Holiday decor necessity, is the mother of all crafty invention. Such as it was when I found myself in need of some fast and easy holiday garland last Christmas.
Around here, when it comes to Christmas decor, we deck out the house in red and green. I was lucky enough to find some uniquely shaped, shatterproof ornaments in these traditional tones several years ago. Alas, the poor things have seen better days, having faded a bit and lost their luster. As a mission to locate replacements failed, and no time to refresh them for the 2019 season, I decided to change things up.
I landed at Hobby Lobby, who had nearly every color of the rainbow in their ornament section. And, after inspecting them all, I finally settled on a berry red and charcoal. Yes, it’s a bit trendy, and I’m not sure how long I’ll be in love with it, so I didn’t want to go overboard.
I purchased just enough ornaments, picks, and bits to do only the front door. (Normally, I have swags on every light, the mailbox, the house’s peak, and around the front pillars. Whew!)
I found everything I needed except for a small garland that I could weave through my greenery. As I walked the aisles yet again, my patience waning and inspiration fading, I noticed some sparkly vase filler in my new colors. Hmmm, maybe I can work with that?
That afternoon, I stood in my kitchen, watched holiday baking on the Food Network, and made my own holiday garland.
Today, I decided to make more garland for Halloween and the Autumn/Thanksgiving season, so I thought I’d bring you along for the ride.
This project is super simple, inexpensive, and completely customizable. Made from foam, it’s easy to thread. (Which also means it’s easy to pull off the line, so keep this out of the reach of small kiddos and pets.)
I can’t wait to see how you use this easy holiday garland. Whether on the tree, the mantle, or a wreath, be sure to let me know by tagging me on Facebook or Instagram. I’d love to see what you create.
Materials:
- Glittered foam vase filler
- Fishing line monofilament or a sturdy thread
Tools:
- Needle
- Scissors
Tools and supplies for Glitter Foam Ball Garland
Steps:
Sort, design and thread needle
1. Plan your design or string in a random order. There is no wrong way to create your garland.
Here I have sorted the glitter foam balls and threaded the monofilament onto my needle.
TIP: A blunted needle will work with the foam balls. The most important consideration in choosing your needle is to make sure the eye is large enough to accommodate the monofilament.
Thread glitter balls onto monofilament
2. Begin stringing the glitter foam balls onto your monofilament.
Continue adding balls to reach the length you want
3. Continue adding the balls until you reach the length you want.
Create a loop knot for hanging
4. Add a loop knot to the end and your garland is ready to hang!
Easy Autumn Garland
Easy Halloween Garland
Two variations of the Autumn garland and a simple Halloween garland on display.
Learn how to make the vibrant yellow, blue and pink skulls here.
And, just another reminder, the foam balls can be pulled off by little hands and curious pets so be sure to keep this garland out of their reach.
