DIY: Scallop Garland

We threw a bridal shower / going away party for my sister last weekend. We kept it simple and sweet. I used whatever I had available already in my home, and just popped out to the store to buy greenery for the table. Gold and ivory tablecloths, greens in jars, and various long candlesticks (so they would burn at different speeds and create candles of various lengths). I also handmade a simple scallop garland to hang from the dining room lamp. You can either make this a long garland — or just in pieces like I did, hanging them in a circle around the lamp. These photos were taken long after the party was over and everything was cleaned up, so all the details aren’t here.

diy scallop garland via Anastasia Marie

Supplies needed (besides the paper):

2″ Scallop Punch (I used the brand)
1/8″ Hole Punch
Cotton string
Scissors

To make the garland, punch out scallop circles from various paper textures and colors. I kept the color palette ivory, taupe, and gold since those are some of the key colors of my sister’s wedding. Hole punch the scallops. Cut a good length of string and tie one scallop to the very end. String the next scallop on and tie it on by looping that same end through. To keep it looking smooth, alternate the various scallops by color and texture. Also, don’t secure them on with the same distance in between; instead, vary the distances up and you’ll save yourself the headache of trying to make it ‘perfect’ (this is a big time saver).

Note: a trick to keep the scallops hanging naturally, don’t tighten your loop around each one until you position it properly. Making the loop too tight makes the scallops stick up awkwardly instead of making them look like they’re just falling.

diy scallop garland via Anastasia Mariediy scallop garland via Anastasia Mariediy scallop garland via Anastasia Marie

I’ve always preferred gold over silver in any season. So today I just wanted to share some fun gold dotted DIY projects (some I’ve shared before) that are worth trying. Project links below.

gold polka dot diyUntitled-2

BOWLS via Kelli Murray   |   MOUSE PAD via Lovely Indeed   |   CHAIR via Whipperberry with project by My Fabulous Life   |   TEA CUPS via Michaela Noelle.

When my husband and I were still engaged, I put together a little book of all the things I loved about him instead of giving him a card. I loved seeing his face as he flipped through the pages, either smiling and laughing out loud at the bizarre things I managed to put in there. And because it was such a special thing for us, I decided to share with you how to make one yourself.

1   Cut out little pieces of paper sized at 2½” x 2″, hole punch them, pull a pretty ribbon through and tie a bow.

2   On the front page, write “I love…” to begin the adventure.

3   Write out all the things that you love about your sweetheart.

4   Fill a kraft box will tissue paper confetti and place the book inside.

5   Stamp a huge heart on the lid of the box, add some glitter, and voila!

Wrapping up Christmas gifts is one of my most favorite things to do during the holidays. I’m sure many of you can join in on that with me. The gift that always gets left in the dust it seems is the gift card. I do gift these to people quite often, so I try to present them as prettily as I can. This year, I will be giving out some, so I made some cute little envelopes and am showing you below how to make your own.

1   Cut your holiday paper into 5×4.25″ sized sheets.

2   Score the sheet in three areas: 1 3/8″ from each side and 3/4″ from the bottom. You’ll see a chart above that shows the lines you’ll need to create (yellow dashed lines).

3   Make your flaps by cutting in the designated areas shown above in the same chart (blue dashed lines).

4   Dab some glue on the right flap and fold the left flap over it. Dap some more glue on the bottom flap and fold that one over the other two. You’ll find that you used sturdy paper, getting them to stick together will take a little longer than if you used a lighter weight paper.

5   Cut a finger slot with a pair of scissors or a punch tool.

Embellish the gift card holders some more by adding baker’s twine or some other festive tidbit.

As you saw in yesterday’s post on my birthday party decor, I made a ribbon garland out of glittery holiday ribbon. I bought the ribbon at JoAnn and set to work a couple days before the party. Besides the ribbon, all you need is some white cotton string, double-sided tape or tacky glue, and a pair of scissors. I used double-sided tape for mine — it held pretty good because my ribbon was very lightweight and smooth where I placed the tape but if the ribbon you get is heavier or has glitter on both sides of the ribbon, the tacky glue will probably be a better option for you.

How it works: Cut your ribbon into various lengths, fold each piece over the string and make a crease. Unfold it, apply your tape or glue onto both the ribbon and the string, and re-fold. Pinch the fold to give it a more tighter seal. I used mainly gold and a lighter gold for my garland with bits and pieces of silver simply because I didn’t buy enough ribbon, but it still turned out so well. Enjoy making yours!

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