1940's Retro Patriotic Banner DIY
1940's Retro Patriotic Banner DIYYou saw it on the Patriotic Mantel Decor Ideas. You saw it on the Holiday Decor Double Duty. This little banner is going places! I love Americana decor so when I came across this “Authentique Honor” paper the idea for a Retro Patriotic Banner was born! The bonus is that it's super easy!
- Level of Difficulty: EASY
- Time Commitment: 2 HOURS {or 6 hours if you have kids}
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Materials Needed for Retro Patriotic Banner
- (2) Sheets Cut Apart Scrapbook Paper 12×12, Authentique's “Honor” Collection: Die Cut Crafts, Etsy. I found mine at “Mom and Me Scrapbooking” in Salt Lake City, but if you don't have easy access to a scrapbook store you can get the 9 design, 16 page Collection from Die Cut Crafts on Etsy. {One sheet gives you 12 designs. I used two sheets of paper}
- (4) Sheets 8.5×11 Cream Cardstock: Papercake Designs on Etsy. 80lb cardstock
- (5) Sheets 8.5×11 Navy Cardstock: Cut Cardstock on Etsy. 80lb cardstock
- (3-1/2 Yds) Navy Organza Ribbon, 1/8″: This 50 yard spool is a ridiculous price on Amazon
- (3-1/2 Yds) Red Organza Ribbon, 1/8″: Amazon
- (4 Yds) Wired String with Raffia Bows, Ivory: Swoon Party Shop on Etsy
- (Varies) Red Stain Ribbon, 1/4″: Amazon {measure overal length and add extra for ends}
- Heavy Duty Single Hole Punch 1/4″: Office Max
- Heavy Duty Rotary Paper Trimmer: Amazon
- Scotch Multipurpose Spray Adhesive: Amazon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cut Apart
Cut the “Cut Apart” into the 12 different retro pin-up card pieces. I trimmed right up to the red edge. I use a heavy duty paper trimmer and I can't tell you how much I LOVE this thing!! I've used it multiple times a week for nearly 5 years and am only on the second blade. It cuts everything from wedding invitations to gift tags, and they come out perfectly. I got mine on Amazon and use it ALL the time.
- Optional: I found another great design in Authentique's Heroic Collection that would complement this banner if you wanted to use one of each and alternate them.
Step 2: Cream Cardstock
Add the first cream layer of backing. I like using 80lb cardstock for banners so they are rigid when they hang so beware the super inexpensive papers as they are typically too lightweight. I LOVE spray adhesive and use it on most of my project, but I don't love the mess it makes.
*PSA: Beware the overspray is nasty. Spray outdoors on cardboard if at all possible. If you must spray inside, lay pieces on clean paper inside a large box or garbage can to contain the overspray. You must have full coverage to get proper adhesion.
There are two ways to glue & cut:
- Good Enough: Adhere the pin-up cards onto the sheets of cream cardstock leaving an approximate 1/8″ border on the edge of the cards. Then cut the cards making the cream border even side-to-side and top-to-bottom. This is for those of us that like to eyeball things.
- Perfectionist: Cut the cards first to 3-1/8″ x 4-1/8″ and then glue the cards on using the spray adhesive method previously mentioned. This is for perfectionists, or those that don't “eyeball” well!
Step 3: Navy Cardstock
Same as previous step, but with the navy cardstock and a 3/6″ border. The perfect ending size should be 3-1/2″ x 4-1/2″.
Step 4: Hole Punch
Use hole punch to cut 1/4″ holes in top corners of each finished card. You will be punching through 3 layers of thick cardstock so the cheapo hole punches will either hurt your hands, or not cut a clean hole. I like this one from Office Max after you get the hang of lining it up. {you can't see the cut, which is the only drawback}. Keep the hole inside the actual vintage card so it doesn't accidentally get too close to the edge. If it does you run the risk of tearing it which is a big bummer. If you DO tear it, simply add clear tape on the back side, wrap around to the front just enough, and recut the hole a little further in. That'll reinforce it a bit more.
Step 5: String
String all cards in whatever order you'd like onto the 1/4″ satin red ribbon. I just used the order they came on the sheet! The overall length of the ribbon required depends on your particular space. I spaced my cards pretty close together {approx 1/4″ space at top} to fit all 24 of them across my mantel. {wanted 2 of every image!}. There's a great deal for 100 yards of 1/4″ Red Satin Ribbon on Amazon and then you can make it any length your little heart desires! Leave enough to hang down on both sides.
Step 6: Tie it on
Make sure cards are spaced the way you'd like them and add the finishing touch. You need 25 total ties. If I have a limited amount {2-1/2 cut yards, for example} I measure and cut all my lengths evenly so I am sure to have enough. There's NOTHING worse when projecting than running short at the very end. Each piece will be just over 3-1/2″. If you have large rolls, you don't have to be as careful but they really shouldn't be much longer or they interfere with the ability to see the vintage cards. I cut the navy organza ribbon into 25 pieces, and the red organza ribbon into 25 pieces and then tie them both TOGETHER centered between each card.
Then I add the darling wired ribbon with miniature cream colored raffia bows! You only use 4 bows per tie so it goes pretty far. If you feel like that's a little short you need to bump up your quantity to 4 yards and use 6 bows per tie. You have to use even bow numbers because you will now tie it over the blue/red knot and that blank space between bows helps it lay properly. I bought a whole roll and found myself using it for vintage baby showers, rustic home decor, etc, but you can find it by the yard for a great price at Swoon Party Shop on Etsy.
Step 7: Hang it up!
Hang it up and enjoy the 1940's Retro Patriotic Banner that you made all by yourself!! A good pat on the back is in order. Now snap a photo and send it to me at Halfpint Design. And let me know how it went. I'd love to hear all about it in the comments.
If you aren't loving Americana style, please send it to someone who is! Thanks for sharing the adventure with me. For additional Memorial Day, 4th of July, Veteran's Day, or Patriot's Day decor, also check out our Patriotic Mantel Decor Ideas.
Until next time,
I enjoy making paper banners like this! They are simple and fun! I’ve never used the spray adhesive though so thanks for the mess tips!!