I decided to make a War Banner for Team Valor this weekend. It turned out pretty good I think and has been getting our local Valor group a lot of attention.
How to make your own (if anyone cares):
Materials and tools needed - * 2 yds red canvas cotton fabric * 2 x 1/2 inch diameter PVC pipe, cut to 2' * 10' collapsible tent pole (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Z10D16/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) * ~5ft black paracord * 1" curtain grommet kit (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001K69DJC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1) * 1 can black spraypaint * 1 20"x30" foam board * Large print out (~20" x 20") of team valor logo * Xacto knife * Power drill * ~1/4" carbide drill bit * sewing machine (I used this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0021L931S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
How to Make: * Cut fabric to the desired size. I used 2' x 5'. Lengthwise you will need to allow an extra 1/2" on each side for the hemming. For the width, allow an extra 4" on the top and bottom for the hem which will wrap around the PVC pipe. * With the extra fabric, cut out a 4" x 12" rectangle. * Fold this rectangle on top of itself to make a 4" x 6" rectangle. Sew this together and hem the sides. * Take the grommet stencil from the grommet kit and place it on the small fabric piece. Mark the fabric using the stencil and cut out a hole. * Align the grommet pieces on each side of the hole and snap them together. * Hem the large fabric from step 1 with a 1/4" hem on the sides * Hem the top with a 2" hem * Using pins, prepare to hem the bottom with a 2" hem also. However - take the grommeted rectangle of fabric and slide/pin it into the hem directly in the center so the grommet will hang out of the hem. * Hem the bottom + attached grommet piece. Make sure to go over this with some strong stitching or go over it multiple times - This part will be subject to heavy winds and will need to be durable. * Slide the PVC into the top and bottom and stretch it semi-tight. Measure/mark where the PVC ends. * Hem again on the top and bottom along this line so the PVC will be tightly wrapped by the fabric. For me, this was roughly 1 3/8" * Lead a length of paracord through the top PVC pipe and tie it off to itself * Now it's time for the stencil. Attach the Valor logo print out to the foam board with tape. * Use the Xacto knife and carefully cut along the logo borders, all the way through the foam, until the cut out is complete. Don't forget to save the little piece of Moltres' beak as it is not attached to the rest of the image * Move to a ventilated or outdoor area. Lay the banner down and lay the stencil on top. I placed mine in the center horizontally, but offset a little bit vertically. * Take the little piece of moltres' beak. Fold a small piece of scotch tape over on itself so it will be double sided. Attach the beak with this tape to the banner in its correct spot so it's aligned with the rest of the stencil * Spray paint over the stencil and remove the beak and stencil when the paint is dry * Securely clamp the tent pole so that you can drill into the top. There is a small dimple at the top where the aluminum gathers. This is where we will be drilling. * Using the power drill and carbide bit, drill a hole through this small dimple in the tent pole. * Almost done! Take the banner and slide the grommet on the bottom over the top of the pole. * Insert the paracord through the drilled hole at the top and tie it off * Rally your Team Valor bros and lead them into war!!!