Decorating for Christmas doesn’t have to involve store-bought decorations made from plastic or non-biodegradable materials. Instead, embrace sustainability and creativity with a DIY recycled paper garland. This eco-friendly craft is not only a great way to upcycle old materials but also adds a handmade, rustic charm to your holiday decor. Perfect for draping on your tree, across your mantel, or around doorways, these paper garlands are customizable and incredibly easy to make.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create a recycled paper garland step by step, along with tips and creative ideas to make your green Christmas decor truly special.
Materials Needed
To get started, you’ll need items you likely already have at home.
What You’ll Need
- Recycled Paper: Old newspapers, magazines, sheet music, book pages, or brown kraft paper.
- String or Twine: Natural jute, cotton thread, or any biodegradable string.
- Glue or Tape: Use eco-friendly glue or washi tape if needed.
- Scissors or a Craft Knife
- Hole Puncher (Optional)
- Decorative Accents (Optional): Dried leaves, cinnamon sticks, small twigs, or pressed flowers.
Pro Tip: Use colorful magazine pages or patterned wrapping paper scraps for a vibrant garland, or stick to neutral tones for a minimalist aesthetic.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Choose Your Design Style
Before cutting or assembling, decide on the type of garland you want to make. Some popular designs include:
- Paper Circles: Simple and modern.
- Paper Chains: A classic, nostalgic option.
- Folded Stars: Great for a three-dimensional effect.
- Leaf Shapes: Perfect for a nature-inspired look.
Pro Tip: Sketch your shapes on a piece of scrap paper first to visualize your design.
2. Cut Out Your Shapes
Once you’ve chosen a design, start cutting your recycled paper into shapes.
For Circles or Squares:
- Use a stencil, a cookie cutter, or trace around a small cup to ensure uniform shapes.
- Cut as many pieces as you need for the length of your garland.
For Stars or Leaf Shapes:
- Fold the paper to create symmetry for clean, even shapes.
- Use scissors or a craft knife for intricate designs.
For a Paper Chain:
- Cut strips of paper approximately 1 inch wide and 5-6 inches long.
Pro Tip: Use a mix of sizes and colors to add visual interest to your garland.
3. Assemble the Garland
Option 1: Sewing the Pieces Together
- Use a needle and thread (or a sewing machine if you have one) to stitch the paper pieces together.
- Leave about 1–2 inches of space between each piece for a loose, flowing garland.
- Knot the thread at both ends to secure.
Option 2: Gluing or Tying the Pieces
- For a simple paper chain, loop one strip of paper into a circle and glue or tape the ends together.
- Continue adding loops by threading each strip through the previous one, forming a chain.
- For flat shapes like stars or circles, glue the pieces onto a length of twine or tie them on with small knots.
Option 3: Hole-Punched Garland
- Punch holes at the top of each paper piece.
- String them onto a length of twine, knotting each piece in place to prevent sliding.
Pro Tip: Mix and match assembly methods for a multi-textured garland!
4. Add Decorative Accents (Optional)
Take your garland to the next level by incorporating natural or festive elements:
- Twigs or Branches: Weave small twigs or sprigs of greenery between paper shapes.
- Dried Oranges or Leaves: Attach dried orange slices or pressed leaves for a rustic touch.
- Cinnamon Sticks: Thread cinnamon sticks for a fragrant holiday accent.
Pro Tip: Keep additional decorations lightweight to prevent the garland from sagging.
5. Hang Your Garland
Your recycled paper garland is now ready to become the star of your holiday decor!
Where to Display It
- Christmas Tree: Drape the garland around the branches for a natural, handmade touch.
- Mantelpiece: Pair it with greenery and candles for a cozy look.
- Doorways or Windows: Frame your entryways or windows for a festive statement.
- Staircase Banisters: Wrap it around the railing along with fairy lights or pine boughs.
Pro Tip: Combine multiple garlands of varying lengths and styles for a layered effect.
Sustainability Tips for Your Garland
- Use Every Scrap: Save small leftover pieces of paper for future crafts.
- Choose Compostable Materials: Stick to biodegradable string and avoid glitter or plastic embellishments.
- Repurpose After the Holidays: Use the garland for parties, kids’ crafts, or cut it into smaller pieces for bookmarks or cards.
- Compost It: When the garland is no longer needed, compost it along with natural accents like twigs or leaves.
Creative Variations
- Themed Garlands: Use book pages for a literary theme or holiday cards for a nostalgic touch.
- Personalized Garlands: Write holiday messages, quotes, or names on each paper piece.
- Kids’ Crafts: Let kids draw or color on the paper shapes before assembling the garland.
- 3D Shapes: Fold paper stars or accordion shapes for added dimension.
Pro Tip: Layer your paper garland with natural garlands made of pine or eucalyptus for a mixed-material look.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of paper for the garland?
Yes! Old newspapers, magazines, kraft paper, book pages, or even leftover wrapping paper work well. The key is to repurpose materials you already have.
2. How long should my garland be?
This depends on where you’re hanging it. For a tree, aim for 6–8 feet. For mantels or doorways, measure the area and add extra length for draping.
3. How do I store my garland after the holidays?
Gently roll or fold the garland and store it in a dry, flat container to prevent creases or tears.
4. Can I use the garland outdoors?
Yes, but keep in mind that paper garlands are not weatherproof. If using outdoors, place them in a covered area or add a protective layer of eco-friendly spray sealant.
5. How do I make my garland more durable?
Reinforce each piece with a layer of clear tape or glue, especially if the paper is thin.
6. Are paper garlands safe for homes with pets?
Yes, but keep them out of reach of curious pets, as they may chew on the paper or string.
7. How do I incorporate this garland into a themed Christmas decor style?
Choose paper and accents that match your theme, like red and green for traditional, metallic tones for glam, or neutral hues for a rustic look.
8. Can kids help make the garland?
Absolutely! Kids can cut shapes, color designs, or help assemble the garland, making it a fun family activity.
9. Is this project time-consuming?
Not at all! Depending on the complexity of your design, you can complete a garland in as little as 30 minutes.
10. Can I combine my garland with other holiday decor?
Yes! Paper garlands pair beautifully with fairy lights, greenery, and ornaments for a layered and festive display.
By making your own recycled paper garland, you’ll not only reduce waste but also create a unique, eco-friendly decoration that reflects the spirit of the season. Whether minimalist or intricate, this craft is a fun, sustainable way to celebrate a green Christmas. 🎄✨