Turn old magazines into letter paper - a Tutorial

What to do with old magazines was one of the top searches to my blog last year. Since I wrote the original post, my readers have multiplied almost tenfold, so I think it's time to come back to the topic.

I still love magazines, but I am determined to put them to good use as much as I possibly can. This is of course once I've read and saved the parts that I feel need saving. I still use them to the same purposes as before, but I am convinced I can come up with more uses. I'll report back here every time I do.

The first fun project is actually quite simple and I can't believe I didn't think of it before! Especially since I am so extremely picky when it comes to any paper I use. (That and pens, don't even get me started. Although, now that I think of it, maybe we should discuss pens and paper at some point...)

Today's project is; letter-writing paper using old magazines. I have trouble finding just the right kind of paper and I do have a whole lot of old magazines...
You'll need old magazines, scissors, paper (any boring old paper will work, it won't be boring for very long) and glue.

Any magazines will work, whatever you have at home. Try to think of other things as well, advertisements perhaps. As you can see from the photo, I did check Wired as well (it's a tech-geek magazine with really great articles, even if you're not *that* into techie kinda stuff). To be honest, I love the style of them, so there's a whole lot of cool illustrations to use...

So, start by flipping through the magazines for pictures you like. It could be anything! Maybe a photo or a drawing, a funky pattern or just a color you really like. Cut out the part you like. Experiment with different styles, cut some out exactly at the outline and others maybe into shapes. If you have a paperpunch or a few, use those too!

Once you have some of your pictures cut out, cut your paper into the right size if needed. I'm sure some will work just as they are, others you might want to cut a bit smaller. Remember: any paper would really work as long as you can write on it. I think this is the perfect way to use those last pages of notebooks, especially the school ones, or ever printing paper. The point is really to use whatever you have at home. I made mine from vintage ledger paper.

Then finally glue the cutouts to your paper. I would recommend putting the sheets under a bit of weight while they dry, just to make sure they stay flat.


And then, just write away feeling good about yourself for several reasons:
1) you made this from scratch
2) you used some stuff just laying around
3) you UPCYCLED like a pro

If you're going to make this project, please let me know. I'd love to see your versions!