Becky Striepe
Party planning can be as fun as the party itself, but those store-bought decorations are often far from eco-friendly. When you shop at the big box store for bunting, streamers, and table decorations, chances are you’re getting products made in a far off factory from questionable materials. No, thank you! Here are five ideas for upcycled, handmade party decorations that can keep your next shindig as eco-friendly without giving up any of the fun!
1. Pretty Paper Chains
It may feel like an elementary school craft, but these upcycled paper chains are the perfect way to bust your stash of ephemera and create super sweet handmade party decorations at the same time! You can get creative and use all kinds of reclaimed paper, like wrapping paper, sheet music, book pages, and magazines. String these along walls or across doorways.
love paper chains! so easy and kids can make them quickly! 🙂
I make my own streamers to by upcycling tissue paper. One party can overload you with the stuff but if you save it for your next party they’ll make great streamers. What you do is cut the tissue paper lenghthwise, I cut them 3 inches wide. Using some matching yarn and a wool needle I skewer the strips onto the yarn. You can make them tight or loose, crinkle the paper up or you can cut the strips with pinking shears or pattened scissors to add texture. They can be solid or you can alternate colors. Many possibilities and I find them so much easier to hang! For my father’s 80th birthday we had the grandchildren each make one about 3 feet long, then they attached a paper cut out to the end decorated with glitter paint with birthday messages or pics and we just hung them straight down from the ceiling.