--- title: Upcycle Your Sweet Wraps: 5 Sustainable Projects for Everyday Use siteUrl: https://logzly.com/wrapperwonders author: wrapperwonders (Wrapper Wonders) date: 2026-06-26T11:00:45.143432 tags: [wrapper_wonders, candy_wrapper_crafts, sustainable_diy] url: https://logzly.com/wrapperwonders/upcycle-your-sweet-wraps-5-sustainable-projects-for-everyday-use --- **Disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn affiliate commissions when you buy through us.** If you’re anything like me, you probably have a stash of candy wrappers hiding in a drawer or at the bottom of your bag. I used to just toss them in the trash and feel a little guilty about the waste. But then I discovered something way more fun: turning those shiny little papers into stuff you actually use. Welcome back to **Wrapper Wonders**, where we believe every wrapper has a second life waiting to happen. Today I’m sharing five simple projects that turn your sweet trash into everyday treasures. No fancy tools, no big time commitment, just a little creativity and some patience. Let’s get into it. ## A Quick Note Before We Start First, make sure your wrappers are clean and dry. Give them a quick wipe if they’re sticky from [melted chocolate](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=melted+chocolate&tag=organizationtip101-20). Also, save wrappers from different holidays or brands—the variety makes your projects pop. Now, onto the fun stuff. ## 1. Wrapper Coasters for Your [Coffee Table](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=coffee+table&tag=organizationtip101-20) This is probably the easiest project to start with, and it’s super satisfying. You need a stack of wrappers (around 15–20 per coaster), a pair of scissors, and some clear adhesive or [mod podge](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Mod+Podge&tag=organizationtip101-20). **How to make them** Fold each wrapper into a small square, about the same size. Then arrange them in a pattern you like—plaids, stripes, or random color splashes. Glue them onto a piece of [thick cardboard](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=thick+cardboard&tag=organizationtip101-20) or an old coaster base. Layer a few more wrappers on top for stability. Once dry, seal it all with a [clear coat](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=clear+coat&tag=organizationtip101-20) so spills don’t ruin your work. I use these on my desk at home. They catch coffee rings and always start conversations. At **Wrapper Wonders**, we call them conversation coasters. ## 2. Upcycled Wrapper Bookmarks If you read a lot (like me), you probably lose bookmarks constantly. Wrappers are the perfect thickness for this. Pick a long, rectangular wrapper—think Snickers or KitKat—and flatten it out. **The quick version** Trim the wrapper so it’s about two inches wide and six inches long. Fold a small triangle at the top to make a corner bookmark, or just [leave it](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=leave+it&tag=organizationtip101-20) as a straight strip. Laminate it with [clear packing tape](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=clear+packing+tape&tag=organizationtip101-20) and you have a durable, shiny bookmark that won’t slip out of your book. I gave a set of these to my [book club](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=book+club&tag=organizationtip101-20) last month. Everyone loved the nostalgia factor. Plus, they’re a great way to use up wrappers from your favorite [candy bars](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=candy+bars&tag=organizationtip101-20). ## 3. Woven Wrapper [Pencil Case](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pencil+case&tag=organizationtip101-20) This one takes a bit more time, but the result is gorgeous. You’ll need a lot of wrappers—at least 30–40—and some [basic sewing skills](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=basic+sewing+skills&tag=organizationtip101-20) (or [fabric glue](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Fabric+Glue&tag=organizationtip101-20)). **Weaving the panels** Fold each wrapper into a long strip, about half an inch wide. Then weave them together like a basket. Start with vertical strips, then weave horizontal strips over and under. Pinch the edges tight and glue or stitch them down. Once you have a rectangle about the size of a pencil case, fold it in half and sew the sides. Add a zipper if you’re feeling fancy, or just tie it with a ribbon for a simple pouch. I use mine to hold [art supplies](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=art+supplies&tag=organizationtip101-20). The colors from different wrappers create this incredible mosaic effect. At **Wrapper Wonders**, we’re all about turning candy trash into something you’ll reach for every day. ## 4. Coiled Wrapper Basket for [Small Items](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Small+Items&tag=organizationtip101-20) This is my go-to project for using up wrappers that are too crinkly or oddly shaped. If you’re looking for more [storage ideas](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Storage+Ideas&tag=organizationtip101-20), check out our guide on [turning candy wrappers into decorative storage boxes](/wrapperwonders/how-to-turn-candy-wrappers-into-decorative-storage-boxes-a-step-by-step-diy-guide). You’ll need a [glue gun](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=glue+gun&tag=organizationtip101-20) and patience. **How to coil** Cut each wrapper into a thin strip, about a quarter inch wide. Take one strip and start rolling it into a tight spiral, gluing the end as you go. Keep adding strips by gluing the new ones to the end of the previous one. Coil until you have a circle about four inches wide. Then start building the sides by stacking coils on top of each other. The result is a sturdy little basket that looks like [woven metal](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=woven+metal&tag=organizationtip101-20). I keep one on my desk for paperclips, and another in the bathroom for [hair ties](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=hair+ties&tag=organizationtip101-20). They’re lightweight but surprisingly strong. ## 5. Wrapper [Wrapping Paper](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wrapping+paper&tag=organizationtip101-20) for Gifts Why buy new wrapping paper when your candy stash can do the job? For more inspiration on upcycling wrappers into [home décor](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=home+decor&tag=organizationtip101-20), see our collection of [7 easy upcycling projects](/wrapperwonders/turn-empty-candy-wrappers-into-stylish-home-decor-7-easy-upcycling-projects). This is the most straightforward project on the list. **The technique** Collect wrappers that have large, flat surfaces—like the ones from [chocolate bars](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=chocolate+bars&tag=organizationtip101-20) or candy boxes. Lay them out in a [grid pattern](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=grid+pattern&tag=organizationtip101-20) on a piece of newspaper or [brown paper](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=brown+paper&tag=organizationtip101-20). Use a [glue stick](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=glue+stick&tag=organizationtip101-20) to attach them slightly overlapping. Let it dry, then wrap your gift as usual. The recipient gets a unique, handmade wrap that shows you put thought into it. And you get to feel good about not buying single-use paper. At **Wrapper Wonders**, we try to make every gift a little more personal. ## A Few Tips for Success If your wrappers are crinkled beyond repair, iron them on low heat between two sheets of [parchment paper](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Parchment+paper&tag=organizationtip101-20). That usually flattens them out. Also, store your wrapper stash in a box sorted by color—makes grabbing the right shade way easier when you’re in the middle of a project. Don’t stress about perfection. Some of my favorite projects have little gaps or crooked edges. That’s the charm of handmade stuff. ## Why This Matters We all love candy. But the wrappers don’t have to end up in a landfill. With these five projects, you’re giving them a job. You’re saving a few cents on coasters and [pencil cases](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pencil+cases&tag=organizationtip101-20), sure, but you’re also building a small habit of sustainability that feels good every time you look at your creation. I hope you try at least one of these. Start with the coasters—they’re the easiest win. Then come back and tell me how it went. And remember, at **Wrapper Wonders**, we’re all about making something beautiful from something sweet.