Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After

Rediscovering Life after Retirement

  • Craft
    and create
    • Craft and Create
      Crafting and cookery and other creative Did It Myself endeavors.
  • Family
    and friends
    • Family and Friends
      Doing what I love with those I love most.
  • Fashion
    forays
    • Fashion Forays
      Revamping myself from the outside in.
  • Life
    and style
    • Life and Style
      Adventures from various chapters in my life – past, present, future.
  • Love
    yourself
    • Love Yourself
      Rediscovering who I am and my journey along the way.
  • Reviews
    and reflection
    • Reviews and Reflection
      Book, movie, product reviews and reflections.

December 20, 2017

DIM, Did It Myself: Twinkling Christmas Fabric Garland

DIM, Did It Myself: Twinkling Christmas Fabric Garland

Crafty friends,

Have practically worn calluses on my finger tips this week in a hurry to finish this twinkling Christmas fabric garland project BEFORE Christmas.  Imagine!?  I bought the fabric at Hobby Lobby early in the fall.  Yeah, really, like September?  And then kept saying to myself (between trips out of town) that it was too early to start working on a Christmas garland.  And then it was December 15th all of a sudden and I hadn’t started on it.  While this is an easy project, it is a bit time-consuming and shouldn’t be left for the last minute!  Lesson learned.

So, let’s get down to the nitty gritty in case you want to embark  on making one of these garlands now in the 11th hour like I did!

Christmas Fabric Garland

DIM, Did It Myself: Twinkling Christmas Fabric Garland

You might remember my summer fabric garland from this post.  It was my first stab at these knotted cloth-strip garlands.  I loved the finished product.  And when my windows were open in my den, the little fabric ribbons would dance and sway in the breeze.  When I saw a similar version for a Christmas garland on Pinterest, I knew that would be my autumn bucket list craft project.  Little did I know it would be practically winter before I got it made.

The Supplies

DIM, Did It Myself: Twinkling Christmas Fabric Garland

Wound up combining a couple of versions of a Christmas fabric garland, here and here, for my project.  Here are the supplies you will need:

  • Christmas fabric (bought 3 patterns, 1 1/2 yards each for an approximately 15′ garland)
  • Tulle
  • Twinkling Christmas lights, a strand or multiple strands long enough for the area where you will hang the garland
  • Pinking shears (optional)
  • Poinsettia (or other design) clip-on Christmas tree ornaments

I considered using pinking shears but the idea of trying to cut my fabric straight…at this late date…was just added stress!  Using the pinking shears prevents raveling and does make the garland look more finished.

Step One

Tear or cut the fabric into strips, 1 1/2″ wide by about 7″ in length.  I didn’t measure each strip.  Who has time for that when you’ve waited til the last minute to make your Christmas fabric garland?  For the width, I cut notches into one end of each piece of fabric, about two fingers wide, and then tore the strips.  I found the length of my hand from finger tip to wrist to be about 7 1/2″ and used that as my ruler for cutting the strips by length.

DIM, Did It Myself: Twinkling Christmas Fabric Garland

Step Two

Begin attaching the strips to the strand of Christmas lights.  I found that my ironing board made the perfect craft table for this project.  I put my fabric strips in three piles on one end.  And stretched out the strand of lights across the length of the ironing board.  Because its height is adjustable, I was able to sit on the couch to work on this time-consuming step.

DIM, Did It Myself: Twinkling Christmas Fabric Garland

Really awful photo but you get the idea.  I tied the strips on in a pattern, with about 6 of them between lights.

DIM, Did It Myself: Twinkling Christmas Fabric Garland

Step Three

Once I had all of the strips tied onto the lights, I wrapped the strand around the length of my wrought iron banister.  I was in love!  Kind of fluffed some of the strips that were smushed against the banister but otherwise it looked fab.  If I do say so myself!

DIM, Did It Myself: Twinkling Christmas Fabric Garland

I cut the tulle into ribbons approximately the same width and length as I had torn the fabric.  Then tied the tulle onto the light strand, about one tulle strip at each light.

DIM, Did It Myself: Twinkling Christmas Fabric Garland

Step Four

Used clip-on Christmas tree ornaments for the final touch.  Found these glittery gold poinsettias at Dollar Tree.  Clipped them onto the light cord about 10″ apart.  Probably could have used one more package of these but at this point, at this late date, I wanted to be finished with my garland without making another run to the store.

DIM, Did It Myself: Twinkling Christmas Fabric Garland

Oooo, gives me goosebumps.  Proud of myself.  And best of all, PC really likes it, too.  He is not keen on Christmas at all.  At. All.  So when he complimented me on my garland, my heart grew 3 sizes.

DIM, Did It Myself: Twinkling Christmas Fabric Garland

Even the kitties like it!  They helped me all morning and then sat back and admired our handiwork.

DIM, Did It Myself: Twinkling Christmas Fabric Garland

Wondering if I should make one of these using snowflake-patterned fabric and leave it up through January and February?  I use a lot of snowmen and snowflakes in my Christmas decorating for that reason!  Should have thought about that when I was picking out the fabric for this project.  Wouldn’t this be pretty in shades of blue with white and silver?

Your Turn

Did you whip up a holiday craft this season?  If so, please tell me a little about it in a comment below.  I am always looking for new ideas to try.  Last year about this time, I was working on guardian angel cards.  You can check out that project, here.  They are a sweet way to send out a good thought for the new year.

Hope you will run by on Thursday for an update on the progress I’ve made on my mini Christmas bucket list activities.  Will also be sharing my winter bucket list with all of the bucket list bloggers.  If you have a bucket list post, come link up with us!  Your list can be as simple or involved as you like.

Hugs and kisses,

 

leslie

Get Updates

Filed Under: Craft and Create Tagged With: #Christmas, #ChristmasFabricGarland, #CraftandCreate, #DIM, #DIMDidItMyself, #DIY, #Seasonings

Older
Newer

Comments

  1. AvatarSheila DelCharco says

    December 20, 2017 at 9:08 am

    Well done! This looks great! I made a similar one for thanksgiving but didn’t use a string of lights. This is perfect for Xmas!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts ClinganLeslie Roberts Clingan says

      December 21, 2017 at 7:55 am

      Thank you, Sheila. Best thing about this silly garland is how much my PC likes it. He told me again last night how cute it is. Music to my ears!

      Reply
  2. AvatarPamela says

    December 20, 2017 at 10:27 am

    It looks awesome!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts ClinganLeslie Roberts Clingan says

      December 21, 2017 at 7:56 am

      Thank you! It is PC approved, which says a lot! He really dislikes Christmas.

      Reply
  3. AvatarEm says

    December 20, 2017 at 10:34 am

    I have never seen anything like this!! WONDERFUL! Love the idea of incorporating Christmas lights into the garland…I’m sure it looks even more beautiful in person! Yay that Monsieur Charming appreciated your hard work. That was a biggie!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts ClinganLeslie Roberts Clingan says

      December 21, 2017 at 7:58 am

      You are so fun! Chuckling at your Monsieur Charming reference. I might have to borrow that. Thank you for the sweet words about the garland. I wouldn’t have thought of incorporating lights either. The credit for that goes to Pinterest and some clever pinners. I was prepared to use heavy twine! Thank you, Pinterest.

      Reply
  4. AvatarDaenel T. says

    December 20, 2017 at 1:08 pm

    All of the applause. You did a great job on your new garland – the colors are so festive.

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts ClinganLeslie Roberts Clingan says

      December 21, 2017 at 8:00 am

      Awww, thanks so much. Had tucked away your sweet compliment on my summer garland in a corner of my heart. Thank you for returning to check out my newest project.

      Reply
  5. Avatarcurlycraftymom says

    December 20, 2017 at 3:29 pm

    So, so pretty, Leslie! It looks like your kitty loves it, too! I spotted her in one of the photos. I love anything that lights up. I just got some of those mini twinkle lights from the Dollar Spot at Target and I love them on my console table. I’m going to go show Autumn a photo of you, she’s resting next to me… so she can see who sent her that lovely Christmas book! I’m going to need to send you a sweet surprise in the mail in the near future!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts ClinganLeslie Roberts Clingan says

      December 21, 2017 at 8:04 am

      Thank you, Carrie. I hope Autumn will enjoy The True Gift as much as I have – both times that I’ve read it. Just a simple, sweet story.
      I love twinkle and sparkle and glitter everywhere. My daughter was telling me that they even have lights that don’t have to be plugged in. Are those LED? Whatever, my mind is blown!! How do those work???

      Wishing you and yours the merriest of Christmases. Snuggle close and enjoy every precious moment. Thanks for being my blogging muse and sweet, sweet friend.

      Reply
  6. AvatarDebs says

    December 21, 2017 at 6:41 am

    Looks fabulous! And one of those jobs you can do while sitting with a Christmas film on tv in the background and a glass of wine by your side (because it does look like a thirsty job!). I definitely need to bookmark this idea for next year, in the interests of my sanity I think I should avoid adding more to my ‘to do’ list for this Christmas.

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts ClinganLeslie Roberts Clingan says

      December 21, 2017 at 8:08 am

      You silly!! Your comments always prompt a giggle. This was indeed thirsty work. But I plowed through. And you are right, I was able to almost – almost – mindlessly tie those fabric strips to the lights so I was able to enjoy TV at the same time. Thinking I should buy a second ironing board just to use as a portable craft table! I do, occasionally, use this one to iron!

      Reply
  7. AvatarLaura says

    December 25, 2017 at 6:58 am

    What a cute and easy DIY! I love the clips you added too! Thanks for sharing and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts ClinganLeslie Roberts Clingan says

      December 30, 2017 at 9:42 pm

      Thank you for the sweet comment on my garland. My youngest daughter fell in love with it, too, and is thinking of making one for her house. Our Christmas was wonderful…so nice having a little one in the house.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hello

In what felt like the blink of an eye, I have gone from full-time wife to my sweet husband, hands-on mom to my two beautiful daughters and elementary school librarian to a retired, empty nester with lots of time on my hands. Join me on my journey to rediscover who I am. Glad you are here.

Let’s Be Friends

Be My Bloglovin’ Bud

Follow

Best of the Blog

  • soup recipe blog hop Soup-Chili-Stew Recipe Swap & Blog Hop posted on November 12, 2019
  • wearing lately What I'm Wearing Lately 11.2019 posted on November 19, 2019
  • mini-Christmas bucket list My 2019 Mini-Christmas Bucket List posted on November 21, 2019
  • 10 Favorite Gifts Christmas Giveaway & 10 Favorite Gifts: 10 on the 10th posted on November 14, 2019
  • World Through My Lens, 10.2019 posted on November 10, 2019

Archives

Search

Disclosure

Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After occasionally uses affiliate links. This means that if you click a link provided we may receive a very small commission. Thank you for your support!

My GoodReads, Follow Me!

Reading
Recently Read

Alison & Aubrey Jewelry

Shop here.

Winter 2019 Capsule Wardrobe – Click to Register

Put On a Fresh New Face

Register here for complete class access and all shopping list recommendations. Learn to use new tools to update your look.

Sentence a Day

Sentence a Day, 12.2018

Short Story Prompt Link Up Party

Short Story Prompt Link Party Featured

Sunday Stills Photo Challenge


Wellness Wednesday

I’m A Featured Blogging Grandmother

Blogging Grandmothers Link Party Featured Blogger - A Link Party Exclusively for Blogging Grandmothers

Ageless Style Guest Host

Thursday Fashion Files Fashionista

Thursday-Fashion-Files-Side-Bar-150x150

Fancy Friday Fashion Link-Up

Nancy’s

Member of the Forever Fierce Revolution

Forever Fierce 2018: The Midlife Revolution

Let Your Fingers Do the Shopping




Shop til You Drop




Audible – I love it

Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks

Follow me on Instagram @onceuponatimehappilyeverafter

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter

In the blink of an eye, I've gone from full-time wife, hands-on mom & librarian to a retired, empty nester rediscovering who I am.

Instagram post 2193240128191996206_465725714 12.06.2019 Glad to spend a few days with my mom. Do you think we look alike? 
#insta2019📸 
#motherlove 
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter 
#daughterlove 
#tograndmothershousewego
Instagram post 2191610804087122339_465725714 12.04.2019 Key pieces for fashionistas over 50. 
#fashionover60 
#fashionafter50 
#myfashionhaus 
#insta201📸 
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter 
#fashionablegrandma
Instagram post 2191608697523087866_465725714 12.04.2019 Registration is OPEN! Mommies and Mimis can be fashionable too. Add new pieces and perk up old faves in your winter wardrobe. 
Link in profile.
#gypostylechallenge 
#winter2019capsulewardrobe
#fashionover60 
#insta201📸 
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter
Instagram post 2191115546844942443_465725714 12.03.2019 Troy, Ohio court house. Beautiful tile, marble and woodwork. 
#courthouse 
#insta201📸 
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter
Instagram post 2188666794854933108_465725714 11.30.2019 Our little airport looking festive for Christmas at 5:00 am. Off to show our moms some love.
#daughterlove 
#motherlove 
#insta2019📸 
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter
Instagram post 2183812385234957555_465725714 11.23.2019 UTEP-NMSU battle of I-10. Both teams 1-9, 13-14 at the half. Who will win this game? Great seats, $12, even better company. 
#insta201📸 
#2019autumnbucketlist 
#collegefootball 
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter
Load More...

FOLLOW ME ON PINTEREST @ONCEUPONATIMEHAPPILYEVERAFTER

So you've decided to make your own DIY Christmas cards? Well, we have compiled some of the best and easy Christmas card ideas that may inspire you as you make your own holiday card. Handmade Christmas cards can be a good craft to make with your kids. These DIY christmas cards can be sent alone... #christmascardsChristmas cards handmade design ideas 86DIY Christmas Cards Quick And Easy To Make - family holiday.net/guide to family holidays on the internetChristmas cards handmade design ideas 13 - Creative Maxx Ideas37 Easy DIY Christmas Card Craft (16)HELP! It looks like this elf is stuck in a cup. How did that happen?
Follow Me on Pinterest More Pins

Site

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Media Kit
  • Privacy Policy

Categories

  • Craft
  • Family
  • Fashion
  • Life
  • Love
  • Reviews

Socialize

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Email

Copyright © 2019 · Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After

By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.