When planning a magical party, it’s all about the details. A beautiful balloon arch over an enchanted fairy door is perfect to greet little fairies to their fabulous fairy tea party. Add an oversized, pink paper ruffle garland and the perfect entryway is complete! You will be shocked to see how simple this fabulous ruffle is to make!
Make sure to start this project early! Although it is very simple and quick to make, you have to do this at least a couple days before an event. It will very much depend on the weather on how long it takes to dry but other than that, it’s easy peasy and adds the perfect touch to a beautiful fairy entrance.
Believe it or not, this fabulous ruffle garland was made from a roll of paper towel. It’s almost unreal that this fabulous decoration was made from something so simple as a roll of paper towels!
Supplies to make a Paper Ruffle Garland
- roll of paper towel (I used two to make two ruffles) from the dollar store
- cheap craft paint
- water
- baking pan
- darning needle and yarn
Step 1: Mix about one tablespoon of the craft paint with enough water to make it the right, runny consistency and to fill about an inch or two of your baking pan. Roll the paper towel roll in the mixture until it is covered, for just a few minutes.
Step 2: After the paper towel is completely dyed, take it out of the mixture and squeeze the roll very tightly until all of the excess paint is out. It will look like this. Set the paper towel roll outside to dry in the sun for a day or two, until it is mostly dry.
*Another possibility to drying the paper towel, is to preheat the oven for a little bit. Then turn off the oven and when it is off and slightly cooled, put the paper towel roll in to dry. Since I didn’t do it this way, I’m not sure how it long it would take to dry.
Step 3: In the photo above, the paper towel is still pretty damp. Unroll it, and let it finish drying.
Step 4: This is what the paper towel will look like when it is more dry. Crinkle it a bit to give it some texture.
Step 5: Gather the paper towel together, almost in a pleated ruffle.
Step 6: Once you have your pleats made, sew them together with yarn and a darning needle (larger than a regular sewing needle). Tie a knot at one end and thread the yarn through, all the way to the other end. Tie a secure knot on that end as well.
Step 7: Put the finished garland up on posts and admire your work!
This paper towel roll turned ruffle is a quick and easy way that’s sure to make the fairy entryway perfectly enchanted!
This ruffle garland was part of the Balloon Time $100 party challenge I’m participating in. If my party gets enough votes, Operation Shower (the charity I chose) will receive $5000. Their mission is to provide joyful baby showers for military families to ease the stresses of deployment. I appreciate the sacrifices made on our behalf by the nations military and their families (especially expectant wives!).
You can vote here for my party.
Tina says
That is seriously cute! I will be Doing this for an upcoming baby shower, Thanks!
Toni - Design Dazzle says
Tina,
Thanks! Just to give you a heads up – make these well in advance. Weather is a big factor in drying time. This isn’t a last minute project. They are super easy to make. Have fun!
Christina linnenbrink says
How did u find colors?
Toni - Design Dazzle says
I used white paper towels. The post explains how they are colored.
Sandie Rabena says
I just made this paper towel ruffle garland and it came out just like yours! Im thrilled with it! SO PRETTY! Thank you for the inspiration and the instructions!
Toni - Design Dazzle says
Oh I’m so happy!! Cheap and impressive way to make a ruffle garland!! Glad it turned out so pretty for you.
Katue says
Do you have an idea of what the length of your Garland was with the one paper towel roll you uaed? Trying to get an idea of how many rolls I will need for my party. Thank you for the great idea!
Toni - Design Dazzle says
If it’s not written in the blog post, I’m not quite sure. But I think it might have been 1 roll for about 6-10 feet (depends how fluffy). For sure do this ahead of time and practice. Have fun it will turn out great!!
Kay H. says
I am making decorations for a granddaughter’s tie-dye themed birthday, and I think I will try this with some rubber bands and 2 to 4 paint colors. Fingers crossed! I love your idea!
Toni - Design Dazzle says
What a fabulous idea! You can also just do different sets of colors and add them together after they’ve dried for a multi-color look. Make sure to do in way in advance so it can dry. I would love to see pics when you’re done.
Kelley says
Looks so cute! I’m going to use your idea to make primary colors for a toy story themed baby shower! What size needle do you recommend? Just planning ahead! Thanks for sharing your great idea!
Toni - Design Dazzle says
Oh that sounds so cute! I used a darning needle.So it’s larger than a regular sewing needle and can handle yarn or embroidery thread. Embroidery thread would be great to use. I would love to see pics!