DIY Scandinavian Inspired Star Garland
Hello lovelies! As promised yesterday I've put together a charming DIY Star Garland tutorial for you. This project was inspired by the sweet simplicity of Scandinavian holiday decor and I really love how it turned out. You can hang these vertically, drape them horizontally, or even use them to adorn gifts! I hope you'll have as much fun making these as I did (maybe you'll even make extras to give as presents).
Supplies needed:
- LaDoll Premier Light Weight Stone Clay - I purchased my clay from a local Michael's craft store, but it is also available online here, and here.
- Rolling pin (nonstick) - You can also use your hands to flatten your clay for a less uniform, more handmade look.
- Mini star cookie cutter - I used the insert of a linzer cookie cutter for my garland, but you can use any size cookie cutter you'd like. The clay in this project dries very light weight and will lend itself well to a wide variety of sizes.
- Sequins (optional) - available at craft stores.
- Hot glue gun & glue sticks - I used the hot variety, but I recommend the low heat varieties for safety reasons.
- Baker's twine / twine - Baker's twine can be found just about everywhere online these days (a quick google search should give you plenty of options). Alternately you can use embroidery thread, ribbon, twine, or even dental floss.
- Covered work surface - I used the waxed side of butcher paper to roll out my clay and work on.
Step 1: Roll out a small amount of your clay on your covered work surface until it is smooth and the desired thickness is achieved (there is no right or wrong thickness for this project).
Step 2: Using your cookie cutter begin punching out your shapes. Set them aside and allow to dry. This should take anywhere from 8-24 hours depending upon the thickness of your cut shapes.
Step 3: Once your stars are dry, plug your hot glue gun in and let it heat up. Once heated, apply a tiny dot of glue to the back of a star and place your twine through the middle of it.
Step 4: While the glue is still hot carefully set a sequin on top of the glue/twine and press down lightly to adhere. Repeat this process spacing your stars as far apart from one another as you'd like. Be sure to leave a decent length of twine at both ends for hanging. Your garland will tangle easily so I recommend wrapping it gently around a piece of cardboard (cut a notch at the top and bottom of the cardboard for your garland ends to lock onto).
Your garland (or modified versions of this project) can be used to embellish special holiday gifts too (you can even write or paint on this clay once it has dried)! Experiment with other cookie cutter shapes to make unique gift tags and embellishments...or even ornaments for your tree! xo Ez
53 Lovely Comments | Email Article | found in D.I.Y. + Projects, Gift Giving / Wrapping Ideas, Holiday Inspiration/Projects, Tutorials Print Article | Share This | 
| by Ez Tuesday, November 30, 2010 
Reader Comments (53)
This is such a cute idea!
Thay are really sweet and simple, love them!
Very beautiful!
oh, i LOVE this so much!
what a wonderful tutorial.
thanks so much for taking the time to make and share this.
your photos are lovely.
i especially love how the star adorns that package!
your blog is the best!
I love this! Especially the way you wrapped the gift. It makes it so much more special. Looks like you found your perfect polish!
Thanks for your comments guys! If you give this project a try I'd love to hear how it turns out for you.
Kelly V. - Yes I did! I ended up buying OPI "Color So Hot it Berns." Love it! xo Ez
So pretty, clever lady!:)
This is such a wonderful idea! I am so tempted to try this. I just need to find the perfect cookie cutter and buy some clay :)
Your photos are so lovely and inspiring.
This turned out so pretty!! I love the way it looks as a topping for a gift! Thanks for sharing :)
~Liz
off topic: you bought the red nail polish -- red looks pretty on you.
I love this- so cute! Going to have to try it out myself!
The Craft
http://thecraftiswhatyoumakeit.blogspot.com/
magically!!! you have got gold hands
you are master
Adorable!! thanks for sharing:)
I especially love how it looks on the kraft box as gift wrap! So smart and pretty! I wanna try it :)
these are so pretty! thanks for the tutorial ... i'd love to make some!
Adore this!
Oh those are so cute! I love the package wrapped in it, too.
Oh my! This is too sweet! I love the "garland around the package" idea! Pretty nails too! Ooh la la!
This is seriously lovely! What a wonderfully unique and festive idea! Thanks so much for sharing!
Ez- once again, you have brilliant ideas. And I love how customizable this project would be, depending on the cookie cutter. Thanks!
Very cute! Very Paloma's nest style. Love it ;)
Lovely! I can't wait to try it :)
Is that a ceramic egg crate? It's fabulous!
Nice idea! Looks great on the gift package!
So pretty. Making it is like making gingerbread cookies with the cutter. So adorable!
So cute! Thank you for sharing, I'd love to make some!