April 4, 2019

Pom Pom and Paper Bead Garland for Spring Decorating

finished garland project

Pom poms are so popular right now – and we LOVE them! Customize this pom pom garland for Easter or any other occasion by switching up the yarn and papers used.

Supplies:

Yarn, your choice of colors
Heavy string or waxed thread to tie the pom poms
Scrapbook papers, 12×12 inches
Drinking straw
White glue
Varnish
Braided cord for stringing the garland, 9 feet

Directions:

Create some oversized pom poms using your favorite technique. Check out several methods for making pom poms with materials you probably have around the house here on our blog.

The sample project used the large pom pom maker from Clover. Watch these video instructions to learn how to use this handy gadget.

clover pom pom maker — CLOVER-Pom-Pom Maker. Using the Pom-Pom Maker and yarns ribbons or fibers you can create a wide variety of decorative pom poms to embellish fashions, home decor and more! Sizes: 2-1/2in (green) and 3-3/8in (blue).

Make variegated pom poms using a variegated yarn or create pom poms with solid color yarn in colors of your choice. One skein of yarn makes about 12-13 large pom poms. Tie the pom poms using heavy string like a waxed cord. Be sure to leave the long ends on the cord to tie the pom poms to your braided cord when assembling the garland.

Cut the scrapbook papers into 4×6 inch strips to make long 4-inch rectangular beads for the garland. If you’d like shorter rectangular beads, decrease the 4-inch measurements to your desired bead length. One sheet of 12×12 inch scrapbook paper will make six 4×6-inch beads.

cut strips for beads

Roll each strip around a straw and secure the end with a bit of white glue.

roll paper on straw

Apply a coat or two of varnish in the finish of your choice to each bead and allow to dry. For a hard, super shiny finish, you can coat each bead with embossing ink and clear embossing powder. Check out any of the free on-line tutorials that talk about UTEE and paper beads for detailed instructions. The sample project, though, boasts a flat finish on the beads using a matte varnish.

varnish beads

Using the long string ends left from securing the yarn, tie one pom pom at the center of the braided cord. Trim the string ends close to the knot.

tie pom pom to cord

String a paper bead on the braided cord and then tie another pom pom.

garland diagram

Continue working from the center of the braided cord to each end until all the pom poms and beads are attached. Knot the braided cord at each end. Hang and enjoy!

garland complete