Ragamuffin Garland

I love decorating my home with garlands, banners and buntings.
They’re such a fun and simple way to liven up a room.

I call this one a “Ragamuffin Garland” not only because I used up my fabric scrap “rags” to make it,
but because my little ragamuffins helped me make it!

Don’t turn me in for violating any child labor laws just yet! They wanted to help Mommy make a decoration for the house.

Aren’t I lucky?

I didn’t take step by step pictures while I made the garland but it’s pretty self explanatory.

The supplies you will need are:
a long strip of ribbon (or twine or yarn or whatever you want to use.) I measured mine to 10 feet because I wanted to hang it from my banister.
Fabric and Ribbon Scraps
Scissors
3 happy little Ragamuffin helpers

Basically all you do is cut your ribbon to the length that you want it and start tying your fabric and ribbon strips on it.

I didn’t measure my strips of fabric or ribbon; they are various widths and lengths.
It’s up to you whether you seal your ribbons ends.
For this particular project I like the frayed look.

It does take some time, so this is a good project to work on while watching a movie.

We watched “Megamind” and got the garland pretty much finished.
If you haven’t watched that movie, stop what you’re doing immediately
and drive to your nearest Red Box.
Rent it and watch it and laugh hysterically. You won’t be sorry!

You can customize the garland with different colors and fabrics however you would like.
I’ve even seen them done with Christmas lights. I’ll have to try that sometime.

I’ve been making these “Ragamuffin Garlands” for years
but this is the first time I’ve used ribbon with the fabric.
I love how it turned out!

The hardest part is deciding where to display your garland!
It looks great on a mantle.

How about draped over a window?

My favorite is hung on the banister.
It makes me happy every time I go up or down the stairs,
even when the littlest Ragamuffin refuses to move for the picture!

Naughty!

There are lots of different ways you could display your garland.
I’ve mentioned over mantle, draped over a window and hung on a banister.
What about over a mirror or picture frame? Or maybe you could hang it in a doorway.
It would look adorable displayed on the wall of a nursery or a child’s bedroom.
I love how it looked outside but it wouldn’t last long in my yard since it’s been raining all week!
It would make a great photography backdrop.
It would make a fun party decoration, strung across a room or hung in front of the dessert table.
You could even make one with Christmas colors and use it to adorn your tree.
There are endless possibilities!
Enjoy!