DIY GARLAND IDEAS
A few readers asked about the felt garland I showed in my Christmas home tour. It’s inspired by a simple design I saw in Country Living and honestly so easy that writing a full DIY post feels almost silly — but here it is. I prefer quick, uncomplicated crafts, so if you’re looking for something elaborate, this isn’t it. These projects are straightforward, kid-friendly and perfect for filling a holiday afternoon.
I make an easy Christmas garland every year, and below I’m sharing three of my favorites from recent seasons. These are fun to do with children when they say “I’m bored” during the holidays. Having the supplies ready makes you feel organized and creative, and the finished garlands add a handmade touch to your home.
Each craft boosts your confidence, entertains the kids and adds charm to your decor.
FELT GARLAND
Materials: felt rectangles, scissors, dental floss, a needle, small bells or ornaments, ornament hangers
1. Choose the felt color you like and cut it into squares. They don’t need to be perfect — mine are about 2 inches.
2. Thread dental floss onto a needle (dental floss is thin, strong and ideal for this) and pierce each square to string them together.
3. Tie the ends of the floss, leaving enough length to hang the garland.
4. Attach small bells, mini ornaments or other trinkets using ornament hangers so you can swap decorations year to year.
5. Step back and enjoy your simple, cozy garland.
PRETTY PAPER GARLAND
Last year my son and I made a paper garland using old holiday cards and decorative scrapbook paper. This is a great way to reuse cards and add a personal touch to your decor.
1. Use cookie cutters as templates to trace and cut holiday shapes from cards or patterned paper.
2. Punch a small hole near the top of each shape and thread ribbon through to string them together.
3. Vary the shapes and papers for a layered, textured look that’s lightweight and easy to hang.
COOKIE CUTTER GARLAND
Don’t put the cookie cutters away yet — use them as part of a garland. Thread ribbon through the handles of metal or wooden cookie cutters and hang them across a mantel or window. They add a playful, festive feel and work well with twinkle lights.
Simple, effective, and surprisingly charming.
BEADS & POM-POM GARLAND
This garland combines beads and craft pom-poms for a soft, colorful look. We made one a few years ago using jewelry string, which eventually broke — so now I recommend dental floss or strong craft thread for durability.
1. Choose a mix of wooden or plastic beads and fluffy pom-poms in coordinating colors.
2. Thread them onto dental floss, alternating beads and pom-poms or grouping them for variety.
3. Tie secure knots between elements if you want spacing to be consistent, then finish by tying loops for hanging.
These garlands are quick to make, affordable and customizable to any color scheme. They’re perfect for hanging on windows, mantels, stair rails or even across a doorway. Enjoy making them with family, and don’t worry about perfection — the charm is in the homemade look.