15+ Things to make with Eco Printed Papers

What can you create with your handmade papers? Lots of fun things! Here is a list of 13 cool ideas for using your beautiful eco dyed papers

If you have been playing around with eco printing for a while then, like me, you probably have a huge stack of papers waiting to be crafted into something fabulous!

Of course, these ideas are not unique to only eco dyed papers. Obviously, you can make these things using any kind of papers from magazine pages, catalogs, books and wallpaper.

Oh and by the way, you can use any of these paper projects to make awesome DIY gifts!

What is eco printing?

In case you are new to this technique: eco-printing refers to a botanical printing, natural dyeing technique.

Basically, you place certain plant materials, such as leaves and flowers on paper (or fabric), bundle it tightly and then simmer or steam the bundle which transfers the natural pigments from the plants to the paper.

Now that is a pared down, simple description of the process and there are many other aspects that can influence your final results. If you wish to learn how to make your own eco printed papers, you may be interested in this course.

List of 15+ things to make with eco print papers:

• Greeting Cards: You can easily create unique and personalized greeting cards or even postcards. Make sure to use a sturdy paper.
• Notebooks: Custom notebook covers are super popular and the one-of-a-kind nature of all eco prints make them perfect for a unique gift
• Bookmarks: Personalized bookmarks are all the rage right now. How about customizing them with inspirational messages?
• Art Prints: Framing your eco-printed papers is a great option for nature inspired wall pieces
• Gift Tags: I love this idea! Take your eco prints and turn them into little gift tags for Christmas presents or birthday gifts

• Envelopes: In addition to your beautiful greeting card, you can easily craft a matching envelope
• Decoupage: You could also make interesting wooden gift boxes, jewelry boxes and picture frames by covering the piece with your special papers and then sealing or decoupaging with a waterproof coating like Mod Podge
• Journals: Why not make an entire journal out of hand dyed or eco printed papers? Simple tea dyed paper can be used for the interior pages and you can add lots of scrapbook elements to make it more interesting
• Postcards: If you find full blown greeting cards and envelopes to be a bit intimidating, you can also turn your eco prints into simple postcards

• Wrapping Paper: This might be my favorite idea! Print out your eco prints and use them to wrap your Christmas gifts for a special, handmade touch. You are only limited by the size of the printer
• Coasters: You can easily make some matching coasters with inexpensive ceramic tiles. All you have to do is glue your cut papers to the tile and add a layer of Mod Podge to seal
• Eco Printed Stationery Set: If you are up for a somewhat bigger project, a stationary set is a little more involved but also a great DIY gift idea. You can use your papers to create a whole set of stationary including note cards, post cards, greeting cards and matching envelopes.
• Refrigerator Magnets: Magnets are a fairly easy project and your kids can even help! All you need are cut pieces of the eco papers, small resin molds and then you glue them to a magnet
• Paper Bead Jewelry: Paper beads are so much fun to make and you can string them up for bracelets, necklaces and more.

Tips & tricks

• When you eco print, make sure and use sturdy, watercolor paper of 40# weight or more. You need paper that can stand up to water and heat
• Once the project is finished, I like to apply a waterproof sealant to my papers such as Mod Podge. This will seal the piece against any stains
• If you are making things like gift tags or bookmarks, it is a good idea to use a paper cutter so that you get clean, straight edges
• You can also add colorful ribbons or string to your bookmarks, journals, gift tags, etc. This is just a fun added element to make your project special

I hope you find this list helpful! Obviously, there are many more things you can craft with handmade papers and I will be updating this list. So, make sure and bookmark the page for future reference.
Enjoy!
Annette

13 Things to make with Eco Printed Papers