12.10.2010

{create} festive garland

I have one more easy and fun holiday craft to share with you. I've been really loving garlands all year ... they just make any space so festive!And of course, what we're looking for around this time of year is festive. Simple festive.

So when I saw West Elm's simple and beautiful holiday garland, I sprung into action. I knew I needed a garland in my house, and as it turns out, I now have two! Instead of silver though, I opted for a red base to better match my other decor colors.

First, on our tree. I wanted a different look for our tree this year, and the red garland paired with silver, sparkly balls is perfect.

Second, strung across a window to add a festive vibe to our holiday party this weekend! Post party this lovely garland will most likely move to the fireplace.

How to make? It's so easy! First, I started by cutting out a million little red circles. I'm not really exaggerating. These circles are a little over an inch in diameter (traced from a small measuring cup) and I stopped cutting when I'd gone through a yard and a half of felt. (Pop in a fun holiday movie ... it makes the time go by much quicker!) I had no idea if it was enough, but figured I could add more later. Luckily, it was just the perfect amount.

Then I cut out just under a million pieces of festive paper. Okay, it was way less than that. I just wanted the paper to add touches of fun throughout the garland.

Then I just ran them all through a sewing machine, on straight stitch, one by one. You can see in the above pic that there are no spaces between the circles. I didn't want this to be a super time consuming project (you know, once the felt was all cut!), so I sewed the paper to the fabric all at one time. Sidenote: Have you tried sewing on paper? I love it! Check out the fun Christmas project I worked on last year with sewn paper. And, important to note: wrapping your garland around a toilet paper roll as you go will decrease your changes of a tangled knotted mess. Don't say you weren't warned! :)


Happy friday friends!

8 comments:

  1. pretty? check! sparkly? check! jealous? check!

    hehe i love it =) great job!

    xoXOxo
    Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

    ReplyDelete
  2. I recognize that paper! I'm using that peppermint paper on my gift tags this year. Which probably aren't cute enough for a post as I'm worn out from cards.

    But I love this idea!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love the garland, it looks super cute!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love your decor! The garlands and wreath are especially sweet.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a cute project! You sure do have a lot of patience - but it all paid off. I love the result!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your garland turned out great! I love how festive it looks.

    ReplyDelete
  7. awesome tutorial lades! it's perfect paired with your wreath. also, just clicked over to your adorable bungalow transformation, wow is what! your home is so lovely and everything you've done to sparkle it up looks terrific. ♥

    thanks for your comments, i love hearing feedback like that!

    ReplyDelete

Your comments make my day! Thanks for stopping by and sharing! :)