Banners and Garland

I think banners and garland have probably been around since the beginning of time. Banners were carried in to war to show allegiance to ones country or king. Garlands were twisted into wreath forms to show honor to someone or used to decorate during times of celebration. I can understand why as the simple act of hanging a banner or garland brings smiles and joy. At least it does in my home.

Who doesn’t enjoy arriving home after a long journey to a great big “Welcome Home” banner or being surprised with a “Happy Birthday” banner and the party that follows? How about a “You are Special” banner on a nothing sort of day, just because somebody loves you? I remember a saying from the past that I have often quoted to my children, “I would rather receive a 50 cent gift on a nothing day than a 500 dollar gift on my birthday.” It seems to me that all the little remembrances mean a whole lot more than someone remembering my birthday. So lately we have been making some banners and garland.

 Our most recent banner was for a cousin who had an October birthday. We wanted to wish him happy birthday but we wanted the banner to be useable for longer than just one day. The girls started by making some colorful fall prints with some watered down paint and some straw blowing.

 It was fun and gave a unique blended effect. It took quite a bit of air though and a lot of giggles.

 This great idea for fall prints can be found at that artist woman.

 
 After the paint dried they rubber stamped some fall type designs, along with words to describe their cousin.

 Next we punched holes on either side of the top edge and threaded on to a leather cord. We wanted to add a little more color so we tied on some fall fabric scraps.

Overall we thought it turned out really well.

In October, Sew Mama Sew featured quick and easy scrap projects. One of the projects was a scalloped fabric garland.

 You can see a tutorial to make your own here. It gave me a great idea for using up scraps from the dress making that takes place around here. I just finished one in blues and plan to do some in a variety of colors for various special appearances.

It only uses 13 pieces of 6 1/2” x 8” fabric along with one package of bias tape.

The girls love pointing out the fabrics from some of their clothes. Super easy and fun to hang…for just the love of it or the love of them, however you want to look at it! Have a great weekend!

Pennysue