Happy Birthday Banner {Toy Story Style}

One of the many things I love about my readers is how incredibly supportive you are!  When I revealed Little Man's Toy Story party theme along with the invitations I made, you showered me with ideas!  I searched and bookmarked each and every one. A sweet reader of mine sent me a link to this lovely Toy Story-themed cardboard banner on Etsy.  Thanks a million!

I completely fell in love with the banner, and was determined to make my own. It was one of the first projects on my to-do list.  And I must say:  It's kind of my pride and joy.  

The best part about this banner is anyone can make it using some cardboard and a little bit of paint!  I used recycled cardboard boxes (from all of my hubby's work shipments he receives almost daily) to create this entire banner from scratch.

I started out by using some thin cardboard to cut out my the letters.  I actually save the cardboard that comes with my photo enlargements at Costco.  I used this thin cardboard for the letters, plus a few cereal boxes.  I just free-handed the letters... nothing too fancy!  The imperfect look gives it a certain charm.  I painted my letters using white acrylic paint.

Once the letters were dry, I distressed all of the edges with distressing ink.

I got my hubby involved with the next step!  I had him use a razor blade to cut out 13 rectangles to back all of the letters in "Happy Birthday."  Thanks for your manly muscles, babe!  I used acrylic paint to paint these, too.  I painted some plain brown, red, and blue, using the colors from Toy Story.  I also painted some yellow/red plaid to look like Woody's shirt and a few white/black like Woody's vest.  Again, I just free-handed my patterns.  I'm not an artist, but I loved how it turned out!

After gluing the letters onto the backings, I just arranged them in a kind of jumbled way.  This is so perfect for my Oopsey Daisy style!

I tried using E-6000 to glue my letters together, but they kept popping up.  Hot glue did the trick!  How I love my little old hot glue gun!

Last but not least, I strung the letters together with twine by hot gluing felt loops over the twin on each letter.

I hung it over my awkward ledge, secured with nails.  Voila!  It really set the tone for the whole party.  I must say:  Once I put this all together, I was so proud, I was taking pictures on my phone and sending them to my hubby!  I really and truly LOVE how it turned out!

The banner was a hit at the party!

More party crafts and details coming...