friday idea book: vintage christmas garland tutorial + giveaway

Today I'm delighted to share a tutorial (& giveaway!) with one of my very first and dearest blog friends, Chelle of The Value of Cheerfulness. She's a beautiful girl inside & out, and she makes the most swoon-worthy paper garlands for every occasion. I did a serious happy dance the day she agreed to share her process and ideas with us. You can find more of her lovely creations in her etsy shop, Whimsicalities.

Vintage Book Page Garland | tutorial by Chelle

1.) Decide what you want your garland to say.

Be Merry, Merry + Bright, OH HO HO, Oh Joy, Pure Joy

Twinkle, Be Jolly and Noel are a few ideas to get you started.

2. ) Go to your word processor and play with font and size until you've got the perfect combination.

3. ) Print letters off onto sturdy cardstock paper.

4. ) Carefully cut out letters to make your own templates.

5. ) Take your cute scrapbook paper ( October Afternoon + Cosmo Cricket are two of my favorite sources for scrapbook paper ) and then trace and around your templates ( it's important make sure the letters are facing backwards on the wrong side of your paper, so that when you flip it over onto the right side you have your letter going in the right direction )

6. ) Cut our your letters

7. ) Center and glue your cute cut out letters in the middle of your book page.

8. ) Punch a couple holes at the top of each page.

9. ) String your ribbon through.

10. ) To cheer up a empty spot on the wall, fireplace mantle or headboard, piano, etc. hang your homemade pretty festive banner in place.

Note: you can also opt to string your letters without page backings. The card stock will hold up just fine. (See above.)

For a chance to win a customized banner all your own, leave a comment here with your ideas on what you would want your Vintage Christmas Garland to say. Winner will be randomly selected and announced next Friday 12/17!