'Tis the Season Banner & Printable

Banners.  How do you feel about them?  Do you like them?  Are you sick of them?  Do you have a million of them?  Well, last Halloween I finally got around to making one.  It took a bit of time, but I really like how it turned out.  I was even able to keep it up for Thanksgiving and Christmas because I switched out the colors and lettering.  

Disclaimer#1:
The collage directly below is made up of the pictures I took this year (I have learned a thing or two about photography lately).  I don't have the banner put together this year due to the fact that half of it is in storage packed away nice and safely.  I did manage to round up the parts you see below, but not all of it (why was it not all in the same box?  I need to work on my packing skills).  I do have to say I like the new look the wreath gives it.  
  

Disclaimer #2:

The sad picture below is the only one I could round up of the banner put together in all of its blinds-opened-and-bright-sunshine-behind glory.  At least you can get an idea of what it looked like fully assembled.

HOW TO

Each letter of the banner is made of four layers.

Layer 1: accordion folded circles (6" in diameter)

Layer 2:  red card stock ruffled circles (4" in diameter)

Layer 3:  white paper circles (3" in diameter)

Layer 4:  red card stock letters (2" tall)

First, I made the accordion folded circles.   I used old pages from a book to make them.  Katie over at Katie Stories has a great tutorial on how to make accordion circles.  She uses a scoring board (on my Christmas list this year) for hers, but  you don't need one.  I just eyeballed my folds.  All your folds may not be exactly the same, but it's pretty forgiving.  I also used ink to distress the edges a bit.

Layers 2, 3, & 4

Next, I used red card stock to cut out ruffled circles from my Cricut Preserves Cartridge.  After they were cut out, I spayed them with Cherry Bomb Krylon Glitter Blast.  The glitter blast is amazing!  If you've had trouble with spray glitter in the past, you have to try this.  I promise you won't be disappointed.  I found it at Michaels.  It is a bit pricey, so look for a 40% off coupon to use.

By the way, spraying the card stock ruffled circles proved to be a bit tricky.  I laid them on a big piece of cardboard to spray, but the force of the spray made the card stock blow around.  I found that a rolled piece of tape on the back of the card stock helped keep it in place on the cardboard while I sprayed.

I then cut circles out of white paper and put the lettering on last.  I used my Cricut Storybook Cartridge to make the letters.  

I glued each layer together with a dot of hot glue (Velcro would be even better) and it was easy to remove the layers when I changed the banner for Thanksgiving and Halloween.  Then I punched holes in the top of the accordion circles to thread the ribbon through 

Layers 1, 2, & 3 with extra green ruffled circle behind

The 'Tis the Season' part was made just the same as the 'SEASON' letters.  I did print out 'Tis the Season' on my computer, then cut it out.  I also added a green ruffled circle (7" in diameter) behind the accordion circle.  Then I put red glittered sprigs (from Michaels) behind the 'Tis the Season to add a bit of depth and texture.

 Now, I realize not everyone has a Cricut, so I thought I'd make up a printable for the lettering on my banner.  You can print them out on white paper and then cut them into circles.  If you don't have a paper punch to cut out the circles you can always use a clear glass to trace a circle around the letter and then cut it out with scissors.

  Once you've made this banner you can use the accordion circles for any other banner.  Just use a different color of ruffled circles and change the letters.  I did black and 'SPOOKY' for Halloween, then brown and 'GATHER' for Thanksgiving.  Happy bannering!

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P.S.  Did you know Better Homes and Gardens has really cute and festive desktop wallpapers?  They have them for every season.  Go check them out and find one for your computer.  I love adding bits of Christmas (or any holiday) anywhere I can- it helps me enjoy the season to the fullest.  I use my computer ALL the time, so it's fun to have a holiday reminder every time I turn it on.  The only problem is choosing just one.  I may have to change it weekly (or maybe even daily) throughout the month. 

Linking to these parties.