DIY Papel Picado Inspired Paper Straw Flags

DIY Papel Picado inspired Straw Flags are a great way to customize a party theme. This design is especially great for Cinco de Mayo but works for any celebration. With just a few supplies, this drink flair can be made in about 5 minutes.

Why this DIY works

Papel Picado is a Mexican folk art tradition that means “punched paper”. They are not only a decoration but a way to spread messages or stories. They are really cool. And one of my favorite things to see when I visit Mexico.

It’s truly an art form and my post is a very poor reproduction. I wanted to see how I could easily get a similar look but please understand mine lacks any of the skill, heart and culture from an original papel picado.

Traditionally, papel picado is made with tissue paper, which you can also use for the straw flags, but it would be less hearty in case it got wet.

Related:Papel Picado Inspired Balloon Decoration

This simple paper craft idea is a great way to add another design element to a party theme. It’s also so easy that any skill level can make it.

With just some colorful straws and paper, you can create mini papel picado inspired flags to use in cocktails or cupcakes.

It’s one of those party crafts that takes just a few minutes but is a detail that always looks great.

While the paper punch I used resembles a shape you might find on a papel picado flag, you can use all different punches to change the vibes and suit whatever kind of party you are throwing.

This particular style of straw flags would be great for a bridal shower, Chicks And Salsa Girl’s Night In, or Cinco de Mayo celebrating. Pair it with some DIY Ruffled Streamers and you’ve got some really cute, easy decorations.

You can browse all my party DIYs in my Craft/DIY category.

Use this tutorial to learn how to make papel picado – esque straw decorations at home.

Supply notes

As a party thrower and item hoarder, I’m at a loss for what to do with all my plastic straws. I found this article for how to recycle them. But I still have so many! These Straw Flags can also be made with paper straws.

Cardstock paper in a variety of colors and a paper punch will help you to customize the flags to get the look you want.

A punch that can punch a design anywhere are the best for this.

A paper cutter helps to make a bunch at once and keep the lines straight. But scissors will work fine too.

Any type of small adhesive will work. Double-sided tape would be great as would mini Glue Dots. And I like the Glue Lines too.

How to Make DIY Papel Picado Paper Straw Flags

Step 1

Start by cutting strips of colored paper with a paper cutter. Making it long, so it can be folded in half keeps things really easy.

The size of the strip depends on the size of your punch and what you want the finished flag to look like.

The toys are a reminder what the actual life of a blogger looks like when you are trying to do a craft during nap time but then the kids refuses to nap…

Step 2

Using an anywhere punch makes it super easy to add a design. Here I punched both sides of the flag at one time to ensure that it would match up well once added to the straw.

Make sure that the strip, when folded, is long enough to allow a little extra room for the straw. It’s better to offset the design closer to the outside edge rather than the inside fold.

Step 3

I used a Glue Dot in the fold to make sure the straw stayed in place.

I added a Glue Line down the length of the straw to make sure that there wasn’t any extra space since the straw is round and the paper had been folded. You could probably leave out this step and the DIY would still work.

Make sure, as you are adding your glue dots, that you line up the two outside edges of the flag to keep everything looking polished.

Step 4

Use the mini Glue Dots near the edge and anywhere in the design that you want to keep in place.

Step 5

Even though you tried to keep things in line as you were making it, the edges might not align perfectly. If that’s the case, just use scissors to trim it.

That’s it! It’s such a simple tutorial and these straw flags are such a fun way to add another special touch to a party.

If you’re looking for something easy to make that would make a big impact for your party, these DIY Paper Straw Flags that resemble papel picado are the perfect thing! 

Tips and tricks

• Once you know this basic idea of how to make a straw flag, you can make them all different ways. Skip the punch and use a sticker, watercolor the paper, write a name, use the number for a milestone birthday.
• Don’t want to use a plastic straw, you could do this with a paper straw also.
• A regular punch will probably work as well if you found a small design you like.
• Change the size of the paper strip to best suit the size of the punch design.
• You can use straws to also create a simple straw garland too!

Frequently Asked Questions

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DIY Straw Flags: Papel Picado Inspired

In just 5 minutes you can create fun papel picado inspired paper Straw Flags. With a decorative punch, it's a simple craft that adds just the right flair to any party theme.

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Course: Craft / DIY

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 straw flags

Author: Sharon Garofalow

Cost: $12

Equipment

• ▢
  Anywhere Punch
• ▢
  Paper cutter
• ▢
  Scissors

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 piece colored cardstock
• ▢ Glue Dots
• ▢ Straws

Instructions

• Cut out a strip of colored cardstock with the paper cutter. The width will depend on the size of the punch you are using. Same with the length. You want to make sure that you have enough space for your design to fit when the paper is folded in half, making sure that there is enough room for the straw to fit in the fold of the paper without bothering the design.
• Fold the strip in half, making sure you line up the edges as much as you can and place the punch where you want the design to be. Punch out the design.
• Open the strip and add a Glue Dot in the center of the fold and place the straw on it. I covered the bendy part of my straw but you will want it 1-2 inches from the top.
• To make sure the straw stays in place, use a Glue Dot Line or other adhesive to stick the straw to the other side of the flag. Make sure that you keep the design in line on both sides as much as possible.
• Add a few more small glue dots near the edges then refold the strip around the straw and stick both sides together.
• Use scissors to straightenup or trim any of the edges.

Notes

• Once you know this basic idea of how to make a straw flag, you can make them all different ways. Skip the punch and use a sticker, watercolor the paper, write a name, use the number for a milestone birthday.
• Don’t want to use a plastic straw, you could do this with a paper straw or bamboo skewer too.
• A regular punch will probably work as well if you found a small design you like.
• Change the size of the paper strip to best suit the size of the punch design.
• To turn these straw flags into cupcake toppers just cut the height of the straw to a shorter size.
• You can use straws to also create a simple straw garland too!

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