Seasonal art for kids

How to Make a Paper Chain for Kids

September 3, 2024

Here’s a creative spin on a old favorite. Draw and paint patterns on strips of paper, then connect to form a paper chain for kids.

Last year at Thanksgiving, we hosted a large family gathering. In the midst of the preparations, I peaked into the dining room to see my sister-in-law making paper chains with the kids.

Instead of the classic paper chains made with strips of colored paper, she and the kids were drawing their own repeating patterns on strips of white paper. There were trees, stars, holly, reindeer, gifts, Santa and the like.

This activity can be done anytime time during the holiday season, but I think it’s perfect for the lull before/after your Thanksgiving meal.

I like it because it works well for a group of kids (and adults), it’s open-ended, uses supplies you likely have on hand, and fills the time with a quiet art activity.

Here’s how you can set up your own version!

Paper Chain for Kids

MATERIALS

Cardstock or thick white paper
Colored pencils or markers
Scissors
Stapler

Time needed: 45 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS

Cut paper strips
Choose the paper to work with for this project or set out a variety. You might have white for drawing on along with some colored cardstock. Cut the paper into 1- or 1.5-inch strips.
Draw or paint designs and patterns
Set out drawing supplies like markers or colored pencils. If you’d like to add a painting element, watercolors and jars of water with brushes will do the trick.

Kids can paint stripes or other patterns and add a handmade quality to the paper chains.

If you chose to paint, be sure the paper chains are completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Staple chain together
Now it’s time to begin staple the strips of paper together. Create a loop with one strip (design facing out) and staple it in place. Then slide the next strip of paper through the first loop and make a second loop, staple in place.

Continue until all the paper strips are used up.
Display your decoration
Hang your paper chain and display it!

I hope your family might give this art activity a try. (If so, be sure to share it with us!) Great connection happens when we slow down and create alongside our kids.

paper chain designs — Photo by Rachel Withers

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Christmas, Thanksgiving

Rachel Withers

Rachel is the Editorial Manager at The Artful Parent. She is passionate about engaging with kids through art, whether at art groups or through teaching photography at a local elementary school. Rachel lives in Portland, Maine, and loves going on adventures with her family. As a mother of two young kids, she is excited to explore how nature, art, and play combine in a child’s learning and development. Creating art with her kids and hosting a toddler art group are current highlights.

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