7 Creative Ways to Repurpose Old Calendars

Wrapping Paper & Gift Tags

There’s always one detail that slips through the cracks during holiday prep, and often it’s wrapping paper. If you find yourself in the scarcity camp this season, turn to last year’s calendar. (Of course, you can use old calendar pages for other gifts throughout the year, as well.) 

"Those beautifully printed pages make charming wraps for stocking stuffers, jewelry boxes, and other petite gifts, adding a curated and creative touch beneath the tree,” says Hannah Hemmerly, interior designer and founder of HH Studio. "Always crease your edges before folding," she suggests. "Since many calendars are printed on thicker paper, a firm fold helps the wrap sit neatly.”

You can also cut out parts of patterns and use them as gift embellishments and gift tags.

Decoupage Resin Coasters

If your old calendar lends itself, you can cut out different parts of the monthly images or grids (perhaps into abstract organic forms or geometric patterns) and embed them in resin coasters. 

“Arrange these pieces in shallow silicone molds (4-inch round or square), and mix two-part epoxy resin according to package directions and pour a thin layer over your arranged calendar pieces,” advises artist Puneet Gupta. “Use a heat gun or torch to remove bubbles, then let it cure for 24 hours. Pour a second, thicker layer to create depth. The resin encases the paper completely, creating a glass-like, waterproof surface.” 

You can also add some gold leaf flakes, dried flowers, or mica powder between layers for extra dimension. 

Gallery Wall

Whether you’re looking for a fresh addition to an existing gallery wall, are inspired to create a new one, or simply want to go for a triptych effect, old calendars come in handy. "Frame striking pages from an old calendar and incorporate them into your gallery wall to fill empty corners or add a quick visual lift," Hemmerly suggests. "It’s a simple way to refresh a space without sourcing new art."

Both the monthly cover images and dated grids are fit for framing, according to Hemmerly. "Choose the grid for handwritten notes and graphic typography, or the cover for a traditional print. Both frame beautifully."

Sculptural Paper Bead Jewelry

This inventive craft idea for old calendars takes those pages from the wall to around your neck. Calendar pages with gradients, text overlays, or metallic accents create the most striking effects for this one, as the spiral created reveals unexpected color combinations. 

1. “Cut calendar pages into long, tapered triangular strips—wide at one end, pointed at the other," says Gupta. They should measure about 1" wide and 10" long.
2. "Starting from the wide end, tightly roll each strip around a wooden skewer or toothpick, applying a thin line of glue as you go." Roll tightly and consistently for uniform beads.
3. Once rolled, seal each bead with a coat of clear glaze or resin for a professional finish. "The result is a cylindrical bead with swirled patterns inside," says Gupta.
4. Let each bead dry completely on the skewer before removing to prevent collapsing.
5. "String these together with spacer beads to create statement necklaces, or use them individually as pendant focals," says Gupta.
   

Luxe Handmade Stationary & Cards

This old-calendar DIY project transforms pages into a curated stationery collection, with the original artwork serving as the design foundation.

Select three to five pages with a cohesive color palette or complementary aesthetics. For example, florals paired with subtle geometrics, or landscapes with tonal abstracts. "Trim the most visually striking sections into notecard dimensions—A6 or 5x7 sizes work particularly well," says Gupta. "Mount these onto substantial cardstock or handmade paper bases using double-sided adhesive for an invisible, professional bond."

The layered effect creates dimension and elevates the calendar imagery into something that feels intentionally designed. 

Papier-Mâché Projects

You can repurpose old calendar pages into papier-mâché for kid-friendly crafts or handmade gifts. Simply tear the pages into strips, dip them into a simple flour-and-water paste, and layer them onto an unfinished box, tray, pot, or ornament form. 

“It’s a thoughtful way to repurpose paper you already have on hand and turn everyday materials into festive treasures,” Hemmerly explains. “Begin by visiting your local arts and crafts store, where you’ll find unfinished wooden trays, pots, or figurines. These are perfect for transforming with papier-mâché.”

Note that old calendars with more of a magazine finish work best for this project. 

Decorative Gift Boxes

In addition to using old calendars as wrapping paper, consider crafting beautiful boxes for gifting or housing items at home. First, gather small to medium-sized boxes you'd otherwise toss, such as candle containers, cosmetic packaging, tea tins, or small shipping boxes. 

“Measure and cut calendar pages to wrap each surface, treating the box like a structured gift-wrapping project," says Gupta. "Secure with archival craft glue, paying special attention to corners and edges where paper naturally wants to lift,"

You can line interiors with either neutral cardstock, cardstock in a complimenting pop of color, or "a complementary calendar page in a softer pattern," Gupta suggests, "to create visual contrast when the box is opened."

Further transform these functional pieces by adding tactile details: leather cord handles, grosgrain ribbon closures, vintage buttons, or small brass label holders.