Playing Card Valentines Day Banner

This Valentine's Day banner made from playing cards is so easy. I love how the simple design makes a big impact. I was challenged by another blogger to take an idea from Pinterest and make it my own. This fun banner (and a Minions version is the happy result.

In preparation for this post, I scoured Pinterest to find something to try. It took me about 30 seconds to find and fall in love with the Valentine’s Day Heart Cards Garland on Happiness is Homemade. Then, I found the cutest greeting card made from a playing card, and I knew I had to combine the two!

Ready to get started?

Here's what you'll need:

• The heart cards from 1 or 2 decks of playing cards. (One deck for each garland, and preferably two different styles.) You only need Ace - 10.
• A hole punch
• Fabric scraps (mine are ¾" x 11")
• Baker's twine or string
• Heart cutouts (You can download the cutting file from here, freehand cut your own, or use heart-shaped stickers.)

Directions:

1. Punch two holes in the top of each card. Be careful! There is a top and bottom to playing cards. Pay attention to the center heart. I didn't, and I ended up with two upside-down cards. (Bonus points if you can spot them!)
2. Cut your fabric into strips. (Depending on the width of your bunting and the pattern you choose, you'll need 40-50 strips. I used 46.)
3. Glue or stick on your heart-shaped embellishments. I only used the cutouts on every other card. I chose the odd-numbered cards because they all had hearts right in the middle.

4. Measure and cut enough twine to cover the length of your mantel plus some extra for the banner to hang down, and string the cards onto the twine.
5. Tie on your fabric strips between the cards. How many you use really depends on your mantel and your own taste. I used two strips each before the first card, after the last card, and in between each card. Looking at my finished product, I think I could have used three fabric strips between each card to make it look more full. It's your banner, so be creative!

6. To attach the fabric strips, make a loop with the fabric, and slide the loop under the twine as shown. Tuck the loose ends over the twine and through the loop. Adjust the ends so that the right side of the fabric is showing and tighten by gently pulling on the loose ends while holding onto the twine. (Your ties should look like little neckties.)
7. Attach your banner to the mantel, and spread out the ribbon and cards until it's just the way you like it. I know you are wondering about the best way to attach the banner to the mantel. Good question. I used scotch tape, but I'm sure someone out there has a genius solution. I'd love to hear about it in the comments!

If this traditional banner is too tame for you, go ahead and spice it up with some character playing cards.

My kids got some Despicable Me playing cards for Christmas, so we just had to make a banner for them, too! (Don't worry. I photocopied the cards. They would never have forgiven me for punching holes in their new favorite "rat slap" cards.

If you've never heard of Rat Slap--in fact, I think it's called Egyptian Rat Slap--it's a card game my kids love. It involves being the fastest to "slap" specific cards. As to what it has to do with Egyptians and rats--I have no idea!

What do you think? The kids are pretty enamored with it, and I'll admit, it sure makes me smile! There's just something about those silly minions that makes me happy.  We strung the banner across the kids' storage lockers, and they're happy campers.

For more great Valentine ideas, crafts, and recipes, be sure to follow my Valentine Idea Exchange Pinterest Board.

While you're here, be sure to check out some of my ideas! Images below are linked to posts. Just click on an image to visit a post.