Upcycled Patriotic Blue Jean Banner

Happy Thursday and welcome to the patriotic edition of CRAFT LIGHTNING!  Today I am sharing my 15 minute Upcycled Patriotic Blue Jean Banner, perfect for the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations!  

Hosting this week of quick and easy crafts are three of the most creative women I know - Angie from Country Chic Cottage, Carolina from 30 Minute Crafts and Laura from Me and my INKlings! PLUS there are a couple of dozen other designers linked up and sharing in the FUN!  Inspiration for DAYS!

Now, on to my project:  Upcycled Pariotic Blue Jean Banner

STEP ONE - Create a Template

I am always saving ordinary, everyday objects and upcycling them into craft projects and home decor items, so this project started out with the cardboard backing from a junior legal pad, which is 5" by 7".  Measure up 2" from the bottom and 2 1/2" in from the side to determine the center.  Draw a straight line with your ruler from that center point out to each corner.  Cut out with scissors to create a quick banner template that you can use over and over again!

STEP TWO - Create your Banner

Measure and cut an 8" length from an old pair of blue jeans.  Open the fabric flat by cutting up the seam.  Now, my jeans are boot cut, so they were wide enough that I could get three banners from one 8" section, but cut your old jeans up as needed.  Trace three banners on the inside of the jeans with a permanent marker.  My favorite is the Tombow USA MONOTWIN Permanent Marker because it has a broad tip for projects like this and a fine tip for drawing and doodling.  Plus there is no funky odor! Cut out the banners with scissors. 

STEP THREE - Remove Wrinkles

I like upcycled projects, but they should not be wrinkled, so smooth the blue jean banners with some spray starch and an iron.

STEP FOUR - Add Letters

JOY SA is a great source for embroidered letters, numbers and symbols that can be found at Michael's and Joann.  I selected the self adhesive red and white Collegiate 3" letters for this project. Since they are self adhesive, all you have to do is peel and stick, no ironing!

STEP FIVE - Add Trim

Measure and cut three 5" sections of white ball fringe to top each banner.  Attach with Tombow USA MONO Multi Liquid Glue, making sure to run a small bead down each cut edge, so the trim does not fray.  Then attach a 35" piece of white ribbon to the back, leaving 2" between banners and 8" on either end.  I like to use a woven type of ribbon for this such a gross grain or cotton twill tape for durability.

STEP SIX - Embellish

The final step is to add some festive ribbons between the banners.  I used what I already had in my ribbon stash, cutting 8" lengths and tying them in a knot between each banner and on each end. You could also add textured yarn, tulle and metallic fibers for some bling!

Here is a close-up shot of each banner, click to enlarge.

 

Now it's time to dash around and see the patriotic crafty, food and lifestyle projects that all of the other designers have shared this week!  Simply click on the CRAFT LIGHTNING icon below to be INSPIRED!

Thanks for stopping by!

Creatively, Beth