Paper chains add beauty on a budget to any Christmas tree. The paper selection allows you to customize the look to fit your decor and overall Christmas tree design. Paper chains are simple enough to involve the entire family in the process from start to finish. Create an assembly line or have each family member create her own chain, hooking them together before displaying them.
Materials
The main materials for the decorative chains are paper and adhesive. The specific type of each of these items depends on personal preference. Construction paper is often the material of choice for classroom paper chains. It is sturdy yet flexible and easy to work with when making the chains. For a more decorative look, consider the decorated scrapbook paper available in craft stores. You have the option of Christmas-themed patterns to create a custom look to the chains. When deciding on the type of paper used, choose something that is flexible yet sturdy. Lightweight paper won't hold the loop shape and will droop.
The adhesive used typically is either tape or glue. Double-sided tape allows you to hide the tape to create a nice finish on the chain. A glue stick also works well and prevents large globs of runny glue.
Technique
Cut the paper into strips to prepare for the chain-making process. The exact size of the strips depends on your personal preference. Longer strips create larger loops in the chain, while shorter strips create tighter loops. Start with strips that are one inch wide by five inches long. Try a few of the strips in a chain to see if you like the look. Adjust the size of the strips to create the desired look.
Take the first strip of paper and apply the selected adhesive to one of the ends. Make a loop with the strip, pressing the two ends together where the adhesive was applied. Place the second strip through the middle of the first loop. Repeat the process of applying the adhesive and pressing the ends together to create the second loop. Continue the process of placing the strip through the middle of the previous loop and applying the adhesive. Make one long chain or several shorter chains for decorations.
Hanging
The paper chains create an ideal garland for Christmas trees. Drape it around the tree as you would your normal tinsel garland. Another option is to make several chains and hang them straight down the tree. Start each garland near the top and let it hang down to the bottom of the tree. This creates several straight lines of the paper chains down the tree. Extra paper chains work well to decorate mantels, doorways, windows or the top of cupboards and shelves.
Paper chains also make an ideal countdown to Christmas. Make one loop on the paper chain for each day leading up to Christmas. Write the corresponding numbers on each loop to keep track of the countdown. Each day, remove one of the loops from the chain. The kids enjoy watching the chain get shorter, indicating that Christmas is near.
