A long time ago, I pinned this beautiful cake I’d come across by Sarah at Signe Sugar. I loved it so much, it inspired me to create this paper banner version. I had no idea how to go about it, so I just jumped into cutting, bending and gluing. Once I got the hang of it, it came together pretty quickly. And, if you mess up, it’s just paper – –  so just cut another piece and keep moving forward!

Materials needed: card stock or heavyweight paper, ruler, x-acto knife, bone folder, scissors, glue, string, mini hole punch.

Step 1: Begin by cutting several strips of 8″ x 3″ paper.  To create tall, narrow letters, keep the inside pieces small. For example, for the “H,” begin with two 8″ x 3″ strips, and cut a 2″ x 3″ piece for the inside center piece.
Step 2: Draw a line of glue on the 3″ side of the small center piece.
Step 3: Attach it at a 90 degree angle to one 8″ x 3″ piece, about 2″ down from the top. Hold for a few seconds until the glue sets.
Step 4: Draw a thin line of glue on the top of the 3″ center piece, and gently attach another 8″ x 3″ strip, matching the first 8″ x 3″ strip. Continue in this way for the H, A, Y, I, T, H, A, and Y.
Step 5: For letters that have curves, begin with your 8″ x 3″ strip. For the “P,” take a second strip approx. 7″ x 3″ and, with your bone folder, gently score a crease 1/2″ from the top. Fold gently 90 degrees. Flip this strip over and score 1/2″ down from the other end.
Step 6: Apply glue to the top of the creased strip.
Step 7: Glue the creased strip to the outside top of the flat 8″ x 3″ strip.
Step 8: Apply glue to the inside of the second creased 1/2″ fold. Gently bend the “P” shape and attach to the 8″ x 3″ strip about 3 1/2″ inches from the top of the letter. Press and hold for a few seconds. Continue in this way with the B, R, and D.
Step 9: Punch holes 1/2″ down from the FRONT top of each letter, on both left and right sides of the letter.
Step 10: Punch holes 1/2″ down from the BACK top of each letter, on both left and right sides of the letter.
Step 11: Line up your letters and thread string through each FRONT top hole of every letter.
Step 12: Thread string through each BACK top hole of every letter.
Step 13: Carefully hang the banner, adjusting the letters and the string to get the right tension and placement of the letters. Enjoy!