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Geometric Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Garland DIY

Maybe it is because sunshine makes me think of tacos, but I have fiestas on the brain.  I really think it is just the pretty summer sets coming out everywhere that are making me think of bright pops of color hanging from string. Fun patterns of easy to cut shapes gives a update to the traditional fiesta bunting. What fun!

All the instructions and more photos after the jump.

You will need: tissue paper, scissors, twine and double-stick tape.  Add a cutting pad, a ruler and a rotary cutter to make it super easy.

First, cut 5 x 7 inch rectangular pieces of tissue  in various shades.

Next, we will fold it accordion style. Start with one sheet to practice the technique, then later you can layer about 4 or 5 to make a bunch at the same time. Fold sheet in half. Starting on the folded edge, fold a 1/2 inch section. Then fold back another 1/2 inch. Repeat once more for 4 times total including when you folded in half. You should have a little bit of edge left over. Leave it plain and do not fold it.

Starting 3/4 of an inch down, cut a straight line from the folded edges.  Do not go all the way over and stop about 1/8 of an inch away from opposite side. Cut at an angle, cutting out a triangle as shown. Repeat with another straight edge about 1/8 of an inch down. Finish cutting out the triangle.  Repeat twice more.

Open so the “extra” edge is folded out. Now repeat cutting out triangles on the opposite side. Be careful not to go all the way through to the first row of triangles.

Once you are done, unfold and repeat with remaining pieces. You can flatten these with your fingers or lightly iron sheets between paper towels on a low setting. All the wrinkles will not come out, but it helps to press them flat.

To tape as a garland, you will first run a line of double-stick tape across the top of a single flag. Then press the twine into the tape. Fold over the edge and continue to add flags to suit the length you need.

These were super easy, and since I can get them in any shade under the sun, I’m thinking the next version will be ombre. Hang, serve with ice cream floats and cupcakes and viva fiesta!

  1. amanda

    April 19, 2012

    that pixel paper is rad!

  2. unfounddoor

    April 19, 2012

    Woah. Is that your cutting board?! Love love love

    Big fan of paper cutting too

  3. jillian

    April 19, 2012

    like cut out snowflakes for the summertime! i love this and am ready for a fiesta!

    jillian
    http://hitherandthitherblog.blogspot.co.uk/

  4. Michelle

    April 19, 2012

    Love this! I will definitely be making it in the future.

  5. Pepa

    April 19, 2012

    amazing!!!incredible!!! i will try!

  6. Caroline

    April 19, 2012

    Love this Idea! Also love the color square background. Is it fabric or paper?

  7. Joslin

    April 19, 2012

    So simple, yet so pretty and fun!

  8. Mrs Average Bride

    April 19, 2012

    I LOVE these. They bring so much color to your party! Thanks for sharing.

  9. LNM

    April 19, 2012

    I love your black table cloth with the plus signs! Did you make it? If you didn’t where did you find it?

  10. richard

    April 19, 2012

    look colourful

  11. Marie

    April 19, 2012

    Oh, I love this! Super fun!

    http://www.happypaperplace.com/

  12. Carol

    April 19, 2012

    Love it!
    Perfect for my mexican birthday party
    (Fridha Kahlo + gold theme) on june.

  13. Alissa

    April 19, 2012

    I love your work, I found your blog through NieNie!

    Alissa
    ripleyadoption.blogspot.com

  14. tabitha

    April 19, 2012

    Pleassssssssssse share where you got that pixel paper or fabric. It’s amazing!

  15. Ellie

    April 19, 2012

    Great idea. I love the colours you used.

  16. Deepa

    April 19, 2012

    That pixel background is awesome!

  17. Evani G

    April 19, 2012

    I will DEFINITELY be making these for our shindig, these are so cute!!

    Love,
    Evani

  18. Jo Way

    April 19, 2012

    This looks so cool – wish I was organised enough to actually do things like this before my parties!

  19. pamela

    April 19, 2012

    I loved this, it always amaze me, Why do in USA think 5 of May like a big mexican party… Im mexican and 5 de Mayo is soooo not a big day except maybe in puebla (where the mexican defeat the Napoleon;s army) and yes I looove the “papel picado garland” buy we only use that for día de los muertos and maybe for the Holy friday 😀

  20. Angela Marie

    April 19, 2012

    LOVE IT! Can I decorate my apartment like this all year long?

    – Angela Marie @ http://sunkissedivory.blogspot.com

  21. Kasia

    April 19, 2012

    oh, I love your blog. Thank you for inspirations!

    http://mademoiselletralalala.blogspot.com/

  22. Alexa

    April 19, 2012

    This is perfect for a warm summer picnic. Super cute for adults and kids!

  23. Serena

    April 19, 2012

    I have that same sheet of paper (used for background). Love Paper Source.

  24. Jess

    April 20, 2012

    Hi I love this site … I Have told my frinds about it and they love it as well.. This idea woud have to be the best ! so simple but so effective..

    – Love it

    Jess

  25. Felicitas

    April 20, 2012

    Love it! but where did you get that pixel paper or fabric. It’s fantastic!!

  26. Andrea

    April 20, 2012

    Ohh… this makes me want to have a Cinco De Mayo party, JUST so I have an excuse to make these. Very cute.

  27. deborah

    April 20, 2012

    oh my word! You really do make me happy. You have the best projects, i just finished doing the confetti tablecloth the other day and will def be starting this project today…. THANK YOU!!

  28. Mom in Mendon

    April 20, 2012

    Cute!!

  29. Amanda | Little Door On The Sound

    April 20, 2012

    Love love love this. And I’m pretty obsessed with that pixel paper! Awesome post.

  30. Savanah

    April 20, 2012

    I love this idea! Especially because Cinco de Mayo is my birthday 🙂 I included a link to this post on my blog

    http://myhandmadehappies.blogspot.com/

  31. Angeles

    April 20, 2012

    If something it’s simple then it’s even nicer!
    http://www.etsy.com/shop/CarnivalLab

  32. betty-annmanghi

    April 21, 2012

    wonder if you could use a punch to do those shapes? your thoughts….

  33. janner

    April 21, 2012

    Beautiful pixel background – can you please share what/where/how i can get this too?! Thanks!

  34. amy

    April 21, 2012

  35. Jill

    April 22, 2012

    Those garlands are so fun! I could definitely see myself making them for a fun and colorful party.

  36. Lissa (Bellenza)

    April 22, 2012

    Wow, homemade papel picado! Love it! Happy Cinco de Mayo, everyone. 🙂

  37. Victoria

    April 22, 2012

    Wow! that colorful block paper background is awesome! Fun tutorial too. I love hanging banners.
    http://callmevictorian.com

  38. Jess the Chipster

    April 23, 2012

    I love it! That paper is rad, and so it your cross tablecloth.

  39. Jen @jentertaining

    April 24, 2012

    Gearing up for a cinco de mayo post and came across your great updated garland. Love!

  40. vibram

    April 24, 2012

    Thank you for inspirations ! I wonder if I can decorate my apartment like this all year long ? Love it ! but where did you get that pixel paper or fabric ? It’s so fantastic!!

  41. Sara

    April 28, 2012

    Superb…..just loved it . its so easy . you are really very creative
    thanks

Comments are Closed

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