I’m excited to share this post with you today. Have you discovered Now That’s Pretty? It’s a delightful UK-based blog run by Ally, who creates the kind of projects that make you want to try everything—think ornate headdresses, playful pineapple lamps, and colorful piñata pillows. I’m thrilled she’s sharing a guest tutorial here. Take it away, Ally!
Paper decorations are my go-to when I need quick, budget-friendly party decor. They’re versatile and vibrant, but many paper crafts feel too fragile to reuse. That’s why I love these foldable garlands: they’re sturdy enough to store and reuse, simple to make in any color or size, and easy to customize for any celebration. Symmetrical shapes work especially well, and you can scale them up for an eye-catching statement—imagine giant hearts lining a room!
Supplies:
- Paper (cardstock works best; tissue paper can be used but is more delicate and trickier to handle)
- Glue stick
- Scissors
Step 1: Create a template. Fold a piece of paper in half and draw the shape you want—hearts are a classic choice. Cutting on the fold ensures symmetry and gives a clean, balanced shape.
Step 2: Make a second template for the foldable link. Place your folded template over another folded piece of card, positioned so there’s a small gap between the template edge and the fold. This gap creates a rectangular tab down the center of the piece when cut—exactly what you need to form the 3D link.
Step 3: Cut multiples. Cut out lots of your second template—each 3D link in the garland requires two identical shapes. The more you prepare, the faster assembly goes.
Step 4: Fold and glue. Fold the small rectangular tabs on both sides of each cut shape to create flaps. Add a strip of glue along one tab and press a matching shape to it so the two pieces meet along the center rectangle—this forms a 3D link.
Step 5: Join the links. To connect two links, run a thin line of glue along the inner edge where the pieces will touch. Pinch them together firmly for a few seconds to allow the glue to set. Repeat this step to build a chain of 3D shapes.
Continue linking shapes until you reach the desired length. These garlands are lightweight, easy to hang, and fold flat for storage—perfect for seasonal decorating or recurring events.
All photos by Now That’s Pretty for Studio DIY
Thanks so much, Ally! If you enjoyed this, check out more of her creative projects on Now That’s Pretty—her work is full of inspiring DIY ideas.