DIY Halloween Friendship Bracelet Garland

Happy Fall!! It’s still September but shhhhhhh…… we’re decorating for Halloween anyways! I’ve been so excited to see this idea come to life that I couldn’t wait to start creating!

The past 2 years, I had my own version of a Halloween arch, and this year I was ready for something different. Thanks to my fave Taylor Swift, friendship bracelet decor has been on my mind recently – there are so many cute DIY ideas for friendship bracelet party decor, tree garlands, and even dog collars! That all inspired me to make a giant Halloween themed friendship bracelet garland for my porch decor this year!

I’m not going to lie – it was pretty frustrating at times to make. However, I’m so happy with the result! The garland gives off classic orange and black Halloween vibes with a whimsical and handmade look (I mean it definitely looks handmade…..I’m not known for my painting skills). BUT! If you’re wanting to make a similar big bracelet garland for your upcoming holiday decor, read my steps below! You can also view my How-To video on my TikTok.

What you’ll need:

• Styrofoam discs (letter beads) – I used these!
• Styrofoam spheres (other beads) – I used these!
• Ball pit balls – I used these!
• Craft Paint
• Floral Wire
• Large Quilting Needle (12 – 16 inches depending on ‘bead’ size)
• Duct Tape and/ or Hot Glue (for extra wire support where needed)

Steps:

1. Paint your beads! I used black craft paint for the letters on my styrofoam discs. I alternated painting the styrofoam spheres orange and black to go in between each letter bead.
2. String your friendship bracelet!
   • First, thread your quilting needle (be careful!). Cut a long strand of floral wire, stringing one end through the needle eye. Twist a small bit of wire around the eye to hold the wire in place.
   • Carefully, string each bead by poking the quilting needle all the way through your bead. I used a 12 inch quilting needle, and I needed longer; I recommend using a quilting needle (or skewer) at least 2 inches longer than your largest bead. I worked in sections, linking each wired section by twisting the floral wire together.
3. Once your stringed sections are twisted together, reinforce any holes or uncooperative beads with duct tape or hot glue.
4. Secure your garland to your porch! We have existing hooks and nails on the back of our porch. To secure, I hot glued a small string of floral wire to the back of each bead, then tying the other end to the hook or nail above the bead.

I’m so pleased with the garland; it adds such a perfect Halloween and whimsical touch to celebrate the season. Stay tuned for more Halloween ideas!