Here’s a fun nature-inspired twist on classic paper doll chains that would be a fun winter holiday project for the entire family! I’ll be showing you how to make four different varieties of mushroom paper chains out of one piece of standard 8.5” x 11” copy paper, but you can definitely use any paper that you have. Avoid using thick paper or cardstock that would be hard to bend. Some great options for paper would be to recycle old newspaper, butcher paper, kraft paper, construction paper or pages from old magazines. I’m using a 100% post-consumer recycled copy paper, which is what we normally have at home. Paper chains can be hung up as a garland for decoration and painted if desired. We’ll be making a bunch of these to use as our holiday decorations this year!

Materials:

– 8.5” x 11” copy paper or recycled paper (newspaper, kraft paper, magazines, etc)
– scissors

Instructions to Make a Mushroom Paper Chain Garland

Step 1: How to fold the paper

Fold your paper in half vertically, then fold each edge inwards to meet at the center. Continue folding the paper back and forth accordion style until you are left with a long strip that is folded into equal sections. With your paper still folded, draw mushroom outlines on the top piece, making sure that both the left and right side of each mushroom outline touches the edges. After I drew all four mushrooms, I also cut them into individual pieces so that they would be easier to work with when cutting out.

Step 2: How to cut the paper chain

Cut your patterns out along the lines, making sure that you do not cut into the portion at each edge so that the mushrooms connect to each other. Open to reveal your garland! Create multiple chains and tape the ends together to create longer garlands. Display as is or paint!