How to Make Door Hangers

Door hanger designs.

The most common door hangers are "Do Not Disturb" signs hanging on hotel doorknobs. Door hangers can also be used to welcome people, ask them to keep out or simply add a little sparkle to a door knob. Make door hangers for the bathroom, bedroom, front door or anywhere else there's a knob.

Things You'll Need

• Fun foam
• Pen knife
• Paint pens
• Glue

Instructions

1. Set up your shape. Get a piece of paper that is at least 10 inches long and 6 inches wide. Sketch the shape for your door hanger with a pencil. Sketch a hole near the top where you will insert the doorknob. Make sure the hole is at least 1 inch from the top and sides, and large enough to accommodate a doorknob. Cut out the sketch and place it on a doorknob to make sure it hangs properly.

2. Cut your foam. Place your paper outline on top of a piece of fun foam. Use a pen knife to cut along the outside of the shape. Cut the hole where the doorknob will fit. Place your fun foam door hanger on a doorknob to make sure it hangs properly. Make sure the door can open and close and the hole is large enough for the doorknob.

3. Write your text. Decide what you want written on your door hanger, if anything. Options include "Keep Out," "Welcome," "Beware All Ye Who Enter Here," or your name, nickname, fun slogan or anything else you'd like.

4. Choose illustrations. Pick an illustration or two that matches the text. "Keep Out," could be accompanied by a skull and crossbones. "Welcome" works well with a dog wagging his tail.

5. Sketch your design. Trace your door hanger on a piece of paper, including the hole for the door knob. Use a pencil to write out your text and sketch your illustrations. Play with it until you have a layout that works.

6. Translate your design onto the door hanger. Use paint pens to reproduce your design on the door hanger. Glue on any extra adornments, such as beads, glitter, charms, fun foam shapes or whatever else you desire.

Tips & Warnings

• Design two sides so you can flip the hanger, depending on your mood. Fun foam works because it is lightweight and easy to cut. Most craft stores sell it or you can purchase it online (see Resources). Some stores even sell fun foam door hangers with the shape already cut. Instead of fun foam, you can make door hangers out of thin plastic, thin metal or any other lightweight material on which you can paint or draw.

Resources

• Fun foam
• Pre-Cut Foam Hangers