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THANKSGIVING AND AUTUMN · MAKE SOMETHING WORTH REMEMBERING

Autumn paper-leaf napkin rings

Give plain napkins a handmade autumn detail using cardstock bands and layered paper leaves.

25 min hands-on1–6 makersAges 5+ with adult helpEasy4 illustrated steps ↓

Allow 10–15 minutes for glued leaves to set before inserting napkins.

Rolled cream napkins held by kraft-cardstock rings decorated with mustard, rust and orange paper leaves.
One way your finished project could look.

A LITTLE INSPIRATION

See it. Make it.
Make it yours.

Start with this finished example, then follow the four illustrated steps below. Choose the colors and details that feel like you.

Gather your supplies ↓Follow the steps ↓

Project and step images are AI-generated illustrations. About our images

Let’s make it.

  1. Kraft-cardstock strip measured loosely around a rolled cream napkin.

    Step 1

    Cut a kraft-cardstock strip about 1½ × 7 inches for each napkin ring. Roll a napkin loosely, wrap the strip around it and mark an overlap of about ½ inch; adjust the strip length if your napkin is thicker.

  2. Plain cardstock ring with its overlapping ends taped together.

    Step 2

    Remove the napkin and tape the overlapping ends of the strip together to make a ring. Press the join firmly and check that the napkin can slide in and out easily.

  3. Three broad autumn paper leaves with drawn veins and gentle center folds.

    Step 3

    Cut three broad leaves in mustard, rust and orange for each ring. Draw a center vein and two or three branch lines on each, then gently fold the leaves along the center vein for a little dimension.

  4. Paper leaves glued over the band join and a clean napkin threaded through the finished ring.

    Step 4

    Glue the leaf bases onto the outside of the band, overlapping them in a small fan to cover the join. Let the glue set, then slide a clean napkin through each ring and arrange it at a place setting.

A little help: Use new cardstock for the bands and keep all glue on the outer decoration. These paper rings are decorative, not washable; remove them before using the napkins.

KEEP THE GOOD TIME GOING

What shall we try next?

MAKE IT · Thanksgiving and autumn

Family thankful table runner

Build a warm Thanksgiving centerpiece from kraft paper and colorful gratitude leaves that everyone can help make.

35 min hands-on · 2–10 makers
Ages 5+; younger children can dictate or draw

Supplies & steps ↗

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