When magazines have been read and are headed for the recycling bin, consider saving a few. They are great for crafts of many different kinds. From unique paper works of art to eye-catching mosaics, they have uses that go far beyond reading. Use these ideas for crafts with magazines, and come up with all sorts of cleverly creative items to give as gifts, to sell and much, much more. They are ideal for kids, adults and seniors.
Paper Bead Crafts
Paper beads are fun and incredibly easy to make, and the results are nothing short of extraordinary. When finished they do not look like paper at all. In fact, they look like high-quality pieces that can be used to make many different types of jewelry. This is one of the best crafts with magazines since kids and adults alike can have fun making all sorts of beautiful beads.
To make paper bead crafts with magazines you will need squares anywhere from one-quarter of an inch in diameter to one inch. The larger the squares, the larger the beads turn out. You will also need clear-drying glue especially for crafts, Modge Podge, a brush for latex crafts and toothpicks.
Begin by coating one side of a square with a thin amount of clear-drying glue for crafts. While the glue is still wet, tightly roll the first square around a toothpick beginning at a corner. Be careful not to allow the glue to seep beyond the edges of the paper. Carefully move each finished bead back and forth along the toothpick to prevent it from sticking. If necessary, use a damp rag to wipe away any excess glue.
Allow the beads made with paper from magazines to dry in a location where they will remain undisturbed. Once they dry completely, coat the beads using Modge Podge. After the clear coating dries, remove them from the toothpicks and make necklaces, bracelets and more. No one will guess they were made from magazines.
Mosaic Crafts with Magazines
Beautiful eye-catching pictures can be made with clippings from magazines. Cut pre-selected areas into one-inch squares, and separate the squares according to color. Wrap each square around the eraser end of a pencil to create a flat end, and apply a little clear-drying glue before applying it to poster board. If desired, draw outlines first, and fill in the outlines to create colorful pictures and designs. Black and white detailed sections of magazines can be made using areas with text. Many more creative options exist. Experiment with clippings from magazines to create unique works of art. From a distance they can look very detailed and highly impressive.
Make Beautiful Paper Bowls
Magazines can be used to create beautiful paper bowls, and they can be used to decorate a home, as unique handmade gifts and more. The article entitled Make a Recycled Magazine Bowl provides step-by-step details on how to do this. Y!CN Contributor, Tricia Goss makes the process seem very easy, and the finished product is highly impressive. These simple crafts look like stunning works of art, and they all began with pages and pieces from ordinary magazines.