We can’t get enough of all the gorgeous DIY garlands we’re seeing pop up in wedding ceremonies and receptions this season. Whether they’re used as ceremony backdrops or strung from the reception venue’s ceiling, they add the two things that will make your wedding a wedding to remember – 1. Color and 2. Personality! The best part? They pack a punch and can usually be created for what will feel like just pennies compared to your other wedding expenses. Since we love a bargain and adorableness, we decided we should most definitely show off our love for DIY garland to our lovely readers. Ready? Let’s get this thing started.
Up first: Paper Heart Garland. We’ve seen some reeeeeally beautiful garlands that crafty-pants brides have created to string behind them as they say their “I do’s”. They add so much style and look fab in photographs. So, when our designer (and avid scrapbooker) Julie, brought in her heart-shaped paper punch into the office, our wheels started turning. Certainly we could create something wedding-worthy with this little punch, right? Well, we did! The garland we created would look stunning as a ceremony backdrop and it’s oh-so-easy! Without further ado…
What you’ll need –
- Scrapbook Paper; we used a vintage themed paper pack paired with metallic gold solids.
- Glue Stick
- Heart Paper Punch
- Sewing Machine & Thread
- Scissors
Instructions –
Step 1: Gather your pretty paper and heart punch.
Step 2 & 3: Using a glue stick (spray adhesive would work wonderfully here too), paste together two sheets of paper so your patterned side is facing out on both.
Step 4: Punch. Punch. Punch.
Step 5: Gather up those sweet little hearts and get ready to sew!
Step 6: Sandwich 2 hearts together and use a simple straight stitch to sew them together.
*Tip 1: Before sewing your first heart, pull at least 6 inches of thread out so you’ll have room for a knot at the top of your garland.
*Tip 2: The amount of space you leave between hearts is totally up to you; they don’t have to be perfectly spaced out either.
Step 7: Sew to your desired length and trim off your thread.
Step 8: Fold to the center to create your 3D look! MAGIC.
Step 9: Knot the top.
Step 10: Step back and admire your project!
Isn’t this the cutest?! We think this one would be perfect for a vintage themed wedding. The possibilities are endless depending on the paper you use. Solid papers in bold and bright colors would be fantastic for a modern soiree. And we can totally imagine a version created in all kraft paper hanging from a tree branch at a rustic wedding with a beautiful forest in the background. And a bride wearing a halo veil. And lemonade served in mason jars. And a golden retriever ring bearer. And guests sitting on hay bales. And a mismatched fabric bunting lining the aisle…
Did someone say bunting? Onto our next garland! Until next time…