By: Erin McDonough

Any good party needs a banner and it doesn’t have to take up a whole wall! I love making a mini banner to elevate any party table décor. You also don’t need any fancy tools or a cutting machine to make it super cute and easy. Follow along in this tutorial!

Materials Needed:


Step 1: Cut Your Cardstock

To begin this project, first use your 2-inch punch tool (or scissors) to cut the cardstock paper into uniform circles for each letter that will be used in the banner. I wanted mine to say “Happy Birthday,” so I punched out 13 punches for the 13 letters we will be creating.

Step 2: Add Lettering to Each Circle

Next, it’s time to add a letter to each of your circular pieces of cardstock. I wanted this mini banner to be bold and colorful to match my rainbow party theme so I used Mildliner Brush Pens and Zensations Technical Drawing Pens for this project. The Mildliner Brush Pens come in a variety of soft, beautiful colors so there’s plenty of options.

Step 3: Outline the Lettering

To make your lettering stand out, use the Zensations Technical Drawing Pen (in any size) to outline each letter. I also added a little drop shadow to make it POP!


Feel free to use a variety of colors, especially if you choose to replicate the rainbow theme that I’m using for this project.

Step 4: String Together the Letters

Next, punch single holes in each of the letters so you can string them together.


Step 5: Assemble the Banner

Next, take the twine or ribbon and string it through the holes you created with the hole punch in each of the letters, assembling the banner in the correct order. You can use glue dots to keep your letters in place if you are so inclined.

Step 6: Hang the Banner

Finally, it’s time to enjoy your work! Hang up the banner or drape it on a table to add some flair for your next birthday party.

For more party-planning inspiration, check out 4 DIY Napkin Tags Perfect for Spring.