Halloween "BOO" Banner and Instructions

A friend of mine got me motivated to try to create a Halloween banner. Here is what I/we came up with...

HOW TO:

• I used an old tag-shaped idea book from JoAnn's (each page was a chipboard tag) as the base of each coffin...I cut off the bottom corners so they would look like little coffins, rather than the standard triangle pendants used in many banners. 
• Next, I covered them with patterned paper.  These papers were not all from the same line, or even the same company.  I believe some of the papers I used were DCWV paper stacks from last fall, DCWV stack from this fall, and Making Memories. 

• I used a scalloped border punch to punch the scallop design that runs across the top portion of each coffin.  I used a 2 1/2 inch scalloped circle punch to get the scallop under each medallion.

• I zig-zag machine stitched all the way around each coffin, to ensure the papers won't peel off and the banner will hold up!
• I also gently filed the edges of each coffin with a nail file.  It gives the edges a "finished", distressed look.

• Next, I created the cute paper medallions for the center of each coffin.  Here is a link to learn how to make these medallions (sometimes called rosettes)   http://www.pinkpersimmon.com/tutorial_rosettes.html

 

• Finally, the most FUN part...embellishing each coffin!!!  I collected random bits and pieces of Halloween decorations and craft supplies from around my house.  I had to spray paint a few of the items black (like the floral leaves and the white picket fence).  I used chipboard letters to spell "boo".  I cut the "ring" off of those plastic spider rings, and used the spiders on one coffin.  I included a little plastic skull and a felt tree silhouette.  I added a plastic bat and some black bling here and there to finish them off.  You can really use your creativity and imagination to come up with some great dimensional embellishments to add to your banner.  This was definitely my favorite part!!!  I used hot glue and Eileen's Tacky Glue to adhere everything.

• Last, I punched holes where I wanted to string the lace, tied the lace into bows, and hung the banner across the hall entrance. 

The best part, I didn't have to spend any money on this project...everything came from my scrapbook stash and Halloween decoration stash!!!  Have fun creating!