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“Joy” Banner Tutorial

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!
 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!

Miss Mustard Seed

Marian Parsons 

Paint Enthusiast | Writer | Artist | Designer

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34 Responses

  3. 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!

  8. 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!

  9. 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

  14. 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

  16. 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

  20. 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

  22. 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

  29. 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!

  30. 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.

  31. 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).

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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