Another year has flown by, and as you welcome your brand new calendar, you might be wondering what to do with the old one. Don’t let those beautiful images and sturdy pages go to waste! Instead of simply tossing it in the recycling bin, why not give it a second life? Upcycling your old calendar is a fantastic way to get crafty, reduce waste, and create something new and useful. Trust me, I’ve tried a few of these myself, and the results are not only practical but also add a lovely personal touch to my space.

Ready to transform your dated pages into delightful creations? Here are 10 easy ways to re-use your old calendar, perfect for any craft enthusiast!

Gift Tags Galore!

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to re-use those colorful calendar pages is by turning them into unique gift tags. Think about it – those vibrant images or pretty patterns are just waiting to add a special touch to your presents. I remember the first time I did this; I had a calendar with stunning floral illustrations, and cutting them into various shapes for gift tags made even a simple brown paper package look like a work of art.

Here’s a basic idea of how you can do it:

1. Choose pages with appealing visuals.
2. Cut out rectangles, squares, or even use a punch for fun shapes.
3. Punch a small hole in the top.
4. Thread with twine or ribbon.

Voila! You have beautiful, free, and eco-friendly gift tags ready for any occasion.

Custom Envelopes

Who needs plain envelopes when you can send your cards and letters in something truly special? Old calendar pages, especially those with interesting textures or patterns, make for fantastic custom envelopes. This is a great way to add a personal touch to your correspondence. I particularly love using pages with subtle background designs for this – they add a hint of elegance without being too overwhelming.

You can find templates online or simply deconstruct an old envelope to use as a guide. It might take a little practice to get the folds just right, but the result is well worth it. Imagine sending a birthday card in an envelope made from a page featuring a beautiful landscape – it’s like a little piece of art before they even open the card!

Bookmarks for Bookworms

For all the avid readers out there, this one’s a no-brainer. Those sturdy calendar pages are perfect for creating durable and attractive bookmarks. Whether you prefer a thick strip with a tassel or a more elaborate design, your old calendar can provide the material. I made a set of bookmarks for my book club using a calendar with famous paintings, and everyone loved them!

Here are a few ideas for your calendar bookmarks:

• Simple strips: Cut thick strips from visually appealing pages.
• Corner bookmarks: Fold and glue sections to create corner slip-on bookmarks.
• Add embellishments: Punch a hole and add ribbon, yarn, or beads.

It’s a quick and easy craft that results in something you’ll use again and again.

Decorative Paper Chain

Remember making paper chains as a kid? You can bring back that simple joy using your old calendar pages! This is a fantastic activity to do with children, and it’s a wonderful way to decorate for parties or holidays. The varying colors and patterns from the calendar can create a really interesting and vibrant chain. We made a long one to decorate our living room for a small gathering, and it added such a cheerful touch.

Simply cut the pages into strips, loop them together, and secure with a little glue or tape. Mix and match different pages for a more dynamic look. It’s an easy, low-mess craft that provides a fun decorative element.

DIY Coasters

Protect your furniture in style by turning those thick calendar pages into custom coasters. Pages with interesting graphics or sturdy cardstock calendars are ideal for this project. You’ll likely want to use a sealant to protect them from moisture, but the process is quite straightforward. I made a set using a calendar with vintage advertisements, and they’re always a conversation starter when guests come over.

Here’s a basic approach:

1. Cut out squares or circles from the calendar pages.
2. Glue the paper onto a sturdy backing (like cardboard or cork).
3. Apply a sealant (like Mod Podge or a clear varnish) to make them water-resistant.

Allow them to dry completely, and you’ve got a set of personalized coasters!

Framed Art

Often, calendars feature stunning photography or illustrations that are simply too beautiful to discard. Why not turn your favorite pages into framed art? This is an incredibly easy way to add some inexpensive decoration to your walls. I framed a few pages from a nature-themed calendar and hung them in a small hallway – they instantly brightened up the space.

Simply select the pages you love, trim them to fit your frames, and pop them in! You can create a gallery wall with multiple calendar pages or use a single striking image as a focal point. It’s an affordable way to bring beautiful imagery into your home.

Jacket for Notebooks or Journals

Give a plain notebook or journal a creative makeover using your old calendar pages. This is a great way to personalize your stationery and give it a unique look. Choose a page with a design that inspires you every time you use the notebook. I covered a simple kraft paper journal with a calendar page featuring a celestial map, and it feels so much more special now.

Measure your notebook cover, cut the calendar page to size, and use a strong adhesive to glue it in place. You can cover the front, back, or even the inside covers. It’s a simple update that makes a big difference.

Origami and Paper Crafts

The paper from calendars is often of good quality, making it suitable for various origami and paper craft projects. From simple paper cranes to more intricate designs, your old calendar can provide the material for hours of creative fun. I used some colorful pages to fold a collection of small origami stars, which I then used to decorate a gift box.

Explore different origami folds or other paper crafting techniques like quilling or paper cutting. The diverse patterns and colors in calendars can add an extra dimension to your paper creations.

Drawer Liners

Add a pop of color and pattern to your drawers by using old calendar pages as liners. This is a simple way to make your drawers look nice and can also help protect the drawer surface. Choose pages with appealing designs that you’ll enjoy seeing every time you open the drawer. I lined my stationery drawer with pages from a calendar that had lovely floral patterns, and it makes organizing so much more pleasant.

Measure the bottom of your drawers and cut the calendar pages to fit. You can secure them with a little double-sided tape if needed. It’s a small detail that can make your space feel more organized and aesthetically pleasing.

Seed Packets

If you’re a gardener, you can create your own custom seed packets using old calendar pages. This is a fantastic way to store seeds you’ve saved or to package seeds to share with friends. Choose pages with designs that relate to gardening or nature for an extra special touch. I used pages with botanical illustrations to create seed packets for the heirloom tomato seeds I saved last year.

Fold and glue the calendar pages into small envelopes or packets. You can then label them with the type of seed and the date. It’s a practical and charming way to store your seeds.

So there you have it – ten easy and creative ways to give your old calendar a new lease of life. Before you toss it, take a moment to see if any of these ideas spark your creativity. You might be surprised at what you can create with a little imagination and some old paper! Happy crafting!