Today we are going to show you how to make a garland of 3D paper lights using vellum, cardstock, and twine. This is a great way to add some texture and dimension to your mantle or Christmas tree. We chose to use vellum to add a softness that would also catch the light of twinkle lights. Keep reading to see how you can make your own!

Supplies Needed:

Step One: Preparing the Design

  1. Download the garland design (Design ID #282044). Open the design in Silhouette Studio®.

2. Now ungroup the design by selecting it, right-clicking it, and selecting “Ungroup” or select the design and use the keyboard shortcut Shift + Control + G or Shift + Command + G.

3. Sort the pieces of the design based on the material from which they will be cut.

4. We want multiple lights cut out for the garland, so we need to duplicate the image. Right-click on the image and select “Duplicate” or you can use the keyboard shortcut Control + arrow key or Command + arrow key. Then arrange all the pieces in Silhouette Studio® on your cut screen based on the material you will be using. 

5. Cut all the bulbs you need and carefully remove the pieces from the cutting mat. Be careful when removing the vellum from the cutting mat because it’s a delicate material and can tear easily. Use the spatula tool when needed to help remove the vellum.

6. Remove the bulb image from the cut window and drag the base of the bulbs into the cutting area. Again we want to do multiple cuts at once, so we will right-click and duplicate the design.

7. Arrange all the copies so that you can fit as many on the page as possible. 

Step Two: Cutting the Design

1. Place the cardstock on the cutting mat and send to CAMEO.

2. When the machine is finished cutting, click unload and remove the cardstock from the cutting mat.

Step Three: Assembling the Design

1. Take the pieces for the base of the bulb. Fold the long piece on the crease lines.

2. Apply adhesive to the inside of the folded piece. Take the star-shaped vellum piece and attach each arm of the star to the long folded piece of cardstock. Working from right to left worked best for me.

3. When each arm is attached to the base, glue the end tab of the cardstock and enclose the base.

4. Now take the small rectangular piece with the two squares cut out of it, and fold it on the crease line.

5. Now insert the small rectangular piece into the center of the pentagon shape.

6. Glue the tabs of the rectangle onto the pentagon.

7. Once that glue is dry, add glue to the tabs of the long folded base of the the bulb and attach the pentagon.

8. When all the glue is set, string some twine through the loop, and ta-da! You have a garland!

Now go adorn your Christmas tree, bedazzle your mantle, or fill a cloche with some charming paper lights! Where will you use your garland? Let us know in the comments.