DIY Paper Garland
Home decor for the holidays can be expensive, and this DIY paper garland craft is so inexpensive to make. If you have the time and love paper as much as I do, you’ll want to try this beautiful paper garland. I must warn you that it is a time-consuming DIY project, but the results are breathtaking. Add a few white twinkle lights and it’s festive holiday decor for your mantel. I love paper, and paper projects make me happy! So, it made sense that I would create a paper garland out of pages from a book. Last year, I made two long garlands that I placed on our mantel and entertainment center. I did store them so I can use them every year during the holidays.
I have finally figured out a way to make this garland so that it will last for many years. I found it all came down to the best way to attach the leaves to the wire. And by George, I’ve got the solution. I’m so happy to share this DIY paper garland project with you.
Supplies:
Book
Scissors
2 spools of wire
~ leaf wire is 26 gauge (lighter)
~ main garland wire is 22 gauge (heavier)
Pencil for tracing
Silver, gold or white colored brads (the amount you get depends on the length of your garland)
3M temporary hooks
Paper Garland: 10 steps
1. Pick out your book that you want to use.
Not all paper is created equal. Do you want a real old look with almost brown paper? Or do you want the paper that is creamy? I spent a long time at Goodwill checking out all their books!
2. Figure out your garland length and cut you wire about a couple of feet longer.
This wire is the structure of the garland. This wire should be a little bit heavier (22 gauge), so it can support all the weight.
3. Carefully pull out all the pages out of your book.
4. Trace the leaf onto your paper.
You only need to trace it out on the top page.
5. You can cut out many pages at a time.
I think I cut out about 10-15 pages at a time. The more you can cut out the quicker the project will go. Just a note that you don’t have to be very precise when it comes to cutting out your leaves, so try not to spend too much time on this section.
6. Now attach the brads through the paper leaf.
7. Turn the leaf over to the backside. Take your leaf wire (26 gauge wire) and attach the end to the base, leave about 1/2 inch at the top. Rotate the wire about three times and then bring the end down and twist it around the wrapped wire. * Leave a 1 1/2 -inch stem.
8. Spread the brad open on the leaf. Do this to all your leaves. Once you have all your leaves ready with their wires, you are now ready to attach them to the main branch. Here is the fun part since you are going to see your garland start to take shape.
9. Attach the leaves with a pattern. Try to place them on the two outsides of the branch as well as the middle. You should try and imitate how a natural vine would grow.
10. At both ends of the garland, make a loop. You will use these loops to hang the garland to some temporary 3M hooks.
The electronic age has reduced our exposure to paper, and I feel it is such a beautiful resource for crafts. Peruse books and find one that will inspire you to make this garland. Our hope is that this post has inspired you to make this paper garland. It has a timeless beauty and every fall and winter I love how it makes our mantel festive. Savor this holiday season!
Cheers,
* If you want to have the site where the brad goes into the paper, you can place masking tape down before you attach the brad. Also, if you don’t want the silver or gold brad to show, you can also, cover with beige masking tape on both the back and the front of the leaf.
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Kathleen says
Where did you find the leaf template or did you freehand? Thanks
happyhappynester says
Hi Kathleen,
I’m happy for your visit to my blog. The leaf template is in the post. You’ll see the link under the supplies. Hope this helps, let me know if you need more help.
Thanks,
Janine
Mary says
That is really a gorgeous project and one I can easily see doing, since I hate to get rid of old books.