We’ve all seen it. From children’s birthday parties to your best friend’s sign night, themed banners are in. These hand-made decorations can elevate any event and are way easier to make than they seem.Â
Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, graduation party or just a small celebration, a custom banner adds a thoughtful, social media-worthy touch that even Amazon decor can’t match. Here’s your guide to creating the perfect piece.
Start With the Right Materials
No, you don’t need to be an artist or the most creative person on Earth to make a beautiful banner. Some basics include:
- Poster paper, butcher paper or bulletin board paperÂ
- Acrylic paint or paint markers
- Pencils
- Painter’s tape
- Ruler (for spacing)
Sketch Before You Paint
This makes the process a whole lot easier. Lightly sketch your lettering and designs before committing to paint. Mapping out spacing ensures the message stays centered and proportional. If you need to find the middle, lightly fold your paper in half to find the center point.
Quick Tip #1:
Not confident in free-handing the font? You could always print out letters, trace them or use a projector for an outline. This is the key to any cute banner and will make achieving that clean final look a breeze.
Pick a Color Scheme
Thoughtfully select colors that match your theme. Two to four colors is the sweet spot. Most importantly, make sure they fit the overall vibe of the event. Think soft pastels for a baby shower, bold primaries for a kid’s party or chic neutrals for a graduation. The goal is to mix fun and cohesiveness to create the perfect banner.Quick Tip #2-
Want your letters to pop? You can always make all the letters white first and then paint over them or outline them in a contrasting color to create a contrast that captures every eye in the room!
Add Personality
Don’t be afraid to make it your own! Sparkle your accents with glitter paint, layer different textures using sponges or different brush strokes, include drop shadows for a 3D effect, etc. Similarly, small illustrations like stars, bows, hearts or balloons can fill up space and bring together the banner. The best banners are the ones that are completely you. Don’t forget, a little detail goes a long way.
Let It Dry
I know it sounds silly, but allow your banner to fully dry before hanging or moving it. I’ve been a victim one too many times of wanting to see my poster up before it was done. Try not to forget that rushing this step can ruin hours of work. If you’re short on time, a hairdryer on cool can help speed up the process.
So, grab your brushes, play your favorite music and get ready to create your perfect banner that’ll show your creativity and love and be the centerpiece of your next event!