DIY paper chain tutorial: simple holiday decor🌈🎅🏻
I made these rainbow paper chain garlands and they turned out so much cuter than I expected 🎄🌈✨ They feel nostalgic in the best way and honestly look better than anything I have seen in stores this year. Everything in retail right now is either super trendy or way too expensive and it never feels like something you will reuse next Christmas. So this year I just decided to make my own.
All you need is construction paper scissors and a stapler. I used the colors that fit my vibe red orange yellow light green light blue purple and pink. Two sheets per color made everything you see which is wild because it really stretches far. I barely used any of the pack.
To get the perfect strip size I folded each page in half then again and cut along the folds. Then I cut each piece in half to make long skinny strips. It is super fast especially if you use a paper slicer.
Once everything was cut I went the quick route and stapled the loops instead of gluing them. You can totally glue them if you want a cleaner look but staples are so easy and you can twist the loop to hide the staple when it is hanging. I was not trying to spend hours gluing tiny pieces of paper together so staples won.
I made one long chain for above my TV and used the extra strips to make shorter chains for my mirror and ceiling. Then I added gold star streamers from Target under the chains for a pretty shimmer. You could also use tinsel if that fits your vibe.
This whole project cost around twelve dollars for the paper and seven for the stars and I still have a ton of materials left. You could easily do it for under ten dollars if you buy single sheets. It is such a cute affordable way to decorate and it makes your home feel so whimsical and cozy. No trends no pressure just pure childhood style joy brought into adult decorating 💗🌈
Creating a rainbow paper chain garland is a wonderfully nostalgic and budget-friendly way to elevate your holiday decor. Using just construction paper in vibrant colors—such as red, orange, yellow, light green, light blue, purple, and pink—you can craft a stunning decoration that feels personal and joyful. Folding each sheet twice before cutting creates perfect narrow strips, making your garland look neat and evenly sized. For those who want to save time, staples provide a quick and practical fastening method. By twisting the loops, the staple can be hidden for a clean look. Alternatively, glue allows for a seamless finish if you prefer a more polished appearance, though it requires more patience during assembly. To add sparkle and dimension to your paper chains, consider integrating gold star streamers or tinsel beneath the garlands. These small touches bring shimmer and holiday magic without breaking the bank. Such accents also help layer your decor, making your space feel more dynamic and festive. Budget-conscious crafters will appreciate that this entire project can be completed for under $20, and even less if purchasing single sheets of paper. The material leftovers allow for multiple chains or other festive crafts, promoting sustainability and creativity. This DIY project not only adds a whimsical touch reminiscent of childhood joy but also breaks away from the impersonal, trendy, and costly holiday decorations dominating stores. Handmade garlands like this foster a cozy, personalized atmosphere and can be reused year after year, making them an eco-friendly and sentimental choice. Whether adorning the area above your TV, mirrors, or ceiling, these layered paper chains bring color and cheer to your home all season long. Embrace the simplicity and charm of this craft to create a uniquely festive vibe—perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you want to infuse your space with warmth and whimsy.
This is so cute and reminds me of being a kid! Do you think this would work with thicker cardstock or would it be too hard to loop?