Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Entertaining
  3. Graduation Party Ideas
  4. 20 Graduation Party Crafts and Decorations

20 Graduation Party Crafts and Decorations

By Alexandra Churchill Updated May 14, 2020
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Woman in graduation attire holding diploma
School's out—forever! Throw a party with all the pomp and circumstance befitting their hard work with handmade invitations, decorations, guest books, and keepsake gifts before they embark out into the world.
Start Slideshow

1 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
Woman in graduation attire holding diploma

Graduating from school is a reason for celebrating. After so much time spent learning, a party is just the thing to top off years of hard work. While we're sure you're also focused on gifts for your grad, a gathering of family and friends is also an important part of the equation. From graduation party crafts to festive decorations, take a look at our top tips for making your graduation party extra special.

First up, welcome and direct guests to the party with a decorative garden flag. Place it on the curb or next to your front porch to grab guests' attention. Commemorate the next phase in your graduate's life with a number of banners and displays—we have plenty for you to choose from. A favorite way to show how much they've changed over the years is with a school picture banner. It's as simple as placing grade school photos on a banner and stringing it over your hearth or along your banister. No graduation festivities would be complete without a poster—have one made with a photo of your graduate and their graduating class year. Then hang the poster up at the entrance of the party so it's one of the first things guests see.

You can also create your own graduation party décor following our how-tos. Build our Graduation Party Card Box for a simple and memorable DIY. Guests can drop their congrats and well-wishes inside. Decorate with our Crepe-Paper Streamers in your grad's school colors for a festive touch. Take it up a notch with one, or all, of our cheerful tassel crafts. We're showing you how to make Magazine-Paper Tassel Gift Toppers and tassel favors. Another fun project is our DIY senior superlatives. All it takes to create is a foam board, chalkboard paint, stencils, and some creativity. From simple crafts to delightful decorations, ahead discover graduation party inspiration your graduate is sure to love.

1 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Paper Graduation Cap

paper graduation caps
Credit: Kirsten Francis
Get the Paper Graduation Cap How-To

After they've done the iconic hat toss, these colorful copies make a batch of memorable party favors or even a special surprise for the honorable graduate herself. Start by covering round mini boxes with paper in the graduate's school color, and top each one with a matching square envelope and tassel. Stash assorted candy or a class ring in the box, plus a crisp dollar bill in the envelope.

2 of 21

3 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Graduation Honor Scroll

graduation scroll
Credit: Kirsten Francis
Get the Graduation Honor Scroll How-To

For academic flair, encourage guests to sign this A-plus keepsake. It's made from dowels, wooden ball beads, and our downloadable template—simply fill it with congratulations for your pride and joy.

3 of 21

Advertisement

4 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mortarboard Gift Boxes

graduation gift boxes
Credit: AARON DYER

Tip your hat to your favorite graduate with a little gift (or a little cash) in a mini mortarboard box. To make, start with a small, round balsa-wood box, then cut a 4 1/2-inch square piece of card stock in a matching color. Punch a hole in the middle of the card stock with an awl, pull a tassel through, and tape it down. Secure the paper to the box top with double-sided tape.

Shop Now: Oriental Trading Mini Round Balsa-Wood Cheese Boxes, $1.75 each, orientaltrading.com. Mohawk Fine Papers Lettra Paper, 220 lb., 8.5" by 11", in Pearl White, $2.25 per sheet, thepapermillstore.com. M&J Trimming Fine Metallic Tassels, 3", $10 for 3, mjtrim.com. 

4 of 21

5 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Senior Superlatives

<p>Let your graduates play fortune teller with a fun photo-booth party setup. Cut a 22-by-20-inch piece of foam board, then cut out a 17-by-15-inch rectangle inside. Paint it with chalkboard paint and let dry, at least 1 hour. Apply a second coat; let dry again. Use craft paint and alphabet stencils to paint "Most likely to..." on the frame bottom. Provide guests with chalk to predict friends' futures, then snap photos against a solid-colored wall. Extra credit: After the party, assemble the printed photos into a yearbook-inspired album, using a service like Shutterfly.</p><p>Shop Now: Martha Stewart Crafts Multi-Surface Chalkboard Paint, in Gray, $6 for 6 oz., michaels.com.</p>

Let your graduates play fortune teller with a fun photo-booth party setup. Cut a 22-by-20-inch piece of foam board, then cut out a 17-by-15-inch rectangle inside. Paint it with chalkboard paint and let dry, at least 1 hour. Apply a second coat; let dry again. Use craft paint and alphabet stencils to paint "Most likely to..." on the frame bottom. Provide guests with chalk to predict friends' futures, then snap photos against a solid-colored wall. Extra credit: After the party, assemble the printed photos into a yearbook-inspired album, using a service like Shutterfly.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart Crafts Multi-Surface Chalkboard Paint, in Gray, $6 for 6 oz., michaels.com.

5 of 21

6 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Graduate Poster

Graduate Poster
Credit: Courtesy of Minted

Part decoration part keepsake, display a large photo of your graduate with their graduation year for all to see when entering the soirée, then hang it up in your home for years to come.

Shop Now: Minted "Wishing Cheer" Custom Photo Art, 18" X 24", from $189, minted.com.

6 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chalk-Painted Monogram Plaque

chalk painted monogram plaque
Get the Chalk-Painted Monogram Plaque How-To

Recognize your grad before guests even walk in the front door with this easy to make plaque featuring their initial.

7 of 21

8 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Garden Flag

Graduation Garden Flag

Welcome guests before they enter the party with a garden flag.

Shop Now: Wayfair "Confetti and Stripes" Graduation Party Polyester Garden Flag, $26.99, wayfair.com.

8 of 21

9 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Custom Stickers

Custom Graduation Stickers
Credit: Courtesy of Etsy

A subtle graduation decoration comes in the shape of a kiss. Sweeten up to your grad with these candy stickers.

Shop Now: Distinctivs Graduation Hershey Kiss Stickers, $9.49, etsy.com.

9 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fringed Graduation Decoration

fringed graduating class banner
Credit: Aaron Dyer
Get the Graduation Number Templates

Show some pride for your favorite graduate in a big way—with an oversize decoration in his or her school colors. Embellish the class year with fringed paper stripes and hang it on the wall using removable adhesive strips.

Print our number templates and tile pages together. Trace number templates onto chipboard; cut out. Accordion-fold about 30 sheets of 12-by-18-inch medium weight paper lengthwise, creating 2 1/2-inch folds. Open paper and cut along every other fold to make two-ply strips. Using scissors, fringe the open side of each folded strip. Cut a fringed strip to fit across bottom of one number. Apply a glue stick along top of strip and adhere to chipboard. Continue cutting and gluing strips, working upward, overlapping each and alternating colors. Add a "class of" wall decal above the numbers to really spell things out.

Shop Now: Recollections Fringe Scissors, $15, michaels.com. 

10 of 21

11 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Custom Photo Banner

Custom Photo Banner
Credit: Courtesy of Etsy

Nothing says graduation party décor quite like school pictures. Hang this banner above your mantel so everyone can see how much your grad has grown.

Shop Now: PennantParties Graduation Banner Picture Display, $13, etsy.com.

11 of 21

12 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Graduating Year Garland

class of 2020 garland
Credit: Courtesy of Etsy

Give your graduate a shout-out to their graduating year with a "Class of" garland.

Shop Now: KbPaperCo Graduation Banner, $13, etsy.com.

12 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

School Color Balloon Display

halloween rose gold dinner party balloon decorations piano
Credit: Billye Donya

This balloon garland is a simple nod to your graduate's school colors. Simply purchase balloons in various sizes and colors and string them together to create your own.

13 of 21

14 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Photo Displays

mixbook everyday design
Credit: Courtesy of Mixbook

Open up a scrapbook and cherish the memories of your grad at their graduation party. The book serves as a decoration when laid open on a table.

Shop Now: Martha Stewart x Mixbook "Floral" Family Photo Album, starting from $47.50, mixbook.com.

14 of 21

15 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pom-Poms

msw_spring06_pompom.jpg
Get the Pom-Poms and Luminarias How-To

Decorate your graduation party with these colorful dahlia-like pom-poms. Create your own in your graduate's school colors for an extra festive touch.

15 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Graduation Party Card Box

Graduation Party Card Box
Credit: Mike Krautter
Get the Graduation Party Card Box How-To

Leave this themed box by the door and have guests drop their best wishes for the graduate inside.

16 of 21

17 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Graduation Party Sign and Guest Book

graduation guest book date
Credit: Mike Krautter

Despite the year being 2016, the idea is still perfect for a graduation party. It's easy to make, too. Simply paint three of the numbers with two coats of paint in the color of your choice. Use the flat tip of the brush to paint the edges of the numbers. With the remaining number, paint the edges in the color of your choice and let it dry. Then start to decoupage the photographs onto the bare surface of that number. First, apply decoupage medium to the wood surface (just about the size of the image), then to the back of the image. Lay the image down to the preferred position. Then apply a thin layer of decoupage medium over the images as you go along, repeating this step for every photo. You may use your brush to release any air bubbles and ensure a flat image. Finally, let everything dry completely before allowing guests to sign.

17 of 21

18 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Custom Confetti

Custom Graduation Confetti

Decorate your graduation party table with confetti featuring photos of your graduate.

Shop Now: Zazzle "2020 Graduation Party" Black and Gold Photo Confetti, $10.50, zazzle.com.

18 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Photo Backdrop

Gold Photo Backdrop

No modern graduation party is complete without a picture-perfect photo-op. We love this elevated gold option.

Shop Now: Ginger Ray "Pick and Mix" Gold Photo Booth Backdrop, $22.49, target.com.

19 of 21

20 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Magazine-Paper Tassel Gift Toppers

magazine paper tassels
Credit: Jong Hyup
Get the Magazine-Paper Tassel Gift Toppers How-To

Top off gifts for your graduate with this festive and easy to make craft that's reminiscent of the ones worn on graduation day.

20 of 21

21 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tassel Favors

a99312_sum02_tassel01.jpg

A tiny tassel makes opening this favor box especially fun—the wide, striped fabric around the box has been trimmed with pinking shears at the sides.

Use pinking shears to trim a 10-by-1 5/8-inch fabric piece. Glue one end to the inside of the box's lid and wrap it around the box before gluing. Punch a mini hole in the lid's edge before slipping the tassel loop through and securing with 1/4-inch dowel or tape.

21 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Alexandra Churchill

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 21
    2 of 21 Paper Graduation Cap
    3 of 21 Graduation Honor Scroll
    4 of 21 Mortarboard Gift Boxes
    5 of 21 Senior Superlatives
    6 of 21 Graduate Poster
    7 of 21 Chalk-Painted Monogram Plaque
    8 of 21 Garden Flag
    9 of 21 Custom Stickers
    10 of 21 Fringed Graduation Decoration
    11 of 21 Custom Photo Banner
    12 of 21 Graduating Year Garland
    13 of 21 School Color Balloon Display
    14 of 21 Photo Displays
    15 of 21 Pom-Poms
    16 of 21 Graduation Party Card Box
    17 of 21 Graduation Party Sign and Guest Book
    18 of 21 Custom Confetti
    19 of 21 Photo Backdrop
    20 of 21 Magazine-Paper Tassel Gift Toppers
    21 of 21 Tassel Favors

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    20 Graduation Party Crafts and Decorations
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.