DIY baby name garland — 4 techniques for a unique nursery decoration

A garland with baby's name has become the essential decorative element of a nursery. Personal, warm, and achievable in less than an evening — here are 4 ways to create one.

Technique 1: Sewn felt letters (the softest)

Felt is the ideal material for a baby's room: soft, colorful, no sharp edges, and available in dozens of shades.

Materials:

• Felt sheets (2–3 coordinated colors)
• Jute cord or linen ribbon
• Alphabet letter templates (printable)
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun

Steps:

1. Print and cut out letter templates (simple font: rounded sans-serif)
2. Transfer letters to felt and cut twice (front/back)
3. Glue or sew the two layers together, leaving space to thread the cord
4. Thread the cord through each letter and space evenly

→ Letter and cord kit for name garland{target="_blank" rel="noopener"}

Recommended palette: powder pink + off-white + mint (girl's room) / sky blue + beige + sand (boy's room) / terracotta + natural + cream (neutral room)

Technique 2: Painted wooden letters (the most durable)

Unfinished wooden letters are easy to find and can be personalized with watercolor, acrylic paint, or stickers.

Materials:

• Unfinished wooden letters
• Acrylic or watercolor paint
• Copper wire or satin ribbon
• Drill or awl (for hanging holes)

Personalization options: drop shadow on a letter, watercolor motif (clouds, flowers, stars), two-tone first name.

Technique 3: Paper garland (the fastest)

For a temporary nursery, a baby shower, or a very tight budget — paper gives a surprisingly beautiful result.

Materials:

• Kraft paper, recycled wallpaper, or cardstock
• Letter templates
• Hole punch + eyelets
• String or twine

Hang letters at different heights for a cascading effect.

Technique 4: Pompom garland with initials (the most playful)

Alternate colorful pompoms between wooden or felt letters. Pompoms take 5 minutes to make by wrapping yarn around your hand.

Result: festive, textured garland — perfect for first baby photos.

Installing the garland safely

• Secure ends with picture hooks (not tape — it falls)
• Minimum height 1.5m from floor (out of baby's reach)
• Verify letters cannot detach
• No small elements below the garland near the crib