How to Make a Paper Chain Christmas Garland (A Grown-Up Version for Your Mantel)
Paper chains are one of the simplest Christmas decorations you can make, and with the right paper they can look surprisingly polished. Instead of bright construction paper, I’d pick rich cardstock in Christmas red, dark green and cream, then add a few gold links for a little sparkle. The result is a garland that suits a mantel, a bookshelf or a small Christmas tree.
This is a low-cost project that needs only cardstock, tape and a little patience. Plan on an hour or two for a garland of about six feet, and make it shorter or longer to fit your space.
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What You Will Need
- Cardstock in Christmas red, dark green and cream: 8.5 x 11 inch sheets in all three colors. Two or three sheets of each is plenty for about six feet of garland.
- Metallic gold cardstock: one or two sheets for the accent links.
- Paper trimmer: for clean, even strips that make the finished chain look neat.
- Double-sided tape: for seams that stay tidy and hidden.
- Gold glitter ribbon: for tying the ends of the garland.
- Removable adhesive hooks: for hanging the garland without nails.
Step 1: Pick Your Colors and Pattern
A paper chain looks elegant when the palette stays small. Stick to three main colors and one metallic accent, then choose a pattern:
- Classic repeat: red, cream, green, cream, then repeat. The cream links keep the colors from feeling too busy.
- Gold every fifth link: alternate red and green, then add one gold link every fifth link for a touch of shine.
- Color blocks: make a short section of red, then cream, then green, with one gold link between each block.
Lay your strips out in the pattern before you start so you know how many of each color you need.
Step 2: Cut the Strips
Cut each sheet of cardstock into 1 inch strips along the long side of the page. Each sheet gives you about eleven strips, each roughly 8.5 inches long. A paper trimmer keeps every strip the same width, and matching widths are what make a chain look polished. If you are using scissors, mark the 1 inch lines with a ruler and pencil first.
Sort the strips into small piles by color so they are easy to grab in order.
Step 3: Make the First Link
Take one strip and bring the ends together to form a circle, overlapping them by about 1/4 inch. Press a small piece of double-sided tape between the layers, tucked inside so the seam stays hidden. Hold it firmly for a few seconds so it sticks.
Step 4: Link the Chain
Slide the next strip through the first loop, then close it the same way. Keep going in your pattern, threading each new strip through the last link before you seal it. Turn each seam toward the back of the chain so the front stays clean.
A six foot garland takes roughly 25 to 30 links, depending on how tightly the links sit.
Step 5: Finish and Hang Your Garland
Tie a length of gold ribbon through the link at each end, leaving a short tail. Stick removable hooks where you want the garland to hang, then loop the ribbon over them. Let the chain drape in a soft swag instead of pulling it straight, because a little slack lets the links rest naturally.
Tips for a Polished Look
- Choose matte cardstock: shiny paper shows tape and fingerprints more easily.
- Keep strips identical: even widths and even overlaps make the whole chain look consistent.
- Press seams firmly: if a link pops open, add a small dab of glue and hold it for a moment.
- Go easy on the gold: a few metallic links catch the light, and too many can overpower the palette.
- Flatten curled strips: if the paper curls, press the strips under a heavy book for a few hours before linking.
- Smooth any twists: if a link twists as you hang it, gently turn it so the seam faces the wall.
Ways to Display Your Paper Chain
- Mantel swag: drape it in a gentle curve and hang stockings beneath.
- Around a small tree: wind it loosely from top to bottom like a ribbon garland.
- Across a window or doorway: hang it in one long swag or two shorter ones.
- Along a bookshelf: lay it across the top shelf with a few small decorations.
Paper burns easily, so keep the garland away from open flames and use flameless candles nearby.
Store It for Next Year
When the season is over, lay the garland flat in a shallow box, or fold it back and forth in loose sections so the links do not crush. Keep it away from damp spots so the paper stays crisp.
What to Make Next
If you enjoy paper projects, a paper chain pairs nicely with honeycomb paper Christmas trees and bells and a layered paper star and tassel garland for a handmade mantel with lots of texture.
