drowning in a sea of tissue paper. While some will fold the paper neatly, saving it for their own gift giving, others gather it all and put it in the recycling bin. Still others will crumple their mounds of tissue paper into a manageable pile and pitch it in the garbage can. Instead of cluttering your cupboards or adding to the landfills, why not use your excess tissue paper in more creative ways? Here are five great ways to use your collection of colorful papers:1. Bulletin Board
Have you ever seen those gorgeous bulletin boards covered with fabric and ribbon, designed to hang on the wall and hold photographs? You can easily design one of these boards using a piece of wood, an old cork board or even a piece of cardboard. Simply cut your board to the size you choose, cover it with one or more colors of tissue paper and criss-cross ribbon across the front. You can glue your ribbon in place with a hot glue gun or pin it with colored thumbtacks. When you're done, you'll have a lovely way to display all of your memories.
2. Table Covers
If you're having a New Year's Eve party or any other upcoming event, save your tissue paper to use as table covering. You can use a few sheets of the same color or a variety of colors for a more festive look. If your guests will be putting their drinks down on your tables, be sure to cover your paper with a piece of glass or set plenty of coasters out; the moisture will cause your tissues' color to bleed.
3. Kids Crafts
If you've got kids, tissue paper can be invaluable on a rainy day. Toss the tissue in your kids' craft box and pull it out the next time everyone is stuck in the house. Your kids can glue small, crumpled squares to paper plates to create wonderful masks, to foam forms to make gorgeous wreaths, or even between layers of wax paper to make beautiful sun catchers. With tissue paper, scissors, glue and imagination, your children can have an afternoon full of entertainment.
4. Wall Paper
Tissue paper can make fantastic wall paper, especially for a colorful child's room. Install a chair rail on the wall about three feet above the floor and glue the paper on the upper-portion of the wall. You can use several colors and layer the paper for a unique look. Paint the bottom of the walls in a coordinating color and you'll have a child's room that others will be envious of. Best of all, when your child wants to change their decor, the paper is easily removed.
5. Packing Materials
It may not be very creative, but tissue paper can protect your fragile gifts and is much more attractive than foam peanuts. If you mail items frequently, having a stash of beautiful tissue papers can provide a way to ensure that your items arrive to your recipient in one piece. Wrap your item with several layers of tissue paper, place it inside the box and then fill the leftover space with crinkled paper. Your item will be well-protected and visually appealing.
Resist the urge to throw out your mountains of tissue paper after the holidays. Tissue can be used in a wide variety of creative ways. Use the ideas above as they are or use them as inspiration for your own ideas; you'll be surprised at all of the unique uses for these lovely papers.
About the Author
Sisily West writes for retail blogs where you'll learn more about new ideas for retail packaging and enjoys finding creative ways for recycling.
