Merry Christmas!
I've had such fun making up these little garland kits! Sooner or later, I'll not put the circles into a tin and make a garland myself. The feedback for these has been positive. In fact, I'd like to quote an email I received yesterday:

"(The kids) were so excited to find all the different papers in there and they spent about ten minutes playing a guessing game to figure out which papers were on the other side. They LOVED this so much. When they actually chose to do that rather than play the new Nintendo Wii... well, you know you've got a winner on your hands."

In the spirit of the holiday, I've written up basic directions, which follow, plus an instruction sheet you can print out.

My Christmas Gift to You...
Garland Kit Directions

Materials:

1. Instructions for completion (pdf) - helpful if you're giving the garland as a gift
   
2. Circle punch in desired size(s)
   
3. Scrapbooking paper for desired theme (Christmas is only the beginning)
   
4. String, quilting thread, twine, yarn, ribbon...(in this case, thin is better)
   
5. Glue (if kids are going to assemble the garland, then I strongly suggest washable glue sticks)
   
6. Newspaper or other paper to cover work surface

Steps:

1. Decide on the length of the garland and cut the string (etc.) accordingly.
   
2. If you're making the kit to give as a gift, calculate the maximum number of circles that could be used. Example: for a 9-foot garland, four pair of 2.5" circles fit per foot, with a small gap between. So 8 circles x 9 feet = 72 circles, so I made about 80 per kit. (The garlands also look cute with gaps between the circles.)
   
3. Punch out the circles. I used at least 10 patterns, 8 per sheet, for a kit. Mix 'em all up.
   
4. If you're making a kit, you should find that the punched-out circles and 3-or-so yards of string should fit in the tin just fine.
   If you're making a garland, see the PDF for assembly instructions

Variations
There are many variations on the garland. The ones I've made were done with a 2½" Marvy circle punch (the lever is almost essential, as opposed to the button variety), a giant pack of Christmas scrapbooking paper, a 3" jewelry tin and 9 feet of kitchen twine. Use those coupons from JoAnn or Michael's, etc., to get the punch at a discount. This is a project that's suitable for any occasion that requires decorations.

You can also vary the size of the circles, if you have access to multiple punches.

Presentation Ideas:
To give the garland as a gift, pop the tin and glue stick(s) into a patterned takeout container, gift bag, cello bag, etc. Print out and fold the instruction sheet and slide it in. Tie up with ribbon. Or, just stick it in a larger package on its own. If you're like me, and forget the instruction sheet (something I've done more than once, and I wrote the darn thing), you can send it via email.

Enjoy!

Note: I've only ever given these as gifts, so please treat this kit concept and instruction page likewise.