Summer is upon us. It’s time to break out the popsicles and colorful party decor. If you want to ease your way into the decorating, start with this simple DIY paper fruit garland. It can be whipped up in an afternoon and is a great project to work on with the littles.

Materials needed:

• colorful cardstock
• pencil
• black marker
• scissors
• gluestick
• paper hole punch
• twine
• mini clothespins
• fruit template download (click here to download!)

Step 1. Download the fruit template. Print, cut, and then trace the fruit shapes onto the card stock color that matches the appropriate fruit.

Step 2. Using the paper hole punch, punch out a bunch of small black circles. These will be the watermelon seeds!

Step 3. Rub a small amount of glue on the back of each dot and carefully place them on each watermelon slice in a random fashion.

Step 4. Glue the green patches to each strawberry.

Step 5. Using a black marker, draw small oblong dots on the strawberry to mimic seeds.

Step 6. Cut a piece of twine (black & white is perfect for this project!) to fit your desired length.

Step 7. Hang each fruit to the twine with a mini clothespin.

Step 8. Hang or drape the garland anywhere you like. Throw in some popsicles and you’ve got yourself a simple summer bash. Enjoy!

Styling & Photography Credit // Lexy Ward