How to Make Banner Signs

Light up a special occasion with a bold banner sign

Are you waiting for a loved one to return from military duty, or is a friend's promotion so exciting the world needs to read about it in capital letters? You need a banner sign--a big, bold thumbs-up that shouts words of congratulations. You could grab markers, a stencil and white shelving paper or go a step further and make the banner on your computer. Uplifting messages of cheer are always in short supply; do your part to broadcast the glad tidings.

Things You'll Need

• Roll of white or light-colored shelving paper
• Strips of canvas fabric (6 feet x 2 feet hemmed)
• Stencil package with oversized letters
• Pencils for tracing
• Markers or paint
• Fabric paint
• Bias tape strips (8 yards to hang a cloth banner)
• Software (MS Word, page layout program or banner making)
• Plotter-type printer

Instructions

1. Make a banner sign on a tight budget. Find the largest stencil on the crafting market and use it to trace your message onto any type of shelving paper with a pencil. Long rolls of white stock hold up well to markers or paint and while it may take a big supply of marker ink to color in your bold message, your effort is sure to delight the honoree.

2. Create a permanent banner by using strips of hemmed canvas as your background. Apply the same technique as described in Step #1 by transferring stencil outlines to the fabric, then filling in the message letters with paint made to be used on cloth. Allow plenty of dry time. To hang this type of banner, stitch double strips of bias tape to each of the four corners and find a couple of trees in close proximity to display your sign.

3. Employ technology and your own expertise to make your banner. First, calculate how your printer will output your banner sign. Is it large enough to tackle a 6-foot-long paper feed or will you have to make the banner from sections of 8.5-by-11 inch paper? Once you do the math, set the type on your computer, add graphics if you have color output, then produce the banner in one smooth printing or in sections. Use double-sided tape to hang the banner from an appropriate wall and let the party begin.

4. Get professional help with your banner by creating it on your computer, then uploading it to an instant print shop in the area. Again, you'll have to do a little math here to design the sign so the printer can enlarge it to meet the proportions you're seeking. Say you want a 6-foot banner that's 2 feet high. Design the banner to be 12 inches long by 4 inches high. When the printer receives your art, all they have to do is increase the size of your file 6 times and your banner will be exactly the size you seek.

5. Purchase banner-making software to add more sophistication in conjunction with your printer. This banner-making method will give you the most bang for your buck if you're attempting to make a banner that will be used repeatedly (e.g., your child's softball team needs a victory banner to fly on multiple occasions so it needs to be able to stand up to time and weather). Install the software and follow directions to design the banner and then upload it to the printer's website or burn a disk and take it to a printer capable of outputting vinyl material.

6. Design a noteworthy banner sign even if you don't know a thing about the other methods described here by going to a website that prompts you through easy-to-use templates to produce professional-looking results. MakeSigns.com and SignQuick.com offer color, font, text and design tips so it's virtually impossible to ruin your project. Additionally, PaperDirect® offers 13-oz. weather-resistant 52-by-29 inch vinyl banners that include grommets and rope for about $30, telephone [phone].

References

• Make Signs
• Paper Direct
• Sign Quick

Resources

• How to Make Banners