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Paper Fan Garland DIY

I’ve always purchased Paper Fan Garlands from the party store (in fact, I always keep a few stored in my party closet!) But, sometimes it’s hard to find these pretty decorations in the specific colors of a party I’m throwing. So, I’ve found that it’s handy to know how to make my own in a pinch. These garlands are simple to create, although the folding can take a little time. Luckily, it’s an easy project for a movie night and a bowl of popcorn.

Click through for instructions.

Materials: 8.5”x11” Card Stock in Various Colors, Pencil, Ruler, Scissors, Bone Folder, Quick Dry Tacky Glue, String, Stapler, Awl, Blunt Needle

Step 1: The big fans are made using full 8.5×11 sheets of paper and the small fans are made using half sheets. To make a large fan, measure 7/8″ along the short end. Fold the paper over the ruler to make the first fold. Crease the fold down with the bone folder. Fold back and forth, using the bone folder at each 7/8” fold, until you come to the end of the paper. You will probably have to trim the end a little bit if there is not enough paper left to complete a final fold.
Step 2: Use the same process for the small sheet. Measure in 7/8″ along the short end, and fold back and forth until you come to the end.
Step 3: To begin assembling the garland, first staple together the folds of one end of a large fan.
Step 4: Glue one side of a small fan to the one side of a large fan. Glue one side of another large fan to the other side of the small fan.
Step 5: Staple the end of the sandwiched small fan, being sure to include the glued ends of each large fan.
Step 6: Continue on with this pattern until you have the desired garland length.
Step 7: String the fans together by first punching holes into each end of each large fan using an awl.
Step 8: Thread your string onto a blunt needle and pull the string through each hole.
Step 9: Tie the string off at each end and hang it where ever you like.

Photography by  Aubrey Trinnaman for Oh Happy Day
Art Direction by Jordan Ferney
Produced by Stacy Wichelhaus
Crafting by Jessica Heywood
Styling by Caitlin Barker

  1. Meg

    April 29, 2013

    What a unique take on garland.
    So fun!

    http://happinessiscreating.com/

  2. Becky Loose From The Zoo

    April 29, 2013

    Oh wow! Maybe I’ll have to throw another impromptu cinco de mayo party now… i can always use another excuse for crafting and margaritas!

    <3becky
    http://www.loosefromthezoo.com

  3. Milan Lee

    April 29, 2013

    love this one! Very Great Gatsby!

  4. Lisette Wolter-McKinley

    April 29, 2013

    There is no end to what you can make with paper or tissue paper!

  5. Elaine - Visual Meringue

    April 29, 2013

    Love this! So pretty and endless possibilities with colour pairings. Thanks! Off to ‘pin’ this now 🙂

  6. Regine

    April 29, 2013

    Beautiful and crafty!
    http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
    Come say hi:)

  7. Toni-Louise

    April 29, 2013

    Brilliant! Looks so simple to make but super effective! Thanks for sharing! 🙂 x

    lemon-freckles.blogspot.co.uk

  8. Courtney Whitmore

    April 29, 2013

    This is so fun for summer parties!

  9. brendalynn

    April 29, 2013

    This is great!

    One question: Is the string needed? It looks kind of superfluous in these pics.

  10. Sarah

    April 29, 2013

    I love these. This would be the perfect thing to do while watching a chick flick and drinking a glass of wine.

  11. ampa de o'mimi

    April 29, 2013

    wow so lovely and original! thank u so much for inspiration!!

  12. lyndsay

    April 29, 2013

    beautiful! haven’t seen a garland like this before, awesome idea! ^__^ i agree, feels very “great gatsby!”

  13. Alessandra

    April 29, 2013

    I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!
    xxxxx Alessandra

  14. El Cajón de las Especias

    April 30, 2013

    Wow! It’s a spectacular garland! The colors are very pretty. We never had the idea to make it happened. Indeed, our most sincere congratulations. It was very inspiring. Greetings ‘spicy’

  15. Paris Bee Kids Blog

    April 30, 2013

    There’s something very retro about them. Love this look!!

    xoxo PARIS BEE kids blog

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