CHECK OUT THIS PACKING MATERIAL UPCYCLE
I need a directional sign to redirect deliveries to the side of the house. With my husband working from home (full time), he sees and hears the delivery truck as it drives into our cul-de-sac. I am an open book with purchases, but even I noticed that Amazon is my shopping assistant for those must-have items. You know like a 10-pound bag of baking soda from here.
This may be one of my favorite repurposed projects. Wait until you see how I repurposed the packing material inside all of those shipping boxes.
Do you know the packing material that is tucked between breakable items like the 14 ounce bag of cotton balls shipped to your front door?
You know the brown paper my husband instinctively throws into the kitchen trash can (and not the recycling in the garage). When I see brown paper and cardboard packing material all I see are future blog posts.

Like this one.
Or this paper bag idea.
I love this simple repurposed idea and the story behind how it happened.
Curious?
The first time my kids saw me tear the book jacket off of a book they thought I had officially gone mad.

Now they just say, ” Working on a blog project, mom?”
When I hauled out my pumpkins this season I was in a mood.
I did not want to order and wait for the convenient adhesive-backed brown paper. But I wanted something a little different.
I wanted the stacked book look without any additional expense.

While breaking down a few delivery boxes to re-cycle I pulled out the familiar brown packing material. Except this packing material was different.

It had ridges and texture. I was so close to tossing it into our recycle bin but for some reason I saved it.
Not to sound like I took a turn to crazy town, but I think the textured packing paper just said, “Save me.”
So I did.
Yes, my thoughts talk to me. Don’t yours?
STEPS TO REPURPOSE PACKING MATERIAL
- Supplies: glue or adhesive spray, books (I used a hardback book) & scissors. I love this adhesive spray.

I used a hardback book and chose a dictionary because I love words and we don’t allow iPhones during a family game of Scrabble.

2. Cut packing material to size, spray the book’s cover with adhesive or glue. Adjust quickly as the adhesive spray dries quickly.

Tip: If you have packing paper that is too short to cover the entire book cover the top and spine of the book.

No one will know if the bottom of the book is exposed.

You guys I love it. The ridged packing material adds a little texture and durability compared to a roll of brown wrapping paper.

Now if only there was a way to eliminate the bubble wrap in all of those shipping boxes.
QUESTION
What do you think? What is the craziest thing you have repurposed?
If you have a passion for recycling, it is a passion you know, please subscribe to The Weekend Edit where I share my favorite projects in a 4-minute easy breezy read on Saturday mornings. You can sign up here.

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This is a very timely post, Laura, since we sold our house and moving back to Texas. Hope you had a wonderful Summer.
I know I read your post! Can’t wait to see your new home! Missed you Katie, laura
This is filed under—“why didn’t I think of that?”
Seriously.
I am so copying you. I’m friends with Amazon, too. 🙂
ka
I think this is totally genius. I love this idea.
Thank you Marty! Sending you prayers from CO
Love this idea!!! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and for letting me know that you did by leaving a comment!! Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
Hugs,
Debbie
I’m always looking for ways to reuse packing materials! Great idea!
What a great idea. I haven’t gotten corrugated packing paper before. I do save the brown craft paper for all kinds of uses, including drop clothes for painting projects.
Karen B.