I have a great giveaway for you today (sponsored by Windows Phone 7), but more on that in just a bit. First I want to share a little project with you.
Supplies
- paper (can be new, or can come from magazines/catalogs)
- ribbon (grosgrain works nicely)
- ruler or drafting triangle (optional — see the second step for clarification)
- pencil
- scissors
- decorative edged scissors (optional)
- glue (plain Elmer’s is fine)
- sewing machine or needle and thread (optional)
Instructions
- Determine how long your garland will be and cut the appropriate length of ribbon (mine is nine feet long). Be sure to leave some extra length to hang down on the ends or to tie into bows.
- Cut a triangle out of paper to use as a template. The sides on mine were seven inches long. You don’t have to measure, but a ruler is helpful for making straight lines. I used a drafting triangle, but that is totally unnecessary unless you are persnickety about making true equilateral triangles (*ahem*).
- Trace your template onto different papers to make as many triangles as you need. I cut nine triangles from catalogs and nine from pink card stock.
- Figure out which triangles are going to be the top layer (the patterned ones in my case), and mark off the top one inch from each. Fold it along the line and snip off the little ends that stick out.
- Line up each smaller triangle with a larger one and glue them together along the top to make your flags.
- After I made mine, I decided that they would look even better with a decorative edge so I used my pinking shears. You can leave them plain though, or even draw on a border (dots would be cute).
- Glue or sew your completed triangles to your ribbon, remembering to leave some length along the ends to hang.
- Finished!
And that’s how I made a recycled paper bunting using items from around the house, doing more with less. Speaking of which…
Windows Phone 7 Giveaway
The new Windows Phones are helping people Do More with Less, and I have one to give away to you! You can enter to win by leaving a comment on this post. One entry per person, per day, until November 29. Please see the official rules for more details.
This giveaway is brought to you by the new Windows Phone 7. Less tech tired. More tech trendy: Learn more about Windows Phone online and see it in person at local T-Mobile stores today.
* 11.30.10: Congratulations to the winner, TracyCK!
Michele S
November 15, 2010 at 11:09 pmThis phone would be a great gift for my father, his old flip phone is beyond help. Its been dropped, drenched, sat on, god only knows what else and it doesnt even work in the house. Hey maybe I should keep it and give him mine instead LOL. JK its always better to give than receive.
Holly G
November 16, 2010 at 8:30 pmAnother amazing idea! the phone isn’t bad either :)
cara
November 15, 2010 at 11:16 pmwhat a cute bunting! love it… and the phone. ;)
Heidi S.
November 15, 2010 at 11:23 pmOh the phone…that pretty phone! We could be great friends!
Sherri
November 15, 2010 at 11:37 pmOh, I love bunting. I went back and forth (and back and forth) about using it at our wedding, but sadly never had the time to make it! Maybe now would be a good time to pick that idea up again.
That phones looks like it works, so it’s better than mine already! :)
jill
November 15, 2010 at 11:37 pmWow Great giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!!
joan
November 15, 2010 at 11:38 pmPick Me!!!!!!
Alice C.
November 16, 2010 at 12:16 amOh that is so cute!! I love the bunting. :)
Nick Klaus
November 16, 2010 at 12:37 amI truly need a nicer phone, but I’m more wowed by the bunting. It’s times like these I wish I had more design magazines lying around, because that is a super-cool idea.
Samantha
November 16, 2010 at 12:39 amI love your bunting and the new phone. I used food magazines and created a collage on the frame of my mirror to remind myself if I ever feel fat looking in it, at least i had some good food :)
Debren
November 16, 2010 at 12:48 amI love the bunting! I see a rainy-day project with my kindergartener. I’m thinking blue and silver wrapping paper scraps for the holidays. Ooooh! Can’t wait.
MacKensie
November 16, 2010 at 12:51 amCute bunting, yet another great use for eye-catching magazine spreads.
Kel
November 16, 2010 at 4:56 amLove the bunting! I’m inspired to make some to hang for Christmas! Thanks! (oh, and the phone is great too!)
Amanda @ Out of Square
November 16, 2010 at 5:37 amLove the bunting, just wish I had a reason to use it. Now the phone, I can definitely use that. :)
Amy S
November 16, 2010 at 5:57 amI love your idea for the bunting! I am desperately in need of a new (good) phone…. :)
Jen
November 16, 2010 at 6:06 amDear Phone,
I love you.
See you soon,
Jen
Aspengirl
November 16, 2010 at 6:08 amvery cute!
Jan J.
November 16, 2010 at 6:11 amWould love to win this – I lost our cheap prepaid T-mobile phone during a walk in the woods and are sans phone at the moment! Sign me up for a chance!
Liz
November 16, 2010 at 6:37 amGreat giveaway! Would love a new phone. Apparently the phone I have embarrasses my teenagers. I need an upgrade. I need to be cool!
Michelle Harrison
November 16, 2010 at 7:08 amThe paper garland is a great idea. It could be personalized for events such as anniversary parties or those milestone celebrations like twenty-first birthday. I like the idea of the magazine cut-outs but the fact that people today have such great printers and wonderful digital archives makes a project like this appeal on many levels.
Sewbeads.
Emma L - Wohoo!
November 16, 2010 at 7:15 amI wonder how harsh paper is on the sewing machine’s motor and needle. I am getting so many amazing ideas for little paper projects simply from reading this post over and over, but I don’t want to injure my brand new Singer more than necessary. Perhaps I should just hand stitch when it comes to copious amounts of heavy paper?
beth
November 16, 2010 at 7:24 amcute bunting! love the detailed instructions. i might even try to make one for our turkey day dinner.
Erin
November 16, 2010 at 8:14 amWhat a cute project! I would never had thought to do that myself!!
Anna
November 16, 2010 at 8:20 amI can see a brown and orangey one for Thanksgiving and blue and silver for Christmas. Or red and gold. Or red and green. Oh! the possibilities…
Amanda Fellers
November 16, 2010 at 8:21 amDid you make the decorations to stay up all year or just for a party? Also, i wish i had your sewing skills. My grandma always wants us girls to learn how to sew and i need to take her up on the offer!
really cute project!
Heather
November 16, 2010 at 8:42 amLove the new project…really cute! I think it’s about time I did a little craft project…and had an iphone!
Erin
November 16, 2010 at 8:42 amLove that you used the Serena and Lilly magazine for the banner!
Angela
November 16, 2010 at 8:43 amI love that you used recycled magazine pages to make this! Great idea!
stacey
November 16, 2010 at 8:47 amme, please!
Shannon
November 16, 2010 at 8:51 amBunting in every room wouldn’t be weird, right? I love it so much. And the sweet new phone ain’t so bad either.
adrienne
November 16, 2010 at 9:07 amI love the bunting. Much cuter than the phone! :)
Sasha
November 16, 2010 at 9:11 amYou have such a good eye…I always love your crafty projects!
Hillary
November 16, 2010 at 9:18 amWhat a fun and simple craft project!
Linda R.
November 16, 2010 at 9:18 amWould love a real, live smartphone! I have an oldschool flip phone, and I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve never texted in my life.
Clearly Composed
November 16, 2010 at 9:20 amI would dearly love to win the phone. I don’t currently have a cell and recently started a new job. With an 83 year old at home to take care of, the phone would give me peace of mind that he could reach me at anytime. :)
luuve
November 16, 2010 at 9:22 amoooh i looove the phone…and like the above..if the back stays on its better than mine lol..
the bunting is a cute idea…can you show us a close up of the flags??
luuve
November 16, 2010 at 9:23 amokay i saw the close up on flickr..cute :)
Dana
November 16, 2010 at 9:31 amWhat a great idea! I love it for a party, the holidays or just everyday! Thanks for sharing. Also, I have been keeping my eye on the new Windows phone. Love it!
claudia
November 16, 2010 at 9:36 amOh my! What a pretty way to recycle paper! Also, my partner has been hinting for a new phone and it happens to be a windows phone. :)
Anna
November 16, 2010 at 9:48 amLove the bunting! So fun for a nursery! And I have lots of old magazines that I’m just itching to cut up. I would love to win the phone too! :)
Amanda
November 16, 2010 at 9:50 amI am a sucker for a great bunting…and a great phone!
jessica
November 16, 2010 at 9:58 amThis is a perfect free project to take on today! I think I might try mixing fabric scraps with the triangles from the magazines. Thanks for sharing it. The Windows Phone isn’t too shabby either…
Wendy
November 16, 2010 at 10:05 amGreat giveaway!!! I’d love one of those :-)
Wendy-
Danielle
November 16, 2010 at 10:05 amWhat a pretty idea! love it! The phone is wayyy more fancy than mine, I would look pretty cool if I win the phone!
Yasmin
November 16, 2010 at 10:16 amI love the phone and I love your website!
jillian
November 16, 2010 at 10:19 amLove the paper bunting as a holiday craft for my daughter! What a generous giveaway!
Karen D.
November 16, 2010 at 10:29 amOh, that phone, that phone… I’m hesitant to say that it will make my life easier, but it will surely make checking email and social networking much faster. Love and want!
Erin
November 16, 2010 at 10:30 amThanks for showing a paper sewing project that can be used for decorating anything. I am more motivated to buy a sewing machine for paper than I am for fabric!
norma
November 16, 2010 at 10:40 amI’ve been shopping for a much needed new phone. When I went into the store the other day, the young salesman said about my current phone…”oh, you have an old fashioned one.” I really shouldn’t be so old fashioned.
Love the bunting idea!
Erin P.
November 16, 2010 at 10:41 amThe bunting is adorable! I want to do that for Christmas…
Bridget B.
November 16, 2010 at 10:44 amNeat idea. That would make a cute Christmas decoration.Thanks for the inspiration.
Lisa S
November 16, 2010 at 10:50 amphone. phone. phone.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
=)
Brenda
November 16, 2010 at 10:50 amI am going to do this for Christmas!
Elizabeth
November 16, 2010 at 10:55 amHello phone, don’t worry you will be home with me soon:)
sangeetha
November 16, 2010 at 10:57 amHi liked your bunting a lot – uses existing stuff – smart!
Sarah O
November 16, 2010 at 10:57 amI love using magazines and catalogs for projects like this– it turned out so cute!
Stacey Ball
November 16, 2010 at 10:59 amWow, thanks for the great tutorial and great giveaway!
Larissa
November 16, 2010 at 11:11 amOoooh, love that phone! I would give it to my husband for Christmas!
cortney
November 16, 2010 at 11:17 amI would love a new phone!
Sarah
November 16, 2010 at 11:36 amPretty please pick me for the phone! My current phone is still in the dark ages.
Rachel
November 16, 2010 at 11:40 amI love this craft idea–I’m going to make one for my guest room! Also, great giveaway–this would be an amazing Christmas gift for my hubby!
Liz
November 16, 2010 at 11:50 amMy husband and I keep arguing over who is going to get a smartphone…me winning one would definitely solve this problem. :)
Holly
November 16, 2010 at 12:30 pmGreat give away!
Meadowlark
November 16, 2010 at 12:35 pmJust starting sewing again and bunting looks so DOABLE. Plus adorable, which is nice. And a phone would keep the husband and I from switching blackberries all the time. I HATE when I get his phone instead of mine. :(
crystal
November 16, 2010 at 1:04 pmFor the love of all thing good and proper, will you please pick me for the phone?? Honestly, I think my phone is older than I am, and I would be forever grateful!! Thank you!
Kristy
November 16, 2010 at 1:14 pmI’d like to win, but these multiple day entry contests are always annoying.
anna
November 16, 2010 at 1:24 pmLove bunting, great way to make use of those magazines laying around.
lisa g
November 16, 2010 at 1:40 pmi would part with my 3 year old razor for this phone.
Mandy
November 16, 2010 at 1:45 pmI love the garland! I love using recycled paper too. Definitely a less is more project.
Miki
November 16, 2010 at 1:47 pmOooooh, winning this phone would be one less present to buy for Chanukkah!
Ana
November 16, 2010 at 1:57 pmI used to use old magazines to make handmade envelopes. It’s fine as long as you have a big open spot that the postal machines and/or workers can read.
Jen
November 16, 2010 at 2:13 pmWhat a fabulous giveaway and what great timing, right before Christmas!
katie
November 16, 2010 at 2:28 pmall those times i haven’t won drawings would be worth this win.
Alex
November 16, 2010 at 3:24 pmLove the bunting and the phone! Wouldn’t it be cute to do a bunting ‘wish list’?!?!?
kellie
November 16, 2010 at 3:29 pmI really like this idea of reusing old magazines as part of your decoration. God knows how many of those i have in my apartment. I might actually try to replicate this. I need to find a no sew method tough.
chelsea alexander
November 16, 2010 at 3:51 pmI love the reuse of materials! There are so many pretty pictures in magazines and I hate throwing a whole magazine away. Maybe I’ll feel less guilty if I make one or three of these!
Sarah
November 16, 2010 at 4:03 pmCute bunting, and great way to recycle magazines! This would be a cute craft to do with kids too. Love the phone as well.
shermi
November 16, 2010 at 4:03 pmI would love to win this I heard the phone is awesome
mimi
November 16, 2010 at 4:03 pmPlease pick me!!!
Dawn
November 16, 2010 at 4:09 pmNice idea. Adds color and style to a boring room. Better get busy!
Annie
November 16, 2010 at 4:17 pmA Haiku:
My phone’s dire state plead,
Obliged nod to the bunting,
Now I wait to win!
Sarah
November 16, 2010 at 4:18 pmYay beautiful bunting, and dresses and sparkly things! New phones are good too :)
Jess
November 16, 2010 at 4:21 pmI love the bunting and you can’t go wrong with a Serena and Lily catalog! Way to upcycle!
p.s. I need a new phone!
Jess
jessimarie33
November 16, 2010 at 4:52 pmAdorable project! You are so creative! ;)
Laura
November 16, 2010 at 5:44 pmI cut my own hair! It’s free (minus the cost of sharp scissors) and it means I can trim it as often as I’d like! Honestly, this works better for curly hair, but if you visit a fancy salon every couple of months, you’re spending way WAY too much money!
Alicia C.
November 16, 2010 at 5:44 pmI am making a garland for a party this weekend. I hope mine turns out as cute as yours!
birdie blue
November 16, 2010 at 6:32 pmlove the bunting. thanks for the chance to win a phone. one of my four chicks is desperate for a phone this christmas. apparently, she’s the only gal in seventh grade who’s ‘phone-less’.
xo
~molly
O.
November 16, 2010 at 7:05 pmJust found your site thanks to this giveaway, and love it! Keep up the craftiness :)
Amy S
November 16, 2010 at 7:37 pmI must say that the mere thought of getting a new phone has suddenly made me dislike my current phone even more (it’s a really crappy phone!).
Jennifer
November 16, 2010 at 8:37 pmCute bunting! Very clever to use catalog/magazine pages like that.
Deborah Auen
November 16, 2010 at 8:39 pmWOW….How I would LOVE to WIN!PICK ME PLEASE……
Shreya
November 16, 2010 at 8:56 pmWhat a lovely idea! I think I’ll try my hand at making it this weekend :)
p.s. Great giveaway!
Mandi
November 16, 2010 at 9:29 pmi think this would be an awesome idea for christmas! using cut outs of toys or ornaments. i’m thinking children’s wishbook or an IKEA christmas flyer!
Jesse
November 16, 2010 at 9:48 pmWhat a great idea for left over catalogs and magazines. I wonder if I could make one look as good as yours with ESPN magazine because we always have a half dozen of those giant things floating around the house. Oh, the phone would be nice too. :)
Jennifer
November 16, 2010 at 9:57 pmThis is such a great idea!
b.a.
November 16, 2010 at 10:08 pmlove the bunting!
and i’m soooo excited about this giveaway!!!
brooke
November 16, 2010 at 11:18 pmI have been a really. really good girl this year and definitely deserve this gadget!
CrowNology
November 16, 2010 at 11:27 pmWhat a sweet idea…So many variations could be made.
Cool phone too. Nice of you to share with us!
xo
Andrea
Amanda
November 16, 2010 at 11:35 pmHa… My boyfriend just got this phone the other day, and I LOVE it- Would love to have one of my own :)
Erin @ Letter Soup
November 16, 2010 at 11:52 pmOh! I love the bunting and that awesome phone!
Kelly S.
November 17, 2010 at 12:01 amThat phone would shock my husband silly on Christmas morning…!
Samantha
November 17, 2010 at 12:02 amIve done a similar bunting with postcards ive collected. The phone would be awesome too of course :)