Whether we're talking junk mail, office paper waste, or any other reclaimed paper that you rescue from the bin, reusing is always better than recycling.

Recycling paper is better than sending it to the landfill, but recycling paper still uses energy. When you rescue paper from the bin, you're prolonging that paper's life and saving double energy: the energy to recycle it and the energy to produce paper for a new craft project. Not too shabby!

Ready to dig some paper out of the recycle bin and get crafty? Here are a few projects to get you started.

1. Upcycled accordion book - Accordion books are great for scrapbooking or journaling, and they make great gifts! This miniature accordion book is made from reclaimed junk mail.

2. Recycled wallpaper bunting - This simple recycled bunting just uses vintage or reclaimed wallpaper, a hole punch, and twine to string it up.

3. Recycled party streamers - You can pair that recycled bunting up with these party streamers made from reclaimed paper samples!

4. Sheet music tree - Gather some fallen branches from around your neighborhood and fancy them up with reclaimed paper "leaves" for a sweet forever arrangement that's much greener than cut flowers.

5. Rolled Paper Wreath - Turn junk mail or old magazine pages into a retro, star burst wreath.

Have you guys made anything fun with recycled paper lately? I'd love to hear your upcycled paper craft ideas in the comments!

Image Credits: Accordion Notebook photo by Becky Striepe, Sheet Music Tree photo by Bonnie Getchell