Learn how to make this gorgeous oversized “paper” chain Christmas decoration that is waterproof and perfect for decorating the outside of your home for Christmas.
I’ve had another wild idea. I know, I know… you’re shocked. LOL.
Paper chains have been trending hard this year and I am here for the whimsy and homemade charm. But my brain likes to spin off and I thought it would be so cool to find a way to make waterproof paper chain so I could use it outside in our cold and snowy climate.
Friends, I found a way and this little idea came to life in a big way. I am over the moon with the results!
Let me show you how to make a waterproof giant chunky paper chain outdoor Christmas decoration.
Here’s what you need:
Materials Needed
- 12″ x 18″ 2mm Craft Foam Sheets (I chose medium pink, red, kelly green, white)
- Stapler + Staples
- Rotary Cutter + Quilting Mat + Ruler (optional, but super handy)
- Twine
I purchased my craft foam sheets online from Michaels. I got 10 sheets of each color, so 40 total sheets. My finished chain ended up being about 40 feet long. With a coupon, the sheets ended up being $0.71 each, which was the best price I could find. Hobby Lobby also carries the larger size of craft foam and their price is $0.99 per sheet, so a good option if you want specific colors that Michael’s doesn’t carry. Since I already had the other supplies, the total price for the craft foam was just under $30.
Instructions
Step 1: Use the quilting mat, ruler and rotary cutter to cut the sheets into 4 inch strips. You’ll end up with three strips that measure 4 inches x 18 inches. If you don’t have a rotary cutter, you can definitely use scissors. Just mark the lines with a ruler and cut with scissors. It’ll just take longer, but that’s okay.
Step 2: Once all the strips are cut, take one strip, make it into a loop, then staple it on both sides. Slide the next strip through that loop and staple it into a loop. Repeat and repeat!
I was expecting this step to take forever, but because the loops are so big, it actually went pretty fast. I think it took around two hours for me to cut all the strips and staple them together. Not bad!
And look how cute it is:
Step 3: The last step is just to figure out how to hang your chain on whatever surface you choose. To attach my chain to the fence, I tied white twine through the chain and just looped it over my fence posts. Easy peasy!
I love it! It’s so cheery and festive! Big visual impact for the amount of time and money I put into it. I think I need to make more. LOL.
I wanted to add a dusty blue color to the chain too, but couldn’t find anywhere that sold it. Dang! So if I do find it somewhere, I am just crazy enough to take this thing apart to add it. We shall see.
And now that I have it made, I think it would be a fantastic party decoration, especially for a church Christmas dinner or something like that.
DIY Giant Paper Chain Outdoor Christmas Decoration Video
So what do you think? Would you make this fun DIY outdoor Christmas decoration?