If you’re like me, then it’s been a few (well, maybe more than a few) years since you’ve made a construction paper chain. I have so many fond memories of using them to help decorate our home for the holidays and competing against my sister to create the longest chain.
I was recently reintroduced to the fun by some of the youngest members of the Rainbow family – and you won’t believe all of the creative ways we found to use this traditional Christmas craft!
How to Make Paper Chains
Here’s what you’ll need
Construction Paper:
‘Tis the season for red and green! We love these festive colors:
- Holiday Green
- Holiday Red
- Glitter Construction Paper Pad (red, green, white, black, blue)
Tape or Glue:
With Scotch Double Sided tape, closing paper loops has never been easier!
- Double-Sided Tape – 250 inches
- Double-Sided Tape – 450 inches
- A new product this year, Scotch Wrinkle-Free Glue Stick is one of our favorites.
Scissors:
Any pair will do, but here are some suggestions:
- For the littlest hands, try Faber-Castell’s My First Scissors.
- For those needing a little more practice, we recommend Total Control Scissors.
- For the lefties, Fiskar’s for Kid’s Left-Handed Softgrip Pointed-Tip scissors.
(Optional: pencil & ruler)
How to make them
- Cut the construction paper into even strips.
- Bring the ends of the first strip together to form a circle and glue or tape into place.
- Insert another strip through the middle of the previous loop, and glue/tape that strip into another loop.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 until your chain is completed!
Cheyenh found it easiest to draw guide lines with a ruler and pencil before she started cutting.
Four-year-old Dusti became an instant pro at this!
What you can do with them
- Use as garland on walls, doorways, and trees. (Does this make anyone else nostalgic?)
- Images or scenes on wall: Cheyenh and Dusti (with a little help) formed their chains into candy canes and a tree):
- Use it to countdown the days to Christmas (or any event): Hang the chain and cut off one paper link with each passing day
- Why stop with Christmas?: Use different colors to represent other seasons or holidays – or display chains year-round!
- Incorporate them into lessons: Math (teach simple addition and subtraction), Science or nature (add faces to create insects and snakes – wiggly eyes add to the fun!).
Now you’re all set; gather your supplies and have a ton of fun!
We’d also love to hear your other ideas! What memories of making paper chains do you have from your childhood? What creative things have your children made out of paper chain? Leave a comment below!
