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Making popcorn garland is a classic and timeless holiday DIY project that adds a charming, rustic touch to your Christmas tree or decor.
Few Christmas decorations are more fun to make than classic popcorn garland! Mainly because you can string a few and then eat a few! Win-Win! We love to make it each year to add a touch of that old-fashioned Christmas nostalgia to our holiday decor!
I am a big fan of homemade garlands! I love to make orange garland and fresh garlands every holiday season, but my 11-year-old daughter, Palmer, is the popcorn garland-making pro in our house, and she learned all the tips and tricks from my Mother! There are definitely a few things that can be done to make this project easier, faster, and more enjoyable! Let’s start by taking a closer look at the best type of popcorn for making garland.
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Why We Love This Homemade Garland
Ok, so besides the fact that it’s fun to eat while making, there are a few reasons why we love making this beautiful holiday craft project each year.
DIY popcorn garland is classic and brings a touch of vintage charm and timeless appeal to your home during the holidays. No other holiday garland gives such a sense of tradition and nostalgia. Not to mention, making popcorn garland is affordable! So, if you are after a budget-friendly, beautiful, natural decorating option with a minimal cost, this should be a top contender.
Plus, popcorn is a natural and biodegradable material, making popcorn garland an eco-friendly decoration option. After the holiday season, you can dispose of it without environmental concerns. I love to leave it out for the birds and squirrels to snack on at our tiny house when we are done with it for the season!
The Best Popcorn To Use
When making this DIY garland, it’s best to use plain, air-popped popcorn. I have used bagged popcorn to make this garland in the past. However, I found it to be greasy and brittle and much harder to work with.
I also recommend avoiding using pre-buttered or pre-seasoned microwave popcorn, as the added oils and flavors can make the popcorn sticky and may affect the garland’s durability.
Here are some tips for choosing the best popcorn for making garland:
- Use a hot air popper or pop the corn on the stovetop without oil.
- Opt for plain, unsalted white popcorn. This will prevent the garland from becoming too greasy or attracting pests.
- Use freshly popped popcorn for the best results. Popcorn that has been sitting for a while might become stale and lose its shape.
- Allow the popcorn to cool and dry thoroughly before stringing it. This helps prevent the popcorn from sticking together and ensures a longer-lasting garland.
- It’s a good idea to choose a popcorn variety with uniform size to ensure that the garland looks even. Tiny, uniform kernels work well for a neat appearance.
Variations Of Popcorn Garland
Although the classic look of popcorn garland is beautiful on its own, it can sometimes be fun to add a few different patterns and types of decor or natural elements to make it uniquely yours. Here are some creative and unique ideas for variations of popcorn garland:
Old-Fashioned Cranberry Popcorn Garland
Combine plain, air-popped popcorn with dried or fresh cranberries for a traditional and colorful holiday touch.
Painted Popcorn Garland
Use edible food coloring or paint to add festive colors to your popcorn. Be sure to let the popcorn dry completely before stringing to avoid smudging.
Herb-Infused Popcorn Garland
Incorporate dried herbs such as rosemary or thyme to give your garland a natural and aromatic twist.
Popcorn and Pinecone Garland
Combine popcorn with small pinecones for a rustic and woodsy feel. You can also add a touch of spray paint to the pinecones for a hint of color.
Popcorn and Dried Fruit Garland
Mix popcorn with a variety of dried fruits like apple slices, orange peel, or figs for a sweet and colorful garland.
Popcorn and Bead Garland
Alternate popcorn with colorful beads to create a visually appealing and varied garland. Beads can add pops of color and texture.
Remember to consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve and coordinate your popcorn garland with the rest of your holiday decorations. Get creative and have fun experimenting with different materials and ideas!
How To Make Popcorn Garland
Now that you have an idea of what type of real popcorn garland you want to make, here’s a simple guide on how to create it:
Materials
- Popped popcorn (unbuttered and unsalted)
- Regular Sewing Needle (large enough for popcorn to pass through)
- 24 Gauge wire (works best), firm thread, fishing wire, or line
- Scissors or wire cutters
- Optional: Cranberries, dried orange slices, or other decorative elements
Instructions
1. Pop enough popcorn, ensuring it is plain and free from butter or salt. Freshly popped popcorn works best for threading.
2. Prepare the thread by cutting a length of 24 gauge wire, strong thread, or fishing line to your desired garland length. A longer thread allows for flexibility in adjusting the length of the garland later but can tangle more easily.
3. Thread a large needle with the chosen wire, leaving a few inches at one end for tying knots or loop ends.
4. Tie a secure double knot or loop at the end of the thread to prevent the popcorn from sliding off. Making a loop works best as your garland will already be hangable.
5. Begin to thread the first piece of popcorn by taking the needle and carefully piercing the center of a popcorn kernel. Sometimes, the easiest way is to poke a hole through the pieces of popcorn but not push the needle completely through. Then, simply thread the wire through the hole and slide the popcorn down the wire or thread until it reaches the knot. Repeat this process for each popcorn kernel.
6. (Optional) For extra flair, add some decorative elements. Intersperse the popcorn with cranberries, dried orange slices, or other festive elements. Thread these decorations onto the string along with the popcorn.
7. Repeat the process until you achieve the desired length of popcorn garland. Be mindful of the weight distribution if you are using berries or other ornaments to prevent sagging.
8. Once you’ve reached the desired length, tie a secure large knot or a loop at the end of the garland to keep the last piece in place.
9. Now, simply hang your popcorn garland on the Christmas tree, fireplace mantel, or any other area you want to infuse with a cozy, handmade aesthetic.
Things To Be Aware Of
Popcorn garlands are best if kept indoors. If you plan to use them outdoors, be mindful of weather conditions and consider them more as temporary decorations.
We made a beautiful outdoor tree covered in handmade old-fashioned Christmas decor, but the biodegradable popcorn garland did not do well outside during a snowstorm. In fact, the kernels all shriveled and looked quite Grinchy within a short period of time.
So, if you plan to hang the garland outside, consider doing so just before your event to prevent exposure to moisture or pests that could affect its longevity. Otherwise, it will shrivel and lose its full appearance, like mine did below.
Tips And Tricks To Popcorn Garland
- Use recently popped popcorn for easier threading.
- A needle with a large eye will make it easier to thread the popcorn.
- If threading becomes challenging, pre-pierce the kernels with a toothpick before threading them onto the string.
- Use a sturdy, thick needle and a thin wire, strong thread, or fishing line for stringing the popcorn.
- Store the popcorn garland in a cool, dry place when not in use to maintain its freshness.
Making Popcorn Garland Last
Popcorn garland is a natural material that will eventually start to degrade. The longevity of your garland can depend on a few factors, including how it’s stored, the environment in which it’s displayed, and whether it’s exposed to moisture or pests.
Handle the garland gently, especially when taking it down or moving it. Rough handling can cause popcorn kernels to break or fall off. The great part about making popcorn garland at home is that if individual popcorn pieces become dislodged or start to lose their freshness, you can replace them with new popcorn.
Avoid humid environments; if the garland gets wet or damp, it may become soft, lose its shape, or even develop mold. Keep it away from water sources and humid conditions.
You can safely store your garland in a sealed container or bag and keep it in a cool, dry place for several weeks or even months. Pests like rodents might also find it appealing, so make sure it is sealed and stored out of reach of unwanted visitors.
If you’re looking for a longer-lasting decoration, you might want to consider using artificial materials or preserving natural items like dried apple garland or orange slices. Just remember that the charm of popcorn garland often lies in its simplicity and temporary nature, making it a classic and eco-friendly choice for holiday decor.
More Holiday Inspiration
Frequently Asked
During times when traveling to the nearby convenience store for holiday supplies and ornaments was not feasible, early colonists crafted homemade ornaments and garlands. Popcorn emerged as an excellent substitute for garlands, as it could be effortlessly made at home and utilized ingredients that were already common and easy to come by for most settlers.
Popcorn garlands symbolize the simplicity and joy of the holiday season. Their classic appearance refers to when holiday decorations were often handmade and reflected a sense of community and togetherness.
There are a few factors that will help popcorn garlands last longer. First, use them indoors only, keep any moisture or humidity away, and try to limit how much the garland is handled. If you decide to premake this garland, store the finished project in an airtight sealed container that is stored in a cool, humid, and pest-free location. Popcorn garland, when stored correctly, can last weeks and even months.
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How To Make Popcorn Garland
Equipment
- 1 Regular Sewing Needle (large enough for popcorn to pass through)
- 1 24 Gauge wire (works best), firm thread, fishing wire, or line
- 1 Scissors or wire cutters
Materials
- 3 cups Popped popcorn (unbuttered and unsalted)
- 1 cup Cranberries, dried orange slices, or other decorative elements Optional
Instructions
- Pop enough popcorn, ensuring it is plain and free from butter or salt. Freshly popped popcorn works best for threading. 3 cups of popcorn makes approximately a 3' garland.
- Prepare the thread by cutting a length of 24 gauge wire, strong thread, or fishing line to your desired garland length.
- Thread a large needle with the chosen wire, leaving a few inches at one end for tying knots or loop ends.
- Tie a secure double knot or loop at the end of the thread or wire to prevent the popcorn from sliding off. Making a loop works best as your garland will already be hangable.
- Begin to thread the first piece of popcorn by taking the needle and carefully piercing the center of a popcorn kernel. Sometimes, the easiest way is to poke a hole through the pieces of popcorn but not push the needle completely through. Then, simply thread the wire through the hole and slide the popcorn down the wire or thread until it reaches the knot. Repeat this process for each popcorn kernel.
- For extra flair, add some decorative elements. Intersperse the popcorn with cranberries, dried orange slices, or other festive elements. Thread these decorations onto the string along with the popcorn. (Optional)
- Repeat the process until you achieve the desired length of popcorn garland. Be mindful of the weight distribution if you are using berries or other ornaments to prevent sagging.
- Once you've reached the desired length, tie a secure large knot or a loop at the end of the garland to keep the last piece in place.
- Now, simply hang your popcorn garland on the Christmas tree, fireplace mantel, or any other area you want to infuse with a cozy, handmade aesthetic.
Notes
- Use recently popped popcorn for easier threading.
- A needle with a large eye will make it easier to thread the popcorn.
- A longer wire or thread allows for flexibility in adjusting the length of the garland later but can tangle more easily.
- If threading becomes challenging, pre-pierce the kernels with a toothpick before threading them onto the string.
- Use a sturdy, thick needle and a thin wire, strong thread, or fishing line for stringing the popcorn.
- Store the popcorn garland in a cool, dry place when not in use to maintain its freshness.
