Birthday planning can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to. Just a few small touches can go a long way – starting with a DIY birthday banner. (Check out my FREE birthday banner download at the end of this post!)
Celebrating a birthday is not a competition, even though Pinterest often makes it feel like one. The point is to have fun. And that is what I want to help you with.
I love birthdays. I mean, I really LOVE birthdays.
I love picking a theme and creating lots of pieces to go along with the theme. I love trying to create things that will make the birthday person feel special and I love the beauty of it all. For parties, I also love trying to create things that will make the attendees feel special, too.
Now, I fully realize that I am somewhat crazy unique in my love of birthdays. I get it, not everyone fully embraces doing all these things to decorate or create a theme. And that’s where I come in. I want to make it easier for you to create a special celebration.
A basic birthday celebration can feel special with just a few decorations: a birthday banner, table topper, and wall/ceiling hangers. Today we’re only talking about the banner. One of the first (and still one of my favorite) banners I ever made is the circle banner.
This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read my full disclosure policy.
DIY Birthday Banner Supplies
- Free file (found at the end of this post)
- Cardstock
- Scissors
- String, yarn, or ribbon
- Hole punch
- Embellishments (glitter, glitter glue, jewels, ribbon, etc.)
This banner is a simple circle with one letter inside. String them all together and you have a message banner. In this case, the message is birthday, but it’s versatile so it can be used for anything.
Style
The design is basic but the elements you choose will dictate the style. Even if you don’t pick any visual elements except paper with a letter inside a circle, this banner can feel whimsy, elegant, strong, fun, robotic, western, etc. Different font styles will create a different feel. Same words, but a completely different vibe each time.
Take that basic banner and jazz it up with different paper colors or patterns. On top of that, you can embellish each circle, which would change the banner even more. You see how something simple can become something elaborate.
Font
The font you choose will determine style. If you don’t have many fonts, there are some great Web sites like Dafont, Font Squirrel, Font Space, and Google fonts. (Lots of the fonts are free!)
Paper
The paper you choose is the next thing that will set the style. I strongly recommend using heavy weighted paper like card stock. (Regular paper weight like printer paper will be too flimsy.)
Warm, rich colors will be elegant. Bright colors will be fun. Pastels are perfect for a softer, sweeter feel. Think about the mood you want to create and choose a paper based on that.
Embellishments
If you only have plain white paper, don’t fret! You can still make a great birthday banner with a few little embellished touches. Glitter, glitter glue, sequins, buttons, jewels, fringe, etc.
I would like to point out that the joy of lazy crafting means you can let go of that need for perfection. Enjoy the process of crafting and see the beauty in your finished project. All of your guests are going to love your banner.
Hanging Your Banner
Hanging Your BannerTo hang the banner you can either punch a hole in the top center and use string or yarn, or you can clip each circle to a string with small, colorful clothespins. (I found mine at the dollar store.)
If you sign up below to access my free files, you will gain access to 3 different file types: SVG – a customizable file which can be used with a cutting machine like Cricut, Brother, and Silhouette; PDF, so you can print and cut; and a Silhouette Studio file complete with registration marks so you can customize the file yourself.
Versatility is why this diy birthday banner is one of my favorites. If you make a banner, please share a photo or video of it with me by emailing me at hello@lazycrafting.com.
Happy (lazy) crafting!
