Learn how to make an aesthetic popcorn cranberry garland this holiday season with just a few materials. This affordable DIY will leave your home feeling festive and cozy all season long.
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With the holiday season in full swing, I thought it would only be proper to share a little handmade decor with you all today.
I don’t know about you, but there is something so simple and classic about a homemade popcorn garland.
Now, I won’t say I grew up making these because we never did this–not even once.
However, I know for many this is a fun family tradition. Since it’s so easy and affordable to make, I thought it was a great holiday season addition to our home this year.
I will admit, I didn’t know if I would have the patience to sit and thread an entire bag of popcorn (I was right). But it was fun to make a smaller garland to hang above our stovetop, along an open shelf.
It adds just enough holiday charm to the kitchen without overdoing it!
I love that this popcorn garland is versatile, too.
Don’t have access to fresh cranberries? Use dried. Can’t even find those? Use only popcorn. Love the look and scent of citrus? Use these in place of cranberries. It is really easy to make this unique to fit your circumstances.
So, now that you see how simple this is, let’s get into some important details about popcorn garlands and all the tools you need to make this DIY cranberry popcorn garland.
How can I make my popcorn cranberry garland last?
- Use dried instead of fresh cranberries
- Spray a sealant like this HERE to coat and preserve the garland
- Make the garland without the cranberries (it won’t look as pretty, but it will still do!)
Can I use any type of berry for this garland?
I highly recommend using cranberries for making a garland like this. For one, they’re in season and usually easy to find. Other berries may not be firm enough to string or may be too heavy and weigh the garland down too much.
Where can I hang my Cranberry Popcorn Garland?
- On a Christmas tree
- Across a mantle
- Around a chandelier
- Down a staircase railing
- Above doors or windows
DIY Popcorn Cranberry Garland
Materials | DIY Popcorn Cranberry Garland
Large bag of popped popcorn (1 popped cup per every 2-3 feet of string)
12 oz. bag of fresh cranberries (or 6 oz package of dried)
Tools | DIY Popcorn Cranberry Garland
Thread (about 20 feet)
Sewing needle
Scissors
Steps | DIY Popcorn Cranberry Garland
1. Start by cutting a 20-foot long piece of thread for your garland. I needed a piece that was around 10 feet long, so I doubled this to make it the right size. If you have a larger space to cover, you’ll want it longer.
2. Thread string through the needle, making a big knot on the end of the string to tie the ends together.
3. Take popcorn, piece by piece, and gently string it through the needle and thread until it reaches the end where the knot is. Continue until you’re ready to add a pop of color. I personally add the cranberries after 2-3 pieces of popcorn.
4. Next, add a piece or two of cranberries onto the needle and string.
5. Repeat this pattern until you reach the end of your string. Leave enough space to tie a knot of this end (1-2 inches).
6. Cut the string and tie a knot.
7. Decorate around your home with this garland. Keep it hung for up to 10 days.
Tips for Success | DIY Popcorn Cranberry Garland
The more stale the popcorn, the easier it is to string. I recommend letting it sit out for a day or two to become stale first.
This garland will only stay good for a little over a week. I recommend making this as close to Christmas as possible. This is a fun activity to do with kids when they have time off around the holidays anyway, so save this for a frigid day inside, during the days leading up to Christmas Eve and Christmas.
If after the holidays you have some garland you don’t want to go to waste, place it outside for birds to feed on. However, do not do this if you have used a craft sealant on the garland, as this is toxic to birds and other animals.
The Art of Cottagemaking 