Use the templates to create a colourful Christmas garland you can hang on your fireplace or use to dress your festive table.

YOU WILL NEED

• 120ml Chalk Paint in your chosen colours
• Bird templates
• 2 x Detail Brushes
• Mark making tools – cork, end of pencil or brush handle etc.
• Cardboard – between 200–300gsm
• Carbon paper
• Craft knife & scissors
• Cutting mat
• Bay leaves – foraged or bought
• Cotton/polyester thread
• Needle and strong cotton/polyester mix thread
• Bay leaves can be foraged or bought
• Removable hooks for easy attachment

STEP BY STEP

Step 1
Download and print the bird templates to size. Using carbon paper, transfer the shapes onto the cardboard. Paint the back in a single Chalk Paint colour of your choice. Allow to dry.

Step 2
Turn over and paint the birds in your chosen Chalk Paint colours, staying within the lines. Follow our examples or create your own designs. Use brushes and mark making tools to create different patterns and details. Allow to dry.

Step 3
Carefully cut out the bird shapes using a craft knife or scissors. Use a cutting mat to protect your surfaces. The lighter weight the cardboard, the easier it will be to cut.

Step 4
Paint your flat bay leaves on the front side using your chosen Chalk Paint. Use a detail brush to add spots and stripes to complement the birds. Allow them to dry. Once dry, to prevent curling, press them for 24 hours under a heavy book.

To stop the birds or bay leaves curling, place them under a few heavy books for a day or two once the paint has dried. Use Blu Tack on one end of the thread to prevent the bay leaves slipping off while threading

Step 5

Layout your birds and leaves on a table in the order you want to thread them hung. Cut a long length of cotton to make a thread long enough to stretch the width of your fireplace and round the sides for discreet attachment.

Step 6

Using a needle and the measured thread sew the birds and leaves in place. By sewing the bay leaves on either side of their stalk you can stop them from swinging around. Now you’re ready to hang your garland.