Nine New Uses for Newspapers

Nifty Newsprint
Tear it, crumple it, roll it or cut it up! Newspaper is a versatile material that can be used in many different ways with a little creativity.

1. Origami Newspaper Planter: Recycle your newspaper with an easily folded biodegradable pot, perfect for starting seeds. This newspaper planter can be set right into the ground, where it will not only protect the fragile root system of your seedling, but also decompose on its own over time. Use these simple folding instructions to create your own Origami Newspaper Pot.

2. Newspaper in the Kitchen: Keep newspaper in the kitchen as a quick fix or smart solution. Ripen tomatoes by wrapping them individually in newspaper, and then leave out on the counter for a few days. Newspaper is also a great absorber (it’s made to absorb ink after all) so try lining the bottom of your vegetable drawer to help prevent odors and make refrigerator clean-up easier. Most newspapers are now printed with soybean oil ink, so you won’t have to worry about ink transfer. As always, wash your fruits and veggies before eating.

3. Fabulous Picture Frames: Make a custom homemade gift or display your own colorful photos in stylish black and white frames by decoupaging newsprint on a plain plastic or wood frame. Measure and cut out strips to perfectly fit your picture frame or tear paper and layer it for a more organic, textured look. Paint a thin layer of glue onto the frame to attach the paper then add another layer of glue on top to seal or spray with acrylic for a super shiny finish. You can also substitute newspaper for magazines to create a rolled picture frame. Use our Recycled Magazine Frame Instructions as your guide.

4. Newspaper Bows: Strips of newspaper can be used to create beautiful recycled bows for your gift packages. They’re so easy and so pretty, people will think you bought them at a fancy specialty store. Mix in glossy newspaper inserts and color advertisements to spice things up or stick with a classic black and white print. They’re the perfect solution for times when you need a gift bow in an instant! MATERIALS
   9 strips of newspaper (for each bow)
   1 brass paper fastener (for each bow)
   Scissors

5. Fragile Fix: Whether you’re packing up gifts to be sent through the mail or storing away precious items, newspaper is a great solution. Not only does it cushion your fragile pieces it also helps absorb odors and moisture to help keep them extra safe. Crumple or shred the paper to stuff around gaps and wrap the items individually. You can also stuff balled-up newspaper inside stored or shipped items like hats or shoes to help them retain their shapes.

6. Newspaper Beads: Strips of newspaper can be rolled up and glued to make one-of-a-kind beads for bracelets, necklaces and more. Simply cut triangular strips the length of one newspaper page and roll around a pencil starting at the wide end of the paper. Or for a smaller, tighter bead, roll around a toothpick. Secure the end with a dot of glue and cover in decoupage glue using a brush for a clear, protective finish. For extra shine, spray with an acrylic sealer. Experiment with the shape of your beads by rolling some long and slender and some small and rounded.

7. Planet-friendly Paper: Make your own recycled crafts using newsprint as your pulp. Try either of our simple papermaking techniques to create your custom paper: Handmade Paper or Hand-Pressed Paper. You can even create an instant envelope using your leftover newsprint with our Easy Eclectic Envelope Template.

8. Homemade Trivia Game: Use the daily crossword puzzle to create your own trivia cards. Cut out the clues from the crossword section and glue to one side of an index card, and then add the answer below it. In many newspapers the crosswords increase in difficulty as the week goes on, so you’ll have a collection of cards that vary in skill level. Pull them out for impromptu fun next time your family is hanging out after dinner or use as a party game.

9. Coiled Newspaper Trivets: Protect your table and the environment with a handy newspaper trivet made from strips of newspaper rolled, then coiled, then glued together. Use our helpful, printable instructions for Coiled Newspaper Trivets to create your very own for use in your own home or as a homemade gift.