Making your own flag garland from scrap paper

Yellowed sheet music or an old atlas from the thrift store, all those drawings the kids came home with, a pile of old magazines in the shed: it might all seem ripe for scrap paper. But pooh, that's a waste! Those colourful prints on beautiful paper are perfect craft materials. Earlier, we made our own maps and envelopes made of waste paper. This time, we will make it a flag garland.

DIY flag garland

When you think of garlands, you quickly think of parties. True, but a flag garland in the living room or bedroom is also a great accessory that can hang all year round - we think so. A homemade flag garland made from old picture books, sheet music, comics or your kids' old drawings also looks super cute in a children's room or add colour to that boring study. By using sturdy paper, such as pages from old magazines or (recycled) books, you can make garlands that will last for years. This DIY is simple and therefore perfect to do together with the kids!

Whether it's for a birthday party or just as a cosy decoration: with a zero waste garland made of old paper, your house will instantly look a lot more cheerful. Tip: you can often find beautiful paper in thrift shops, for example an old atlas or sheet music. Check The Recycling App to find good thrift shops near you.

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Making your own flag garland

Life is a party, but you have to hang the garlands yourself - and in this case, make them yourself! We previously shared how to make festive fabric garlands, but from old paper you can make very nice flagpoles. And it looks super festive: a flagpole made from old magazines or an old atlas from the thrift store.

Making20 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Keyword: birthday, party, garland, flags, zero waste, diy

Tools

• heavy coloured paper(e.g. from magazines such as Flow, Daphne's Diary, an old atlas, comics, music books, etc.)
• rope(e.g. twine, thin macrame yarn or sisal rope)
• scissors
• glue stick or glue
• stapler
• optional: paints and markers

Instructions

• Fold a magazine page in half lengthwise and cut through for a wide strip.
• Fold it in half and glue it in place, with the rope at the top in the middle.
• Use a saucer as a template for a round bottom or cut different shapes for extra variety.
• Optional: make the garland more personal by painting a letter on each flag for a personalised message.

Notes

Experiment with all kinds of paper and shapes for a unique look. Old magazines, comics, or even sheet music can add character to the flags and make your garland extra festive and personal!

More sustainable DIY tips from thegreenlist.nl

• Another fun zero waste crafting tip with kids: Making your own clay.
• Another fun craft with old magazines: DIY hearts.
• A fun zero waste craft for the dark days: DIY lantern from (vegetable) milk carton.
• You don't have to throw away candle scraps either: we show you how to make new candles from candle scraps.
• Got any old jeans left over? This zero waste flowers make a great gift.
  
  

Photo credits: Melanie de Oliveira.