In early America, garland was handmade from Christmas greens such as pine, spruce and cedar trees, according to the Christmas Decoration & Gifts Store website. Other natural items, including corn husks, moss, dried fruits and red berries, also were used. At the turn of the 20th century, however, as natural foliage decreased, artificial garland hit the marketplace. Today, use items you already have and create handmade garland to add a special touch to your holiday decor.
Instructions
1. Trace outlines of the cookie cutter (or draw your own design) onto the cardboard 10 to 20 times, depending on how long you want your garland.
2. Cut out the shapes with scissors.
3. Punch holes at the tips of the trees.
4. Wad small pieces of each color of tissue paper into small balls.
5. Cover a small section at a time with plenty of glue, starting at the top--but don't cover the punched hole. Cover the top point with the green tissue paper balls and include a few red balls as ornaments. Glue strips of white wads at intervals to represent lights. Continue with the green, red and white balls of paper until each tree is covered.
6. Allow your trees to dry for at least an hour.
7. String the thin ribbon through each tree's punched hole and tie it together. String the Christmas trees onto the wide ribbon and secure them into place with the paper clips.
8. Loosely tie strips of red and white tissue paper onto the wide ribbon in between the Christmas trees. Cut or tear short slits into the edges for a frayed effect. Hang your garland on a wall or fireplace mantel.
Tags: Christmas trees, each tree, onto wide, onto wide ribbon, punched hole