Google+

Friday, January 31, 2014

DIY Rustic Olympic Banner

Easy Olympic Games Decoration {for Kids or Adults}!

Get into the Olympic spirit with this simple craft

 

While I'm not going win any medals (chuckle, chuckle: pun sooooo intended) for accuracy with this project, it was fun and SUPER easy, and does its job to convey the general theme of the Olympic rings. I used a drop cloth for the banner/background of the rings, but technically, the background of Olympic rings should be white. As you can imagine, there are a lot of specifications when it comes to the creation and usage of the official Olympic symbols, but I'm bending the rules a little with this project :) So bear with me!








Some cool things I didn't realize about the Olympic symbols (from The Olympic Museum): "The five rings represent the five continents. They are interlaced to show the universality of Olympism and the meeting of the athletes of the world during the Olympic Games. On the Olympic flag, the rings appear on a white background. Combined in this way, the six colours of the flag (blue, yellow, black, green, red and white) represent all nations. It is a misconception, therefore, to believe that each of the colors corresponds to a certain continent." I was not aware of any of most of that! Very cool info to pass on to the kiddos. And after that quick lesson, you can take part in a cool multi-sensory activity!


 

How to Make a DIY Vintage & Rustic Olympic Banner 

 



I created this out of a drop cloth and acrylic paint, but it would be a super easy to do with kids as a lesson about the Olympics. You could even use paper or felt to make it a little more kid-friendly (and cheaper if you're doing it on a larger scale).

The process is probably easy to figure out by looking at the pics, but just in case, here's how you do it:
  1. Determine how big you need to make your bunting triangles by creating "trial" rings. Once you've figured it out, cut out the desired number of triangles. I used 7 in mine. I cut mine out using the hemmed side of the dropcloth, creating the illusion that I actually did some sewing :)
  2. Using your tissue paper rolls, stamp your rings onto the fabric.
  3. Using a hot glue gun, attach the triangles, evenly spaced (mine are 4" apart) to twine or ribbon.
  4. Hang, enjoy, and "Let the Games Begin." Go Team USA! Er, or Canada, or England, or Australia, or wherever you're visiting from today :)


]
 



It's super simple and adds a fun, festive touch to your decor. Plus, it's a great learning experience for the kids! Hope you like it! Oh, and bonus points to anyone who can find the stray Craisins that made their way into one of the photos :)





Are we connected yet? If not, let's start sharing together! Find me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

Featured On:
Made in a Day

20 comments:

  1. Kristen, I love this idea!! So perfect for teaching the kiddos about the Olympics and getting some craft time in as well. Thanks for the great project! - Bre @ Average But Inspired

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Bre! It was a lot of fun... now I'm going to have to make good on my intentions and replicate it with the kids this wknd!

      Delete
  2. Great idea and the kids could do this too! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Anita! Glad you like it! My kids are definitely into it!

      Delete
  3. How neat and thorough is your review and instructions , I learned something also, why the rings are the color they are. I was not aware of the reason why. I think this is a fun project for our grandchildren to do and neat using tissue paper rolls to make the rings of a uniform size and shape, thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Dorothy! So glad you like it! Perfect to keep the grandkids busy :)

      Delete
  4. So adorable - I love that there's no sewing involved! I'm pinning this. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! Yeah, I had originally planned to use the sewing machine, but I was glad to be able to work it out without it! Thanks again!

      Delete
  5. Really cute idea! I mad a pennant banner for my son's room one time and loved it so much, it is there to stay! Love the idea. Something so simple too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know the feeling! I made one last fall, and now I'm sort of obsessed with how cute they are and I keep trying to think of ways to incorporate more! Thanks so much for stopping by!

      Delete
    2. Awesome banner idea to celebrate the Olympics!! :)

      Delete
  6. This is so awesome! I need to make one for our family. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My kids are definitely into it! Now I'm trying to think of an Olympic-related activity for them to do during the Opening Ceremonies tonite!!

      Delete
  7. I just love your Olympic banner, so much I featured it on my blog for Olympic Party ideas. It is so perfect for a party! Kari

    http://thesweetestmemoryblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/12-olympic-party-ideas-kid-friendly-fun.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Kari! I Can't wait to check it out. And LOL bc I did think about throwing an Olympic party just bc I was so in the spirit... but I haven't gotten organized about it, so I don't think it will happen this year!

      Delete
  8. What cute banner! Love it! Stopping by to let you know I will be featuring you tomorrow on Made in a Day! Thanks so much for linking up!
    Kim

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Kim! If only I could wear your cute featured button around my neck and step onto the podium with it ;) LOL I made myself chuckle at least.

      Delete
  9. Practical and am sure the kids would enjoy with all the colors, brilliant idea!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Emy! Watching the Closing Cermonies now, so we'll soon say goodbye to the banner for another 2 years!

      Delete
  10. argh! Saw this one week too lage! I love it!

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.