Sometimes I think it’s easy to get caught up in seeing creative ideas around the blogosphere, or on pinterest, and I never seem to come up with my own original ideas anymore. I love when I do get the chance to sit down and create something out of my head, rather than from a picture I’ve seen floating around.
When I sat down to make this banner, I really didn’t have anything in mind, other than the shape of the flag and the colors I wanted to use. It just evolved from there. And I really like how it turned out.
I started by using the Cricut Craft Room, a free design tool you can download or use online, and I LOVE this program. I know I’ve mentioned this program before, but I’ve never had any kind computer program to use with my Cricut, so I’m loving it. To get the most out of my paper I used my Birthday Bash cartridge, and was able design the layout and cut the flags like this. I also used the free exclusive Cricut Craft Room cartridge to cut the bracket shape I used behind the letters.
I glued all the paper together and to give the letters a little dimension, I used pop dots behind them.
Something that I thought was really fun was using the different colors of my Stampin’ Up striped ribbon to tie to the top of each flag.
Then I strung it all together with a small cream grosgrain ribbon that wouldn’t distract from the other elements too much.I took it inside and hung it above my living room window. {This spot is almost impossible to take a picture in, so please forgive the not so great picture. :)}
This time of year is hard for me, not because I’m not thankful, but because of the memories that stir from three years ago. That was when we moved from AZ to UT (back home) which was a hard move to make, but one we knew we needed to make, and it’s been almost three years since my father passed away, so this time of year is a little bit bittersweet to me now. I’ve really been trying to have an Attitude of Gratitude this November, and there are so many things that I am grateful for! I hope we can all have thankful hearts in the season of Thanksgiving and always.
That is so cute! I hope you don’t mind–but I pinned it!
I love the shapes you used and fun ribbon detail. No matter what inspires you, anything you make has it’s own unique “Amy” stamp on it. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving.
The banner turned out really great! I too, often feel like I don’t have any original ideas. I almost feel like I shouldn’t look at other blogs sometimes but I do love the inspiration! I have been wanting to try out that Craftroom software – you just inspired me to give it a whirl!
I know what you mean about being bombarded everywhere.
I would luv to invite you to share your talent with us at
http://www.passionatelyartistic.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-2011-planner-tutorial-with.html
Our readers will enjoy discovering your blog.
Happy Crafting,
Maggie
http://passionatelyartistic.com
Hi Amy:) I feel the same way when it comes to making something no one else has made! Your banner is so cute!! Its rare that i can sit down like that and make something without an idea ive seen. I can copy but its hard to come up with things on my own lol:) Your awesome!
To answer the question you left on my blog. I got the candle stick from my grandma who passed away. No one else wanted it so i jumped at the chance!:)
Mary
This is absolutely adorable and I love more than anything the striped ribbon! I hope you can swing by our linky party at inspiredhoneybee.blogspot .. xoxo Debbie
This is darling! I love the gorgeous colors.
I love this so much that I think I’m going to do something like it for Christmas to hang on my fireplace mantle.
Oh now i want to do a banner too! Itturned out great I’d love you to add it to my link party at http://raegunwear.blogspot.com
I LOVE really a good idea!!! que de patience ….bravo
Just wanted to let you know that I featured this darling banner on my site today! Hope you’ll stop by for a look.
Jen
Scissors & Spatulas
This is AWESOME!!! I love 🙂 Must.buy.cricut. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Lauren at summitstreetjoy.com
I love banners. This is done so nicely. I like the ribbon you used on each letter. I found you through Tipjunkie! Hopen’ you visit me.:0)
Very nice banner. …thamks for sharing. Ive only made 2 banners like this begore but they havent laid flat like yours. Maybe You can describe where you placed the holes to put the ribbon through and how yours laid flat.ANY tips will help. Thanks!
Hello, I’m a first time mommy and after spending a lot of money for custom banners and decor on my son’s first bday. I noticed a lot of these etsy sellers are using cricut machines to make the banners that sell for $45! Their work is truly amazing but I’m in the market now for my own cricut machine. Is there one you suggest? I’m a beginner scrapbooker
Thank you,
Marcy
Hi Marcy,
I would recommend the Cricut Explore machine. You can cut your own fonts with it, and cut your own design files. You are also able to purchase one image to cut with it, rather than purchasing the whole cartridge. If you are interested in looking more at the machines, click on the Cricut button on my sidebar. 🙂
Good luck! They are fun machines!
Amy
I love this font! What is it?
The font is on the Birthday Bash Cricut Cartridge. 🙂
How did you tie the striped ribbon on? I’m working on a banner and I like that style. Did you put the white ribbon first and then tie the stripes to it or does the striped ribbon go through the holes?
Thanks for any help,
A fellow crafter.
Beverly York