Ingredients
- 6 sheets of 12-by-12-inch smooth cardstock in bubblegum pink, 65 to 80 pounds
- 1 sheet of 8.5-by-11-inch cardstock in pale pink or cream for small accent circles
- 6 feet of 1/8-inch cotton cord or twine
- 1 small bottle of acid-free paper glue, 4 fluid ounces
- 1 small bottle of water-based matte sealer, 4 fluid ounces (optional)
- 1 pair of sharp paper scissors, 8 inches
- 1 paper trimmer with a 12-inch cutting guide (optional)
- 1 pencil with a clean eraser
- 1 ruler, 12 inches
- 1 bone folder or the rounded edge of a spoon
- 12 small paper clips, 1 inch each
- 1 cutting mat, at least 12 by 18 inches
- 1 table covering, at least 24 by 36 inches (kraft paper, a flattened paper grocery bag, or a clean drop cloth)
- 1 pair of disposable nitrile gloves, medium or large (optional)
- 1 small paintbrush, 1/2 inch wide (for the matte sealer)
Instructions
- Cover your table with a table covering to catch pencil marks and glue.
- Choose six pink cardstock sheets and place them in a neat stack. Keep the pale accent sheet aside for later.
- Measure and mark six strips that are 3 inches wide by 12 inches long.
- On each strip, make light pencil marks every 1/2 inch along one long edge to guide the accordion folds.
- Fold the first strip at each mark, alternating the direction as you move across the paper. Press each crease with a bone folder.
- Repeat the accordion fold with the other five strips to create a stack.
- Bring the short ends of one folded strip together to form a loop, overlap the ends by 1/2 inch, apply glue, and hold with paper clips for 20 minutes.
- Press the loop flat so the pleats spread into a round medallion, glue the inner edges, place a paper clip at the center, and allow to dry for 30 minutes before removing the clip.
- Cut twelve accent circles from the pale cardstock, about 1 inch wide.
- Glue one accent circle to the center of each side of all six medallions using a thin layer of glue.
- Cut the cotton cord into one piece that is 6 feet long and tie a small loop at each end.
- Place the six medallions along the cord with about 8 inches between centers and secure with a small dot of glue.
- Allow the assembled garland to dry flat for 2 to 4 hours. If using matte sealer, brush on after the glue feels firm and let it dry for an additional 1 to 2 hours.
- Remove paper clips and trim loose cord ends.
Notes
Keep scissors pointed away from your body. Children can help with non-cutting tasks under adult supervision. Open a window when using the sealer.
- Prep Time: 90 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
