When my sister-in-law asked me to help decorate a baby shower for her sister we were on a major time crunch. Luckily, I have some go-to decor we could use from events over the years, but it’s always nice to have some personal touches for the nursery theme and mommy-to-be. I really wanted to use a paper garland in the nursery colors – navy & white – and we were throwing in some gold touches, as well.
No luck.
Hobby Lobby to the rescue!
Easy DIY Paper Garland
I bought some card stock in white and navy, and some cute ribbon in different patterns and was ready to go. I made these super simple circle garlands in a total of about 2 hours the day before the shower.
Here’s what you need:
- Card stock or craft paper
- Circle die-cut shape or 4-5” and 3” or a Lever Punch like this one
- Ribbon or twine
- Hole punch (I used two different sizes: ¼” & ⅛”)
- Scissors
I wanted to create three garlands long enough to drape across a large picture window for behind the food table. I used two different sizes in each garland for interest, alternating the sizes. I had a total of 18 circles per strand. You can have as many or as few circles as you choose depending on where you plan use them.
I then punched two holes per circle opposite of each other to hold the ribbon. I used the large hole punch for my larger ribbon, and the small hole punch for the twine.
(I made sure to punch far enough in from the edge of the circle so that the paper would not rip when I pulled the ribbon through.)
Grab your ribbon or twine – I loved this foil gold and navy ribbon! I ended up cutting it in half long-ways to make a little thinner so I wouldn’t rip the paper, and then I was able to use more, too.
Next, pull your ribbon through each hole. Leave enough extra on each end for securing the garland to it’s location.
Then hang where desired. I hung two over the window, one over the fireplace, and one outside the front door (missed that pic). It is an easy, inexpensive way to make a party come together.
I love how the paper garland turned out!
Originally posted February 10, 2015