Wooden Happy Birthday Banner

Every year for Aaron's birthday, I used to make a paper happy birthday banner. It was time consuming and only lasted a few hours before it was curling in on itself and falling apart. A few years ago I decided to remedy this problem by making a birthday banner out of wooden letters. Using paint I'd accumulated over the years and a ball of twine from the closet, I was able to construct a cheerful, celebratory sign that will last for many birthday's to come.

I love the use of simple bright colors when it comes to birthday decorations. Maybe because it reminds me of childhood, but the color combination has always put me in a jolly mood. The bright letters are contrasted by the rustic, neutral twine. Lightly sanding the edges of the banner gives it a homey, broken-in feel. I love this birthday banner because it reminds me of good times and eating delicious cake!

Here's how to make it:

1. Buy the wooden letters at your local craft store. You can usually find them in a variety of sizes and styles. 
2. Using a hand drill attached with a 1/3-inch drill bit, drill holes into the tops of each letter.
3. Paint the letters in your favorite colors.
4. Lightly sand the edges of each letter.
5. Measure a length of ribbon or twine to attach the letters to.
6. Thread thin twine or ribbon through the holes in the letters and tie them to the long piece of twine.