The paper chains are taking over my house! Listen, when I want to do something, I go all out. But learn from my mistakes, don’t make them too long that you don’t have anywhere to hide them! Or come up with a good hiding spot before you go all in. Either way, I know Olive will love them, which is all that matters. We made all sorts of things this week, paper chains, cookies, and bread, so much bread. But what a great week we had, so let’s dive in.
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Turns out we’ve been making paper chains all wrong. 😂
We’ve ALL made the classic paper chain–usually for a countdown–but this is the thicker, chunkier, tighter, dare I say…more sophisticated version. 👌🏻
And it could not be easier.
✂️ I cut my cardstock into two sizes:
3″ x 8 1/2″
2″ x 8 1/2″
Then the rest is basically history. Make a circle, staple it, thread the next strip through, staple again, and keep going until it’s as long as you want.
The different widths + GOOD cardstock are what make it feel more like decor and less like something we made in elementary school. 😂 And yes, the cardstock made a HUGE difference.
Want everything I used–including the best cardstock paper? Click here to get the best paper trimmer. And here to get the cardstock.
Okay, you asked for MORE DETAILS…so here they are! 🙌🏻
Here’s exactly how I make a good-quality, chunky, decorative paper chain that feels a little less “elementary school countdown” and a little more “wait…where did you BUY that?” 😂
✂️THE MEASUREMENTS:
I cut my cardstock into two different sizes:
- 3″ x 8 1/2″
- 2″ x 8 1/2″
Mixing the two widths is what gives the chain that thicker (but also they’re just different thicknesses), more decorative look!
HOW TO MAKE IT:
- Take your first strip, overlap the ends to create a circle, and staple it together.
- Take your next strip and thread it through the first loop.
- Bring those ends together, overlap slightly, and staple.
- Keep alternating your paper sizes and colors as you go.
- Repeat until your chain is as long–or ridiculously long–as you want it. 😂
THE BIGEEST TIP: Use GOOD cardstock! It makes such a difference. You want something sturdy enough to hold its shape so those loops stay nice, tight, and chunky instead of getting floppy.
Use them for holidays, birthdays, parties, seasonal decor, decorating a mantel, hanging over a doorway…basically ANY excuse you can come up with.
And seriously SAVE THIS POST! You’re going to want to come back to it later because once you make one, you’re going to want to make these ALL. THE. TIME. 👏🏻
Legit, everyone needs these kitchen essentials.
They’re not expensive, super practical, and we use all five of them every single day!
Click here to get everything.
Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie season has officially entered the chat. 🎃🍪
Soft, fluffy, perfectly spiced, and loaded with chocolate chips…these are the kind of cookies that somehow taste even better when there’s a little chill in the air. And honestly, is there a better combination than pumpkin + chocolate? I think not.
Bonus: this recipe makes A LOT, which means plenty to eat now, share with neighbors, or pretend you’re going to freeze for later. 😂
Want the recipe? Click here! 🎃🍪
Stories
When I was shopping for Olive’s birthday, I knew I wanted to get her something totally different that would make her artist self so happy. When I found the Stickerbox I knew she needed it. You can tell it exactly what you want it to make and it will make it into a black and white sticker. Right now it’s $20 off for Labor Day, s whether you want it for your kids or for yourself, don’t miss out on this deal!
We had such a fun night making bread for Beehive Meals this week and while I was making 64 loaves I got a ton of questions about what I use. Click here to see everything that we love and use every time. And click here to get my bread recipe. I promise if I can do it, you can do it!
What is your favorite snack? I feel like I’m always eating the same thing and want to try something new. But I’m also 90 years old and eat cottage cheese and Ritz crackers or fruit. Let me know what you are snacking on? Let me know in the comments below so I can try something new.
I restocked our Clean Simple Eats Protein Waters this week, and they are the best. The others are just gross, don’t waste your time or money. I got Blackberry Vanilla, Raspberry & Cream, and Peach Mango Cream, all of which are delicious!
Did you see the new flavor of Perk? It is so yummy! You don’t want to miss out on the Apple Cider flavor. They also have their Pumpkin Spice Latte available, which is delicious. Now is the time to stock up with their Labor Day sale. And don’t forget to use the code moderndad at checkout for a discount.
What else are you shopping for this weekend? Let me know in the comments below! And remember just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean you need to buy it. But if you are waiting for something to go on sale, this is the sale weekend! Happy shopping!
