Wednesday, January 18, 2012

How To Make A Paper Garland From An Old Book

P1010013g1 Need a fun project to do while sitting at the TV? I have made these garlands before – only in a smaller version – and draped them on a Christmas tree and used them as a center piece down a table. They are a lot of fun to make and add an unexpected flair to any room, bridal shower, wedding or fun event.



For the project you will need:



An old book – about an 8” x 11” – that you don’t mind cutting up and has about 350 pages.


Jute twine


Scissors


Hole punch


To make your paper garland, choose an old book that you won’t mind cutting up. The book I used was the size of a dictionary (about 8” x 11”) -

P1010001b1 and had interesting graphics, old fact charts and nicely aged paper.P1010002h1

To make it easy to remove the pages from the book, tear away the outer spine of the book as well as the hard cover.


Next, cut the pages in half.



P1010004f1 Fold the cut pages in half again.


To make the garland less balanced and perfectly square, I fold the pages in an imperfect half – kind of caddywhompus, if you will - as shown below.P1010007e1 Using a hole punch, punch a hole a bit off center, about an inch up from the fold. Give the pages a little crumble along the edges for a rumpled look. P1010009x Cut a piece of twine the length that you would like the garland to be. String the pages on the twine. Once the pages are on the twine, give them a little turn here and there so that they are not perfectly lined up.



When done, tie a large knot in the twine at both ends, leaving about 12” of twine at each end to use to hang the garland by.P1010010b1 Depending on the look you like, the garland can be made with the pages tight together, as my garland is, or stretched out at bit with more spacing in between the pages.P1010011d1 Drape it…P1010012c1 ..or let it hang straight down. P1010016f1Just have fun with it! Don’t be discouraged if the pages tear a bit as you are making it. Nobody will know but you when it is all done.


The garland would be really cute made out of a colorful illustrated children’s book with some pretty scrapbooking papers added here and there. too.



Today's post is linked to Faded Charm's White Wednesday and


Savvy Southern Style Wow Us Wednesday.

21 comments:

Sue said...

So easy and oh so cute! How come everybody else but me comes up with such fun craft ideas?! LOL ~ Sue

Martine said...

Love this idea! I think this would be so great to decorate a children's book area!! Thanks for the inspiration!

Vee said...

Very nice. I'd not dare to use any book I cared about and I care a very lot about all my books. It would have to be old and the covers shot and not of any interest to the family so that lets out my grandmother's geography text. Maybe one of my old texts...

Splashes of Pink and Mint said...

Owww... this is gorgeous!!! Another projekt for my to-do list!
Hugs, Elly

Elizabeth and Gary said...

Hi Becky,
What fun...I think I will try to make one. A great craft to do with the kids. I think Aleena would love to make one, she could put Justin Beaber's picture on the ends of her garland LOL.
We have been working in the kitchen again and Gary has been working on the electrical installing new lighting for me.
Keep warm its been so cold..Big hugs and love, Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Love that ~ thanks so much for the tutorial!

Linda said...

What a cute idea! I will have to keep my eyes open for some old worn out books next time I go out thrifting!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

I saw one of these on Pinterest and thought it was really cute.
Thanks for the how to. Love yours.

hugs
Sissie

Lorraine said...

Thanks for the tutorial, I love the wreath and how you have displayed it. ~Lorraine

camp and cottage living said...

Becky
thank you for the tutorial. I want to do something for Valentine, but I also want it to be disposible. This is perfect!

Elsie said...

Becky that is about the cutest thing ever. I love it and it's
so easy. Thanks for sharing.

Donna, The Decorated House said...

I love making use of books that really are not going to used in any other way anymore. This is darling!

Faded Charm said...

I really like this idea. I've been tearing a couple old books apart for other projects, but might try this one as well:-)

Thanks for sharing.

xoxo
Kathleen

Mimi Sue said...

Love it! Fun thing to make on a snowy day. Mimi

Pondside said...

That would be fun for a shower - a little different!

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

This is a great look! Love the aged paper, and the crinkle adds so much. Your shelf is adorable too!

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

You've made this look so easy, thanks!!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

What a great idea that looks amazing! ♥

Pieced Pastimes said...

Such a sweet look to this garland. Very nice!

Rebecca Nelson said...

Brilliant! You absolutely AMAZE ME!

xoRebecca

Susan said...

I love this!! Well I love anything paper lol Thanks for tutorial!

xoxo
twentyfour7
Susan