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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Banner Letdown.

Back in September I was bitten by the banner bug.  I couldn't help it.  I came across some unorthodox fall fabrics and couldn't fight the urge to turn them into a "thankful" banner to hang across our mantle.

I started by cutting out some letters that I printed out on computer paper.  I had the entire alphabet printed out and filed away from when I made a banner for my sister-in-law's baby shower.


Then I taped the letters down to some brown felt that was also left over from my prior banner.  {Taping the edges down allows for much easier cutting.}

 


I cut out enough letters to spell out "be thankful", but I scrapped the "be" and just went with "thankful" due to the length of all the letters together.  {Ignore the cup rings on the tray...I will be re-finishing it soon.}


With the letters completed, I turned my efforts to the pennant part of the banner.  I used another stencil I previously printed out.  I taped that down too and then cut out all of my flags.


After all of that...it was time to glue.  I pulled out my Tacky Glue and used a couple drops on each letter to glue the felt to the fabric.


Then I searched in my supplies for some left over brown ribbon to hold everything together.  I cut the ribbon to size and glued the flags to the ribbon.


Once everything was dry, I hung it in place...


...and was immediately disappointed.  Hubby really liked it, but I wasn't sold.  I kept it up for a week or two hoping it'd grow on me, but I just wasn't a fan.  Fortunately I did like the hounds tooth fabric as a runner on our console table.

Here it is looking all spiffy with some new owl friends.


And here is what our mantle has been looking like for most of the fall...sans banner. :-/



Even though the banner was a fail, I'm still happy I tried it out...especially since it allowed me to take part in the Dare to DIY (Be Thankful) Link Party that is being hosted by the amazing Michelle, Kim, Chelsea and Rachel!


Maybe I'll have more success with a Christmas banner.  And at least this party got my butt moving to show off our fall mantle before I switch it out for all things mistletoe come this weekend! ;)

32 comments:

  1. I think the banner was cute. But obviously my opinion doesn't matter. :P I'm dying over those owls. Too much cuteness. Thanks for joining the Dare to DIY. I still consider your banner a success. :)

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    1. Hahaha...oh come on, your opinion is the only one that matters! {Well yours and Ike's, obviously.} Thanks! :)

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  2. Really cute projects! I love the funky fabrics you chose for the banner. And your mantel is seriously cute! Love it all together.

    Thanks so much for linking up. Truly appreciate it.

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    1. Thanks so much, Kim! :) Thank you for hosting the party!!

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  3. The houndstooth fabric is really cute! At least you still get to incorporate it into your fall decorations. Although the banner looked great!

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    1. Thanks Jess...it's definitely one of my favorite patterns!

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  4. I love that you are hella honest about not liking it! I think it turned out well but if you aren't feeling it, you just aren't. I have a million projects like that! Props to you, but I feel sure that the Christmas banner will be a success.

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    1. Thanks so much! :) Fingers crossed for the Christmas one HA!

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  5. Totally understand when something just doesn't suit you, especially when you have to look at it everyday, but I think it turned out great! Glad you shared it too - these banners are easier to make than I thought they were. I might try one now ;)

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    1. Thank you, Amelia! Yes...they are definitely a do-able project! I'm so glad you stopped by! :)

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  6. It was super cute! But I totally understand when something just doesn't feel right! Love your mantel! It's gorgeous! :)

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  7. Your mantel looks amazing. I love the colours! The banner was cute but when you don't like something it just doesn't work. I've had a few projects like that so I can relate. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  8. I can't believe you didn't like it! I think its really adorable, but totally understand when something just doesn't feel quite right. Happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. I had such high hopes for that project, but oh well!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family too! :)

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  9. I think it looked good. And points for taking the time to make something yourself. I also find that even if a project of mine does not turn out the way I want it, I have still learned a lot that I can use in my next project! Love the houndstooth fabric too :) and the owls.

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words! I'm glad you stopped by! :)

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  10. I totally considered this a success too! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  11. I think the banner turned out cute, but completely know what you mean when the execution doesn't quite measure up to the vision in your head! But how sweet that your husband liked it! Mine just kinda looks at me and shakes his head with a comment like, "good thing we have a "SPRING" banner hanging across the radiator cover (my faux mantel) just in case we forget what season it is ..."

    :)

    Linda

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    1. Thank you, Linda! Hahaha...I get that reaction every once in a while. ;) So glad you stopped by! :)

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  12. I don't know how I missed this post. I think the banner is really cute! Either way your mantel is really pretty; I can't wait to see the winter version ;)

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    1. Thank you, Kelly!! So far, I'm definitely loving our Christmas mantle! :)

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  13. I have never made a banner. I thought yours was cute but I like the look of your mantle better without it. I even think we have the same silver candle holders!

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    1. You should try...they are pretty easy to do. I agree...there was just something about it I wasn't a fan of.

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  14. Your blog is really amazing with all the bits and pieces of information I can share with my friends and followers. Thanks and more power!

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  15. this may be a stupid question....did you just use scissors to cut out the letters? they look so nice! thanks! erincyoung(at)yahoo.com

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    1. Not a stupid question at all! Yes, I just used scissors to cut things out. It's a bit of a pain (in the hand haha), but it's worth it! :)

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