9 Simple Crafts You Can Make With Yesterday’s Newspaper

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The rustle of newspaper pages and the inky smudges on your fingertips are little details that feel almost forgotten in today’s digital world. With most of us scrolling headlines on phones instead of flipping through print, newspapers don’t land on the doorstep like they used to. But if you’ve still got a Sunday edition lying around or a pile of old papers stashed away, think twice before tossing them.

Newspapers can be so much more than a recycling bin filler. Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Decoupage Paper Mache Teacups

Make cute vintage paper mache teacups just using a plastic Coke bottle and newspaper. Decorate them with floral paper napkins and decoupage.

Get the Recipe: How To Make Decoupage Paper Mache Teacups

2. Newspaper Flowers

Learn how to make paper flowers with newspapers. These newspaper flowers are simple but effective. Make them in color or as roses!

Get the Recipe: Easy Newspaper Flowers Diy

3. Giant Paper Mache Cactus

If a real giant cactus is out of your budget or you don’t have a green thumb, try making your own giant paper mache cactus. It’s a fun DIY project and makes a great decoration for your home or garden.

Get the Recipe: Easy Diy Giant Paper Mache Cactus

4. Paper Mache Birds

Learn how to make these adorable paper mache birds—perfect for adding a touch of charm to your garden decor in spring and summer. The tutorial also includes a simple recipe for homemade paper mache paste.

Get the Recipe: Paper Mache Birds

5. Newspaper Seed Starting Pots

Newspaper seed-starting pots are a simple and environmentally friendly solution for seed starting. Not only are you reusing a free resource to make them, but you can also plant them directly in your garden when you are ready to transplant.

Make the Craft: Newspaper Seed Starting Pots

6. DIY Paper Dahlia Flower

This DIY Paper Dahlia flower project is adorable and easy to make. With just a few simple materials—cardboard, an old book, and some basic craft supplies—you can create a beautiful paper flower perfect for home decor, add a personal touch to gifts, or even create eye-catching wall art.

Make the Craft: DIY Paper Dahlia Flower

7. Paper-Mâché Apples

Make a bushel of adorable DIY paper-mache apples with this fun fall apple craft for kids that doubles as cute autumn handmade dramatic play props.

Get the Recipe: Paper-Mâché Apples

8. Painted Paper Flower Cones

These easy DIY flower baskets are a perfect way for kids to get hands-on with spring holidays, using basic materials like painted paper bags.

Get the Recipe: Painted Paper Flower Cones

9. Paper Mache Bowl With Decoupage

This easy tutorial shows you how to make a paper mache bowl and decorate it with free printable vintage images for a Nature Table-inspired look, similar to something you’d find at Anthropologie.

Get the Recipe: How To Make A Paper Mache Bowl With Decoupage