DIY Happy New Year Banner

I have to admit that New Year’s Eve is not my favorite. Even when there is not a global pandemic there is pressure to focus on resolutions and it can be tricky to drive with all of the partying going on. But I do love vintage New Year’s Eve party goods. I even made my own vintage noise makers. And I also love creating “something” from “nothing” by using what I have around the house to make something I might otherwise buy. Like a vintage inspired party banner. Here is how to make this DIY Happy New Year Banner with recycled newspaper and materials you may have on hand.

So, with just a few materials like construction paper, newspaper, streamers, paint and glitter you can create a party banner for any occasion.

Supplies:

– Construction paper
– Cardboard packaging like a cereal box
– Newspaper
– White craft paint (optional)
– Glitter (optional)
– Streamers
– Glue
– Scissors
– Sewing machine or glue to attached streamer

First you are going to spell out your lettering in pencil on the construction paper. I use block lettering that I free hand. You can print out lettering or use a stencil if you want. Also you can use a ruler but I find that just cutting with your scissors is good enough. My lettering is about 6-1/2″ tall.

Next you are going to cut out your lettering. If you keep the lettering simple this part goes pretty quickly.

In order to give the letters a bit of stiffness glue them down to the cardboard and let dry.

I added glitter to my lettering to give it a vintage feel. You can totally skip this step if you want.

Once you have all your lettering glittered let them dry. In the meantime you can prepare the background for your banner.

Since I am using newspaper for the background it is a bit dark against the letters so I am painting the newspaper with some white craft paint. Using my lettering to spell out the phrase I measured out how many folded sheets I needed for the width and also trimmed the newspaper so that it is 1-1/2″ taller than my lettering. Since you will be fringing the newspaper it is best to use the folded edge for more body that will be created from the double layer.

After the newspaper has dried you can fold your streamer for the top edge of the banner. Fold enough to extend the length of your banner.

I have sewn my streamer to the top of my newspaper but you can also glue it if you prefer.

With a scissors cut strips into the newspaper stopping 1″ from the bottom of the streamer to get the fringe affect.

Glue your letters onto the background above the fringed area. Make sure to leave a space between words (I almost didn’t do this.)

Finally let the glue dry. You can add some tape and string for hanging on either end of the banner.

I love the vintage feel of the party banner and even though it is recycled paper I will be saving this to use as long as it will last. I hope you try making this DIY Happy New Year Banner.