Dishfunctional Designs: Make A Beautiful Autumn Ephemera Garland

Fashion a paper garland with autumn colors and very simple supplies: a variety of craft paper and ephemera, white craft glue, scissors, and watercolor or acrylic paint.

Using a mix of different types of paper adds interest and texture. Old ephemera, scrapbook paper, newsprint and even tissue paper and old sewing patters are great for creating paper flowers. Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect!

Paper flowers of any type can be made and strung onto jute cord by punching a small hole in the reverse base of each flower.

Create a wired leaf garland by sandwiching thin craft wire between two paper leaves and securing with white glue. The wire should be positioned as the vein down the center of the leaf. Leave at least 3" of wire extending from the bottom of the leaf. Repeat this process to create many leaves using various different papers. If you like, you can add details to each leaf with paint. Allow the leaves to dry completely. Once all leaves have been created, attach them to a long length of vine created with stiff cord or wire by twisting each leaf's wire around the long wire. Hide wire ends with strips of tissue paper coated with a thin layer of white glue. Use paint to cover the vine.