How To Turn Old Magazines Into a Coiled Paper Basket

Use old magazines to make a cool basket that suits your more eco-friendly side.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Old magazines
Scissors
Glue
A paintbrush
A small piece of cardboard
A bowl
Wax or parchment paper or aluminum foil
Decoupage glue
A foam brush
Rice glue (optional)

Step 1: Cut magazine pages

Cut magazine pages into 1-inch wide strips.

Step 2: Fold strips into thirds

Spread glue over a strip with the paintbrush. To make the strip thicker, glue another on top of it, add more glue, and fold it into thirds lengthwise.

Tip: You can also use rice glue, available in some craft shops.

Step 3: Wrap strip around a piece of cardboard

Coil the strip around a rectangular or oval piece of cardboard that is about a half-inch long to form the core of your basket.

Step 4: Fold, glue, and fill in center

Fold more strips of paper and glue them in concentric circles around your core, making a flat, round plate for to bottom of your basket.

Step 5: Fold, glue, and wrap core

Turn the bowl upside down and line the outside with wax or parchment paper or aluminum foil, and fit your base on the bottom. Then continue folding and gluing paper strips in circles, slightly overlapping, gradually moving up the sides of the bowl.

Tip: Join long strips at their ends to make them longer, spread them with glue, and coil to save you time.

Step 6: Build upward

Continue building upward, using the mixing bowl as a mold. When the desired height is reached, allow the glue to dry overnight.

Step 7: Apply decoupage

Paint a thin layer of decoupage glue on your basket with the foam brush.

Step 8: Allow to dry

Allow your basket to dry for at least 48 hours before using it.