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The snow has finally melted here in Ontario and we are ready to welcome the freshness of Spring in the form of beautiful magnolia trees blooming all over the neighbourhood. In honour of the quickly shifting landscape we’re bringing you a family-friendly project to rival the Peppermint Candy Garland. We call her the Nature Garland and oh Mama, is she not just the perfect way to affordable, recyclable and all around colourful decorations for any party or shindig you’re planning this season.
With 3 cutout templates to choose from you can mix and match to create your own unique decorations worthy of a social media photo-op!
To make your own garland you will need:
Printer + Paper
String, ribbon, or twine
Scissors
Hole Punch, glue or tape
NATURE GARLAND CRAFT PROJECT
Once you’ve downloaded the TLA file (for free!) and have printed the shapes of your choice, go ahead and cut them out following along the cut lines provided.
TIP: When printing you can select the shapes you wish to use by inputting the page numbers in the text box located next to the ‘Pages’ option on your print screen. This is the window where you can also select the quantity you’d like to print to create your desired length of the garland!
A fun way to make this project kid-friendly is by using your cutout shape(s) as a cut guide on other textures and materials. This allows you some freedom to use different methods to create the garland’s colours. We used pencil crayon-scribbled paper for the tulips as seen in the image below.
For our tulip garland we chose to create a 3D look to give some dimension to our shapes; here are a few methods that worked for us:
The first involves folding three of the tulip shapes in half and attaching their back sides so that they align with each fold. This effect really pays off when using a vertical running garland where you can adhere your twine in between the tulip creases.
Another option is to take 2 of your tulip shapes, making a cut halfway down the center of the first shape starting at the top of the tulip and for your second shape, simply creating another cut down the middle starting from the base. This allows you to slide and interlock the two shapes together.
This step is of course optional if you’re mixing the shapes and don’t want a multi-dimensional garland. We chose to do an alternating pattern of leaves and buds for our second attempt:
TIP: A material-saving way to attach your cutouts to your garland string is by using a small hole punch, weaving it through. This alleviates the need for additional costs and/or dry time. Otherwise, try adhering with glue or tape to secure the final piece.
This is such a simple project and you can have so much fun personalizing each garland. Try adding paint, sparkles or tassels for extra character. Or why not try using materials like wood veneer sheets on a machine like the Cricut Maker for a lasting design?
DECORATING WITH PAPER OBJECTS
Another option to liven up the party can be found in the versatility of our new Butterfly Paper Objects. They require significantly less effort to install during your decorating endeavors and can be used in various ways to meet your party needs. These guys were designed to work as greeting cards AND decorations. Fold them into an envelope, stick them on the wall or collect multiple to string together yet another beautiful garland. Available in two colourways.
TIP: Try using thread or fishing line to give the illusion of floating/flying butterflies! Folding and flexing their wings in various positions will also give a more realistic appeal that lends well to this trick.
Here’s a link to other paper cutouts on our website that can also be used as decorations throughout the year:
(Toadstool Gift Tag, Monstera Gift Tag, Rainbow Gift Tag, Chick Egg Card , Bunny Egg Card, Heat-to-heart Card, UnbeLEAFable Card, In The Present Card, Holly-day Card).
If your hands are already full organizing your spectacular event, we'll take care of the decorations. Take a look at our Paper Lace Garland here!
Although not everyone may be inclined to celebrate Mother’s Day for any number of reasons, we sought to accredit the wonderful, powerhouse women in our lives this year with the help of these handmade decorations. The event was so colourful and happy; take a look at the results below!
Don’t forget to share your spring decor recreations with us over on our Instagram account @thelevendart and what moment you chose to celebrate with this D.I.Y project.
Stay Creative,
TLA
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