Back in September we hosted Blognic here in Los Angeles and I didn’t get a chance to share the simple DIY for the garlands I made for the event. The look was a playful, geometric take on classic gingham—what I like to call “deconstructed gingham.” These three-dimensional paper garlands are inexpensive, easy to make, and work in any color combination, making them perfect for parties, picnics, and everyday decor. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide so you can recreate them at home.
Supplies:
- Cardstock (assorted colors or patterns)
- X-acto knife and ruler or a paper cutter
- Double-sided tape
- Twine or string
- Needle (large enough for your twine)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cut the strips.
Cut your cardstock into strips measuring 2″ x 8.5″. These proportions produce nicely sized 3D boxes, but you can scale the dimensions up or down depending on the look you want.
2. Fold the paper.
Along the short side, fold over a 1/2″ flap. Then fold the strip in half, and fold each half in half again so you end up with four layers. This creates the panels that will form each box shape.
3. Secure the box.
Place a piece of double-sided tape on the 1/2″ flap and press it to the underside of the opposite end of the folded strip to form a closed box. Make sure the edges align so the box keeps its geometric shape.
4. Make a bunch.
Repeat the folding and taping until you have as many little boxes as you need for your garland. Mixing colors and patterns adds depth and visual interest; using a limited palette yields a cleaner, modern look.
5. Thread the garland.
Thread a needle with your twine or string. Carefully pierce one corner of each paper box and slide them onto the string. The holes should be near the corners so the boxes hang upright. The boxes will slide if you move them, but they generally stay in place once arranged. Space them evenly along the twine for a balanced look.
6. Hang and style.
Tie loops at each end of the twine and hang your garland wherever you like—over a picnic table, across a mantel, or above a party table. The dimensional boxes catch light and shadow, giving the garland a sculptural, modern effect.
Variations and tips:
- Change the strip width and length to make larger or smaller boxes and alter the overall scale of the garland.
- Bend the finished shapes slightly to form diamond silhouettes or pinch corners to create more angular forms. The same folding method can be adapted to create triangular or other polygonal shapes for variety.
- Use patterned cardstock for contrast or metallic paper for a festive sheen.
- If you want fixed spacing, secure boxes to the twine with a small dab of glue or a tiny knot behind each box.
These geometric paper garlands are quick to assemble, budget-friendly, and versatile. Whether you create a long string of many boxes or combine several shorter strands, they make an instant, playful impact for parties or everyday decor. Enjoy crafting—and have fun exploring different shapes and color combinations to make the garlands your own.