DIY: Printed Paper Garlands

Create a vintage library feel with easy DIY garlands evoking a papered past.  This gently tattered look can be used for photo booth backgrounds, hanging mobiles, or simple wall and aisle decorations.

Materials:

Twine

Used book, preferably a vintage journal or old sheets of music

Scissors

Tape

Optional: circle cutters

Pinwheels:

Tear or cut the book pages into narrow strips, where the thicker the strip, the larger the pinwheel.  Evenly fold each strip in an accordion fashion, then tape together the two ends while fanning out the strip.   Secure the center with clear tape, or glue a small circle "button" on each side, also using the printed paper.  Once pinwheels are secured (glue will take a few hours to dry), puncture a hole through the center of the pinwheel, making sure not to crush the folds.  Thread the twine through the hole and tie a knot to keep the pinwheel in place on the garland.

Flags/Pennants:

Cut out isosceles triangles of equal size.  Fold the base edge of each triangle over the twine and secure with tape.

Circle "Confetti":

Use a hole puncher or larger circle cutter to create the paper confetti.  Take two circles and glue them back to back with the twine in between.

Other paper garland ideas:

Fine strips creating paper fringe

2D shapes, like birds, leaves, flowers, hearts, rectangles

3D origami shapes, like butterflies, cranes