Paper transforms from ordinary craft supply to stunning decoration with just a few simple cuts and folds. These DIY paper garland ideas turn basic materials into eye-catching displays that work for any occasion.
You probably already have most of the supplies sitting in your desk drawer right now. Scissors, paper, and maybe some string are all you need to create something that looks professionally made.
The best part is how quickly these projects come together when you need last-minute decorations.
This post may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosure here for more info.
Newsprint Star Garlands Inspire Vintage Holiday Charm
Paper stars made from old book pages and newsprint give your tree an unexpected warmth that shiny ornaments just can’t match. Threading them onto cream twine creates a delicate vertical strand that feels both rustic and refined, perfect for layering over branches without overwhelming the greenery.
The mix of printed text stars with plain kraft and white paper versions adds visual interest without being too busy. @inspiredbycharm shows how varying the sizes keeps things from looking too uniform, which honestly makes the whole thing feel more handmade and personal.
You could easily swap newsprint for sheet music, vintage maps, or even pages from worn-out cookbooks for a totally different vibe.
Layer Colorful Ticket Strips Into Party Chains
Old carnival tickets get a second life when you fold and loop them into vibrant party chains. The printed numbers and bold colors create a nostalgic vibe that’s perfect for birthdays or summer gatherings, and @prettylifegirls shows how mixing coral, mint, hot pink, and blue tickets creates maximum visual impact.
You can grab rolls of raffle tickets from any party supply store, then simply cut and interlock them without glue or tape. Try alternating two colors for a cleaner look, or go wild with random patterns that feel more playful and spontaneous.
Drape them across dessert tables, doorways, or even wrap them around stair railings for an instant festive upgrade.
Folded Book Page Angels Brighten Any Holiday Display
Old book pages transform into delicate angels when you fold them accordion-style and attach a wooden bead head. The printed text adds vintage charm without needing paint or embellishments, and @cathrynlaurawood shows how simple twine makes them garland-ready in minutes.
You can use sheet music for a musical twist or dictionary pages for quirky word snippets peeking through the folds. The wooden beads come in different sizes, so mixing small and large angels creates visual interest along your string.
Hang them across a mantel or weave them with greenery for a rustic holiday look that feels both crafty and elegant.
Curate Geometric Dimension With Folded Paper Diamonds
These angular gems add serious visual weight without the actual heft. Each diamond gets folded from cardstock in contrasting shades, maroon meets soft pink, forest green pairs with mint, buttery cream touches off against rich olive.
The construction technique from @liagriffith uses precision creases to build that faceted look, and threading them on baker’s twine keeps everything light. You could swap colors for metallics or pastels depending on your event vibe.
Hang them at varying heights for that floating, modern chandelier effect that catches light from every angle.
Arrange Dimensional Ornaments With Layered Accordion Folds
These accordion-folded ornaments bring instant depth to any garland display. Each piece features layered cardstock in vibrant shades, golden yellow, turquoise, orange, deep red, hot pink, and blue, with white polka dots that pop against the bold backgrounds.
The secret lies in folding multiple sheets together, then fanning them out to create that three-dimensional bulb effect. @floralflairstudio threaded these beauties onto twine with tiny paper stars as spacers, which adds playful movement between each ornament.
Try mixing metallic cardstock with matte finishes for a totally different vibe.
Oversized Holly Leaves Reveal Festive Drama
This garland takes the traditional holly motif and blows it up to theatrical proportions, making a statement that’s impossible to ignore. The layers of forest green and chartreuse paper leaves cascade along the banister with genuine presence, while bright orange-red berries add pops of holiday cheer.
Cardstock or crepe paper works beautifully for creating these oversized shapes, and you can trace leaf templates in varying sizes to build dimension. The House That Lars Built demonstrates how alternating your greens creates depth that mimics real foliage.
Try experimenting with metallic paper for the berries or adding glitter edges to catch the light as guests arrive.
Add Playful Mismatched Shapes for Bold Party Decor
Cardstock cutouts in every shape imaginable create this joyful display that feels totally spontaneous. Circles, scalloped edges, checkerboards, and florals all coexist in vibrant yellows, oranges, teals, and pinks, proving that matching is overrated when the energy is this good.
Thread them onto baker’s twine using a simple hole punch, alternating patterns without overthinking it. @miesjechafer shows how layering different sizes adds unexpected depth, and you can even mix printed scrapbook paper with solid colors for extra contrast.
This approach works beautifully for birthdays, baby showers, or just because your walls need some personality.
Refresh Your Holiday With Woven Paper Stars
These woven golden stars bring a Scandinavian touch that feels both timeless and handmade. The interlocking paper strips create dimension without needing glue, and the cream-colored paper catches light beautifully against darker backdrops.
String them on natural twine like @hauz.and.co shows here, spacing them unevenly for an organic feel. Try metallic paper for extra shimmer, or use patterned scrapbook paper to add personality to each star.
The weaving technique looks complex but becomes meditative once you get the rhythm down.
Try next
Cardboard Pine Trees Refresh Winter Holiday Decor
These little pine trees strung on twine bring woodland charm without the mess of real greenery. Each tree gets built from layered cardboard or toilet paper roll pieces, painted in deep forest green with brown trunks and tiny white dots for snow.
The genius here is how @kimmyandbear layers the card to create dimension, making flat material look almost three-dimensional. You can adjust tree sizes by cutting different widths, or swap green for silver spray paint for a frosty look.
String them across a mantel or weave through stair railings for instant seasonal vibes.
Layer Colorful Paper Loops for Retro Light Bulbs
Bright paper loops hung along twine create these charming faux light bulbs that bring instant cheer to any space. The combination of red, yellow, green, orange, and blue cardstock mimics vintage holiday lights without the hassle of tangled cords or burnt-out bulbs.
Each loop attaches to a small gray cardstock base that resembles a bulb socket, giving the whole design a surprisingly authentic look. Stubbornly Crafty adds tiny cream paper stars scattered between the bulbs for extra whimsy.
Switch up the colors to match your party theme or try metallic paper for a glamorous twist.
Introduce Gingerbread House Cutouts With White Pen Details
These cardboard gingerbread houses bring holiday charm without the mess of actual icing. Each house features white pen details, windows, doors, scalloped rooflines, that mimic royal icing with surprising accuracy, and the kraft cardboard base gives them that authentic cookie warmth.
The genius here lies in the simplicity: flat shapes punched from sturdy cardboard, decorated with a white gel pen or paint marker. @tessbelke adds snowflakes and stars between the houses, creating a full village scene that works strung across a mantel or hung individually.
Try adding glitter to the “icing” while it’s still wet, or punch small holes at the top for threading onto twine.
Pleated Fan Bunting Brightens Any Celebration Space
These accordion-folded paper fans create a playful bunting that works for birthdays, baby showers, or just because Tuesdays need more color. The ombre effect on the mint-to-green and soft pink fans adds depth without extra effort.
You can string these half-circles using fishing line or ribbon, spacing them close for drama or farther apart for a breezier look. DIY EXPRESS shows how simple folds and basic cardstock transform into something that genuinely makes people smile when they walk into a room.
Try mixing sizes or adding metallic paper for a twist that feels less predictable.
Tissue Paper Pom Garlands Reveal Staircase Drama
Fluffy tissue paper pom-poms in soft blush pink transform a regular staircase into something that feels party-ready without trying too hard. The oversized blooms cluster together along the banister, creating volume that’s honestly hard to ignore in the best way.
This approach from @slrabena works because the tissue paper gives you that airy, romantic vibe without weighing down the railing. You can switch up colors for different seasons or events, maybe coral for summer or cream for a wedding.
Stack multiple sheets, fold accordion-style, tie the center, then fluff each layer until you get those full, dimensional shapes.
Style Accordion Fold Fans With Bold Color Stripes
Accordion-folded paper fans bring instant dimension to any wall, and these cone-shaped beauties prove it. Each fan features alternating color stripes in purple, cream, coral, burgundy, navy, and teal that create a striking geometric effect when folded.
The technique is surprisingly simple: cut paper strips, alternate your colors, glue them together, then fold accordion-style before shaping into cones. @ventunoart shows how mixing jewel tones with softer shades keeps the look balanced instead of overwhelming.
Try metallic paper for one stripe in each fan to add a bit of shimmer without going overboard.
Add Neutral Tassel Garlands for Natural Texture
Kraft paper tassels strung on jute twine create an earthy, layered look that feels both rustic and refined. The natural brown shades paired with cream accents work beautifully for year-round decor, and you can adjust tassel sizes to match your space.
This setup from @peri_azizov shows how simple materials can transform into something really charming. Try folding paper strips accordion-style before cutting fringe for fuller, fluffier tassels that catch the light.
Hang them across a mantel, doorway, or even weave through shelving for instant warmth.
Folded Fan Tassels Highlight Dimensional Paper Garlands
These accordion-folded fan tassels bring serious texture to any paper garland. The rainbow of colors, purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, teal, and blue, creates a festive strand that works for birthdays, holidays, or just because your walls need some personality.
The tiny four-pointed stars scattered between the fans add extra whimsy without overwhelming the design, and @floralflairstudio strings them on simple twine for an effortless look. You can fold the fans tight or loose depending on how full you want them, and mixing different paper weights gives each tassel its own character.
Swap the stars for circles or hearts to match whatever vibe you’re going for.
Paper Magnolia Leaves Inspire Botanical Doorway Drama
These olive green paper leaves with soft peach accents create texture that looks almost too real to be handmade. The layered magnolia shapes drape beautifully around a doorframe, bringing garden vibes indoors without any wilting.
The House That Lars Built shows how paper works better for this design since it holds dimension naturally. You can swap the green for burgundy or even metallic gold felt to match different seasons.
Hot glue and twine are all you need to string these leafy beauties together in under an hour.
Your space now has that personal touch that store-bought decorations just can’t match. These DIY paper garland ideas prove that the simplest materials often create the most striking results.
Each garland tells its own story through the colors and shapes you chose. Your guests will definitely ask where you found such unique decorations.
Next time you need to brighten up a room, you’ll know exactly what to reach for.
Related posts
-
19 Brown Paper Christmas Wrapping Ideas That Spark Joy
Brown paper christmas wrapping ideas that turn kraft paper into stunning gift…
-
15 Elegant Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas Crafters Adore
Elegant christmas gift wrapping ideas that transform ordinary packages into stunning presentations.…
-
12 Christmas Gift Box Ideas For Men
Christmas gift box ideas for men that actually match his personality and…
-
14 Christmas Gift Box Ideas For Women She’ll Treasure Forever
Christmas gift box ideas for women that create unforgettable moments. Curated collections…
-
17 Christmas Hot Cocoa Bar Ideas That Enchant Holiday Guests
Christmas hot cocoa bar ideas that turn your kitchen into the season’s…
-
15 DIY Dried Orange Christmas Decorations That Steal Every Spotlight
DIY dried orange Christmas decorations transform ordinary fruit into stunning rustic ornaments…