Make a ‘T H A N K F U L’ Banner

I’ve probably mentioned how much I love autumn. This year has been a bit strange though, with such warm temperatures. I do prefer cooler temps in October, but there’s nothing to be done about that. Warmers temps don’t prevent me from celebrating the season.

This year I made a ‘T H A N K F U L’ banner I’d like to show you. The beauty of this banner is that you can resize it to fit the space you have available, so don’t feel forced to use my measurements. This banner can also be spaced differently, bringing the pieces closer or setting them further apart.

Materials

(general materials and amounts; you may need more or less)

paper (to make the pattern)

2 sheets 8×10 orange cardstock (small polka dots)

2 sheets natural colored/patterned cardstock

1 sheet 8×10 orange cardstock (medium polka dots)

pencil

adhesive

twine (measure to account for banner size and spacing)

scissors

paper-cutter

letter stickers

2 tacks for hanging

1. Make a pattern for the orange banner pieces using plain or lined paper. I made mine 3 1/4″ x 4″. Cut the pattern out using a paper-cutter. Use scissors to cut the bottom to look like the banner pieces in the first two pictures above and the feature photo.
2. Trace the pattern onto the back of the orange paper 8 times. Cut these pieces out.
3. Make a pattern for the natural banner pieces using plain or lined paper. I made mine 2 3/4″ x 3 1/2″. Cut the pattern out using a paper-cutter. Use scissors to cut the bottom to look like the banner pieces in the first two pictures above and the feature photo.
4. Trace the pattern onto the back of the natural paper 8 times. Cut these pieces out.
5. Use scissors to cut 8 circles out of the orange cardstock with the medium circles.
6. Using sticker letters that will spell out T H A N K F U L, center one sticker onto each circle.
7. Adhere the top only of the natural banner pieces toward the top of the orange pieces, centering them. The middles and bottoms of the natural pieces should not be adhered.
8. Adhere a circle onto each natural piece, being sure to center these as well.
9. Lay the finished pieces out as you would like them, equal distances between each.
10. Lay a long piece of twin over these, so there is extra twine at each end, and cut to the length you will need.
11. Tie the ends of the twine to make loops for hanging.
12. Tuck the twine string between the orange and natural banner pieces.
13. Hang the banner.

I know it sounds like there is a lot to this project, but there isn’t. It took little time to complete, and I love the look.

Switch Things Up

• Make the banner using triangle, square, diamond, or circle patterns instead, for a different look.
• Try using different autumn-related colors.
• Yarn could be used instead of twine.
• Use different words or phrases, such as Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Wishes, Autumn Fun, or I Am Thankful.

I hope you like the project! Please share your banners.

Happy autumn,

Shannon

DIY: Easy Pencil Holder

We’ve been discussing how to organize your space in attractive ways, without breaking the bank. You’ve already been introduced to my ideas for creating labels, and now I want to explain an easy way to organize pencils and other things in your hobby room or home office.

These holders will organize pencils, pens, highlighter, markers, and more, allowing for display in a pleasing manner. Because they are so easy and affordable to make, you can have a separate holder for each group of items. A pencil holder will add charm to your workspace, especially when created to match the décor of the room.

Alternatively, a pencil holder can be made as a way to decorate your work space for a holiday or season.

Materials

Aluminum can, cleaned and dried, with a smooth edge
Tape measure
Paper cutter
Decorative edged scissors (optional)
Scrapbook paper, 2 colors
Adhesive
Stickers or other embellishments

1. Choose paper colors to match the decor in the area where the holder will be used, or the occasion you’ll be celebrating. One sheet should be light, the other a medium to dark color.
2. Measure the can height, and then measure around it. Add ¼ inch to the second number.
3. Use the paper-cutter to measure and cut the light-colored sheet of paper to size.
4. Glue this sheet of paper around the can by first gluing one end to the can, then overlapping the other end and gluing it in place.
5. Allow to dry completely.
6. Using the second number again, cut 2 pieces of dark-colored paper to a ½ inch height using the paper-cutter or decorative edged scissors.
7. Adhere these to the top and bottom edges of the light-colored paper that was glued to the can, using the same method as above.
8. Allow to dry thoroughly.
9. Choose stickers and/or other embellishments to match your décor, an upcoming holiday, or the season.
10. Look at the can and decide where you want to place each item.
11. Adhere them in a flattering manner to the areas of your choice.
12. Place the pencils or other items into the pencil holder, and place it on the desk.

Example: A spring-themed pencil holder may include stickers depicting grass, flowers, and the sun, or butterflies and dragonflies above a pond. An ocean theme would include sand, waves, and seashells.

Alternatively: Use patterned paper rather than embellishments, or paint decorations onto the paper.