One of my go to’s for any party I am helping with is garland. It is pretty inexpensive to create. Hobby Lobby and Joann’s have great sales on specialty paper if you watch for it. (And of course they both have excellent coupons online!)
What you need:
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Circle cutters
Cut out circles (or whatever shapes you prefer.) Circles to me are easier to cut out and I can make a lot in very little time. I use a large circle cutter for Photo Booth or back drop garland, and smaller for misc home decor garland. You can find the cutters I use here:
- Martha Stewart Large Circle Cutter: www.amazon.com
- Martha Stewart Small Circle Cutter: www.joann.com
Pick out the order/ lay them out. I love to have some solid strands and some mixed colors. Keep in mind solid strands of color will last for multiple parties to come. Also note that some specialty papers are only on one side, so you might have to double up a color on one to avoid having a white side and a specialty color side. That is what happened with my gold glitter paper. I really encourage you to lay them out spaced apart as far as you would like them to be when complete. This will help you decide if you need to add or subtract anything. It will also help you know how much space to put in between each circle.
Sew the circles together. Start with about 12″ of thread to use to hang the garland when complete. Place first circle under your presser foot at the top/ middle. You do not need to back stitch or at least I never have. Start sewing down the circle in a straight line down the center. once you get to the bottom continue sewing while pulling gently on the sewn circle. Depending on the size of your garland/ size of your circles, leave about 3-6″ of space in between each circle. Start with the next one in the same manner. Continue until you are happy with the full strand. Leave about 12″ of thread after the last circle before cutting.
Hang:
- Push Pins: Easiest way to hang, minimal wall damage.
- Tape: Mantels
- Nails: If permanent and hidden, but otherwise I do not suggest this
- Removable Wall Hooks: Again if able to hide, minimal damage occurs
To store/ transport I highly suggest individual ziplock bags. It has been a life saver. They come in all sizes for your different size garland, and you are not having to play the worlds worst game of “Try to detangle that mess!!!”
You can also make this garland in felt as well. Same steps as above. I like the triangles to touch when this small. This can be festive for any holiday!
** You can create paper garland without a sewing machine. Just cut out double the amount of shapes. Lay out on the ground in order and spaced out exactly as you would like. Use monofilament, laid out on top of the shapes, and tape it down using double stick tape. Tape the other cut out shape to the other side so the monofilament is sandwiched in the middle. leaving extra on each side to hang it from. **
Have fun, and party on!
Cat
Love it! You’ve inspired me! I think garland is in my next project for the kids’ rooms!