Paper Crafts: How to Make a Gum Wrapper Chain Craft Instructions

Below you’ll find an easy step-by-step tutorial for how to make a gum wrapper chain. Use large strips of decorative paper and they can turn into all kinds of fun things.

When students learn how to make a gum wrapper paper chain from some larger strips of paper (as opposed to those teeny tiny ones that this project originated as) they can learn a skill that can take off in many different directions.

Here are just a few ideas that students came up with, whenever I brought this project out. The zig-zag chains could be turned into: bookmarks, bracelets, crowns, arm bands, and the let’s-see-who-can-make-the-longest-chain contest!

The idea originated with a search for how to use up lots of 12″x12″ decorative paper someone donated to my school. A search for how to do something other than your same old, same old paper chains resulted in this find of gum wrapper paper chains. It’s a great way to make a chain, but it certainly doesn’t have to be so tiny. Working large helps students manage the folding, and they can make something pretty fun in a relatively short time too. It’s great activity for those that just need to do something different. If your students come up with something new to do with these, I’d love to see it!

Materials for a Gum Wrapper Paper Chain

• Scrapbook pattern paper (12″ x 12″ size)
• Paper cutter
• Stapler

Directions to make a Gum Wrapper Paper Chain

PREP: Use a paper cutter to make strips of paper that are 1.25″ x 12″ in length. You’ll need about 25 for each student to make a crown.