Fall Garland Tutorial

I shared this tutorial over at Mandy’s Yellow Corner today but in case you missed it here it is again.

How to make some fun, fall, pumpkin and apple garland using empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls.

Supplies:
-Ruler
-Scissors
-Paint in color choices (I used orange and red)
-Twine
-Glue gun
– Empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls
-Paint brush

First, flatten the roll.

(For some reason this picture flipped on me and I can’t fix it… so turn your head! lol)
Next, take your ruler and mark every half inch. I marked it on both edges of the roll.

Now, cut from mark to mark making 1/2 in pieces.

You should now have individual pieces.

To make the pumpkin:
You will need 6 of these pieces.
4 will be as is.
Take 2 and cut them along ONE of the creases to create one long strip. (sorry, forgot to take a pic!)

To make the apple:
You will need 4 pieces.
3 will be as is.
The fourth piece, cut along BOTH creases to create two short strips.

Now time to paint.
Obviously, I painted pumpkins orange and apples red but you can always change it up.
Before I started painting, I grouped them so I knew what should be each color.

Time to create!
Find something to create or use as a straight line. I used my ruler.
-Line up the whole pieces on the ruler.
-Glue them together where they touch.

Next, put glue on the points of each piece. Take a strip and glue it on the bottom of the pieces, wrapping up the sides.

Take the second strip and repeat on the top.

I then had a strip that wasn’t a full 1/2 in so I cut small pieces off it to create the stems. Just place a small dot of glue where you like and place it down.

Here is the pumpkin! So cute and so easy!

And here is the apple.

All my apples and pumpkins.
I made 5 pumpkins and 4 apples using a paper towel roll and 2 toilet paper rolls (I think).

To make the Garland:
Take the twine and a pumpkin or apple.
Decide which side will be the front and which will be the back of each.
Weave the twine from the front to back.

Pull twine through.
Then weave it back through back to front.
A line of twine should be visible in the center on the back side but not on the front.
And that’s it- no glue needed. Move on to another.

Continue adding each to the garland alternating between pumpkin and apple as you go.
I left 5 in. of space between each pumpkin and apple.

That’s it! All done! Time to decorate!
(this picture turned too… sorry!)

I changed up my shutter decor in my living room over to fall so I decided to hang my garland on top. I love it!


Who would have thought those ugly brown rolls could be so cute?!

If you try to make it, I would love for you to send me a picture or a link to it!

Linking up to these parties.


By
89
About

Hello, I'm Allison! I am an Army wife and momma to two little girls. I've got a creative side and I love to craft, do DIY projects with my husband, paint, and I occasional get my bake on too. Join me on my journey and take a glimpse inside our military adventures, my creative endeavors and our everyday life. :)

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  • Kimberly
    September 16, 2010 at 8:49 pm

    very cute and easy! Love it!

    Saw this on Mandy's yellow corner and am now a follower.

  • Debbie
    September 17, 2010 at 12:11 am

    So cute Allison…how do you think of this stuff?

  • Jemsmom
    September 17, 2010 at 1:22 am

    So stinking cute! I love the new Fall shutter look!

  • Jocelyn
    September 17, 2010 at 1:53 am

    those are so adorable! love the shutters too!!!

  • Young and Crafty
    September 17, 2010 at 3:35 am

    Coming from Fun to Craft! That turned out very cute, how creative!

    Hannah @ http://youngancrafty.blogspot.com/

  • Melissa
    September 17, 2010 at 5:18 am

    Really cute! I think my son could try this too! Awesome idea!

  • Alison
    September 17, 2010 at 6:59 am

    WOW!! What a super-cute idea!! I absolutely adore this! Who would have thought?! I am amazed! 🙂

  • texttussi
    September 17, 2010 at 8:33 am

    So cute, I love it!

  • Sonja @ Craft-Werk
    September 17, 2010 at 10:25 am

    Saw this on It's so very Cheri – really sweet. A lovely idea. Thanks for sharing!

  • AmieAnn
    September 17, 2010 at 10:54 am

    These are adorable! I love them and think they would be a great craft for my Brownie troops first meeting! Thanks for posting!

  • Missie
    September 17, 2010 at 11:35 am

    What a super cute and super cheap project. Thanks for sharing!

  • Terrell
    September 17, 2010 at 12:05 pm

    Are you serious, girly!! These look SOOO AMAZING up on your fall decor covered shutters! They're the perfect addition and I can't believe how fun they were to make! You're so creative!!! 🙂 THank you so much for showing them off at my party today! They're a hit!
    Happiest weekends to you,
    ~Terrell @ Frou Frou Decor~

  • allison @ itstoilegood.blogspot.com
    September 17, 2010 at 12:27 pm

    I love this idea! What an easy and affordable way to decorate for the season! The jute really "makes" it!

  • Hannah
    September 17, 2010 at 2:08 pm

    very cute and creative! thanks for linking to the shabby nest so we all could see!

  • Ansleighsmom
    September 17, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    love this allison u are so talented!!!

  • Megan - A Ruffle In Time
    September 17, 2010 at 3:08 pm

    soo cute! and super easy!!

  • Val
    September 17, 2010 at 5:00 pm

    You are amazing!!!!

  • kati
    September 17, 2010 at 5:11 pm

    I love it!!! I featured it on Featuring My Favorite Friday… and when I saw it I actually got giddy!!! http://dragonflyfeathers.blogspot.com/2010/09/featuring-my-favorites-friday-3.html

  • Donene
    September 17, 2010 at 10:18 pm

    Oh, this is darling! and so creative!
    Can you help me out? I am in a contest because of a recent post that I did on my weight loss. There is a contest on Face Book and I need you to vote! I am so close and I don't want the other guy to win! Just click on the link below and like that page (up at the top) then in the left hand column find my picture( I’m the one in the black bathing suit) under photo's 4 of 14 click(SEE All) and leave a comment under my picture! Thanks!!
    http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lehi-UT/Kristi-Approved/391083710513
    You might have to copy and paste it into your browser.

  • kelley @ the eclectic owl
    September 17, 2010 at 10:19 pm

    i love this! such a clever idea! i found you via mandy's yellow corner and i am now your newest follower! 🙂

  • Kelley
    September 17, 2010 at 10:31 pm

    Flipping cute… I love how you made them… really!

    have a great weekend.

  • ClassyGal
    September 18, 2010 at 1:03 am

    What a great idea! Awesome, girl!

  • Kathleen
    September 18, 2010 at 2:44 am

    So cute! What a great idea, and I love that it recycles something too.

  • Emily @ Finding My Aloha
    September 18, 2010 at 3:06 am

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! Seriously! So creative! I found you through Tatertots and Jello. I am a fellow mil-spouse living in WA but moving to Alaska in December. Glad to have found you!

  • Laurel @ Ducks in a Row
    September 18, 2010 at 4:10 am

    You are darling – this is a fun garland!

  • Amber
    September 18, 2010 at 4:42 am

    Love it!!

  • Corner House
    September 18, 2010 at 3:43 pm

    I love this project. I am going to have to make make one.

  • Annastacia
    September 19, 2010 at 12:55 am

    I love your pumpkin garland! So cute! Thanks for stopping by my blog, I truly appreciate it! Hope you are having a fabulous weekend!

  • Meg
    September 19, 2010 at 3:11 am

    This is really cute. I love how these pumpkins came out! I'm definitely going to make one of these garlands. Thanks!

  • HomebirthinMomma
    September 19, 2010 at 12:17 pm

    thanks for the great idea@ i'm always looking for new ways to use the hundreds of TP rolls i've saved! i knew they would come in handy!! 🙂 woohoo

  • Meg
    September 19, 2010 at 2:17 pm

    They are VERY cute and I LOVE those shutters as well!
    I would love it if you linked to my weekend link party! alittleknickknack.blogspot.com Have a wonderful day!

  • Twigs and Twirls
    September 19, 2010 at 3:55 pm

    These are to cute !! Is it sad I went digging through my trash to find the discard PT roll I threw away? This is a definate to make.

  • Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top
    September 19, 2010 at 4:17 pm

    This turned out so cute! What a fun idea.

  • Jocelyn
    September 19, 2010 at 5:11 pm

    I LOVE this! I found you via Tatortots and Jello. This is such a great idea, and it looks so good finished. I'm going to have to try it.

  • Leanne
    September 19, 2010 at 8:57 pm

    What a cute idea. I love where you hung it too. I'm visiting from It's so Very Cheri.

  • Jenn
    September 20, 2010 at 12:16 am

    Very cute! Say on It's so Cheri! Could be hung on twine using decorative clothespins too! 🙂 http://www.thismommyloves.com/2010/09/easy-craft-project-decorative.html

  • Julie
    September 20, 2010 at 1:50 am

    Great original idea!

  • Anonymous
    September 20, 2010 at 2:37 am

    I've seen all the TP tube flowers out there and thought to myself, "Pumpkins would be really cute!" However, I lacked the creativity to come up with the "how"! These are sooo cute!

  • Kat
    September 20, 2010 at 2:39 am

    Love this:) Saw you on it's so very Cheri!

  • Robyn@Something Pretty
    September 20, 2010 at 3:40 am

    Genius! That turned out so cute!

  • gena
    September 20, 2010 at 3:40 am

    So cute and easy ! What a great idea – so creative !

    thanks for sharing,
    gena
    http://www.thehouseonlavenderhill.blogspot.com

  • Julia
    September 20, 2010 at 3:42 am

    LOVE this Allison!! I'm going to have to try it. I am so proud of my Big! 🙂

  • Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking
    September 20, 2010 at 3:49 am

    Super cute idea!

  • blesid
    September 20, 2010 at 4:12 am

    You win the prize for coolest idea I've seen tonight! And very good instructions! THANKS!

  • Anonymous
    September 20, 2010 at 4:17 am

    These are so cute! To think they were once toilet paper rolls!

    bee blessed
    mary

    coming over from Cheri's party!

  • Liz Taylor
    September 20, 2010 at 5:01 am

    Cute idea! I'm visiting from It's so very Creative.
    Liz
    http://projectnaptime.blogspot.com

  • Tauni
    September 20, 2010 at 5:28 am

    What a creative idea! I never would have thought to do something like this 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration.

  • Jessa Irene (Holiday-Haven)
    September 20, 2010 at 6:06 am

    This is so cute!

  • othersideofglass
    September 20, 2010 at 8:16 am

    i love this! cute, cheap, and can do with the kids. great idea!

  • Brittany
    September 20, 2010 at 11:18 am

    So stinkin' cute! I need more fall decor and this is on my list! Visiting from It's So Very Cheri!

    -Brittany
    http://www.mommyscornerdiy.blogspot.com

  • Amanda
    September 20, 2010 at 11:40 am

    Hi Allison! Very cute garland, I've featured you this morning 🙂 http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/cardboard-tube-pumpkin-apple-garland/

  • MessyMissy
    September 20, 2010 at 12:08 pm

    What an adorable project. I host a craft time at a local library and I can just see these being a success. Thanks for the tutrial!!! 🙂

  • Stacie
    September 20, 2010 at 5:24 pm

    Those are stinkin CuTE!! Thanks so much for sharing! BTW…I featured them here:

    http://thecreativecrate.blogspot.com/2010/09/pumpkin-garland.html

    Thanks again! 🙂

  • the cape on the corner
    September 20, 2010 at 5:34 pm

    fan flippin' tastic! genius!

  • Jenglamgirl
    September 20, 2010 at 5:46 pm

    Hi Allison~ this is so creative, and darling. I love the thick twine or rope you used too. Its darling were you displayed it as well. Hope you have a fab. week. Hugs, Jen

  • Amoreena
    September 20, 2010 at 7:40 pm

    I love this. I think my little girls will have fun with this project:)

  • Patrice
    September 20, 2010 at 9:16 pm

    This looks so great! And it seems so easy too. I will have to try it! Thanks for the great tutorial.

  • laceylady
    September 20, 2010 at 10:04 pm

    I'm going to make some of these and try to have my 2.5 yr old help me paint. If i get a cute pic I'll send it to ya.
    Thank you so much for the tutorial.

  • Beth
    September 20, 2010 at 11:54 pm

    I love this and will definitely be doing it!

  • Erin @ Crafts and Sutch
    September 21, 2010 at 1:41 pm

    Hey there! I featured you on my TO DO list over at Crafts and Sutch! Come check it out when you get a chance. 🙂

    http://craftsandsutch.blogspot.com/2010/09/to-do-tuesday_21.html

    Erin

  • Army Wife Quilter
    September 21, 2010 at 5:32 pm

    very cute. the whole wall is great.

  • Pam Emerson
    September 21, 2010 at 5:35 pm

    This project is so great! And EASY! I love how I was able to make this with things I already had in my house! 🙂 Thanks for the great idea and tutorial.

  • this blessed nest
    September 22, 2010 at 4:55 am

    cute cute cute!!!

    so darn clever.

    everything about your display is just darling as can be.

    thanks so much for linking up to the fall festival again! so fun to have you come back again.

    kellie

  • Gale
    September 22, 2010 at 5:10 am

    Oh how fun!

  • Alison
    September 22, 2010 at 6:49 am

    This project is everywhere!! Congrats my friend! l also featured your pumpkins on my blog today:

    http://oopsey-daisy.blogspot.com/2010/09/pumpkin-patch-at-oopsey-daisy.html

    Thanks for the inspiration!
    ~Alison

  • Candles by Nature
    September 22, 2010 at 6:48 pm

    What a neat idea! I'm trying this out tonight and will send you a link once I post the results on my blog 😉

    PS–I'm a new follower!

  • Megan
    September 23, 2010 at 3:36 am

    absolutely adorable! I'm including you in a feature about fall tomorrow on Crazydomestic.com! Feel free to grab our "I was featured" button!

  • Anonymous
    September 23, 2010 at 6:30 am

    Good post and this post helped me alot in my college assignement. Say thank you you as your information.

  • Corinna
    September 23, 2010 at 3:01 pm

    Well, this is just the CUTEST thing! But I'm drooling over the little bit of shutters that I can see in your photo! And they look like they're on your wall, which I am kicking myself for never having thought of this idea and I have a PILE of shutters in my basement! Squeal! LOL

    Corinna

  • Megan
    September 23, 2010 at 5:37 pm

    i just love these! I featured you in a post about fall today at crazydomestic.com. feel free to grab our "I was featured" button!

  • simplydesigning.blogspot.com
    September 23, 2010 at 9:55 pm

    This garland is so cute!

    I am featuring this in my blog on Monday!

    Thanks for linking up. I hope to see you again tomorrow!

    Ashley
    http://www.simplydesigning.blogspot.com

  • Lori@Paisley Passions
    September 23, 2010 at 11:51 pm

    CLEVER!!!! I love it! Thanks for sharing your “creative mojo” with me on Thrilling Thursday. I hope you will be back again soon 🙂
    ~Lori S.
    Thrilling Thursdays @Paisley Passions

  • Crystal
    September 24, 2010 at 12:33 am

    What a great idea! It turned out so cute. I love the shutters as well.

  • Colleen @ MuralMaker&More
    September 24, 2010 at 3:45 am

    One of these days there will be an awards 'show' for blog projects and this will surely win Most Creative! And to think, I've been just dropping the rolls on the floor for our boston terrier to destroy!

    Would love for you to link up to Passion for Paint party this Sunday!

  • Anonymous
    September 25, 2010 at 3:29 am

    Hi! I found your blog through The Girl Creative Party Blog. This is sooo unique and super cute!!! Great Job!
    -Hannah @ Peggy Ann Design

    PS – Feel free to link your tutorials & recipes to my weekly Smarty Pants Blog Award – http://www.peggyanndesign.com/2010/09/smarty-pants-take-3-with-winners.html

  • Melissa
    October 2, 2010 at 7:26 pm

    I made some pumpkins! 🙂 Thanks for the awesome idea.

    http://food-fluff-frills.blogspot.com/2010/10/cardboard-pumpkin-craft.html

  • AllMich
    October 3, 2010 at 1:28 am

    Melissa… they look great! So happy you tried them1 Love how you added them into your other garland. Thanks for sharing the link!

  • jen at paintcutpaste.com
    October 11, 2010 at 2:27 pm

    we tried this over the weekend and blogged about it on my paintcutpaste.com blog, and linked to you. thanks for the cute idea! we love it!

  • Chase and Amy
    October 11, 2010 at 11:51 pm

    Thanks for this awesome idea! These are really fun to make 🙂

  • Summerset
    October 13, 2010 at 1:47 am

    Ok, first of all, I love this… but more importantly I LOVE the shutters on the wall!!!!! I must do this!!

  • Michelle Willow
    October 15, 2010 at 7:21 am

    Hi! This is wonderful idea! I have linked it in http://www.squidoo.com/creative-halloween-resources – this is collection of green crafts for Halloween. I'm collecting it all over the internet trying to give parents and teachers one place stop for crafts from reused and recycled items. Also, I have created one tutorial myself from TP rolls, for mini pumpkins: http://willowatsquidoo.blogspot.com/2010/10/weekend-craft-idea-mini-halloween.html It was fun 🙂

  • Corners of My Life
    October 16, 2010 at 1:45 pm

    So very charming!

  • Sihui
    October 17, 2010 at 2:39 am

    What a fun garland! :] I'd love to share this with my readers if that is ok with you.

  • berg4
    October 21, 2010 at 2:39 pm

    Love this! Looks great, and appears eay to do. I will be trying this one out

  • well-to-do
    October 25, 2010 at 12:07 pm

    Love this! FYI we gave you a shout out on our blog today:

    http://welltodoyou.blogspot.com/2010/10/falling-for-diy.html

    Suz + Sarah

  • Rose :: FineCraftGuild.com
    May 13, 2011 at 10:12 pm

    we've made a ton of art and home decor with toilet paper roll strips already, but no pumpkins as of yet. must try this alter in the year.

    ths for helping us define new ideas.

  • Kitchen Benchtops
    December 14, 2011 at 6:48 am

    I love this stuff. The hanging together makes them into a very interesting installation.

  • 4 You With Love
    September 11, 2012 at 5:10 pm

    LOVE this. Just gave you a shout out!

    http://4you-withlove.blogspot.com/2012/09/fall-inspiration.html

    Marilyn

    • AllMich
      September 14, 2012 at 6:42 am

      Thanks so much!