Decorative Dangles for Home or Holiday
Let your creativity take the lead as you make these simple cylinder-style dangles that can be used in countless ways. Hang them as ceiling fan or blind pulls, dress up a pantry or china cabinet knob, add charm to a desk or light chain, or transform them into seasonal ornaments. Attach a small bell and hang one near an entryway, or add a crystal and place it in a sunny window to scatter cheerful rainbows. Made from recycled packaging and everyday supplies, this project is all about turning discarded materials into something special.
To get started, gather some lightweight packaging—cereal boxes work especially well—along with paperclips, glue, tape, string, and a selection of beads. Jewelry pliers are helpful but not required. No beads on hand? Paper beads made from scraps are a perfect match and keep the project fully upcycled.
Choose a wrap for your cylinder:
- Paper of any kind
- Fabric, embroidered fabric, or slow-stitched cloth
- Twine or raffia
- Washi tape
- Momigami paper
- Wrapping paper or wallpaper
- Napkins
- Labels or maps
- Book pages or sheet music
- Lace, yarn, or thread
- Leather
- Paint
Add any embellishments you like. A bit of trim around the top or bottom edge adds a finished look, while glitter, crushed glass, or small jewels bring in a touch of sparkle.
You’ll also want to finish the top and bottom of each cylinder. A simple coat of paint is the quickest and easiest solution.
Follow the video tutorial for basic construction. The sample uses packaging cut to 2 3/4″ wide, but feel free to experiment. Shorter versions resemble little spools and are just as charming.
With endless style options and practical uses, these hanging dangles are a fun way to decorate your home—or even your car—while enjoying the process of creative reuse.
(video coming soon)
Happy paper crafting!