Ugly Paper Transformation
I was flipping through a creativity book at the thrift store when one simple rule jumped out at me: avoid clutter. It hit home. My craft space has been accumulating clutter to the point that it no longer felt inspiring, just heavy. So I turned to my favorite solution— recycle box—my reliable reset for clearing space and corralling creative chaos.
I grabbed a stack of ugly about to be junk paper and immediately started turning it into something I could store elsewhere or give away: my go-to origami envelopes. I use these constantly—for a quick note to a neighbor, the collection basket, or even corralling loose items in my bag. They’re so easy to make they barely count as a project: any square of paper, a few folds, and a tiny dab of glue or a staple. Done.
Next, I tackled some waxed paper packaging from random office scraps, turning them into storage sheets for DIY washi.
For the washi itself, I made a batch using invisible tape and alcohol markers—Sharpies, acrylic markers, anything that writes on smooth surfaces without smearing works beautifully.
I also pulled out an old watercolor wash sample and cut it into paper flowers. It’s one of my favorite ways to repurpose watercolor or mixed-media experiments that didn’t turn out. Once transformed into flowers or tiny tags, they look uniquely intentional.
Recycle box is one of my favorite methods for creative play where I don't have to worry about the outcome. If it fails it goes in the trash, if it doesn't I have a created item or I get inspired to create something else and my craft space stays clutter free. A win, win.
Happy paper crafting!
You can download your free How To Recycle Box pdf to keep for your notes in the video description, no sign up necessary.