Paper Strip Garland

I know we are officially in Halloween season now, but I wanted to share this quick idea that could be used any time of year. (Halloween ideas are on the way.)

I used to walk by the window of this store ALL the time because I was so in love with their window display (the store itself is adorable, too). Check out those fun rainbow paper garlands!!

picture from http://shopsatriverwoods.com/shopping/soel-boutique.html

As soon as I saw them, I started thinking of a reason to have a party just so I could make them. I made these ones for a family beach-themed birthday party back in July.

If you know how to use a sewing machine, even a little, you can make this decoration. All you need is scrapbook paper, a paper cutter, and thread (i prefer the clear variety). That's it. 

Here's how it all goes down:

1. Choose your paper.

2. Cut the paper into strips of the same length and thickness--as many as you want. Obviously, the more you cut the longer the garland will be. 

3. Feed them through your sewing machine one at a time leaving no space in between each strip. Make sure the stitch runs as close to the middle of the paper as possible. 

4. When you have sewed all the strips together leave some extra thread at the end--you can use that to hang the garland from wherever you want with a thumb tack. 

Easy!!

Done in the right colors, wouldn't this make the cutest baby mobile? And how about if you made them with cool black and orange papers? Wouldn't they look awesome at a Halloween party, or in your front window? See. This is a Halloween post after all. I would love to see pictures of how you use the paper strip garland!