How to Make a DIY Christmas Garland with Scrapbook Paper
Learn how to make a simple DIY Christmas Garland using scrapbook paper, a large paper punch, and twine. It’s an easy Christmas craft project you can finish in no time!
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I always love looking around the dollar spot area of Target. Inevitably there are a few things that catch my eye and in the case of their home décor offerings, the prices often can’t be beat.
This garland was originally inspired by one of my favorite holiday finds in the dollar spot in fact: Some simple garlands made with thick fabric and strung along twine. I thought, why not give this a try with some scrapbook paper?
I made this paper garland first and then I couldn’t resist making one for Christmas too. I hope you enjoy making your own garland and I would love to see what you come up with.
Safety note! Please always hang your garlands securely and away from children and pets!
Supplies Needed to Make a Paper Christmas Garland
All you need to make a DIY Christmas garland with scrapbook paper are the following supplies:
- 12″x12″ scrapbook paper (at least 2 sheets to make the garland shown)
- 3.5″ scalloped paper punch (I used this one from Hobby Lobby, but here’s an Amazon version too)
- 1/4″ hole punch (Hobby Lobby)
- 12′-14′ twine
- scissors
Note: Find my video + a printable how-to card with full instructions below.
You can even experiment with different types of paper. I recommend using something that is at least the weight of scrapbook paper, but you can try cardstock, metallic/glitter, or textured papers for unique garlands.
Once you have the punches on hand it’s easy to pick up different paper and create garlands for just about anything. Baby showers, bridal showers, Valentine’s Day, birthday parties and more.
Check out my floral paper garland here–perfect for a simple party decoration.
How to Make a DIY Christmas Garland
I’ve found a lot of paper garland ideas that require either a sewing machine, a cutting machine, or lots and lots of time. This idea is certainly simple, but that’s the beauty of it!
All you will do is punch large circles from scrapbook paper, add some smaller punches to thread twine through, and then thread a long (12′-14′) piece of twine through the punched circles. It’s super easy and the most expensive piece of equipment you will need is a large paper punch.
How to Customize Your Christmas Garland
Christmas is a great time to decorate with abandon. If you want a little more pizzazz, consider using metallic papers or stringing the shapes onto fancy yarn or metallic twine. You could also make lots of punched circles and layer them closer together.
Or, maybe try making a two-strand garland. You could punch circles from a patterned piece of paper and a solid-colored piece of paper and mix-and-match.
Tip: How to Save Money on Your Paper Punch
If you don’t already own a scalloped punch, then it might feel a little expensive for this simple project. The punches are usually are about $20-25 for this size, so next time your local craft store runs a 40% or 50% off coupon, use it to go grab this punch.
You can also use your new punch to make gift tags, greeting card embellishments, and more.
Find the video + printable step-by-step tutorial below. Happy crafting!
How to Make a DIY Christmas Garland from Scrapbook Paper
Learn how to make a simple DIY Christmas Garland using scrapbook paper, a large paper punch, and twine. An easy Christmas craft project you can finish in no time!
Materials
- 2 (or more) sheets of 12"x12" scrapbook paper
- 12'-14' of sturdy twine
Tools
- 3.5" scalloped paper punch
- 1/4" hole punch
- scissors
Instructions
- Use your 3.5" scalloped paper punch to punch nine circles per sheet of scrapbook paper. Punch three across the bottom edge, then trim the excess (so you have room to bring the punch forward), and repeat until you have as many circles as you wish for your garland. I used 14 circles for a 12' garland.
- Punch two adjacent (1/2” apart) holes on each circle with 1/4" punch (1/2” from edge).
- Cut a 12’-14’ piece of twine (12’ length shown). Weave twine through small holes. Up through the first, down through the second. Space out punched circles as you wish.
- Hang the garland securely.
Notes
You can get nine circles per sheet of scrapbook paper, so it's easy (and inexpensive) to make the garland as long as you need.
Customize it! Try these ideas:
-use metallic papers
-punch different shapes
-string the punched shapes onto a fancy yarn or metallic twine
-double up the amount of punched shapes and string them close together
-make a two-strand garland
-mix-and-match prints and solid colored papers for variety
Instructions for this garland were originally published on my 10-Minute No-Sew Paper Garland post.
