Thanks to crafting blogs and shopping sites, the handmade movement has taken over the world of entertaining with a slew of great and easy ideas for birthday party decorations. One of these ideas – banners – is especially appealing because they are go-to options for almost any party decorating. From beautifully simple to exquisitely elaborate, there are many ways to make a homemade birthday banner. Spend a little time and money to create a party decoration to use year after year.
Ways to Use Birthday Banners
In its basic use, a birthday banner is meant for party décor. However, it can become much more. Match the color of the banner to the party theme to personalize the celebration. Or, use the same one every year as a family birthday tradition. Here’s how to use them.
- Place a birthday banner on the food or cake table.
- Drape a birthday banner from a fireplace mantle and set gifts below it to create a party focal point.
- Fashion mini banners to attach to a baby’s high chair on her first birthday.
- Hang a birthday banner above a child's bed to greet him when he wakes up.
A Birthday Banner Using Scrapbook Paper
Even if you don’t know how to sew, there is no excuse for not creating a birthday banner for someone special. Using scrapbook paper is a great option because there are hundreds of colors and patterns to pick from.
Materials
- five sheets of 12 x 12 scrapbook paper in pattern of your choice
- Eight sheets of 8 x 10 scrapbook paper or cardstock in solid color to match patterned paper
- paper cutter or scissors and ruler
- double-sided tape or mounting squares (made for scrapbooking)
- single-hole punch
- coordinating ribbon (about 8 feet)
- computer and printer
Directions
- Using a paper cutter or scissors and ruler, cut each 12 x 12 sheet of paper into quarters.
- Choose a font to use on your banner in a word processing program.
- Enlarge the font so that two letters fit horizontally (switch to landscape orientation under the Page Setup tab) on an 8 x10 page.
- Start with ‘H’ and ‘A’ print out the letters of “Happy Birthday” using the solid color 8 x 10 sheets of scrapbook paper. Use black ink or, if you have light-colored paper, choose a fun color that coordinates with the patterned paper.
- Trim each letter to equal-size squares making sure they will fit onto the ¼ sheets of scrapbook paper.
- Attach one letter to each ¼ sheet of patterned paper with double-sided tape or mounting squares. Make sure to spell the words correctly!
- Punch two holes in the top of each piece about two inches apart. Line up the holes with the outside edges of the letters.
- Starting with the ‘H’ string the ribbon into the top of the first hole, underneath the letter and out through the second hole. Pull ribbon through the letter leaving enough at the end for hanging.
- Continue adding each letter to the ribbon.
- Hang your homemade banner!
Other Birthday Banner Ideas
These birthday banner instructions use basic materials and skill to produce a simple banner with square pieces. With the right tools and patience, you can be creative with banner design:
- cut circles or triangles around each letter
- trim pattern paper with scalloped edges
- use clipart or other graphics in addition to letters
- mix paper patterns and colors
A great birthday party always includes great party decorations. As you plan your next party, think of ways to personalize the event with a do-it-yourself birthday banner.
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