Handmade banners and flags are perfect plant accessories for events. In just ten minutes, you can create fun, memorable decorations that will make your party a hit or ighten your day.

• Craft paper
• Twine or emoidery thread
• Large sewing needle
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Wooden dowels
• Craft glue

Step 1

Using craft paper and scissors, cut several shapes for your banner; shapes smaller than 2 inches look best. For more interest, cut different shapes -- such as triangles and hexagons -- and mix them together, or cut letters to spell a festive word or saying. After you’ve cut out your desired shapes or letters, use a hole punch to add at least two small holes in the top of each shape. Leave enough room between them for a stitch. Tip: Create a large, intricate shape or word by punching a few small pairs of holes along the top.

Step 2

Using a sewing or emoidery needle, thread your shapes onto a piece of twine. For visible stitches, begin by threading your needle up from under the first hole punch; to hide the twine, simply thread your needle from over your first hole punch.

Step 3

Tie each end of your completed banner to a wooden dowel. To prevent slipping or untying, place a drop or two of craft glue (or super glue; whatever you have handy should work) on each knot. Tip: Try tying multiple, coordinated banners to a single set of dowels for an exciting, layered effect. Now you and your plants are ready to party!