How to Make a Paper Plate Banner

I love making party banners out of scrapbook paper, and I have made lots of them over the years. (Like the ones here and here and here and here!)  For Princess’ explorer party I really wanted to make a cute bunting using an old map, but the paper just didn’t seem sturdy enough, particularly for a party that was supposed to be held outside. Wind does not do pretty things to paper banners.

Then I stumbled across this cute idea on the Chinet website and had an epiphany:  I could make a paper plate map banner that would have enough substance to hold up outside! It was a snap to throw together, and I will definitely be using this idea again for our next outdoor gathering!

Here is what you need:

paper plates (one per letter)

smaller plate or lid to trace (it should fit just into the flat part of the paper plate you are using)

old road atlas or scrapbook paper

contrasting paper for letters

scissors or cutting mat (or a cutting machine such as Cricut or Silhouette)

glue

hole punch

ribbon or jute twine

Step 1: Trace your lid or plate onto the map or scrapbook paper.

Step 2:  Carefully cut out map circles. I traced once and then cut all 7 circles at the same time.

Step 3:  Glue map circles onto paper plates.

Step 4:  Cut out letters from contrasting paper. I just free-handed mine, which worked out fine (and was very quick.)  If you wanted fancier letters or a specific font you could use a Cricut or Silhouette machine, or you could print out the letters from your word processing program, cut them out, then trace them onto your contrast paper.

Step 5:  Arrange letters on plates & glue in place.

Step 6:  Punch holes in the top third of each plate, then string ribbon or jute twine through the holes.

Step 7:  Hang it up and you’re done!

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What’s your favorite handmade party decoration?