ChubCatArt | Encouraging imagination in every day life

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Tips for Creating A DIY Halloween Banner

Drawing has been my form of therapy to relieve my anxiety. The ability to create something from scratch out of my two bare hands has been immensely helpful to re-focus my energy in my work, rather than being consumed with worry the whole day. I find that when you’re focused and motivated, you are able to explore your own individuality and create things of your own.

Making your own halloween decorations can be fun and exciting. You can draw whatever you want and use colors you love in your decorations. You aren’t restricted to just drawing pumpkins and ghosts - you can mix other characters and elements into your design. Add a splash of your personality and whatever inspires you too. If you can’t draw art, you can also mix and match colored construction paper and perhaps even challenge yourself by switching up the drawing medium to felt paper. The choices are truly limitless.

Since I am most comfortable using Procreate and cardstock paper, this is what I use to create my Halloween banner.

Once I have all my images drawn out to scale in Procreate, I bring them into Pixelmator on my computer to fit them into a letter sized canvas. If you have white color along the edge of your image, set another color such as light gray as the background so you can easily see where to cut later.

I add the two “X”s where I will later use a hole puncher to punch openings for the banner string.

I review all the images and make final adjustments before printing them on cardstock paper. Remember to properly set your printer to take cardstock paper and switch it back to plain paper when you’re finished printing.

The above are three tools I used to make my banner. I used a cotton fabric orange string to prevent the printed imagery from sliding or moving when they are hanging in the banner. The cotton fabric adds friction and secures the print without the need to add tape in the back. Use sharp scissors to cut the print out and use a hole puncher to make your banner holes.

Have fun with your decoration designs! It is incredibly rewarding to craft something of your own that fits your style and personality. I hope making your own decorations help reduce some stress and anxiety for you. Your final designs don’t have to be perfect, just be proud you were able to do it and make the banner in the first place. With some time and experience, you can refine your process and improve your techniques.

If you don’t have time to make your own Halloween banner, feel free to use the five-piece banner set to decorate your home.

Links to the PDFs are right here:

Halloween Banner - Set 1.pdf

Halloween Banner - Set 2.pdf

Halloween Banner - Set 3.pdf

Good luck and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you post a photo or story!

XOXO,