Almost every endeavor, be it news, cooking, and interior design, has a magazine. Given the number of publications released, a new batch is added to your magazine rack monthly. Not all of them are reread, which means they are taking up space in your home. Of course, you can simply toss them in the recycle bin, but there are ways in which you can maximize their use. Besides, why settle for the recycle bin, when you, yourself, can do the recycling?

Why Magazines are Reusable

Magazines, with their colorful pictures and high quality paper, can be recycled in many ways, some of them even earning you profits. The pictures and words can be used for artistic creations while the paper can be used as a wrapper or for paper mache. Schools and non-profit organizations annually receive donations of old newspapers and magazines, with the latter sometimes offering cash incentives. Paper-based ornaments are also popular on Ebay, given their novelty, so you might as well take advantage.

Make a Collage

For people who want to make a statement, having a pile of old magazines certainly helps. Cut out pictures and words to form montage-like figures, which contain strong sentiments. You can create large poster-sized collages or make wrappings for books and journals. If your creations are pretty intricate, you can compile then showcase them in an art gallery or sell them to collectors of modern art. (Learn how to make a collage)

Make Paper Coasters

The paper used for some magazines is quite sturdy, nearly impervious to the softening effect of water. To fortify the paper's durability, the strips are covered with glue or paper mache paste. They are, then, used to cover a small strip of cardboard or hard plastic. When the adhesive dries, paint the paper with nice elegant patterns, creating a coaster worthy to be placed on your dinner table. Make a set, so everyone gets to appreciate your creation.

Create Paper Curtains

Does your home have a modern design? A set of magazine-based curtains should go well with such a theme.

1. Remove the pages of several magazines.
2. Cut them vertically to form columns.
3. Once done, cut the columns diagonally to form long triangles.
4. Wrap the triangles around the needle, forming cones.
5. Remove the needle.
6. Tie the cones to a fishing line or any sturdy string.
7. Repeat steps 1 to 5 until you have enough cone sets to form the curtain.
8. Attach the cone sets to a thin wooden plank.

Aside from being door curtains, you can use them as dividers or even covers for your cabinets. Just use your imagination and creativity when making this piece.

Make Edgy Gift Wrappers

Every year people give presents, all of which have cutesy gift wrappers. Break the trend by using the pages of old magazines as edgy gift wrappers. You have two general options:

• create a collage gift wrapper
• paint them with cool patterns

When making a magazine wrapper, piece together a base sheet using several magazine pages, which will be used to cover the present. Create the collage pattern once the base sheet is formed. If find the collage too tedious to create, just paint the base sheet with the coolest patterns you an think of. You can also add folded magazine pages as ornaments.

Make Paper Mache

Magazine paper make better paper mache material than newspaper, since it is more durable and doesn't lose form easily.

1. Prepare paper mache paste by mixing water, flour, salt, and white glue.
2. When the paste is ready, think of a good structure to create, preferrably one that matches your room's theme.
3. Cut the magazine pages into small strips.
4. Form the structure using cardboard or any fairly sturdy material that doesn't have a slippery surface.
5. Dip the magazine strips in the paper mache paste then stick them to the carboard structure.
6. Continue sticking strips until your desired fixture is formed.
7. Once the paste dries, paint the structure to enhance its looks.

You can display your creation in your room or give it as a present to your kids or godchildren. A well made paper mache fixture is appreciated by people of all ages. (More tips on how to make paper mache)

Donate to Schools and Non Profit Organizations

If you are not adept at making arts and crafts, might as well donate your stack of magazines to those who can use them productively. Compile your old magazines as well as those unused by your neighbors. Donate the stacks to schools, since they will be used for the art projects of students. From time to time, some organizations offer cash rewards for a stack of magazines. You can donate your pile to these groups to help the environment and at the same time, earn profits.

Old Material for Modern Artists

Aside from being reading materials, old magazines can be used for quite a number of ways, most of them artistic. Hone your creative talents by using the magazine pages in more ways than one. Consider yourself an artist once you have mastered its multiple uses. If you enjoy this reading this article, you'll surely love to read how to get rid of old books.