Monday, June 17, 2013

"One Nation Under God" hanging banner...

Independence Day is just around the corner, so I made a patriotic banner for my (conveniently) red front door.  I used my favorite part of the Pledge of Allegiance as inspiration...


It's part of the Red White Blue series at Sugar Bee Crafts!
Sugar Bee Crafts Red White Blue
{Be sure to check out the other patriotic goodness.}

Back to the banner...

This project requires a little straight line sewing and an easy freezer paper stencil.  Here are the supplies you'll need:

2 pieces of canvas cut to 11.25"x 14.5"
12 inch craft dowel
fabric paint
freezer paper
free template
xacto knife
twine
printer & sewing machine

Start by cutting your two pieces of canvas to 11.25 x 14.5 inches.

Then cut a notch in the bottom by making a mark in the center of your fabric 1.5" from the bottom...
...then cut from that center mark down to each corner.

Now sew the pieces together using a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving the top open for turning.

Clip the corners, turn right side out, then press well using a hot iron.

Next, fold the top down 3/4" and sew straight across to create a pocket for your dowel.
(Yes, I left that edge raw.  It's not really going to get much wear-and-tear and I'm lazy.  But feel free to serge it or fold it down 1/4", then 3/4" to encase the raw edge.  This will add bulk, though.)

Now for the stencil...
(If you've never worked with freezer paper stencil before, check out this tutorial for tips.  It should answer most questions you might have.)

Download the template HERE.

Cut a piece of freezer paper 8.5" x 11" and tape it to a regular sheet of copy paper (shiny side down) and load it into your printer so the design will print on the freezer paper.
If it smears, don't worry.  It won't matter.

Cut out the design with an xacto knife.
(Make sure you reserve the center pieces of the O's, A, D and R.)

Then iron the stencil to your canvas banner.

Now paint in each shape with your fabric paint.  It may take two coats.  (You may also get blue paint all over your thumbnail trying to peel the little foam seal-thingy off the top of the paint bottle...)
Since my door is red, I did black lettering with blue stars.  But you could easily do red and blue instead.

Peel off your stencil and let the paint dry.
Then tie on some twine or string for hanging.

Now display your hanging banner on a door or wall...wherever you please.

In Utah, we have two July holidays--Independence Day on July 4th as well as Pioneer Day on July 24th (to celebrate the founding of our state).  It kind of turns into a month-long patriotic celebration, so this baby will be on my front door until August!

5 comments:

  1. so fun! I love a good freezer paper stencil project... I may have to copy... I mean "use" this idea.. its adorable! I just popped over from sugar bee... I'm also part of the red, white blue series today... so fun!!Emily @ Nap-Time Creations

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  2. Very cute! I love how simple it is but it makes a statement too! My favorite kind of project.

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  3. LOVE IT!!! Love the simplicity too! Such a cute July decoration you could use year after year!

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  4. Looks fantastic! I love that part of the Pledge too! Pinning:)
    Barbara at Chase the Star

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  5. I'm so intrigued that freezer paper can double as a stencil! I think I just found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!! This is such a great idea and I'm going to add this to my list of inspirations!!

    I'm part of the RW&B series too and am showing some love!!

    Kate @ Uniquely Undone
    uniquelyundone.blogspot.com

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