I’ve hung a gorgeous DIY coffee filter wreath on the mirror, the charming reversible canvas banner is swaying gently from the mantle, and the distressed rugged wooden boxes are elevating our chic Dollar Store pumpkins… I’m almost ready to reveal our $20 fall mantle decorations!

Before I do, I realized that we need one more small touch to make our fall mantle decorations complete: a beautiful ribbon garland.  

Why Make Ribbon Garland?

Why?  A ribbon garland adds a perfect touch of whimsy and a pop of color. As it turns out, ribbon garland is amazingly easy to make.  So, are you interested in learning how?  Then, keep on reading to know the 3 simple steps for creating easy, beautiful ribbon garland!

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Step 1: Cut, Cut, Cut!

For my ribbon garland, I wanted 2 strands of ribbon about 12 inches each.  For the garland, I used bakers twine, that I purchased from the dollar store.  Using the twine, I created loops on each end to make it easier to hang and ensure the ribbon didn’t slip off.

For my ribbon, I cut strips about 11 inches long. Why 11 inches?  I wanted the ribbon to hang about 5 or so inches down when it was hung.

To measure, I doubled the length (5 times 2) and added 1 inch for the loop. For materials, I used scrap ribbon that I had lying around in shades of plum and lilac.

Then, I wanted to add some white into the mix to coordinate with the coffee filter wreath, but didn’t have any white ribbon on hand. I’d already used up my $20 decorating budget so I couldn’t buy some either.  Jeeze, what was a DIY gal to do?

Scrap tee-shirts to the rescue! I raided our Goodwill pile and found an old white t-shirt. Then, using a rotary cutter and cutting mat, I created fringe 11 inches long. With this step, I wasn’t exact in making sure each strand of fridge measured the same width. In the end, the variation gave the ribbon garland lots of character.

Step 2: Loop, Loop, and Loop Some More

When putting your ribbon onto your twine, there are a few methods you can use. Some people prefer to knot the ribbon. Others prefer to use hot glue. Me? I like how the ribbon looks when it’s looped over itself onto the twine.

How to you make a loop knot? Holding the twine tight — I looped it around a toe while I was working — fold the two raw ends of the ribbon together so that the ribbon is half the length it was. One end should have a “u” shape.

Hold the “u” of the ribbon over the twine, keeping the twine between the “u” and the raw ends. With the twine still in the middle, thread the raw ends of the ribbon through the “u” and pull tightly.

The ribbon should now be firmly affixed to your twine! If that didn’t make sense or if you’re a visual learner like me, head down to the bottom of the post to watch a video tutorial.

Keep looping, alternating colors of your ribbon, until your entire strand of twine is covered.

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Step 3: Hang and Love!

Once you’ve finished your ribbon garland, the final step is to hang it in place. Because I created two simple loops on either end of my twine, this was really easy for me to do!  

To finish the project, I slipped two small pieces of scotch tape into either loop on the ends of my twine.  Next, I  pressed the tape firmly to my wooden boxes. Tape worked well because my ribbon garland was only about 12 inches long and not too heavy.

Plus, I used some of my fall décor to weigh the tape down. So far, my garland has stayed in place and adds a super beautiful touch to the $20 mantle!