Christmas DIY Decor Part 1

I love decorating for Christmas! It brings me so much joy and happiness. It makes my house feel warm and cozy...as a teacher who works dismal, nothing is more important to come home to than warmth. I've been struggling a little bit with being alone this Christmas season, but I am adjusting and crafting to fill my time.

I've decided to start to share my decor on here over the next week (last full week of school...whoop whoop!) to help make my day a little bit more exciting. My first craft is my giant paper chain. I made mine with scrapbook paper, but I also make them with my students with regular construction paper.

I started with a quick trip to the craft store to pick out some fun, warm scrapbook paper. I would suggest making sure that you have an odd number that you like, so that your pattern shows the rings off every other time. I personally got a scrapbook paper book and picked my 15 favorite patterns. I got 2 books that had two of every page which provided me with enough paper to make plenty of rings.

Next I measured out 3 inch strips of paper. I only had hand scissors (problems with being a teacher is my good paper-cutter is at school...don't get me started on my hot glue gun struggles) and could only cut about three at a time. This was personally my least favorite part as I felt like it took forever to get all my stuff cut and organized, but if I could slice it, this would be an easy process. I couldn't cut a lot of scrapbook paper at once since it is thick and I am weak, but I think that if you use normal construction paper, it would go fast.

Now came the fun part, experimenting to find how to make the rings. At first I tried tape, but the first few broke apart as soon as I picked them up. I then proceeded to try a mixture of glue stick and tape. That stuck well and couldn't be seen, so aesthetically that is the way to go. But if you are trying to get them done quickly...I would suggest a stapler. Two staples and I could do this method four times as fast. I think the best would be a hot glue gun, but I can tell that story when I get to my orange wreath. The worst part was having to stop to cut more paper. If you can cut all of yours before making rings, do it!

These chains are heavy! I originally was trying to hang them in my kitchen, but my hooks were not strong enough. I ended up using the mini window (if someone who is more informed and knows what that is called wants to tell me its actual name, I'll edit the post) because it helped to hold the weight. I kinda want to add a few more links, but am scared it will get to heavy. These are super cute and cozy. I love the classic vibe they bring to my doorway to my porch. As I tour more of my Christmas decor, you will be able to better get an idea of the warmth I am trying to bring this holiday season.

Love you big!

Adelaide