DIY “Popcorn” Garland for the Holidays

If you, like me, love the nostalgic look of classic popcorn garland but not the idea of stringing actual popcorn for hours (or dealing with crumbs everywhere because at least 50% of the pieces of popcorn break apart while threading??), this DIY faux popcorn garland is the perfect solution! Using simple spray insulation foam and fishing line, you can create fluffy, lightweight “popcorn” that looks wonderfully realistic — without attracting pests or getting stale.

In my first year of having a “big kid” apartment (aka living on my own), I decided I was now domestic and domestic homes had things like nostalgic popcorn garland. So I popped the popcorn and started stringing. I had plans to cover my entire living room. I made an approximately 3 ft garland and was like, nope this isn’t the life for me. The next year, my sister introduced me to this adorable garland and now I have yards upon yards of it all over my tree and mantel. This project is incredibly budget friendly, beginner friendly, and makes the cutest farmhouse style Christmas decor. Whether you’re draping it around your tree, across a mantel, or styling it for holiday photos, you’re going to fall in love with this faux popcorn garland the second you make it, I’m sure of it.

Why Make Faux Popcorn Garland?

• It lasts for years! — no more remaking popcorn garland annually.
• Lightweight + realistic — spray foam perfectly mimics popcorn texture
• Customizable — make the kernels bigger, smaller, whiter, or more “buttery”, and add whatever else you want to the garland (I love “cranberry” red wooden beads!)
• Perfect for homes with pets — nothing edible hanging on the tree!

DIY Fake Popcorn Garland Using Spray Foam

Supplies You’ll Need

• 1 can spray insulation foam (Great Stuff or similar)
• Wax paper or parchment paper
• Fishing line or thin clear string
• Large sewing needle
• Scissors
• Optional: Matte white spray paint or craft paint
• Optional: Yellow craft paint (for a buttery look)
• Optional add-on: Large red wooden beads (for a popcorn + “cranberry” garland variation)

Step by Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Workspace

Lay down a large sheet of wax or parchment paper. Spray foam sticks to everything, so protect your surfaces and clothing. I like to also lay down cardboard underneath in case I need to move the whole thing while they’re drying, it makes it much easier.

2. Create Your “Popcorn”

Shake the spray foam can well.
Gently squeeze out small dollops of foam onto the wax paper — smaller than popcorn sized blobs, irregular and imperfect. Remember it expands!

Tips for realistic popcorn:

• Add a few clusters by touching two blobs together
• Make a mix of small and medium pieces
• Don’t worry about perfect shapes — messy looks most realistic
• Make them smaller than you think you should!
• Use a pencil or similar sized item when the pieces have dried for a few hours to create a “dent” in the undersize. This gives a more realistic kernel appearance.

Let the foam dry overnight, rotating at least once. It will expand as it cures, creating that signature fluffy popcorn texture.

3. Add Color (Optional)

Once dry, you can brighten or customize the look.

For bright white popcorn:

• Lightly mist with matte white spray paint.

For buttery popcorn:

• Dab on a tiny bit of diluted yellow paint with a sponge.

4. String the Popcorn

Cut your fishing line to your desired garland length.
Thread the needle and gently pierce each foam kernel near its center.

Continue adding popcorn pieces until your garland is taking shape.

When you’re done, simply knot and tie off the end. Ta-da, you’ve made Christmas perfection!

Optional Variation: Add Red Wooden Beads (Popcorn + Cranberry Garland)

For a nostalgic cranberry and popcorn look, you can incorporate large red wooden beads between your foam kernels. This adds gorgeous contrast and a deep pop of holiday color.

You’ll Need

• Large wooden beads (¾–1 inch)
• Red acrylic paint or pre-painted beads
• Optional: clear sealer

How to Add Them

1. Paint beads red if using unfinished wood; let dry fully.
2. As you string your garland, alternate in whatever fashion you like. I tend to do a couple of each and mismatch it as I go.
3. Continue your pattern until you reach your full garland length.

Why You’ll Love This Look

• Deep red beads mimic classic cranberries without using food.
• Adds dimension, warmth & visual interest.
• Still lightweight and totally reusable.
• Perfect for vintage, farmhouse, or traditional decor.

5. Style Your Garland

Your faux popcorn garland is ready to hang anywhere! Try displaying it on:

• Christmas trees
• Mantels
• Stair railings
• Garland greenery
• Shelf displays
• Wreaths

Because it’s very lightweight, it’s super easy to position and secure.

Helpful Tips

• Store in a cool, dry bin to reuse year after year.
• If a kernel cracks, a dab of hot glue will fix it.
• Mix faux popcorn with red beads and greenery for festive centerpieces.

This DIY faux popcorn garland gives you all the cozy, vintage charm of traditional popcorn strands — without the mess, waste, or pests. Whether you keep it simple with only the “popcorn” or dress it up with red wooden beads for that classic cranberry touch, this handmade garland adds the sweetest nostalgic style to your holiday decor. I love that it can be reused year to year and it gives such a fun happy pop of white and red to our Christmas tree. Plus, making it is one of the LEAST chaotic parts of our Christmas season! Pour some crockpot hot cocoa, turn on a Christmas movie, and enjoy crafting something that’ll make your home feel warm and festive, and won’t bring extra stress!