Cut-out paper Christmas garland of trees and snowmen

Age: 6+ · Time: 30 min · For: Ages 6–9 Ages 10–12

There is a little moment of magic when you unfold a paper garland and a whole row of trees or snowmen appears, all holding hands. It is a classic Christmas craft that children of 6 and up can do almost by themselves, and it costs nothing more than paper.

Shape ideas

Trees: a simple triangle with the side tips touching the folds.
Snowmen: three circles with stick arms that touch the folds.
Gingerbread people: hands touching hands.
Stars: two points touching the folds.

Tips

Draw thick shapes. Thin parts tear easily.
Use brown paper for gingerbread people and decorate them with white pen icing.

You need

long strips of paper about 4 inches high (cut a letter-size or 11 x 17-inch sheet lengthways, or use a roll of brown paper)
scissors
a pencil and a ruler
tape to join strips together
markers, colored pencils or paint
string or tape to hang the garland

Steps

Fold the strip back and forth like an accordion, in sections of about 3 inches wide. Press the folds flat.
On the top section, draw your shape, such as a tree, a snowman or a star. The shape must touch both folded edges at one point (for example the tips of the branches or the snowman's arms), so the figures stay joined.
Cut out the shape through all the layers at once. Do not cut through the folds where the shapes touch.
Unfold carefully. You now have a row of figures holding hands.
Decorate each figure with markers or paint: ornaments on the trees, scarves on the snowmen.
Tape several garlands together for a long one and hang it along a window or mantel.