16 Upcycled Newspaper and Magazine Kids Crafts

Fun Upcycled Paper Projects for Kids.

Get ready to turn your recycling bin into a treasure trove of rainy-day entertainment! When spring showers keep the kids indoors or you’re looking for low-cost ways to fill up spring break, these upcycled paper crafts are the perfect solution. Instead of heading to the craft store for expensive kits, you can use what you already have on hand to spark hours of creativity. From giant newspaper forts to colorful magazine mosaics, these 16 Upcycled Newspaper and Magazine Kids Crafts are designed to be high-on-fun and low-on-budget, proving that you don’t need fancy supplies to make lasting memories at the kitchen table.

These activities are a lifesaver for those “I’m bored” moments that inevitably pop up when it’s too wet to play outside. Making things like paper mache bowls or DIY beads are a great way to pass the time, and they’re a wonderful sensory experience that lets kids get their hands a little messy while building something unique. Whether you have a toddler who loves to rip paper or an older child interested in intricate weaving, there is something in this roundup for every skill level. Grab a bottle of glue, some old junk mail, and a pair of scissors, and get ready to transform your afternoon into an indoor crafting adventure!

16 Upcycled Newspaper and Magazine Kids Crafts

Here are a few tips to keep the creativity flowing and the cleanup quick:

The Tablecloth Trick: Before starting, cover your workspace with a cheap plastic tablecloth or even a few opened-up paper grocery bags. When the crafting is done, you can just gather the scraps (and the sticky drips) into the center and toss them, or wipe the plastic clean for next time.
Keep a “Damp Rag” Station: Paper mache glue is much easier to wipe off little fingers and tabletops while it’s still wet. Keep a bowl of warm water and a few old rags nearby so kids can “de-stick” their hands without having to run to the bathroom and touch every doorknob along the way.
Mix Up Your “Paint”: If you don’t want to deal with real paint, remind your kids that magazine pages are already colorful! They can sort their scraps by color to create a “paint-by-number” effect on their paper mache projects or butterflies, which saves money on extra supplies.
The “Rip vs. Snip” Method: For younger kids who haven’t mastered scissors yet, let them simply rip the newspaper and magazines into strips. Ripped edges actually lay flatter and bond better in paper mache than straight, scissor-cut edges do!

How To Make Paper Mache with Glue and Water by Smiling Colors
Newspaper Fort Building by Hands on as we Grow
Recycled Magazine Basket by Hometalk
Giant Popsicle Stick Macaroni Penguins by Fireflies and Mud Pies

Make Pop Art by Mad in Crafts
Mosaic Heart by Crafts by Amanda
How to make a Newspaper Hat for Kids (super easy!) by Red Ted Art
Raccoon Newspaper Craft by Artsy Craftsy Mom

Colorful Butterfly Craft from Recycled Magazine Pages by There’s Just One Mommy
Magazine Shape Hunt and Sort by Fun Learning For Kids
Spiral Snail Newspaper Kids Craft by A Little Pinch of Perfect
Fabulous Flowers From Old Magazines by Hometalk

Newspaper Frame (Gift Kids Can Make) by Red Ted Arts
Newspaper Hat by The Best Ideas for Kids
Star out of Junk Mail by Crafting a Green World
Paper Bead Bracelets or Necklaces by The Idea Room

Which of these fun upcycled paper crafts will your kids want to try?

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