Gammy Is . . . A Celebration Banner.

Oh boy, its been a long time since my last post. But, is breaking three bones in your hand a good excuse? Everything takes longer AND hurts. Even now, I hunt and peck with one hand . . .whew!

I wanted to share an easy, but sweet gift to make for someone you are celebrating in your life. The idea originally stemmed from a blog tutorial I came across before I ever started blogging. I have no idea where I found it, but if you recognize the basis of this project from somewhere else, please let me know so I can link to it. That original post was done with fabric flags. I wanted this version to be easy, as we had only markers and construction paper at our disposal.

In this project, you communicate in few words one special thing this person means to you. In this case, it was my kids’ Aunt Gammy, who turned 75 this summer. Gammy is . . . silly, beautiful, incredible, the grammar police, etc . . . Kids from age 2 to age 14 participated in this project.

Materials
Construction paper
Markers
Glue stick
Long piece of ribbon or string (long enough to hold all your flags spaced a few inches apart).
Scissors
Creative kiddos
Someone to celebrate

1. Cut “flags” out of construction paper, approximately 5×8", one for each child participating, and one extra for the front flag.
2. Fringe the bottom of each flag (either you do this or the child depending on their age and ability to handle scissors).
3. Fold approximately 1 1/2 ” of the top of the flag over (this will be glued over the ribbon or string).

4. Have children decorate each flag with one or a couple words that completes this sentence “GAMMY (name of person being celebrated) IS . . . ). Use whatever you have to decorate: glitter, markers, stickers, paint, jewels, etc.
5. Make the first flag the beginning of the sentence and then order the other flags from there (for example, oldest to youngest).

6. Have kids each glue their flag on the line by folding top flap over the ribbon and securing with a glue stick.
7. Have a ceremony where the kids line up and share their word with the celebrated.

Here is the version my family did initially for their Pappy with embroidered fabric flags.

I think this project would be great for Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, retirements, or for no particular reason at all. Its sure to bring a few chuckles or tears. . . have fun with it!

Well, slow-going here due to my lame fingers. I’m hoping for a speedy recovery. Anyone know how to knit with one hand?