They go by many different names – banners, garland and bunting. No matter what the name, these homemade party decorations add a festive touch immediately. Best of all, they are easy to make with options in materials ranging from paper to fabric and options for construction either sew or no-sew. The following is a quick lesson in homemade banner ideas to help anyone decide which type is best for an upcoming party or room design.
Types of Handmade Birthday Banners
The various names of these homemade party decorations – banners, garland, bunting – are often used interchangeably. However, there are some distinct differences between each of them that can influence where and how they are used.
- Banners – Think of banners as pretty signs. They spell out special messages such as, “Happy Birthday,” and “Congratulations.” Made from paper, plastic or fabric, banners can simply be printed by hand or elaborately decorated with patterns, embellishments and fancy fonts.
- Garland – Typically thought of as holiday decorations, garlands add a festive touch to any occasion. They do not usually contain words, but instead consist of strings of materials. These materials may be anything from flowers to bead to paper cutouts. The possibilities are endless for the kinds of garlands to create, limited only by one’s creativity and ability.
- Bunting – Bunting, often referred to as pennant banners, contain recognizable triangle-shaped flags. However, many other shapes are used as well. Popular material includes vintage fabrics, but felt and paper also make great bunting. Depending on need, individual letters can be printed on each flag to spell out a phrase or name.
How to Make a Birthday Banner, Garland or Bunting
Making any type of handmade banner takes a little time and creativity, but the result of having a unique handmade decoration is always worth the effort. Here are a few simple, basic instructions for making each decoration using paper. Keep in mind many other materials also work. Simply swap out the paper for fabric, felt or foam depending on personal preference.
- Paper Banners: Using a preferred font choice, print out the letters of the desired phrase onto cardstock. Trim the paper to the size needed for the banner. Add decorative paper behind the letters and attach coordinating ribbon to the back of each piece.
- Paper Garland: Choose a theme for the garland such as flowers. Using a template, draw and cut out flower shapes from patterned scrapbook paper. Die cuts and machine-cut shapes make this even easier. Punch holes in the top of each flower, and thread with string, yarn or twine to hang.
- Paper Bunting: Using 12 x 12-scrapbook paper, draw a line from the top left corner to the bottom right corner. Then draw a line from the top right corner to the bottom left corner. Cut along each line to create four triangle shapes. Make as many as needed for the bunting, and then glue one length of ribbon to the back of each flag making sure points are facing down.
Whether called a banner, garland or bunting, homemade party decorations make excellent additions to birthdays, holidays and even rooms as everyday decor. Make simple paper versions, or experiment with other materials to create personalized decorations.
Karen Perkins - Karen Perkins is a freelance writer focusing on decorating, entertaining and crafting. A background in interior design combined with a ...
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