DIY's Got Talent - Streamers
Make colorful crepe paper streamers to decorate a homemade stage backdrop or handheld ribbon props, practicing measuring, cutting, and creative design skills.
About this activity
Make colorful crepe paper streamers to decorate a homemade stage backdrop or handheld ribbon props, practicing measuring, cutting, and creative design skills.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Spread your Materials Needed out on a flat table so they are easy to reach.
- 2
Step 2
Decide if you are making a stage backdrop or a handheld ribbon prop.
- 3
Step 3
Choose 3 to 5 crepe paper colors and pick the order you want them in.
- 4
Step 4
Use the ruler to measure how long you want each streamer and mark that length on the crepe paper with the pencil.
- 5
Step 5
Cut along your marks to make long strips of crepe paper using the scissors.
- 6
Step 6
Add fun edges by cutting fringe or shapes along the bottom of each strip.
- 7
Step 7
Lay out the strips on the table in your chosen color order to check the design.
- 8
Step 8
Attach the top edge of each strip to the string or dowel using tape or by tying knots so they hang evenly.
- 9
Step 9
Trim any uneven ends so the streamers look neat and match your design.
- 10
Step 10
Hang your backdrop in the stage area or hold your handheld prop and wave it to make sure the streamers move the way you like.
- 11
Step 11
Share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How to make crepe paper streamers for a DIY stage backdrop or handheld ribbons
Start by measuring the backdrop or the desired ribbon length. Cut crepe paper into long strips 2–4 inches wide. For a fringed look, cut small slits along one edge. Layer different colors, overlapping about an inch, and attach strips to a top string, curtain rod, or wooden dowel with tape, hot glue, or staples. For handheld props, tightly wrap and glue strips around a dowel, secure with ribbon, then trim ends and add embellishments.
Materials needed to make colorful crepe paper streamers
You’ll need crepe paper rolls in assorted colors, safety scissors, a ruler or measuring tape, pencil or washable marker, twine or a curtain rod/wooden dowels, clear tape or a hot glue gun, and clothespins or clips to hold layers. Optional extras: glitter glue, sequins, metallic crepe, decorative-edge scissors, and wooden sticks for handheld ribbons. Note: supervise hot glue and keep small decorations away from very young children.
What ages is making crepe paper streamers suitable for?
Suitable ages depend on the task: toddlers (2–3) can pick colors and tear paper with supervision; preschoolers (3–5) can help measure, stick, and tear; children 5–8 can safely use child scissors to cut strips and help assemble; older kids (9+) can measure precisely, design patterns, and handle hot glue with guidance. Always supervise scissors and hot tools and adapt tasks to a child’s skill level.
Benefits, safety tips, and variations for DIY streamers
Making streamers builds fine motor skills, measuring and cutting practice, color sense, and creative confidence for performances. Variations: fringe cuts, ombré color arrangements, mixed ribbons and metallic crepe, added pom-poms or LED fairy lights. Safety tips: use child-safe scissors, avoid small choking hazards for young kids, supervise hot glue, and secure streamers to prevent tripping. Clean up scraps promptly and store materials flat to avoid damage.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if crepe paper is unavailable?
If you can't find crepe paper, use tissue paper, lightweight fabric cut into long strips, or ribbons and follow the same steps to measure, cut, add fun edges, and attach to the string or dowel with tape or knots.
My streamers keep falling off the dowel or tape won't stick—what should I do?
If tape won't hold when you "Attach the top edge of each strip to the string or dowel using tape or by tying knots," reinforce by folding a small double layer at the top before taping, use hot glue or a stapler, or tie knots so the strips hang evenly.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For toddlers, pre-cut strips and let them stick tape to a dowel or hold loose ribbons, while older children can measure with the ruler, cut fringe with scissors, arrange the color order, and trim uneven ends themselves.
How can we personalize or upgrade the streamers to make them fancier?
To enhance your backdrop or handheld prop, add glitter glue or sequins along the "Add fun edges" step, weave battery-powered fairy lights along the dowel or string, or paint patterns on strips before you hang them and then share your finished creation on DIY.org.