Patriotic Garland Tutorial - Star Paper Chain

Design Team Member Brenna here with a sparkly patriotic garland that's perfect for your mantle, your table, or honestly anywhere that could use a little extra magic. This DIY star shaped paper chain is elegant enough for Christmas, fun enough for a birthday party, and festive enough for the Fourth of July. The best news? It's completely customizable, and I've got a free SVG file ready for you to download so you can get started right away!

I made mine in a patriotic red and blue color palette, but you can swap in any colors you love. As always, I reached for my trusty 12x12 Cardstock Shop papers because the quality is just unbeatable — your cuts come out crisp and clean every single time.

Supplies:

• Cardstock: For my chain I used four gorgeous papers:

  • Ruby Red Glitter Luxe Cardstock for that high-shine sparkle

  • All American Red Textured 12x12 Cardstock for a rich, classic red

  • Lapis Textured 12x12 Cardstock for a deep, bold blue

  • Waterfall Textured 12x12 Cardstock for a lighter, softer blue

• Glue: Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue — the precision tip is a total game changer for getting glue exactly where you need it without any mess.

• An Electronic Die Cutter

• The patriotic garland FREE FILE: [Click here to download the Star Paper Chain SVG] — no strings attached, it's our gift to you!

Understanding the Star Chain Links

Before we start assembling, let's talk about the three star pieces in the file. This is the key to how the whole chain works!

• Star A (Solid Star): No slit at all. This star is the "anchor" of each chain link.

• Star B (Slit at Bottom): Has a slit cut into the bottom point.

• Star C (Slit at Top): Has a slit cut into the top point.
  

Stars B and C are always used as a pair — together they form one secure, locked chain link around your solid Star A pieces

Assembling Your Star Paper Chain

Step 1: Cut your file using your cardstock of choice.

Step 2: To make your first chain link, take one Star B (slit at bottom) and one Star C (slit at top) and slide them onto a solid Star A from either side. The stars with slits will now be linked to the solid star on both sides.

Step 3: Rotate Stars B and C so their slits are on opposite ends. One slit pointing up, one pointing down. This staggers them for stability so nothing slips out.

Step 4: Apply a thin line of Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue and press Stars B and C together. Hold until set. You now have your first 3-star chain link!

Step 5: To keep the chain going, pick a side of your existing chain and slide a new Star B and Star C onto the outermost solid star (the same way you did in Step 2).

Step 6: Add a new solid Star A onto the two new slit stars, stagger the slits again, and glue Stars B and C together just like before.

Step 7: Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until your chain is as long as you'd like!

A Little Tip to Cut Down on Waste

When you cut your star shapes, you'll notice a smaller star cut out from the center of each one. Don't throw those away! Toss them on your party table as confetti for a fun, coordinated touch. Zero waste and extra festive — I love it!

Patriotic Garland Display Ideas

Drape your finished chain across your mantle for a stunning holiday display, loop it down the center of a long table as a showstopping runner, or hang it in a doorway to set the scene for your next party. However you use it, it's going to look absolutely fabulous.

I hope you love making this star chain as much as I loved designing it! Download your free file [Click here to download the Star Paper Chain SVG] and get crafting. If you make one, please tag 12x12 Cardstock Shop on Instagram — I can't wait to see your color combinations!

And remember, you can totally make that!

Brenna

(@craftingwithbrenna)

For more patriotic craft ideas check out our blog post on this DIY Independence Day Hat!