Trendy Tuesday – Banners and Flags

 Trendy Tuesday – Banners and Flags
By Colleen Harshaw

When it came time to begin my research for this article, I didn’t have to look very far!  The Freebie Friday post over at the Paper Crafter’s Library blog this week has a prize pack of Echo Park paper and embellishments from their Springtime line. It contains some beautiful papers along with banners and flags, ready to go!  Echo Park is one of many companies who are jumping on this very trendy bandwagon, and offering us a selection of banners and flags to use in our crafting.

It seems that banners and flags were found at every turn at CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) Winter 2012.  That is what I read anyways…..I wasn’t fortunate enough to actually attend the show myself…..sniff.

See below for a cute scrapbook page created by our very own Keren Baker from the Paper Crafter’s Library.  Keren created three different design team projects for the month of April (you can see them posted over at the Paper Crafter’s Library blog), and I would be neglecting my duties if I didn’t point out the fact that all three of Keren’s projects included a banner or flag in some form!  How is that for staying on trend?!

Scrapbook page created by Keren Baker for Paper Crafter’s Library

In this gorgeous sample of a layout, Jill used Echo Park supplies as well.  The line is the This and That Collection – Graceful.  It looks like Echo Park has a lot of good options if you are looking for flags and banners, folks!

Page created by Jill for www.scrapbook.com

Next, we have a card sample created by Tracy Wegener.  She used some of that Echo Park Springtime paper that was up for grabs on Freebie Friday for her sunny sample!

Card by Tracy Wegener for Paper Crafter’s Library 

This cute little card was created by my friend Joanne, from over at My Favorite Things.  She used MFTs Die-namics Stackable Fishtail Flag dies to create those background flags in the pink and yellow patterns.  You can find out more about those dies in the supply list at the end of this article.

Card by Joanne Basile for My Favorite Things 

Nancy, from The Cat’s Pajamas, used some little flags in a very creative way for this masculine card.  Check out that shirt collar!

Card by Nancy Thomas for The Cat’s Pajamas 

I found this card sample over at The Cat’s Pajamas as well.  Those girls have been busy using their flag dies!   The nice thing about thin metal dies is that you can use them in so many different machines.  If you have a Cuttlebug, a Big Shot, a Side Kick or a Wizard….you are pretty well set!

Card by Amy Sheffer for The Cat’s Pajamas

This sample shows how you can use a large sized flag to create a tag.  Isn’t it cute?

Tag by Joanne Basile for My Favorite Things

OK, so here comes the good stuff!  The list of suppliers who sell the tools to make your own flags and banners, as well as a list of the ready- made stuff, for those of us who don’t have the time (or inclination) to make our own!  Just stick with me….you will be glad you did!

Little wooden fish tail flags from Jillibean Soup
Photo courtesy of www.CreatingKeepsakesBlog.com

Heidi Swapp flags from Pink Paislee
Photo courtesy of www.CreatingKeepsakesBlog.com

Flags from BasicGrey
Photo courtesy of www.CreatingKeepsakesBlog.com

Echo Park Springtime Collection
Photo courtesy of Paper Crafter’s Library

Now, if you don’t want thin metal dies, stamps, paper OR stickers, I still have one more option for you!  For all of you digi scrapbookers out there, www.designerdigitals.com actually offers a digital banner template!

Digital Banner Twine Template
Photo courtesy of www.designerdigitals.com

So, I think it is safe to say, that no matter what type of paper crafter you are, when it comes to banners and flags, there are definitely options!  You really have no reason not to give this fun trend a try.  Oh, and don’t forget to post your projects in an online gallery so that others can be inspired too!