DIY Decor | Paper Leaf Garland

I am thrilled to share this DIY with you! I’ve seen these garlands all over Pinterest and loved their look. There’s something so cozy about bringing a touch of nature indoors, and I love the idea of repurposing materials to make something beautiful. Let’s jump right in!

Supplies:

• Wire (or pre-covered wire – I found this one with many orders and reviews)
• Kraft paper (or packing paper from packages) – I keep kraft paper on hand all the time!
• Tape
• Paper – I used old book pages and cream printer paper, but feel free to get creative with colors, textures, or patterns.
• Scissor
• Hot glue

Alternatives to Consider:

• Covered wire – If you prefer not to wrap wire yourself, you can use pre-covered options like this one [Link].
• Reused paper – I always keep kraft paper on hand, but when an Amazon package arrived with packing paper, I gave that a try—it worked great!
• Paper leaf variations – Old picture book pages, colored or textured paper, and even vellum or watercolor paper could add a fun twist.
• Leaf Shape – I kept it simple with a basic shape, but you could go for more detailed oak or maple leaf styles. No templates needed—imperfections make it feel natural.

Instructions:

1. Select Your Paper and Cut Leaf Shapes
   • I freehanded a simple leaf shape, but feel free to use a template if you prefer. Each leaf doesn’t have to be identical—nature is perfectly imperfect
2. Prep Your Wire
   • If using pre-covered wire, skip ahead to the next step. Otherwise, wrap your wire with kraft paper, securing the start with tape and continuing along the length. Tape periodically to keep it secure.
3. Start Gluing!
   • Begin at one end of the garland. Fold the base of each leaf for some dimension, then glue the folded end to the wire. Rotate placement to give a natural flow, mixing leaves on top, bottom, and sides of the wire. Experiment with different placements, wrapping and folding. Its inspired by nature, it isn’t meant to be perfect.
4. Finishing Touches
   • Once you reach the end, add a few flat leaves to cover any visible wire “stem.” Voilà, your garland is complete!

That’s it! You made a beautiful, nature inspired garland with a mix of repurposed material! Now, the fun part—finding the perfect spot for your new garland! Here are some ideas:

• Drape it along your mantel.
• Hang it across a window for a lovely, natural touch.
• Lay it down the center of your dining table or kitchen island.

Depending on your paper choice, this garland can transition through multiple seasons. I went with neutral colors, perfect for both fall and winter. Adding twinkle lights can bring an extra bit of magic for the holiday season.

Why Paper Decor?

Paper decor is not only beautiful but also sustainable, budget-friendly, and easy to store or recycle. It’s a wonderful way to get creative without needing a lot of fancy supplies.

Show Off Your Creation!

I’d love to see your finished garland! Tag me or DM your photos so I can share them with our community.

Looking for more simple, sustainable decor ideas? Check out my Dried Oranges Decor blog post. And don’t forget to sign up for my weekly email (Click Here)—it’s full of inspiration to help you live a life rooted in joy and gratitude.