Easy DIY Peace Banner - great project to do with the kids

Original post follows this update.

Update 1/05/10 - I made several of these banners for friends over the holidays. In lieu of cards, I packaged a banner up with a personalized greeting from my family. Here is a picture of my packaging. I had a lot of fun making these and love that these banners can be left up year round.

Kim Gilmore (Eco Green Bags) used my pdf below and printed her own banner, strung it on silver cord, and packaged it for her friends. Thanks, Kim, for sharing the photo! I'm glad you tried it.

Original Post

I have a bit of a paper fetish. I think it originated when my mom taught me how to fold origami cranes when I was a little girl. I can't resist trying different paper projects. I've even been known to make my own paper using my blender and junk mail (I don't recommend using your good blender).

Jason at Rag and Bone Bindery, is always inspiring me to make new projects from paper. You may recall my origami flower post some time back or this paper punch necklace project, both ideas came from Jason. Well, he's done it again. This time, he made beautiful paper banners from old books. His various banners said "Happy Holiday," "peace" and "bah humbug." Check out his blog pictures here. [Jason, if you have any wreaths left, I still want to buy one.]

I recently came across a large stash of old choir music that was being given away and decided to try to print on the paper and make my own banner.

I was surprised and pleased to find out that my ink jet printer prints easily on this paper. I punched holes and strung the letters/triangles onto raffia ribbon. Using the word "peace", the banner can stay up year round! This is a great project to do with kids and for any occasion.

Since you may not have access to old sheet music or books, I thought I'd make a banner pdf for you to try yourself. I chose a linen background, fun font and modern shapes to feature on this banner. Simply print (be sure your printer is set to landscape), cut, and string.

Printable PDF banner letters PEA

Printable PDF banner letters CE*

Wouldn't these be great to send to your friends and family during the holiday, or give as a hostess gift?. [Spoiler alert: I'm going to make some, package them cutely, and hand them out as holiday gifts.]