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