Recycle catalog pages to make slick gift boxes

Going green isn’t just about recycling, it’s also about “up-cycling” or reusing an old material in a new and improved way. While it’s important to recycle water bottles, aluminum cans and newspapers, I discovered it’s great fun to up-cycle them as well. Even if you just start with newspapers, magazines and catalogs, you might be surprised at the vast array of projects that are possible, such as gift boxes and calendars. With the holidays fast approaching, the deluge of catalogs stuffed into my mailbox every day already overwhelms. Soon it will grow to the approximate size of a small island — or so it seems. I’ve decided to put all of this unwanted but beautifully printed paper to good use in creating things I ordinarily would buy. GIFT BOXES Grab a catalog and tear out pages of fabulous photos featuring holiday wares. Fold these into gift boxes of all sizes and shapes. When Christmas or Hanukkah rolls around, you can drop an intended gift into an equally special box. ADVENT CALENDAR Use pages of a magazine or catalog to make 25 small gift boxes, with each forming a cube of roughly 1-1/2 inches. Decorate the lids with red and green geometric patterns. Number each from 1 to 25. Fill each box with candy or another tiny present, and you will have a calendar your kids will love. Reusing the pages of magazines and catalogs to create thoughtful gifts can be the beginning of a little up-cycling for the whole family . Sandi Genovese hosts “Scrapbooking” on the DIY — Do It Yourself Network. For more information, visit www.diynet.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.