Make a banner in six weeks

Over the next few weeks I will teach you how to make a church banner. It seems like a lot of work. But remember, my favorite saying is “Anything is easy, when you know how.” Break down a job into smaller manageable steps and you can accomplish anything.

I will show you how to . . .

· Get a design. There are lots of different ways to get your idea out of your head and into a form that you can use to make a pattern. Try these.
· Make it the right size. When you any design it is rarely the right size. Learn several different ways to take your small sketch to something that you can see clearly from 100 feet away.
· Organize your work now to save time later. Time spent now makes sure you won’t be slowed down later by mistakes or by overlooking something important.
· Make your pattern. You say you never made a pattern before? No problem. Just follow these easy steps. My favorite pattern making material is readily available and may surprise you! You can buy it at any fabric store.
· Go shopping. It’s time to find the fabrics. Whether you shop online or in town, I will tell you what fabrics work well and why. Can you combine silks and cottons, specialty fabrics and quilting cottons? Of course you can, with a little know how!
· Prepare the fabrics. You found them, now prepare them. Not all fabrics are created equal. Learn how to make your fabrics easy to work with.
· Assemble the subgroups of the design. Work your design in smaller subgroups to keep it easy. Use this technique and enjoy the process.
· Assemble the entire design. Your design is coming together in full size. It is beginning to look great!
· Use embellishments and threadwork to complete the design. Your design is almost complete. Explore the possibilities with some simple embellishments of fabric, beads, or cording. Will threadwork enhance the design? Find out here.
· Prepare the mechanics. Everyone needs a little support now and then . . . this design does, too. Hanging vertically puts strain on fabrics. Learn how to support your banner.
· Label and document your work. What are the three things every label needs? How do you get this information onto a label? I’ll show you several different ways to make an easy and permanent label.

Remember, any job is easier when you break it down into smaller tasks.
Just take it slow.
Here’s some important advice I give all my students:

• If you make a mistake or get stuck walk away.
• Go make yourself a cup of tea, read the mail, or pet your cat.
• Give yourself some distance and do something nice for yourself.
• Then come back to the project. Often a solution will surface. If it doesn’t just ask. Post your questions here in the comments section. We’re here to help.

Keep it fun. This project is meant to be rewarding and satisfying.
I hope you have a great time following it.

If you have any questions, please ask them.
Do you have a different way to accomplish the same task? Share it with us.
Love to hear from you.
Enjoy!