If you search around the internet you’ll find pennant banners to be the latest kids trend. I personally adore this banner style due to it’s nostalgic charm and cheerful vibes.
While I was searching the internet for one to purchase a banner Valentine’s day; I noticed how easy it seemed to make myself. I quickly ran to my local craft store and gathered all my materials to get started right away.
Tools:
- ruler
- pencil
- scissors
- hot glue gun
- dowel rod
- scrap book /cardstock – stiff paper
- scarp book letter stickers
- ribbon
Step-By-Step
- The first step was to make a banner tracer. Once I got the size and shape I wanted I traced it on the back of the cardstock/ scrapbook paper. (Tracing the banner on the back allows for mistakes. Tip* If you’re tracing on patterned paper- double check your banner placement before cutting)
- Cut out the banner. Tip* Make sure to erase any left over pencil marks for a clean, polished look.
- This step is the fun part! Brainstorm your custom saying + select your sticker letter placement. Tip* I like to cut out my stickers in a square shape leaving the backing attached to the sticker. This process lets me arrange the stickers on the banner before I commit to their permanent placement.
- Mounting the stickers on paper isn’t always necessary; it’s determined by the background paper/sticker coloring. For example, the black letters didn’t pop against the red gingham banner. I needed a contrasting color in between the dark red and black to break it up. The white background helps the letters stand out and overall make the sign easier to read. Tip* Save money and time! I actually didn’t “mount” my stickers on a new piece of white paper. I left the letters attached to the white sticker sheet backing and trimmed neatly around the letters.
- Apply/ glue the letter stickers (application process can differ depending if the sticker was mounted on paper)
- Hot glue your banner to the dowel rod. (I used a low temp glue gun because it’s what I had on hand) Tip* During the creative process I tried to assemble the banner and rod in various ways. I found the best way to apply the two materials is drawing a line of glue on the back of the paper/banner and then pressing the rod (for 30 seconds) into the glue.
- Tying the ribbon. This next step can be done in two different ways. I tried both and I’ll explain which way I liked best and why. You can either: tie a few types of ribbon around the rod and knot. OR lay the banner face down, cut single strips of various ribbon, and hot glue the ribbon on the back of the dowel rod. (glue each ribbon on top of each other while purposely fanning them apart.) Tip* I found that I liked the layered application process the best. By cutting and gluing each piece of ribbon to the rod; it eliminated the bulky knot that ultimately slid of the rod during a little toddler rough play.
- Last, cut the heart shape. I cut out a heart using glitter cardstock paper. This step covers up the ugly ribbon knot/ layers of glued ribbon. Tip* If you want a polished look, you can cut out two symmetrical hearts and glue them back to back around the rod.
I hope this DIY post leads you to create your own banner! They’re SO FUN and easy to make!