The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of banners are the intricate heraldic banners that you can find when perusing a renaissance fair. They come in all different colors, shapes, and sizes. Some banners symbolize the name of a particular family while others display the profession of a particular person.

In today's date, we commonly see banners used to advertise products, to welcome home a loved one or to announce the birth of a baby. Take a few moments to think about all the different ways you have seen banners used around your town. How would you incorporate these ideas into a banner on your next project? Just remember to have fun with it and to put your own unique twist on this hot new scrapping trend.

Just a Note by Julie Detlef

Supplies: Paper: Upsy Daisy Designs, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Ribbon: May Arts, Pearls: Kaisercraft, Ink: Tim Holtz (Ranger Industries). Tools: Electronic Cutter: Silhouette (QuicKutz), Stamps: Pink Persimmon.

Design Notes: I stamped the banner stamps on the same color cardstock, but used different inks and patterns. I also inked the edges of the pattern paper and cardstock for a distressed look. I cut the large scalloped oval on my QuicKutz Silhouette. I then folded it over the top of the card.

Everything Goes Better With Cake by Danni Reid

Supplies: Paper: Prima Marketing, Dear Lizzy (American Crafts), Cardstock: Papertrey Ink, Chipboard: Dear Lizzy (American Crafts), Alphabet Stickers: October Afternoon, Stickers, Buttons: Dear Lizzy (American Crafts), Glitter, Glitter Glue: Martha Stewart Crafts. Digital Supplies: Kit: Adelaide and Amelia by Christine Honsinger (Scrap Artist), Software: Adobe Photoshop Elements.

Design Notes: Create 4 x 6" card from cardstock. Create background in Photoshop, slightly smaller than card, print. Adhere background to card. Create banner by cutting the banner strip from the patterned paper, adhere to top left. Adhere chipboard banner on each of the patterned paper banners. Adhere sticker above banner. Glitter the cake flowers, let dry, adhere to card front using mounting tape. Adhere chipboard frame to patterned paper, layer on cake with mounting tape. Adhere chipboard heart & flower burst & flair to frame. Apply mini market sticker sentiment around chipboard frame.

Hi by Diana Brodeur

Supplies: Paper: Dear Lizzy (American Crafts), Studio Calico, Cardstock: American Crafts, Stickers: Jenni Bowlin Studio, Twine: Studio Calico, Pen: Martha Stewart Crafts.

Design Notes: After creating a layout, I like to use my left over embellishments and scrap papers to create a card. It's a great way to use up the rest of your scrapping supplies.