25 Craft Ideas from Newspaper

Are you looking for a fun and eco-friendly way to get crafty? Look no further than your daily newspaper! With just a few simple steps, you can transform old newspapers into beautiful and unique creations that are sure to impress. From paper mache bowls to woven baskets, there’s no limit to the creative possibilities.

One of the best things about crafting with newspaper is that it’s incredibly affordable and accessible. You probably already have all the supplies you need – scissors, glue, and of course, plenty of old newspapers! Plus, by making use of something that would otherwise go to waste, you’re doing your part for the environment. So why not give it a try? Whether you’re an experienced crafter or just getting started, these craft ideas from newspaper are sure to inspire your creativity.

Paper Mache Bowls

You can easily make beautiful paper mache bowls by dipping strips of newspaper into a mixture of glue and water, molding them onto a bowl form, and letting them dry completely. It’s a fun and inexpensive way to create unique home decor or even gifts for friends and family.

To begin, gather your supplies: newspaper strips, a bowl form (you can use any size or shape), white glue, water, and a paintbrush. Mix equal parts of glue and water in a bowl to create the paste. Then dip each strip of newspaper into the paste, making sure it is fully coated.

Next, start layering the strips onto the bowl form. Overlap each strip slightly to ensure full coverage. Smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles as you go along. Keep adding layers until you reach your desired thickness.

Let the bowl dry completely before removing it from the form. This may take several hours or overnight depending on how thick your layers are. Once it’s dry, you can paint or decorate it however you like! These paper mache bowls are durable enough to hold small items like keys or jewelry but also make great decorative pieces on their own.

Newspaper Flowers

Transform your old newspapers into beautiful blooms with this easy and creative technique using just a few simple materials. Newspaper flowers are a great way to add some color and personality to your home decor without spending too much money. Plus, they’re eco-friendly since you’re repurposing old paper instead of buying new decorations.

To make newspaper flowers, you’ll need some newspapers, scissors, twine or wire, and glue. Cut out several circles from the newspapers in varying sizes – these will be the petals of your flower. Then fold each circle in half twice to create creases that will give the petals their shape. Use glue to attach the petals together one by one until you have a full flower.

You can make different types of flowers by varying the number and size of petals, or by adding leaves made from green paper. Once you’ve created enough flowers for your liking, tie them onto a long piece of twine or wire to create a garland or use them as standalone decorations around your home. With just a little bit of effort and creativity, you can turn something as mundane as old newspaper into something beautiful and unique!

Woven Baskets

Get ready to add some rustic charm to your home decor with these easy-to-make woven baskets. All you need is newspaper, glue, and some basic weaving skills. Start by tearing the newspaper into strips of equal width and length. Then, fold each strip in half and twist it tightly to make a sturdy cord.

Next, take two cords and overlap them at a right angle, creating a cross shape. Weave another cord under the first two cords and over the third one. Repeat this pattern until you have completed the base of your basket. Once you have finished the base, start weaving up the sides by adding more cords and alternating between weaving over and under.

When your basket has reached your desired height, trim off any excess cords and tuck them neatly into the weave. You can leave your basket as is or paint it in any color to match your decor theme. These woven baskets are perfect for storing small items such as keys or jewelry or for displaying decorative items like potpourri or faux flowers.

Newspaper Wall Art

Adding a touch of vintage charm to your living space is easy with this DIY newspaper wall art. Not only is it an eco-friendly way to repurpose old newspapers, but it’s also a fun and creative project that you can do with your family or friends. With just a few basic materials, you can create beautiful and unique pieces of art that will add personality and character to any room.

To create your own newspaper wall art, start by selecting the newspapers you want to use. Look for papers with interesting headlines or photos that catch your eye. Then, cut out the pieces you want to use and arrange them on a blank canvas or piece of cardboard. You can play around with different layouts until you find one that looks good.

Once you have your layout, glue the newspaper pieces onto the canvas using Mod Podge or any other decoupage glue. Be sure to smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles as you go along. Once everything is dry, you can add some finishing touches like paint or glitter if desired. Hang up your new creation on the wall and enjoy!

Homemade Paper

To make your own homemade paper, all you need are a few simple materials and some patience. First of all, gather together some old newspapers, scrap paper or tissue paper. Tear these into small pieces and place them in a large bowl. Then boil some water in a pot and pour it over the torn paper. Let this sit for an hour or so until the paper has softened.

Next, use a blender to blend the mixture until it is smooth and pulpy. Add any additional materials at this point such as food coloring or flower petals to give your paper its own unique look. Once blended, pour the mixture onto a flat surface covered with plastic wrap or waxed paper. Use a rolling pin to smooth out any bubbles or lumps.

Let the mixture dry completely before carefully peeling it off of the surface. You can then cut your homemade paper into any shape you like and use it for various crafts such as card-making or scrapbooking. Making your own homemade paper is not only an eco-friendly alternative to buying new paper but also allows for creativity and personalization in your craft projects!

Recycled Newspaper Pencils

Now that you’ve learned how to make your own homemade paper from newspaper, why not take it one step further and create recycled newspaper pencils? This is a fun and easy DIY project that will not only help reduce waste, but also give you a unique writing tool.

To start, gather some old newspapers and cut them into long strips. Roll the strips tightly around a pencil or dowel rod, making sure to overlap the edges as you go. Once you have reached the desired thickness, secure the end with glue or tape and let it dry completely.

Next, remove the rolled-up newspaper from the pencil or dowel rod and sharpen one end with a pencil sharpener. You can also add an eraser to the other end by gluing on a small piece of foam or rubber.

Not only are these recycled newspaper pencils eco-friendly, but they also make great gifts for friends and family. So next time you’re looking for a creative way to repurpose old newspapers, give this craft idea a try!

Newspaper Gift Bags

Looking for a unique and eco-friendly way to wrap your gifts? Try making gift bags out of old newspapers! Not only is this a creative way to reuse old newspapers, but it also adds a personal touch to your gift-giving. Here’s how you can make your own newspaper gift bags:

  1. Choose the right page: Pick out pages from newspapers that have interesting headlines or graphics that would look great as a gift bag.
  2. Fold and glue: Start by folding the newspaper in half lengthwise, then fold the bottom up about 3-4 inches and crease it well. Next, fold both sides towards the center line, leaving about an inch of space in between them. Apply some glue along the edge of one side and press it firmly onto the other side.
  3. Add handles: Use strips of ribbon or twine to make handles for your gift bag. Punch two holes on either side of the bag near the top and knot each end of your ribbon through each hole.

With just a few simple steps, you can turn old newspapers into stylish gift bags that are perfect for any occasion! So next time you have a present to give, consider making one yourself using this fun and sustainable craft idea!

Newspaper Coasters

You can easily create stylish and functional coasters from old newspapers using just a few simple steps! First, gather your materials. You’ll need newspaper pages, scissors, glue, a ruler, and a pen or pencil.

Next, cut out squares of newspaper that are approximately 4 inches by 4 inches in size. You can use the ruler to measure and mark the squares before cutting them out. Once you have enough squares for the number of coasters you want to make (usually four), stack them on top of each other.

Then, take your glue and spread it evenly over one side of the stack of newspaper squares. Place another stack of four newspaper squares on top of the glued side and press down firmly. Repeat this process until you have layered enough stacks to form a coaster that is about 1/2 inch thick. Finally, let the coaster dry completely before using it to protect your furniture from water rings!

Origami Newspaper Animals

Transforming old newspapers into adorable origami animals is a fantastic way to breathe new life into your recycling bin and impress your friends with your creativity. Origami, an ancient Japanese art form, involves folding paper into various shapes without using scissors or glue. With just a few folds and creases, you can create intricate creatures like swans, rabbits, elephants, and more.

To make an origami animal, all you need is a newspaper sheet and some patience. First, fold the newspaper in half diagonally to create a triangle shape. Then fold the bottom corner up to the top point of the triangle and repeat on the other side. Next, fold both sides inward towards the center crease to create a diamond shape. Finally, follow instructions specific to each animal to complete the creation!

Not only are origami animals aesthetically pleasing decorations for any room but they also provide a fun activity for children or adults alike. They can be used as party favors or given as gifts once completed. Plus, it’s always satisfying to take something old that would otherwise be thrown away and turn it into something beautiful and functional!

Newspaper Beads

Making jewelry out of old newspapers is a unique and eco-friendly way to accessorize any outfit. With just a few simple steps, you can create beautiful and stylish newspaper beads that are perfect for necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Here’s how to get started:

  • Cut strips of newspaper about 1 inch wide and 10 inches long.
  • Apply a thin layer of white glue along one end of the strip.
  • Take a toothpick or skewer and wrap the paper tightly around it, starting at the glued end.
  • Keep rolling until you reach the other end of the strip. Add more glue as needed to keep it in place.
  • Slide the bead off the toothpick or skewer and let it dry completely.

Once your beads are dry, you can string them together with other beads or attach them to earring hooks for a unique piece of jewelry. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and patterns by using different sections of the newspaper. This craft is not only fun but also helps reduce waste by repurposing old newspapers into something new and beautiful.

In addition to making jewelry for yourself, these newspaper beads also make great gifts for friends and family. You can even turn this craft into an activity by hosting a jewelry-making party where everyone can create their own unique pieces using recycled materials. So next time you have some old newspapers lying around, don’t throw them away – turn them into gorgeous accessories instead!

Newspaper Bookmarks

To create a unique page marker, fold a strip of newspaper and glue the ends together to make a loop. Then, cut another strip of newspaper to the desired length and width for your bookmark. You can choose to decorate the bookmark with markers, stickers or even paint.

Once you have decorated your bookmark, use glue to attach it to the looped strip of newspaper. Allow the glue to dry completely before using your new creation as an adorable and functional bookmark in your favorite book.

Not only are these bookmarks eco-friendly since they are made from recycled materials, but they also make great gifts for any book lover in your life. So next time you finish reading a newspaper, don’t throw it away – turn it into something useful and fun!

Newspaper Hats

Now that you’ve made some cool newspaper bookmarks, it’s time to step up your game and try making newspaper hats! This craft is perfect for those sunny days when you need a little extra protection from the sun. Plus, it’s a fun way to recycle old newspapers and turn them into something useful.

To make a newspaper hat, all you need is a few sheets of newspaper, scissors, tape or glue, and some creativity! Start by folding one sheet of newspaper in half horizontally. Then fold the corners down towards the center crease to create a triangle shape. Fold this triangle in half vertically so that the pointed end is at the top.

Next, fold the bottom edge of the triangle up towards the top point to create a brim for your hat. Use tape or glue to secure it in place. Finally, cut two small slits on each side of your hat near the bottom edge and thread through some string or ribbon to tie under your chin.

With just a little bit of effort and some simple materials found around your house, you can make an awesome newspaper hat that will protect you from harmful UV rays while looking stylish at the same time! So why not give it a try? Your head (and fashion sense) will thank you!

Newspaper Collage Art

You might be surprised at the stunning artwork you can create with just a pile of old newspapers and some glue. One craft idea is to make newspaper collage art. This involves tearing or cutting pieces of newspaper into different shapes and sizes, then arranging them on a piece of paper or canvas to create a unique design.

To start, gather some old newspapers and tear or cut out interesting images or patterns. You could focus on a particular theme, such as nature, animals, or abstract shapes. Once you have a good assortment of pieces, begin arranging them on your chosen surface. Play around with different compositions until you find one that you like.

Once you’re happy with the arrangement, use glue to secure each piece in place. You may want to layer pieces on top of each other for added texture and depth. When your collage is complete, let it dry thoroughly before displaying it in a frame or hanging it on the wall. With this simple technique, you can turn old newspapers into beautiful works of art!

Newspaper Jewelry

Are you looking for a creative way to repurpose old newspapers? Consider making unique and stylish jewelry pieces using this versatile material! Newspaper jewelry is not only eco-friendly, but also affordable and easy to make. All you need are some basic supplies such as newspaper, glue, scissors, and jewelry findings.

To make newspaper beads, start by cutting long strips of newspaper about 1 inch wide. Then roll each strip tightly around a thin skewer or toothpick until it forms a bead shape. Secure the end with glue and let dry. You can paint the beads with acrylic paint or leave them natural for a more rustic look. String them together with other beads or use them to create your own statement necklace or bracelet.

Another fun idea is to make paper quilled earrings using strips of newspaper. First, cut thin strips of newspaper and roll them into tight circles using a quilling tool or toothpick. Glue the end in place and then shape the coils into different designs such as teardrops or spirals. Add earring hooks to complete the look! With these ideas, you’ll have unique pieces of jewelry that will definitely turn heads!

Paper Lanterns

Let’s create a cozy atmosphere by making some beautiful paper lanterns using just a few simple materials. These lanterns are perfect for adding a warm and inviting touch to any room in your home. Plus, they’re super easy to make!

To get started, you’ll need some newspapers, scissors, glue, and twine or string. First, cut out strips of newspaper that are about 2 inches wide. Then, glue the ends of each strip together to form a loop. Continue making loops until you have enough to cover your desired size of lantern.

Next, take two loops and glue them together at one end. Repeat this step with all of your loops until you have created a chain of connected loops. Once you have your chain complete, attach the ends together to form a circle.

Tie a piece of twine or string around the top of the lantern so that it can be hung up. You can also add some decoration by painting your lantern or attaching some ribbon or other embellishments.

  • Make sure to use enough newspaper strips to create a full and sturdy lantern
  • Experiment with different sizes and shapes for unique designs
  • Use battery-operated tea lights inside the lantern instead of real flames for safety reasons
  • Try using colored tissue paper instead of newspaper for more colorful options
  • Hang multiple lanterns at varying heights for an eye-catching display

In no time at all, you’ll have created some lovely paper lanterns that will bring warmth and charm into any space!

Newspaper Picture Frames

Transform your old newspapers into unique and stylish picture frames with just a few simple steps. Not only is this a great way to repurpose old newspapers, but it also makes for a fun DIY project that you can do with family and friends. Here’s how to create your own newspaper picture frames.

First, gather your materials: old newspapers, scissors, glue or tape, cardboard or cardstock paper, and a photo you want to frame. Cut out two pieces of cardboard or cardstock paper in the same size as the photo you want to frame. Then cut long strips of newspaper about 1 inch wide.

Next, take one piece of cardboard and place it on top of the other. Glue or tape the edges together so they form an “L”shape. Begin wrapping the long strips of newspaper around the edge of the cardboard until it is completely covered. Continue doing this until both sides are covered in newspaper strips. Finally, glue or tape your photo onto one side of the frame.

Lastly, add some finishing touches by gluing on any additional decorations such as buttons or ribbons that you may have lying around at home. And there you have it – a unique and eco-friendly way to display your favorite memories! Get creative with different colored papers or patterns from different sections of newspapers to make each frame truly one-of-a-kind!

Newspaper Puppets

You can easily turn your old newspapers into fun and interactive puppets with just a few simple steps. All you need is some newspaper, scissors, glue, and markers to get started. First, choose the type of puppet you want to make – it could be an animal, person or even an imaginary creature.

Next, cut out the basic shape of your puppet from the newspaper. You can create arms and legs by cutting strips of newspaper and attaching them to the body with glue or tape. Use your markers to draw on features such as eyes, mouth or nose – this is where you can really let your creativity shine!

Add some finishing touches by dressing up your puppet with accessories like hats or scarves made from scraps of paper or fabric. Then put on a show – you could create a mini-theatre using cardboard boxes or simply use your hands to move the puppets around. Newspaper puppets are not only fun to make but also encourage imaginative play and storytelling for people of all ages!

Newspaper Weaving

Congratulations on making those amazing newspaper puppets! Now, let’s move on to another fun and creative craft idea: newspaper weaving. This is a great way to recycle old newspapers and create something new and beautiful out of them.

To start, you will need some newspapers, scissors, glue or tape, and a cardboard base. Cut the newspaper into long strips about 1 inch wide. Take two strips and weave them together by placing one strip over the other, then under the next one, over the next one, and so on. Once you reach the end of the two strips, glue or tape them down onto your cardboard base.

Continue this process with more strips until you have created a woven mat or basket that is as big as you want it to be. You can also experiment with different colors of newspaper or even paint over your finished project for added flair.

Newspaper weaving is not only a fun activity but also helps develop fine motor skills and creativity in children. It’s also an inexpensive way to make unique home decor items such as coasters or placemats. So go ahead and give it a try – who knows what amazing things you’ll come up with!

Newspaper Christmas Decorations

Get into the holiday spirit by making some festive Christmas decorations using old newspapers and a few other supplies! With just a little bit of creativity, you can turn plain newspaper into beautiful ornaments that will add charm to your home this season. One easy idea is to make paper snowflakes. Simply fold a piece of newspaper in half several times, cut out shapes with scissors, and unfold to reveal your unique creation.

Another fun project is to make a newspaper wreath. Cut strips of newspaper and roll them up tightly, securing the ends with glue or tape. Then, shape the rolls into a circle and glue them together until you have a full wreath shape. Decorate your wreath with ribbons, bows or even mini ornaments for an extra special touch.

Try making some homemade Christmas crackers using old newspapers as wrapping paper. Fill each cracker with small gifts like candy or trinkets before wrapping them up and tying off the ends with ribbon or twine. These crackers also make great party favors for holiday gatherings and are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces!

Newspaper Wreaths

Transforming plain paper into a beautiful wreath can be a fun and easy project for adding some holiday charm to your home this season. With just a few supplies, you can create a unique and eco-friendly decoration that will impress your guests.

To make a newspaper wreath, start by cutting strips of newspaper and rolling them tightly into tubes. Use hot glue to secure the end of each tube, then begin layering and gluing them in a circular pattern onto a cardboard or foam wreath form. You can add some color by painting the tubes with metallic or glitter spray paint.

Once your wreath is complete, you can embellish it with bows, ornaments, or even small pinecones. Hang it on your front door or above your fireplace for an eye-catching display that won’t break the bank. So why not give this DIY project a try and see how creative you can get?

Newspaper Party Decorations

You can easily add some charm to your next party by creating festive decorations using just old newspapers and a few basic supplies. Here are some craft ideas that you can try out:

  1. Newspaper Pom-Poms: Cut strips of newspaper and fold them accordion-style. Tie a string around the middle of the folded strip and fan out the ends to create a pom-pom shape. This makes for a great hanging decoration or centerpiece.
  2. Paper Mache Bowls: Use strips of newspaper dipped in glue to create small bowls or containers for snacks or party favors. Once dry, paint them in bright colors or cover with glitter for added pizzazz.
  3. Paper Lanterns: Cut long strips of newspaper and fold them into an accordion shape. Staple one end together and spread out the other end to form a circle, then staple that end together as well. Add a handle made from yarn or ribbon, and insert an LED tea light inside for an easy DIY lantern that will add ambiance to any party setting.

With these simple craft ideas, you can transform old newspapers into something new and exciting that will impress your guests at your next get-together!

Newspaper Garlands

To elevate the atmosphere at your next event, consider making charming garlands from old newspapers using simple techniques. Newspaper garlands are a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to add an interesting touch to any party or room decor. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized in countless ways.

To make newspaper garlands, begin by cutting strips of newspaper into long triangles or rectangles. Then, fold each strip accordion-style and tie a string around the center. Once you have several folded strips tied with string, fan them out on either side of the string to create a “pom-pom”effect. You can also paint or decorate the newspaper strips before folding them for added flair.

Once you’ve created several pom-poms, string them together with twine or ribbon to create your garland. You can vary the colors and sizes of the pom-poms for added interest, or even mix in other types of decorations like tissue paper flowers or beads. Hang your finished garland along walls or across doorways for a festive touch that’s sure to impress your guests!

Newspaper Table Runners

If you’re looking for a unique and budget-friendly way to dress up your table, try using newspaper as a table runner. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it also adds an interesting texture to your tablescape. Here are some tips on how to make the most out of this crafty idea:

  1. Choose the right newspaper – Look for newspapers with interesting headlines or designs that would complement your theme or color scheme.
  2. Cut and layer – Cut strips of newspaper that are about 2-3 inches wide and layer them on top of each other until you reach the desired length of your table runner.
  3. Seal it in – Place a sheet of wax paper over the top layer and iron it on low heat to seal the layers together.
  4. Add finishing touches – To add more flair, you can paint over some parts of the newspaper or use stencils to create patterns.

Using newspaper as a table runner may sound unconventional, but with these simple steps, you can transform something ordinary into something extraordinary. Give it a try and impress your guests with this one-of-a-kind decor!

Newspaper Mobiles

Get ready to create a unique and eye-catching decoration for your home with newspaper mobiles! These DIY crafts are perfect for those looking to add some personality to their living space without breaking the bank. With just a few simple materials, you can turn old newspapers into beautiful hanging mobiles that will impress your guests.

To start, gather your materials. You’ll need several sheets of newspaper, scissors, string or fishing line, and any additional decorations you might want to add (such as beads or feathers). Begin by cutting out various shapes from the newspaper – triangles, circles, squares – whatever strikes your fancy. Then punch a small hole in each shape and tie a length of string through it.

Next comes the fun part: assembling the mobile! Tie one end of the string to a central point (like a hoop or stick), and then attach the other ends of each string to create a balanced design. You can adjust the lengths of the strings or add more shapes until you achieve your desired look. Hang it up in front of a window or near an air vent for maximum movement and visual interest. Voila – you’ve created an eco-friendly decoration that’s sure to turn heads!

Newspaper Pinatas

You’ll have a blast creating newspaper pinatas for your next party! These colorful paper mache creations are perfect for any celebration. Here are four easy steps to make your own:

  1. Gather your materials: You will need newspapers, flour and water mixture, scissors, balloons, and string.
  2. Inflate the balloon to the desired size of your pinata. Cut strips of newspaper about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.
  3. Dip each strip into the flour and water mixture, then place it onto the balloon, completely covering it with a layer of paper mache. Repeat until you have several layers.
  4. When the paper mache has dried completely, use scissors to cut a small hole at the top of the balloon and carefully deflate it. Fill with candy or other treats before closing up the hole with more paper mache strips.

With these simple steps, you can create a fun and unique party decoration that is also functional! Your guests will love taking turns hitting the pinata until it bursts open with goodies inside. So, gather some friends and get creative with your newspaper pinatas today!