Make This: Paper Napkin Scallop Garland

I was at Target the other day (surprise) and I saw these really awesome paper napkins in the party section. I remembered reading this post from Jordan Ferney about how the best time to buy napkins is when you see ’em because when you’re actually looking for party supplies you may not find what you want. With that in mind, I threw a few different patterns in my cart and when I got home, I came up with a couple ways to use these pattern-y paper products for something other than parties. The first of those ideas is what I’m sharing today. Here’s how I made a scallop party garland using paper napkins in about 10 minutes…

Materials: paper napkins // scissors // string or twine // glue stick

*Note about materials: It’s better to use a glue stick than any other type of glue for this particular DIY because the napkins are fragile and will get crinkly and yucky if you use a regular bottle of glue.

How to make it: Cut out scallop or half circle shapes on napkins that have been folded in half. Unfold to show more of a circle shape. Cover the circle with glue from your glue stick. Lay the string for the garland right where the crease in the circle is, fold it back over the string and press down lightly. Repeat the process over and over again until you’ve reached your desired length. Wait for it to dry and you are ready to hang your garland for your next party (Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner). You can use this as a wall art piece too, like I did, if you aren’t planning a party anytime soon.

And here’s how the finished project turned out..

Like I mentioned before, it was a pretty speedy process. This could definitely be completed last minute, before guests arrive for a get-together. AND if you have paper napkins with a great pattern on them at home already, you won’t even have to leave the house to get supplies. What do you think? Is this something you might try?

Concept, photography, and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff for Paper & Stitch