Recycled Paper Containers

Craft: Recycled Paper Pottery

Looking for something to do with junk mail from your grocer or old magazine pages? Make "Paper Pottery"! Colorful vases, bowls, plates, and more can be made with different themes using old maps, books, colors, invitations, holiday cards, etc. Make folded long strips of paper then roll them into shape.

Approximate Time: Small vase: a few hours. A large pot or bowl: can take days

Supplies:

• glossy paper you wish to recycle (from books, magazines, maps, brochures, junk mail, etc.)
• transparent tape
• optional: clear drying craft glue, water, and paint brush

Instructions:

1. Cut or tear old magazine pages or any other glossy or shiny paper you wish to recycle into long strips.

2. Fold the strips lengthwise one or two times, in half or thirds, to create a long strip with a folded edge.

3. Choose a shape for the base of your project: square, rectangular, circular, star, oval, diamond, whatever, and fold or roll the first paper strip into that shape. Secure the end with tape.

4. Tape the next strip to the first one, making sure the folded edge faces the same way.

5. Roll it around the base and repeat until you have the size and shape you want!

6. After the base is formed, overlap the next strip so about 1/4 of it extends above the prior row.

7. You can add tape on the inside for strength and stability as you work.

8. Optionally, paint the entire project with clear-drying craft glue that has been diluted with water to "seal" it when it dries!

By Casey from Milwaukee, WI

Question: Using Recycled Paper Vases to Start Plants?

Kathy June N.

May 11, 2012

Can I use these vases made from paper as containers for starting plants and can I bury this vase?

By Kathy June N.

Answers

Eileen M.

May 14, 20120 found this helpful

If the paper vase was made with tape or Elmer's glue, yes you can bury it. Easier paper pots can be made with a sheet of newsprint dampened and folded/crumpled around either a pot or jar or whatever shape you want it. Then fill it with potting soil and start your seeds or cuttings in it. This would definitely be plant-able at the end. You will need to put something under the paper "pot" to catch any drips, and be very careful not to over-water it!