Here’s my tutorial on how to make this cute and easy “Joy” banner for the holidays. It was the kind of project I made up as I went along and I really like how it turned out. (Don’t you love it when that happens?)
1.) First, you need some chipboard letters to spell out whatever word you want on the banner. You can buy them, cut them yourself with an exact-o knife, or with a Cricut or other personal cutting machine. I purchased this package of 26 pages for $10.00 at AC Moore. One cool thing about this package is that once I use all of the letters, I can use what’s left as a stencil.
2.) I decided on the word Joy and picked three letters that were the same size, but different fonts to make it more interesting.
3.) Using a foam brush, apply Elmer’s glue onto the letters. I like to work over tin foil because it protects my counter and makes for easy clean-up. Just ball it up and throw it away!
3.) Using a foam brush, apply Elmer’s glue onto the letters. I like to work over tin foil because it protects my counter and makes for easy clean-up. Just ball it up and throw it away!
4.) Sprinkle glitter over your letters. I used German glass glitter and although it is the best, it is expensive and you have to special order it. Martha Stewart offers a nice glitter, so you could just use that or whatever you have on hand.
I store my glitter in a Ziploc bag, but when I use it I pour a moderate amount into a Rubbermaid container. I then spoon the glitter onto the chipboard, letting the excess fall into the container.
When I’m finished, I pour the remaining glitter back into the Ziploc bag. This stuff is pricey, but even if you’re using cheap glitter, why would you want to waste any?
5.) Cut a length of upholstery webbing that will fit your letters and greenery. I chose to cut the end of mine in an inverted “v” pattern. I just like the way it looks. You could also use a wide ribbon or fabric.
5.) Select some greenery with a sturdy stem to attach to the webbing in order to hang the banner. This is an ever green and pine cone branch I bought a few years ago on clearance. I already had a cream grosgrain ribbon tied on it. You could really use anything here…a cluster of ornaments, silk flowers, a big bow, whatever is most “you.”
6.) This branch has a thick wire running down the back, so it will be very easy to attached to the webbing. I also looped the top of it to make a way to hang the banner.
7.) Using a cutter (or scissors), make lengths of florist wire to “stitch” the webbing onto the branch
It will look something like this.
8.) Once the glue on your glittered letters is dry, place them onto the webbing to space them out how you want them. Glue them on with a few dabs of hot glue. (You see my cat helping me?)
All done! This did not take much time at all and I am crazy about it. I love the contrast between the sparkle of the glittered letters and the rustic texture of the webbing.
I hung it between two windows in our home office. It was in a tough place to get a “money shot” of it, but you get the idea. It looks even better in person.
I hope this is an inspiration for you and gets those crafty wheels turning!Tomorrow I’m driving to my grandfather’s house for a couple of days to help with cleaning out his attic. He passed away in October, so it’s a sad occasion. There are a lot of wonderful heirlooms, pieces of family history, and cool junk up there, so the treasure hunt will be fun (despite the bugs, dust, and poor lighting.) I’m also getting to spend two days with my mom…with NO KIDS! I will really miss my husband and boys, but this is a very rare thing for me, so it will be enjoyable. I’ll take pictures and share my best finds with all of you. We’ll also be hitting Goodwill and Salvation Army while we’re there…can’t wait!
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I think it's beautiful. I'm going to make something like this. I have a lot of greenery.
Love, love , love this! Thank you for sharing. Didn't know that I needed to make one of these until now.
It is very pretty! I agree with you, the contrast is also very attractive. I really like that glitter. I never heard of it. I thought glitter was glitter. I guess I should do some reading up on my bling.
Have fun on your trip!
Love this too! And your idea about using letters in a different font. And thanks for the glitter tips. Very nice project!!
What a fabulous idea. I love it and it looks wonderful to decorate a space between the windows or anywhere you want a narrow decorations. Love the greenery too. Thanks for the tutorial. Hugs, Marty
That is super cute Ms.MS! I like the location where you hung it too!
Michelle
I love it! It's so cute and easy to make! I'm on it! =]
I think you are definitely getting your money's worth from the glitter! I love this project; using things you have and looking at them in different ways. It looks like the perfect spot for it, too!
BTW, you're up tomorrow as Blog of the Week. I've already got it scheduled!
I love this idea and your tutorials are so easy to follow.
When we moved my mom out of her home in Oct. it took my sister and I 7 weekends to go through everything. We got rid of a lot of things (40 years worth!) and we put some things in storage but it's a sad thing to have to do. You have to detach yourself emotionally and get rid of a lot of things, unless you have lots of storage at your house.
Good luck!
Judy
Adorable!! I love every element of it.
That is so lovely. Thanks for sharing.
This is adorable! I think I have all of the supplies to make my own. Thanks for the inspiration!
Love the contrast – rustic and refined!
That is so beautiful for this season! I am still trying to figure out how to make the the hardened banners you hang outside on your door. I'm painting snowmen on them and wanting to give them to my girlfriends for Christmas. I bought some guesso to paint on the material first (I'm just using heavy off white cotton material) Do you think gueso would work to prevent the paint from bleeding through?
Lee Ann
oh i LOVE this! great idea thanks for sharing..you're so creative!
Very pretty!! If I was in a crafty place in life, I'd try one too! This year I'm using things for what they are due to sheer lack of time.
Safe travels to you! Your ME time, although for a sad reason, sounds refreshing at the same time. 'See' you when you get back!
Donna
This is such a great combination of rustic and glitz, I love it.
I love it — and it even has my middle name! Anything sparkly. Great tip on the glitter "application" — especially when using the good stuff!
Beautiful! What a great little project. I have a spot in need of something like that! Thanks for sharing.
Lisa
Hi there! What a lovely Joy banner!
To answer your question, I just used hot glue to attach the baby jars to my serving tray for my advent calendar. It worked well and I didn't have to hold them in place while the glue dried. (I'm impatient like that!) Love your blog and I follow
best wishes,
Linda
How lovely is that! I enjoy seeing what you create. Be safe in your travels and enjoy your time with your Mom.
That's a perfect way to add a little decoration in a small space. I have a lot of that webbing (and a cricut) so this is going to be making an appearance between the windows in my guest room for a little holiday cheer for my MIL.
Enjoy the time with your mother.
Jane
So cute! I love where it is hung, too – between windows.
I love that you used upholstery webbing!
Great project! Love how you combined the natural look on the webbing with the glittery letters.
what a fab DIY. the banner is awesome!
You always "WOW" me!
XOXO-
Gasping! I love it!!!
This would be a great Christmas gift for my SIL–just got her first home. Thanks for the visit. 
You absolutely have the Midas touch. Whatever you touch turns to gold! This is a beautiful project–and one I think I can emulate! Thank you for sharing it!!
By the way, I've been wondering where I could get some letters like that–and there's an ACMoore very close to my house. Thanks for the tip!
I think what really makes this piece is how you used different fonts to spell JOY. Love the eclectic look.
Also, I'm sorry to hear about your Grandfather but glad you will have this special time with your mother. It will be good for her to have you helping her with this sad task.
You have mentioned the glitter from Germany before.
Your projects are great with it, but what makes it better and more expensive then the rest? (It's hard to tell in the pictures).
Very cute – glitter AND burlap. I love the combination!
XOOX
Jen
Your Joy Banner came out fabulous! Love the combination of the glitter with the burlap! So chic!
Cheers!
Tinaa
LOVE it! You did a fantastic job! Thanks for adding your creativity to the DIY holiday party! I love your projects.
Roeshel