Earth911 has been documenting creative paper projects you can make from everyday materials at home for years. In our recent home waste audit series, we discovered that paper comprises a significant portion of household waste. This revelation re-energized our dedication to recycling paper, leading us to refresh our list of practical DIY paper projects.
Despite the fact that 73 percent of Americans enjoy access to curbside or drop-off paper recycling services, we continually find joy in embarking on do-it-yourself adventures. Below are some of our favorite paper crafting ideas.
Editor’s note: This article features affiliate links that assist in funding our efforts.
Cardboard Chair
Test your DIY capabilities by crafting furniture from cardboard. We developed the simplest form of a cardboard chair, which, while challenging, proved rewarding as we gained valuable insights in the process. For detailed instructions on crafting one type of cardboard chair, check out Instructables. They also offer ideas for four other cardboard chair designs. Alternatively, SofasandSectionals presents a five-step guide for a different cardboard chair style.
What you’ll need: cardboard, box cutter, straight edge, wood glue, crafting materials (markers, stickers, etc.), string.
Step #1: Collect cardboard. A few larger pieces will suffice, including four rectangles measuring 24” x 18” for the side frames.
Step #2: Cut the required pieces; we used 17 in total. Note: Decorate the pieces before assembly—it’s easier to color on flat surfaces!
Step #3: Assemble the fragments, utilizing wood glue as needed. We used string to secure everything while the glue dried. Allow at least two hours for drying, but overnight is preferable.
Step #4: Sit back, relax, and revel in your creation.
Ample time, sharper box cutters, and possibly more experienced makers could have solved some of our initial issues. However, working with cardboard posed its own challenges. Ultimately, learning to embrace imperfections might be the most significant lesson.
Tetra Pak Coin Purse
Chances are, you have some Tetra Pak or similar cartons in your kitchen, containing everything from juice to soup. While these packages are paper-based, their waterproof linings often hinder recycling. Yet, the durability of this material makes it an excellent candidate for crafting. Our top find? A stylish coin purse, instructions for which can be found at Instructables.
What you’ll need: A colorful Tetra Pak carton (branding and text will become unreadable once folded), box cutter, tape or staples, self-adhesive Velcro, and crafting materials (buttons, beads, etc.).
Step #1: Clean out the carton, unfold corners, and let it dry.
Step #2: Cut off the top and bottom of the carton using a box cutter.
Step #3: Fold the carton in half and cut a flap from one side.
Step #4: Refold it into three sections and staple or tape the inner edges to form pockets.
Step #5: Attach two pieces of Velcro for closure, allowing for some thickness for coins. Personalize it with decorative elements like buttons or beads.
Magazine Bowl
This project’s detail speaks for itself. While time-consuming, the result is stunning—a perfect conversation starter for your coffee table.
Originally featured on A Little Hut by Patricia Zapata, the project requires few materials but plenty of patience. Visit Cut Out + Keep for photos and a step-by-step guide.
What you’ll need: One magazine (you’ll likely use just half), glue gun.
Step #1: Tear out magazine pages and fold them in half multiple times until each strip measures about half an inch thick.
Step #2: Attach each strip to your foundational piece, keeping the folded edge on the outside and the open side inward. When the base is 5 inches wide, start building the sides.
Step #3: Secure each strip with glue, leaving some space unglued for tucking your next strip in. Working quickly is essential as the glue dries fast.
Step #4: Continue building your bowl to your desired size.
Shopping Bag Shipping Envelope
Although we strive to use reusable bags, there are times when we forget them. Many have paper and plastic bags accumulating under the sink or in the pantry. This method was originally outlined on a now-deleted EcoEtsy page.
What you’ll need: One brown paper bag, one plastic bag (optional), sewing machine, or needle and thread (sewing enhances durability), packaging tape, and permanent glue if needed.
Step #1: Wrap your item in the plastic bag for neatness—it will stay in place in the envelope.
Step #2: Cut open the paper bag seam and lay it flat; fold your item accordingly, leaving room for stitching.
Step #3: Stitch both sides or use glue for those avoiding sewing.
Step #4: Insert your item, fold the top flap over, and close it with stitching or tape.
Newspaper Seed Starting Pots
Transform old newspapers into biodegradable seed pots that can directly go into the garden. This is perfect for spring planting, minimizes plastic waste, and nourishes soil microorganisms as it decomposes. Excellent tutorials can be found at HGTV, Instructables, and Garden Betty.
What you’ll need: Newspaper (avoid glossy pages), a mold (like a can or jar), soil, and seeds.
Instructions:
Step 1: Cut strips of newspaper approximately 8-10 inches wide and 12-14 inches long—one strip per pot.
Step 2: Position the mold horizontally on one end of the newspaper and tightly roll the paper around it, allowing 2-3 inches to hang over for the pot’s base.
Step 3: Fold the excess paper over the bottom of the mold, creasing the folds well.
Step 4: Remove the mold, press down the bottom, and adjust the top edge, if desired.
Step 5: Fill with seed-starting mix, plant your seeds, and water gently. Set on a waterproof tray.
Step 6: When ready, plant the entire pot into the soil, ensuring the rim is below the surface.
Benefits: Zero plastic waste, improved root growth, and nutrient addition to the soil—all while you can create several pots in under an hour!
Cereal Box Gift Boxes
Turn empty cereal boxes into delightful custom gift boxes perfect for any occasion. These sturdy containers can be tailored to fit any theme and are surprisingly simple to make. For detailed photo guides, see Instructables, Turning the Clock Back, and Crafty Journal.
What you’ll need: Empty cereal boxes, scissors or a craft knife, ruler, pencil, glue stick or double-sided tape, decorative paper, ribbon or twine, and embellishments.
Instructions:
Step 1: Open the cereal box, flatten it, and remove any plastic lining. Turn it inside out for a cleaner look.
Step 2: Determine your box size and draw your template on the inside, including a rectangular base and side panels.
Step 3: Cut and score along your template lines for clean, professional edges.
Step 4: Cover the outer side with decorative paper, smoothing out any bubbles.
Step 5: Assemble the box structure, securing with glue or tape.
Step 6: Place your gift inside, close the flaps, and finish with decorative touches.
Creative ideas: Craft uniform boxes for a coordinated set or add a window cut-out for a peek at the gift inside.
Pro tip: One large box can create 2-3 smaller boxes, making these an economical wrapping choice for soft items.
Enjoy Crafting!
These six paper crafting projects present enjoyable ways to lessen waste while creating useful and beautiful items for your space. Each project is low-cost, high-yield, showing that sustainability can be both practical and fun.
While it’s vital to recycle paper, reusing and repurposing it has an even lower environmental impact, conserving energy and resources needed for recycling processes. These endeavors align perfectly with the waste hierarchy: reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Editor’s note: First published on February 22, 2010, this article was refreshed with new content in October 2025.
