Zig Zag Accordion Streamers DIY

I made these cool zigzag streamers for Paul's birthday last week but I forgot to take photos so I made Moses put on a hat and pose during Roman's nap time today. My mom taught me how to make these and they are about the easiest party decor there is. All you need is colored paper and pair of scissors. Really, its that easy. Instructions Below. Ps: If you are looking for the party hat template go here.









Step 1: Start with some colored paper in the shape of a rectangle. Start on one of the long sides and cut a strip about 1" wide but don't cut all the way through.

Step 2: From there measure about 2" from the first and cut again. Continue doing 2" cuts on that side of the paper.

Step 3: Turn the paper over and make cuts (but not all the way through) half way between the 2" sections. Et voilà! You have an accordion streamer to make you party festive.

I love these streamers because they don't have to be perfect, my cuts are crooked and uneven but they still turned out great.





photos by Paul Ferney for Oh Happy Day

65 comments:

  1. Oh I love this! I am doing a colorful rainbow party for my upcoming 5 year old's party. Your site has been giving me so many wonderful ideas since you love color yourself! Thanks a bunch!

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  2. This is a gorgeous idea, made even more lovely with your fantastic photographs, Jordan. A bit off topic, but is that loveseat in your home? It's gorgeous!!

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  3. These are so cool, can't wait to try them!

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  4. love.love.love. thank you for sharing this with us!

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  5. Great project, easy too! Love it.

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  6. aha aha aha... you are so great :)
    I have my sons first bday on Friday and will make those, easy and pretty!!!
    Thank you!

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  7. i love your diy here! so cute and festive. i also really love that grey seat!

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  8. Love the streamers, and love love love that little settee!

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  9. TOO cute. so simple. would be beautiful for weddings too!

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  10. Thank you so much for the instructions!! I'm hosting a bridal shower in less than two weeks and this will be so cute over the gift table! kathy

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  11. Beautiful! Love those colours... and your furniture.

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  12. Anonymous5:23 PM

    These are so great! It adds so much texture and dimension. I'm definitely bookmarking this for future reference.

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  13. Oh my gosh...we used to something like this in elementary school. Thanks for the reminder and tutorial. You really need to write a book....

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  14. this is reallly great and so simple, i will be using this weekend at a papercraft party. thanks for putting this up absolutely love it!

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  15. Those are darling!

    And i love the new seating.

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  16. neat idea, i'm going to try these for my daughter's party in a couple of weeks

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  17. Nice work. Turned out great. Moses looks so sweet in your new setee. I am going to teach my five year old daughter how to make these. She loves cutting paper.

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  18. how geniously easy, happy, cheap and beautiful. wondering if they could work with a more permanent material....it's like a contemporary art installation! adult mobile! raining paper rainbows!

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  19. pardon me, settee.

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  20. Love these! My baby's party is coming up...so I might have to do use this great idea!

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  21. I love these! It totally goes with all the rainbow stuff that's been floating around the blog community lately. Thanks for sharing =)

    - Sarah
    http://agirlintransit.blogspot.com/

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  22. These are beautiful--I love how easy they are--that is key for me. :)

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  23. love this idea so much! i think we may hang some of these above our little bird's crib, once we know if it's a he bird or a she bird!

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  24. I know everyone is saying this, but it's no less true. LOVE IT!

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  25. your little one seems so patient!

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  26. doesn't everything look better as a rainbow? Lovely, had to pin this.

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  27. These are so great! Would make an easy deco for rainbow party.

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  28. Ooooh - I'm using this for Cinco de Mayo so cute! Thanks!

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  29. I just used your idea for fringe steamers you posted a few weeks ago and it worked so good! Thanks for the simple (and sort of "duh") ideas!

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  30. Cute streamers but I'm loving your hair in a messy bun!

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  31. i love that kid. seriously, so cute. also, couch/loveseat = AMAZZZZING!

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  32. I remember doing this as a kid! So cute and easy to do. I just whipped up a bunch for my son's 6 birthday tomorrow!

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  33. Looks great
    anyone know how you attach the top of them to the ceiling,espaecially when renting?

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  34. @MissK: Just a little piece of scotch tape. It comes of easy.

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  35. Perfection! When it's that easy, it's bound to be beautiful.

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  36. Love the streamers! Great idea!!!

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  37. Your new settee is lovely!

    I love post-event reinactment photos- I feel like I am always forgetting to take pictures at the right time!

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  38. Anonymous1:39 AM

    This might seem like a lame question but here goes, how do you attach it to the ceiling?

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  39. @anon Not a Lame Question. I just used scotch tape. Came right off.

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  40. I remember these from school days - love that handmade is so back in style. I get a second chance to get my childhood craft on...(and do it a little more stylishly!) :) Thanks for the great DIY's
    Oh, and love your new sofa!

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  41. This is so clever! LOVE it!!

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  42. So simple and cute!

    xox Lexi
    Glitter & Pearls

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  43. You're a garland genious

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  44. maria2:38 PM

    what a great and easy idea!!
    just made a quick one to get the hang of it and
    plan to make lots and lots with colored paper!

    You inspire me so much with all your wonderful posts.
    I always check in!
    thanks a million!

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  45. Freaking awesome!

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  46. AH! Definitely need to make these!!!

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  47. This is so simple and ingenious . . . I'm going to have to make some for my Will+Kate Royal Wedding watching party next month.

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  48. I love this! It's great!!

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  49. Anonymous2:41 AM

    Seriously, your creativity has no boundaries. Love everything you do Jordan!

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  50. holy guac! this is amazing! i can't believe how simple it is and that it's a completely fresh new idea (to me). super well done!

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  51. i want to live in paris and come hang out with you and make pretty colorful rainbow streamers. dreamy. and yeah, these photos are soo pretty! beautiful work as always.

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  52. Sarah4:30 PM

    I love this! Can't wait to try it out --

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  53. Great tutorial, Jordan! I'm definitely going to try this for Penelope's birthday next month.

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  54. I love this post! So much that i have featured it here http://babygeisler.blogspot.com/2011/03/saturdays-links-to-love.html

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  55. I love this tutorial! I'm gathering DIYs for when I great married. This idea is definitely a keeper.

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  56. Great idea! And I love the colors ... about how much paper do you think you used with this shoot?

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  57. Wow, noe så nydelig...
    Tusen takk for tips :)
    Nå vet jeg hva jeg skal pynte med i neste bursdag...
    Virket faktisk ikke vanskelig å lage heller :)
    Klem May Helen

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  58. Jordan, are you kidding me with that little sofette? Dying over here.

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  59. I knew there was a reason I HAD to have those huge packs of colored paper when they were $2 after rebate at Staples last month! Thanks for sharing this pretty, simple idea!

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  60. I love these!! I am SO making this for my twins' 3rd birthday party this weekend. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  61. I find this absoutely brilliant!! Inexpensive, simple, easy to use lots of different colors, and so festive looking!! Thank you!!

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  62. Simple and easy idea! Love it. Keep'em coming! Love the rainbow colors but not sure about rainbow colors for a little boy party.

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  63. I made these for my daughter's birthday party this past weekend and they were a HUGE hit!

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