Creating a Banner - Part 1

Pennants and banners are all the rage right now. If you open a craft magazine you'll see them in everything from cards to scrapbook layouts to cake decorations. Today I'm going to show you how to create a home decor project with banners. I'm choosing to make it for Halloween but you can choose to do it for any theme or color scheme you want. This will be a three part series. I hope you'll follow along with me.

To get started here's a list of supplies you'll need (if you would like to order please go HERE or EMAIL me):

• Assorted Paper - I'm using Mischief Level 2 (Z1378)*
• My Creations Chipboard Banner (Z1378)
• Dimensional Elements Notable Alphabet (Z1682)
• Halloween theme stamp set*
• Ink to match (Black, Colonial White, Grey Wool for my project)
• Felt Shapes (Z1462)*
• Sanding Kit (Z1294) or Finishing Files (Z1901)
• Scissors
• Corner Rounder
• 3D Foam Tape

*Note: These items are all part of Mischief WOTG.

Now on to the project...

Step 1: Trace and cut 6 banner pieces on pattern paper (3 pennants for one pattern and 3 on another).

I find it best to adhere the banner to the wrong side of the paper first. Then, Trim with your scissors. Alternatively you can trace your banners with a pencil and then cut. To eliminate some cutting, make sure to line your banner along the edge of the cardstock. With a 12 x 12 sheet you will easily get 3 banners out of one sheet.

Step 2: Sand and ink your edges

Depending on your scissors you may find it difficult to make smooth cuts along the banner edge or around the corners. To fix this you can use your sanding kit or finishing files to smooth out any jagged cuts. Don't worry if you sand a little too much and see white. Just swipe your edges with your black ink pad!

Step 3: Trim your remaining papers

Go here for cutting diagram. Round two kitty corners on each of the six 1 3/4" x 1 3/4" accents.

Stay tuned for part 2...