Christmas Paper Chains

These simple and effective decorations are so easy and fun to make!  String the chains around the room as a more personal and environmentally-friendly alternative to tinsel.

Things you'll need:

• Colorful used paper, such as magazines, junk mail, flyers
• Tape, glue, staples (depending on your preference)
• Piece of cardboard (cereal packet or the like)

Step 1

First make a template from a piece of cardboard to ensure uniform sizes for the chain.  Measure a rectangle 1 inch wide and 6 inches in length. Cut out the rectangle.

Step 2

Use the template to draw rectangles on the colorful used paper.  Cut out the rectangles so they form small paper strips.

Step 3

Take a strip and join the ends together, forming a paper ring.  Affix the two ends by using glue, tape or stapling them together.

Step 4

To start the chain, take the paper ring you just created.  Next, feed a paper strip through the paper ring and then affix.  The two rings should now be joined together.

Step 5

Repeat the process until you have a chain that suits your desired length for decorating.