How to Reuse, Recycle, and Repurpose
One of the joys of bookbinding is discovering that the best supplies are often right under our noses. That old encyclopedia, yesterday’s mailer, or even a stack of postcards can all become part of a recycled journal. In this post, I’m sharing some favorite examples of how everyday materials can be transformed into beautiful, eco-friendly books.
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Bookbinding?
Bookbinding doesn’t have to mean expensive supplies or brand-new materials. By reusing and repurposing what you already have, you:
- Reduce waste and keep materials out of the landfill
- Save money while still making something beautiful
- Create one-of-a-kind journals full of character and story
From cardboard boxes to glossy magazine pages, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ways I’ve given “ordinary” items a second life.
Vintage Travel Journal — An Old Book Cover
An old book cover can make the perfect foundation for a handmade journal. This encyclopedia was missing its pages but still had a strong case worth saving. I turned it into a travel journal filled with removable notebooks created from both vintage and modern found papers. The well-worn cover now shelters new pages, giving the book an entirely new purpose.
Take a peek inside my travel journal!
Larkshead Binding — Cardboard from Amazon Boxes
Shipping boxes pile up quickly, but they’re also strong, versatile, and surprisingly beautiful when repurposed as journal covers. This larkshead binding uses simple knots to hold the book together, showing that recycled cardboard can be both sturdy and stylish.
Leather Scrap Journal — Shoe Factory Samples
Leather often ends up as scraps in upholstery shops or shoe factories—but even the smallest pieces can become stunning journal covers. This soft wrap journal was stitched together from factory offcuts, proving that repurposed leather can look just as luxurious as new.
Learn to make this leather journal!
Pocket Journal — Magazine Pages
Even glossy magazines can find a second life. This pocket journal was made from magazine spreads, creating a playful book filled with unexpected colors, words, and textures. It’s an easy way to recycle while making a journal that feels vibrant and modern.
Postcard Matchbooks — Mini Notebooks with Personality
Postcards are the perfect size for tiny “matchbook” notebooks. These colorful examples were made from postcards and scrap paper, turning keepsakes into something useful and fun. They make thoughtful gifts, party favors, or quick jotters for lists and notes.
Want to make your own version? Watch the Mini Matchbook tutorial here.
Inspiration for Your Next Recycled Journal
These are just a few ways recycled and repurposed materials can shine in bookbinding. The real fun comes when you look around your own space:
- What could yesterday’s mailer become?
- How might last month’s calendar pages work as signature wrappers?
- Could fabric scraps from your sewing bin transform into a cover?
Eco-friendly bookbinding is about more than saving materials—it’s about seeing the potential in what’s already at hand. Each journal becomes a little time capsule of both creativity and sustainability.
✨ I’d love to hear from you—what’s the most unusual material you’ve ever used (or would love to try) in a handmade book? Share your ideas in the comments and inspire another maker!
Keep Creating with Us
Love projects like these? Join the Handmade Book Club and explore new bookbinding ideas every month with a welcoming community of makers. Together, we reuse, recycle, and reimagine what a book can be.
HI! I’M ALI MANNING
Years ago, I learned about handmade books, and ever since then, I’ve been hooked. I love creating new designs, learning about different techniques, and expanding my collection of paper. But what I love most about bookmaking is the community.
Through Vintage Page Designs and the Handmade Book Club, I’ve met thousands of other passionate bookmakers, mixed-media artists, and crafters. We all share a love of book arts and crafting, just for the joy of it.
I believe that bookbinding and book arts are for everyone, regardless of skill level or equipment. All you need is a little creativity and, of course, paper!
I like to cut up security envelopes to make coin envelopes. Then I use these as book covers for small ( 3 x 2 inch) pamphlet stitch books.
I’ve been saving some of those hard plastic floppy disks that no one has used for years. They have a square hole in one corner that said to me they could become book covers if I just made another hole in the corner below. I think it’s that figuring out how to make sewing holes in the hard plastic that’s holding me back.
Drill, baby, drill! Seriously, a basic power tool should move your project along. What a fun idea you have.
You are an inspiration!!!
This January I made a little “treasure book” for my 7 year old granddaughter out of a 2.5″ X 3.25″ piece of packing cardboard that was already folded like an accordion. It was delicate work – mostly collage but with some fine stenciled/painted pages – but I loved it & so does she.