Why not give our simple Christmas tinsel alternatives ideas a try this Christmas? Other than the toxicity, plus the extra mess it exudes everywhere, there are lots more reasons to make the switch from traditional tinsel to eco-friendly solutions.
Although it is often considered a ‘traditional decoration’ used during the festive season, and one that looks lovely on the tree with lights and Christmas baubles too, standard tinsel is not that great for the environment. Did you know – tinsel has a compound of non-recyclable plastic or filmed paper, and when discarded, is sent into landfill, contributes to plastic pollution, and leaches dioxins into the environment?
There are so many other ways to make a Christmas tree look fab and decorate your home for Christmas! The simple solution is to go greener. So here are 3 eco-friendly Christmas tinsel alternatives we think you should definitely try.
#1 Christmas Tinsel Alternative – Paper
One of the best Christmas tinsel alternatives is paper as it is a versatile craft ingredient which can be coloured and made into all sorts of goodies. Here are just a few ways you can transform a humble piece of paper into a fabulous Christmas tinsel alternative.
Christmas Paper Beads
With a few scraps of paper and glue, you can create an eye-catching Christmas tinsel alternative that is much kinder to the environment and creates plenty of fun along the way. The best part is that you don’t need to be a genus to figure out how to make these beads either. As long as you can handle a pair of scissors with some gluing dexterity, you will be crafter of our paper Christmas tinsel alternate in no time. Here’s how.
You can use almost any type of paper for this Christmas tinsel alternative, including scrapbook paper, wrapping paper (what a great way to recycle used wrapping paper), magazine pages, wallpaper or standard writing paper. Although we recommend avoiding thinner options, like tissue paper, as it won’t have enough substance to be successful.
Image sources: Mod Podge Rocks Blog, Country Living
You will need:
- Paper scraps cut into large, thin triangle shapes (2cm wide x 30cm long)
- BBQ skewers
- Mod Podge Gloss glue
- Scissors
- A ruler and pencil
- Paintbrush
- Sticky tape
Once you have your triangle shapes cut out, simply place a piece of sticky tape to the wide end, then fix a skewer to the tape. Roll the paper into a neat, tight roll, around the skewer, adding several spots of glue as you go along. Paint your paper bead with Mod Podge. Once dried, you can remove the skewer and thread your beads onto some string to be hung as a lovely Christmas tinsel alternative.
See the full tutorial on how to make Christmas Paper Beads.
* Tip: there are multiple Christmas tinsel alternatives on offer when it comes to using paper. Shred it, make a paper chain, scrunch it, add glitter, the possibilities with paper are unlimited.
#2 Christmas Tinsel Alternative – Ribbon Garlands
Ribbon makes another great Christmas tinsel alternative, especially when it is crafted into a draping or encircling work of art.
Being so versatile, our range of wired ribbons are perfect for more than just wrapping gifts or combining through a garland. Select a range of ribbon and garland sizes, colours and textures to create a remarkable Christmas tinsel alternative in your tree.
And the best part about Decorating with Christmas Ribbons is the multitude of options you have to use the remainder of your ribbons and garlands throughout your home.
We think this Christmas tinsel alternative makes the perfect match for Coastal Christmas decorating theme. Check out our Costal Chic Christmas Collection to help select decorations to pair with your ribbon tinsel alternative.
#3 Christmas Tinsel Alternative – Felt or Fabric
This is a Christmas tinsel alternative that takes us back to the fun we had in primary school art and craft; great for kids and adults alike.
Simply cut or tear some felt or fabric strips then tie them around some string to create fun Christmas tinsel. You can pack it as full or as light as you like. And the colour choices for this Christmas tinsel alternative are simply endless. There is no tutorial for this Christmas tinsel alternative as it is as simple as that. Grab the kids and go nuts – it’s all hands on deck!
Image sources: The Christmas Cart, Cukoo4design, Pillar Box Blue
* Tip: ribbons and bows are another fabric-inspired Christmas tinsel alternative that add depth and character to a tree. Check out our gallery for more ribbon and bow inspiration.
Have yourself a greener little Christmas this year by creating some Christmas tinsel alternatives that are much better for the environment. But if you already have plastic tinsel, take care of it so that you can get more than one year’s use from it.
For other amazing Christmas decorations and décor inspiration, take a look at our online store at The Christmas Cart. We have tips and tricks available for all your Christmas decorating needs on our blog. And don’t forget to watch the fun craft projects on Facebook and Instagram.