In this article: This simple book page bunting garland is an easy DIY that makes a charming decor accent. Use it on a Christmas tree, in a window, above artwork, or anywhere you want a touch of vintage flair.
This project may seem seasonal, but the finished garland is versatile enough for year-round decorating. It’s fast, inexpensive, and adds a whimsical, handmade character to any room. Because it’s made from old book pages, it gives a lovely rustic or vintage feel, but you can adapt the look to suit modern, colorful, or minimalist styles as well.
Easy Book Page Bunting Garland
Here’s the supplies you’ll need:
- An old paperback book — pages with a bit of yellowing work especially well for a rustic, vintage look. Choose a book you don’t mind repurposing.
- Scissors (or a craft rotary cutter for straight edges)
- Good glue — craft glue or a glue stick that grips paper well
- Yarn, twine, or thin string for hanging
- Optional: a ruler and a pencil to mark measurements; clippers to trim edges
Directions:
- Gently tear out the pages in small stacks. Tearing a few at a time helps keep the pages from ripping unevenly.
- Fold each page in half lengthwise so the fold becomes the top of each triangle. The fold gives the bunting more stability and hides the raw edges.
- Decide how large you want each triangle. Make a small paper or cardboard template by cutting a triangle the size you prefer. A 3–4 inch base is a good starting point for a medium garland.
- Place the triangle template on the folded page with the wide edge along the fold, and trace around it lightly with a pencil.
- Stack several folded pages together and cut through the stack so you can create many triangles quickly and evenly. A sharp pair of scissors or a craft cutter works best.
- Lay your string or yarn along a flat surface. Open each triangle slightly (keeping the fold at the top) and place the fold over the string. Apply a small amount of glue to the inside of the triangle’s pointed ends and press them together so the triangle encloses the string and stays secure.
- Continue folding, cutting, and gluing triangles until your garland reaches the desired length. Keep the spacing consistent by placing triangles close together for a dense look or leaving small gaps for an airy effect.
- When finished, knot each end of the string into a loop or tie a small bow for hanging. Trim any excess string and let the glue dry fully before displaying.
Small finishing touches can elevate the look: ink the page edges lightly with a brown ink pad for a more antiqued appearance, or lightly spray a paper-safe fixative if you plan to display the garland outdoors or in a humid space. If you prefer color, use pages from an old magazine, paint edges, or add small stamped letters on selected triangles for personalization.
Once complete, step back and enjoy the handmade charm. This garland is lightweight, easy to move, and can be stored flat between seasons.
Additional ideas and variations:
- Wrap the garland around a Christmas tree or nestle it among branches for a cozy farmhouse look.
- Drape it over an old window frame or above a mantel to highlight architectural features.
- Add battery-operated twinkle lights behind the pages in a window display for soft backlighting.
- Use different-sized triangles on the same string for a playful, layered effect.
- Mix book pages with fabric scraps, doilies, or painted cardstock to create texture and color contrast.
- Stamp initials, numbers, or short phrases on select flags to personalize the garland for parties, holidays, or gifts.
- Hang a shorter version in a doorway or over a shelf as a subtle accent.
With minimal supplies and a short amount of time, you can create a unique, budget-friendly decoration that complements many styles. This book page bunting garland is an easy DIY that makes a meaningful, handmade accent for both seasonal and everyday decor.
