DIY Paper Garland

As I've mentioned before, my lovely little sister Lulu is getting married. The wedding is going to be brilliant, we are super excited! 

I've been helping to make a couple of decorations and thought I'd share this paper garland I have made. it was pretty simple (I fought a little with my sewing machine on a couple of occasions but it seems to have turned out ok!).

For a Garland measuring approx 3 metres...

You will need: 

10 sheets of A4 paper, I used 5 different shades - 2 sheets of each, including 3 solid colours: pink marble, dove grey, light blue, tracing paper and a pearlised white.

Sewing machine

Co-ordinating thread

Cutting board - useful but not essential

Craft knife  - useful but not essential

Scissors

Begin by cutting each sheet of paper in half lengthways (if the paper is portrait from top to bottom), so you are left with 2 narrow strips. Then cut each of the strips into inch wide strips (as per the first image). They will now measure approx 4inches by 1 inch. Separate each into piles of colour. If you want to have a continual pattern I suggest placing the strips in the order you want to use them carefully next to your machine. 

Spread out as many runs of the layout as you can - this will really speed up the process. 

Carefully begin by stitching your first strip down the centre and sew a few extra stitches after you have sewn the paper, to create the gap, then start by stitching the next strip. Repeat this process until you have used up all of the cut strips. 

Its pretty slow going as the paper is so delicate, so do take your time.

Ta da! You have a garland!

Happy days Lulu and aB, cannot wait until Saturday x