Thankful Banner

Thanksgiving holiday is a natural way to bring up the topic of thankfulness, what blessings are, and what we are thankful for at this point in our lives. I decided that my children and I would create a thankful banner to use as a Thanksgiving decoration and as a visual reminder of the things we are thankful for this year.

Supplies Needed:

Banner template
Pattern paper
Craft glue (this is a little stronger than white glue)
scissors
twine, yarn,  or ribbon
straws for each banner piece
crayons, markers, color pencils or other art supplies for decorating

First print out a banner template for each person decorating. I printed mine out on white cardstock for better durability. Each family member will be using the white banner to create their own thankful banner piece.  Next use one of the cut-out banners as a template to trace onto pattern paper of your choice. I picked two different patterns and cut out four pattern pieces. My goal was to have a pattern piece and custom-designed piece alternating.

Have each family member design their own “What I’m Thankful For..” banner piece.

Next you will fold the top part of the banner. Place a straw in the crease of the fold. Apply craft glue along the top edge of the paper and fold over the straw. I use craft glue because it has a stronger bond than white glue. You can use white glue, but you’ll have to hold the paper in place longer for the glue to set.

Once the glue is dry, your straw will be all wrapped up in a paper pocket.

You’ll notice that from the front the straw and the folded paper show. This isn’t very pretty, so you will just cut that portion off, using the edge of the banner as a guide.

Once you have all your pieces, you will string them together with a piece of twine, ribbon, or string. The straws make this part a breeze because the twine can easily thread through.

I alternated each custom-designed piece with a pattern piece. This project is very versatile and can easily be changed for any season or theme. Right now every time I walk into my living room I am reminded of all my blessings and smile.

Maureen is a former elementary school teacher who now has a classroom of 6 at home. She blogs at Spell Outloud sharing toddler activities and homeschool highlights.

Staff Writer

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