Celebrate Green Blog

by Lynn

Have you noticed that decorative garlands (or banners as they sometimes are called), are popping up everywhere for holidays and celebration decor?

They’re easy to craft if you’re a do-it-yourselfer and if you’re not, you can easily find them to purchase.

Garlands add a fun touch to your event without a huge investment of money. You can even craft them as an activity during a party. Even the smallest child can help make them and for Valentine’s Day, if you’re looking for something to outshine a card, personalized garlands can fill the bill.

Of course we’re partial to those made from eco-friendly materials like natural and recycled wool, hemp, organic cotton, treefree papers and burlap.

But even if the material is less than eco-star quality, well-made banners can last a very long time and almost any (except those made of some plastics), can be recycled in the end.

We’ve gathered some samples of Valentine’s garlands we like, an equal number to make or purchase. Of course, if you’re crafty, you can use any for inspiration.

For the DIYer

This simple-to-make example from the Oh So Crafty blog, requires only a heart punch and paper (recycled or reused of course).

If you love the look of fabric but don’t want to haul out the sewing machine (or don’t have one), here’s a fabric scrap garland that’s no-sew from Scraps in Progress.

Whisker Graphics offers free printables for these darling banners. You don’t need to print out of course. You can hand letter using paper you already have.

And here’s a mini-garland from the Artful Crafter that is used to decorate a candle, but if your kids have a doll house, wouldn’t this be fun too?

And here’s my idea of a fun project, a garland made from newspaper and recycled junk mail.

To purchase

I’m in love with this one from Funkyshique, made from burlap embellished with red glitter!

Ink Stationary Studio’s multi-layered heart garland is sweet.

Crocheted hearts suit those with an old-fashioned bent. From Prairie Cottage Rose.

Another wonderful vintage look, this one composed of Valentine cards from the 1950′s. Now that’s reusing! It’s from Vintage Scraps.

Oh So Sweet Creation’s wool felt garland is simplicity itself, but says it all.

Have you made a Valentine’s garland? We’d love to see it.

Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, and founders of Green Halloween®.