest flaps and cut back the peak of the field by reducing 2-3 inches off the again panel.
Step 3: Lower and rating. Lower out your template fastidiously. Use the again of a butter knife or a bone folder to attain alongside the fold traces—this creates crisp, professional-looking creases. Fold alongside all scored traces to check the match.
Step 4: Cowl with ornamental paper. Earlier than assembling, cowl the surface (printed facet) of the cereal field with ornamental paper utilizing a glue stick or double-sided tape. You too can use washi tape in artistic patterns. Clean out any bubbles or wrinkles. Trim extra paper alongside the sides.
Step 5: Assemble the field. Fold alongside your scored traces and use glue or double-sided tape to safe the facet edges collectively, making a field form. Depart the highest flaps open for now.
Step 6: Add closure and gildings. Place your reward inside, then shut the highest flaps. You’ll be able to tuck them in, glue them down, or punch small holes and thread ribbon by to tie closed. Add last ornamental touches like stamps, stickers, reward tags, or washi tape.
Inventive concepts: Make a number of uniform bins for a coordinated reward set, create drawer-style bins with an internal sliding field, or add a small window cut-out coated with cellophane to point out the reward inside. You too can make reward luggage by reducing a deal with into the highest of the field.
Professional tip: One giant cereal field can yield 2-3 small reward bins, making this a cheap wrapping answer. These bins work particularly properly for clothes and different comfortable objects.
Have Enjoyable!
These six paper tasks supply artistic methods to cut back waste whereas creating useful, lovely objects in your residence. Every venture requires minimal funding and offers most satisfaction, proving that sustainable crafting may be each sensible and gratifying.
Whereas recycling paper is essential, reusing and repurposing a fabric reduces your influence even additional, decreasing the power and sources wanted for recycling processing. These tasks align completely with the waste hierarchy: cut back, reuse, then recycle.
Editor’s observe: Initially printed on February 22, 2010, this text was up to date with new concepts in October 2025.
