Vintage inspired Christmas decor is my favorite. This banner mimics one I found at a thrift store recently, in that it was made of felt and dowel rods. But it had been painted on and had images of bells and candles. I wanted something a little more fitting with our decor, so I settled on something graphic but simple. The hardest part was settling on lyrics that would fit the alloted space but once I had it was a piece of cake.
1. Supplies: You'll need about 1/3 of a yard of felt (found at chain fabric stores) for the banner, 2-3 squares of felt for the letters, two dowel rods about 12" long), a bit of yarn to hang it (12-15"), clear tacky glue, scissors, and this pdf Download Felt Banner. 2. Cut your banner to measure about 11.5" x 36" and tie your yarn or twine to each end of one dowel. Place the dowel at the top and glue the top edge over it as shown. Repeat with the bottom dowel minus the yarn. 3. Cut out your PDF letters, place them wrong side down on the felt, trace, and cut. If you're doing a different set of lyrics, I suggest cutting strips of felt as wide and tall as you want each row to help you get consistent sizes. Place them on your banner until you get it just right. 4. Glue each letter down one row at a time to keep things in line. Allow about 10 minutes or more dry time before hanging. Note: If your felt is wrinkled, place a tea towel or t-shirt over your felt and iron on a low heat setting.
It's an inexpensive way to add some holiday cheer to your walls no matter what the sentiment but could easily be styled in black and white with something inspirational or used as a felt board with alphabet cut outs for kids to make their own words or picture stories. Felt is kind of the best. Enjoy! - Rachel
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So simple, but really effective! LOVE IT :)
Posted by: Bethan | December 17, 2012 at 12:35 PM
This is a really cute idea! It would be great to give as a gift. The only tough thing would be storage, I'm wondering when, if you tried to roll it up to put away, would the letters come off?
This seems surprisingly easy and good for last-minute decor.
I really love this site, nothing on here would take forever to make and would be quickly & easily cleaned up.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Mary | December 17, 2012 at 12:35 PM
This looks really lovely, Rachel :) I enjoy the quirky little letters. What a cute, inexpensive idea! x
Posted by: chantilly | December 17, 2012 at 12:41 PM
Omg. I LOVE felt (http://www.chasingthere.com/2012/12/christmas-craze-felt-ornaments.html = proof) so I'm DEFINITELY doing this!
Posted by: Tyler Anne Snell | December 17, 2012 at 12:44 PM
This seems easy to make and really fits the festive theme! This idea definitely can be applied into different projects. Love it
http://www.feminine23.com
Posted by: Feminine23 | December 17, 2012 at 12:50 PM
that's really cute! I might want to make one myself....
Posted by: sophie | December 17, 2012 at 12:51 PM
Super cute! Definitely a Rachel made project!
Thanks for sharing.
xx Allison
http://www.thrifted.ca
Posted by: Allison | December 17, 2012 at 12:53 PM
This is adorable! It reminds me of the felt banners my Mom used to make for our church that we hung during advent. :)
Posted by: mandy @ this girl's life | December 17, 2012 at 12:55 PM
Such an awesome idea, I love it! It seems like a great gift idea too, I might have an attempt for a friend I am visiting next week!! Thanks for the inspiration, always!! XX
Posted by: Lola @dressupwithlola.com | December 17, 2012 at 12:57 PM
This would also be perfect for my small apartment, and wouldn't take up much storage space.
Posted by: Rachel | December 17, 2012 at 12:58 PM
Lovely, looks like it wouldn't take forever to do either, just lots of concentration
http://ahandfulofhope.blogspot.co.uk/
Posted by: Helen | December 17, 2012 at 01:05 PM
Such a doable and adorable DIY! Thanks for the awesome inspiration!
www.beautyandbows.com
Posted by: Star White | December 17, 2012 at 01:08 PM
Fun! What a great way to bring some Christmas to your house if you don't have much room (like me in my tiny apartment)
Posted by: tara | December 17, 2012 at 01:09 PM
I love this idea! And it turned out very good. I will try to make something like this for our hall way.
Cheers,
Ana
Posted by: Ana | December 17, 2012 at 01:09 PM
Cute! This would be a perfect decoration for a dorm or a small apartment! So festive :)
neha
http://nehamade.blogspot.com/
Posted by: neha | December 17, 2012 at 01:12 PM
I love this! I wanted to try doing something like this but mine would not look this cute.
Posted by: jennifer | December 17, 2012 at 01:14 PM
What a great idea, I have to try it! I really think you have the coolest DIY ideas!
http://thehonestfox.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Chianne Hood | December 17, 2012 at 01:21 PM
This is such a cute idea! Adding it to my DIY list!
Posted by: Sara | December 17, 2012 at 01:23 PM
Waaaow this is great
Posted by: Elcin | December 17, 2012 at 01:32 PM
WOW! so happy when i clicked on this post, love this diy, thanks for sharing ABM team! and happiest early christmas to you all!
xo, t.
Posted by: tiffany | December 17, 2012 at 01:44 PM