You have to admit that decorating for each holiday really helps get in the spirit for it. This time of the year, there's nothing quite like a decked-out Christmas tree to make spirits bright. Unfortunately, I had to make the decision to go without a tree this year. We've had to bring in and move around so many things from outside and elsewhere that there's just no place to put a tree right now. I still scattered a few ornaments and merry embellishments around the house but knew I needed a little more to make the season feel festive. A garland that could hang ANYWHERE seemed like the perfect idea. And, one that had me using a variety of my mixed media art supplies was a bonus.
I have a thing for those little 3D paper balls and have several other crafts that I've used them in, but never a garland. So, I created this Mixed Media Christmas Garland with cardstock, paints, sprays, inks, and stamps.
Before this idea hit me, I did a little internet search for inspiration and found plenty of other crafty Christmas garlands that helped spark my creativity. Here are a few of them, along with a couple other ideas I have brewing.
I can't seem to share a picture of the sweet Pom Pom Garland at Postcards from the Ridge. But, it had me buying some red yarn the other day. I actually thought I had a pom-pom-maker but can't seem to lay my hands on it. And, that has me wondering if I actually bought the thing or just thought real hard about it.
Using paper made me think about the old construction paper chains that we used to make in elementary school. That sent me down a whole rabbit hole of ideas that included possibly using Gelli prints and/or fabric to make a chain.
A similar idea was employed to make this Lighted Burlap Garland from Create Craft Love. She really gave me a lightbulb moment in her use of the string of lights incorporated into her garland. I'm still trying to work out if I want to try something similar just to have some lights up in the house. I do love that glow.
That one had me thinking about just adding something interesting to twine and stringing it up. In particular, I thought about painting some small wood spools, covering their centers with book or music paper, and then hanging them on yarn or twine.
Finally, this Merry Christmas Banner Garland from Vicky Barone really says it all. I love the simple statement of it and minimal supplies. It could be made pretty quickly and up in no time.
In the end, I've only made my mixed media one, but am toying with the idea of another. Here's my video of the one I've made so far.
I know, I'm running out of time to make more, but I HAVE finished my Christmas shopping and that leaves more time to craft! So, tell me, have you made or seen some inspiring garlands too?
Great post! I'm glad you were able to put up some fun decorations. Your garland is a beauty! One could make versions for any time of year! I like the felt ball garlands on the Darn Good Yarn website. They also have patterns for cute crochet garland.
Ann, I agree about making a garland for any time of year. The one I have up now isn't in the way of anything and adds just a fun touch. I may have to make one for "everyday use!" I do like the felt ball ones too. And crochet...I wish! I can kinda do a single chain stitch but it's been years since I even attempted that. Ha! Thanks for the suggestions. You've really got me thinking now!
As a school kid I used to make Christmas garlands using old greeting cards. It was the cheapest way to decorate classrooms in the late 90s. You must have so many of your artisan trading cards and other cards you made over the years. Maybe you can bring them out and make a garland or 2 out of them too.
It's so funny that you mentioned that one. I actually have made a garland from circles of cards that I glued back-to-back over some twine. I have the tutorial here on the blog somewhere, but it's from like 8 years ago or something. I haven't considered using some finished artwork though. I can't decide if that would be interesting or heartbreaking! Thanks for the suggestion :)
Great post! I'm glad you were able to put up some fun decorations. Your garland is a beauty! One could make versions for any time of year! I like the felt ball garlands on the Darn Good Yarn website. They also have patterns for cute crochet garland.
ReplyDeleteAnn, I agree about making a garland for any time of year. The one I have up now isn't in the way of anything and adds just a fun touch. I may have to make one for "everyday use!" I do like the felt ball ones too. And crochet...I wish! I can kinda do a single chain stitch but it's been years since I even attempted that. Ha! Thanks for the suggestions. You've really got me thinking now!
DeleteAs a school kid I used to make Christmas garlands using old greeting cards. It was the cheapest way to decorate classrooms in the late 90s. You must have so many of your artisan trading cards and other cards you made over the years. Maybe you can bring them out and make a garland or 2 out of them too.
ReplyDeleteIt's so funny that you mentioned that one. I actually have made a garland from circles of cards that I glued back-to-back over some twine. I have the tutorial here on the blog somewhere, but it's from like 8 years ago or something. I haven't considered using some finished artwork though. I can't decide if that would be interesting or heartbreaking! Thanks for the suggestion :)
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