Make colorful crepe paper streamers to decorate a homemade stage backdrop or handheld ribbon props, practicing measuring, cutting, and creative design skills.



Step-by-step guide to make colorful crepe paper streamers
Step 1
Spread your Materials Needed out on a flat table so they are easy to reach.
Step 2
Decide if you are making a stage backdrop or a handheld ribbon prop.
Step 3
Choose 3 to 5 crepe paper colors and pick the order you want them in.
Step 4
Use the ruler to measure how long you want each streamer and mark that length on the crepe paper with the pencil.
Step 5
Cut along your marks to make long strips of crepe paper using the scissors.
Step 6
Add fun edges by cutting fringe or shapes along the bottom of each strip.
Step 7
Lay out the strips on the table in your chosen color order to check the design.
Step 8
Attach the top edge of each strip to the string or dowel using tape or by tying knots so they hang evenly.
Step 9
Trim any uneven ends so the streamers look neat and match your design.
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.
Step 11
Share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!


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.
Watch videos on how to make colorful crepe paper streamers
Facts about paper crafts for kids
♻️ Leftover crepe paper is easy to reuse—turn scraps into tassels, garlands, braided ribbon props, or save them for future craft projects.
✂️ Measuring, marking, and cutting streamers is a great hands-on way to practice rulers, fractions, and fine motor skills.
🎨 Crepe paper’s crinkled texture gives it extra stretch and fluff, making it perfect for ruffles, streamers, and dimensional decorations.
🌈 Layering or twisting different colored crepe paper can produce new hues and fun gradients without any paint.
🎉 Paper streamers are super lightweight so they flutter dramatically on stage with just a breeze or a fan—big effect, little effort!


Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required