The holiday season is a magical time for creativity, and nothing says “festive” like making your own DIY Christmas Paper Garlands. While twinkling lights bring warmth to your home, adding handcrafted DIY Christmas paper crafts elevates your holiday decor to a whole new level. Not only are these decorations budget-friendly and sustainable, but they also let you add your personal style into every corner of your home.
When it comes to easy and budget-friendly decor, DIY Christmas paper garlands are the ultimate go-to. These charming crafts bring personality to any celebration, from weddings to Christmas or just a cozy home update. In this post, I’ll guide you through a variety of creative DIY paper garland ideas, perfect for all seasons and occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or new to paper crafts, these projects are simple, fun, and incredibly satisfying to make!
Why Paper Garlands?
Paper garlands are versatile, lightweight, and eco-friendly. They can be customized to match any theme or event, and best of all, they’re easy to make with minimal supplies. With just a few sheets of cardstock, scissors, and some string, you can create stunning decorations that add a beautiful and personal touch to your space. Here’s why they’re a fantastic choice for your holiday decor:
- Eco-Friendly: Use recycled or sustainable paper to make your holiday greener.
- Budget-Friendly: Craft supplies like cardstock, scissors, and glue are affordable and widely available.
- Personalized Touch: Create designs that reflect your family’s unique holiday traditions.
- Family-Friendly: These projects are perfect for kids and adults to enjoy together
So, I’ve picked 12 beautiful and easy to make DIY Christmas paper garlands (check the picture above).
- DIY paper Christmas ornaments (print and cut) by Ananda from A Piece of Rainbow
- Rainbow Fan Garland by Louisa Kopp from Ice Cream Off Paper Plates
- DIY Paper Christmas Holly Garland by ArtsyCraftsyMom
- DIY Giant Paper Holly garland by Kimbo from A girl and a glue gun
- Free Template Christmas Honeycomb DIY Ornaments by Emily from Oh Yay Studio
- 3D Paper Holly Berry by Brittany from The House That Lars Built
- Origami Festive Christmas Garland by Eva-Maria Berg
- Two-tone honeycomb paper ornaments by Gift Wrapping Love
- Christmas Origami Ornament Ball how-to by Giochi di Carta
- Christmas Sweater Garland DIY (With Free Printable!) by Laura Gummerman
- DIY Christmas Lights Paper Garland by Damask Love
- Free Printable Peppermint Candy Garland by One Simple Party
Materials You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make paper garlands:
- Cardstock, colored paper or patterned paper (e.g., Christmas wrapping paper for festive themes)
- Scissors or a craft knife
- String, ribbon, or twine
- Glue, double-sided tape
- Cutting machine like Cricut or Silhouette (for intricate designs)
🌟 Pro Tips for Making Perfect Paper Garlands
- Invest in a cutting machine: Investing in a cutting machine like Cricut Explore 3 or Silhouette Cameo 5 can be a game-changer for crafting flawless paper garlands. These devices allow you to create intricate and consistent designs quickly, saving time and effort compared to manual cutting. With access to endless design options, you can customize your garlands for any theme, from festive snowflakes to cheerful stars. Plus, the precision ensures a professional look, making your handmade garlands truly stand out in your holiday décor.
- Use Christmas scrapbook paper punches: they are the perfect tool for crafting festive paper garlands! With intricate holiday shapes like snowflakes, stars, or trees, they make it easy to create uniform cutouts. Simply punch designs from colorful scrapbook paper or cardstock, then string them together with twine or ribbon. These garlands add a cheerful, handmade touch to mantels, doorways, or Christmas trees and are a fun, family-friendly DIY activity. Plus, they’re budget-friendly and customizable to match your holiday décor!
- Layer Your Designs
Adding layers to your paper garland designs can elevate their appearance by giving them depth and a 3D effect. For instance, you can stack different shapes or sizes of the same design in complementary colors, such as red and green for Christmas or gold and white for New Year’s. The added texture and visual appeal make the garland look more dynamic and professional, perfect for impressing your guests. - Mix Materials
Don’t limit yourself to just paper—incorporate other materials like fabric, beads, or tassels for a more unique and creative look. Combining textures adds variety and can make your garlands stand out, whether they’re draped across a mantel or used as table décor. For example, pairing paper stars with small pom-poms or fabric strips can give a festive and cozy vibe to your decoration. - Store Carefully
Proper storage ensures your handmade garlands stay in perfect condition for future use. Lay them flat in a box, or gently roll them up with tissue paper to prevent creases or tangles. By storing them safely, you not only save time next year but also protect the effort you put into creating your custom décor.
More DIY Paper Christmas Decoration Ideas
Transform your living room into a cozy retreat with handmade paper lanterns. Use Christmas SVG cutting files to create intricate designs, then add LED tealights for a safe, glowing effect.
- Snowflake Garlands
Nothing captures the magic of winter like snowflakes. Craft delicate snowflake garlands using free SVG templates or hand-cut designs. Hang them across windows, mantels, or staircases for a whimsical touch.
- 3D Paper Ornaments
Upgrade your tree decor with 3D paper ornaments. From geometric shapes to festive stars, these ornaments are quick to assemble and look stunning on any Christmas tree.
- DIY Advent Calendar
Create a countdown to Christmas with an advent calendar made entirely of paper. Use envelopes, mini boxes, or printable templates to house small treats or notes.
- Festive Paper Wreath
A paper wreath is a beautiful alternative to traditional greenery. Layer different shades of green and add red accents for a classic Christmas look, or go for metallics for a modern twist.
How to Pair Paper Crafts with Christmas Lights
Paper decorations pair beautifully with Christmas lights, creating a cozy, glowing ambiance. Here’s how you can combine them:
- Lanterns: Slip LED lights into paper lanterns to light up your room.
- Garlands: Weave fairy lights through paper garlands for a magical effect.
- Window Decor: Tape paper snowflakes or stars to windows and backlight them with string lights.
Happy crafting!