How To Make a Fabric Banner - Easy Sewing & No-Sew Tutorials

A fabric banner adds a touch of color and cheerfulness to your home. You can use fabric bunting to decorate for the holidays or to celebrate a special day like a birthday. 

This post is brought to you in partnership with Fabric Wholesale Direct. While I may have been compensated, as always, all opinions are my own.

Fabric banners (also called bunting) have become a very popular decor item lately because they can be made in any color you like, it brightens up your room while adding texture and design, and the size is customizable too. Making your own bunting is an easy sewing project, especially for beginners, and costs next to nothing to make especially if you already have fabric on hand. They also make a great gift for a newborn baby, holiday present, or birthday gift for a friend. 

Today I am going to share two easy-to-follow tutorials - #1 A fabric banner sewing tutorial and #2 A no-sew fabric banner option. 

Fabric Bunting Sewing Tutorial

The sewing option I'm sharing makes a scalloped shape bunting.  It is up to you to choose the colors you want for your bunting but I was in love with this colorful cotton polka dot fabric from The Fabric Warehouse. All of the fabric I am using today including the fabric I used to make the bias tape came from the Fabric Warehouse. 

The scallops measure 4" across and 3" long when attached to the bias tape. Feel free to adjust yours to fit your needs. The free pattern pieces I used are at the end of this post. 

Supplies Needed:

• 4 cotton fabric fat quarter in your favorite colors or prints
• sewing machine
• sewing notions
• bias binding (3-4 feet long)
• scalloped bunting pattern template (below)
• iron 

Step-by-step instructions:

01. Fold your fabric right sides facing then trace your oval pattern piece onto the double layer of fabric. Insert a pin into the middle to prevent the fabric from shifting. Repeat this step for each color of fabric you plan to use. Each oval will make two scalloped bunting flags. 

02. Sew along the traced line on the fabric then cut it out leaving 1/4" seam allowance all around the oval. Fold the oval in half and finger press the center to create a fold line. Cut the oval in half along the fold line then carefully turn each half right side out and press flat with an iron. Continue repeating this step until all of your scalloped banners are completed.

03. Lay the bias binding on a flat surface and open it up to show the center fold line. Measure 12" from the end of the bias binding and begin inserting the raw straight edge of one bunting flag into the open bias binding matching up the bias' fold line with the raw edge of the bunting flag. Fold the bias tape closed and pin the scalloped flag in place. Continue inserting the bunting fabric into the bias tape at regularly spaced intervals stopping 12" before the end of the bias tape.

04. Start sewing a 1/4" seam from one end of the bias fabric stitching it closed and sewing towards the first bunting flag. Continue sewing all of the bunting flags and bias binding all the way to the other end.  

If you can sew a straight line you can easily accomplish this project in less than half an hour! I was so pleased with the results of my scalloped bunting and I know you will be too! 

No-Sew Fabric Bunting Tutorial

If you don't have a sewing machine and hand sewing just isn't your thing, no problem because you can still make a great-looking fabric banner without any fancy sewing tools. Of course, you will still need fabric and a good pair of scissors but no need for a needle and thread.

Gather up the same supplies as listed above but instead of a sewing machine and sewing notions just grab: 

• a bottle of fabric glue 
• pinking shears (optional - but helpful) 
• pattern piece 

If you have never used fabric glue - boy are you in for a treat! I love this stuff! I've used it to fix my daughter's ballet shoes when the pads started to fall out and I've used fabric glue to make a simple table runner by tucking under the raw fabric edges and gluing them down so I didn't have to sew it. 

For this no-sew banner, I chose to make pennant-style flags instead of the scallop shapes I made in the first tutorial. The flags measure 5" across and 6" long.

Step-by-step tutorial:

01. Cut out a Fold over your fabric right sides facing each other. Line up the pattern with the straight edge of the triangle along the fold. Cut out the pattern with pinking shears to prevent fraying. This will create a double-layer flag. Repeat this step with the rest of the fabric colors.

02. Lay the bias binding on a flat surface stretching it straight. Measure 12-16" from the end then begin placing your flags, folded edge first inside the folded bias tape making sure the folded edge of the flag touches the inside folded center of the bias tape. Pin the flag to the bias tape so it doesn't shift around. Repeat this step spacing the flags about 1" to 2" apart. Leave 12" - 16" of bias tape without any flags at the other end of the tape. 

03. Starting on from one end of the bias tape slightly open the folded fabric tape and run a thin line of fabric glue along the edge with a 1/4" seam allowance. Press the fabric closed with your finger. Continue running a bead of fabric glue along the entire length of the bias tape gluing the front side of each flag to one side of the bias tape. 

04.  Once the glue is dry flip the bias tape over and spread a bead of glue under the bias tape and over each flag so that each side of the flags is glued to the bias tape. Allow the glue to dry completely.

This was such a fun project and I am thrilled with the end results! I used two different kinds of fabric and each worked well. The scalloped fabric and bias tape was cotton and the pennant fabric was a poly-cotton blend. 

Here are some ideas on how to use your DIY bunting:

• Add letters like a name to the flags and attach them around a toddler's high chair for their 1st birthday.

• Hang across a window like a valence

• String a bunting outside across a porch or along the top of a gazebo.

• For a special occasion like a wedding, graduation party, or retirement you could hang it behind a picture display and even clip pictures to the bottom points of the pennants.

• Hang different colored banners across your mantel for holidays or seasons. 

I'm sure there are many more ways to display a fabric banner. How or where would you hang your fabric banner? Have you made one yet? What colors are your flags and where do you plan to hang your bunting?

 

How To Make A S’more - Plus 10 Gourmet S'more Recipes To Try This Summer

S’mores are probably the most popular summer campfire dessert I can think of. As a kid, my mom always kept a fully stocked basket of s'mores ingredients on hand knowing that they were our favorite treats to eat at a summer bonfire.

How To Make A S’more + 10 Gourmet S’more Recipes To Try This Summer

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Summer desserts are some of my favorite treats! From light and tropical to creamy and cold, desserts in the summer are meant to both cool us down and satisfy our sweet tooth.

How To Make A S’more

The traditional s’more consists of a roasted marshmallow and a square of chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of graham crackers. As you press the graham crackers together to take a bite your pallet is greeted by the delightful sweetness of the melted marshmallow, crunch of the graham cracker, and the semi-bitter flavor of the chocolate. It is just pure heaven in your mouth. 

The traditional s’more will always have a special place in my heart but I have to tell you these delicious gourmet s’more dessert recipes will challenge your old ways and hopefully give you a reason to mix things up this summer at your next bonfire. 

How To Make A Tabletop Bonfire Pit

Speaking of bonfires, if you don’t have a bonfire pit or don’t live in an area where they are allowed no worries because I am going to show you how to make your own tabletop bonfire pit that you can use instead. 

Supplies:

• 6" Clay pot like a terra-cotta flower pot (do not use a glass container)

• Small bag of river rocks

• aluminum foil

• Chafing fuel (Sterno fuel can)

Tear off a few pieces of aluminum foil, ball them up and press them into the bottom of the terra cota pot. Next, place a layer of river rocks over the aluminum foil. Then place the chafing fuel container on top of the rocks. Fill in the area around the container with the rest of the river rocks making sure the rocks don’t cover the chafing fuel lid and the fuel is level. 

All you need to do now is remove the lid, light the fuel and you have your very own tabletop bonfire pit. The clay pot will get hot depending on how long you use it so I always like to put the pot on top of a baking sheet or even a clay potholder to prevent damaging my picnic table. When you are all done with the “bonfire” just place the lid back on the chafing fuel container and the fire will go out by itself. 

Now that you have your bonfire all set it is time to try out these delicious gourmet s'more recipes. 

If you are not feeling the DIY vibe, no worries! Amazon has electric s'more makers that are cute & affordable!!

10 DELICIOUS S'MORE DESSERT RECIPES 

REESES S'MORE - Graham Crackers + Reese Cup + Marshmallow

GOURMET FUDGE S’MORE - Fudge Stripe Cookies + Fudge + Marshmallow

PEANUT-BUSTER S'MORE -Peanut Butter Cookies + Peanut Butter + Chocolate Square + Marshmallow

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE S'MORE - Sugar Cookies + Marshmallow + White Chocolate Square + Marshmallow

THE RITZ S'MORE - Ritz Crackers + Chocolate Square + Peanut Butter + Marshmallow

TURTLE S'MORE - Graham Crackers + Caramel Sauce + Chocolate Square + Marshmallow

GRASSHOPPER S'MORE - Graham Crackers + Andes Mint Candy + Marshmallow

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE S'MORE - Chocolate Graham Crackers + Dark Chocolate Square + Marshmallow

HAZELNUT HEAVEN S’MORE - Almond Cookies + Nutella + Marshmallow

SAMOAS DELIGHT S’MORE - Graham Crackers + Chocolate Square + Toasted Coconut Flakes + Marshmallow

Summer S'More Bar-B-Que Themed Party!

Are you planning a summer bar-b-que party? If you are, why not give these gourmet s’more recipes a try? Place a tabletop bonfire pit in the center of each table and arrange the toppings on a charcuterie board including recipe cards for inspiration then let your guests create their own s’more as they follow along with these recipes.

How To Make Slime - An Easy Homemade Slime Recipe

No doubt slime is a fun, easy-to-make substance that all kids love to play with. But did you know that when your child makes slime they are actually doing science? Wow, who knew that making a simple slime recipe would turn your child into a mad scientist. 

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There are lots of different recipes for slime but no matter what kind of slime your child makes, glitter slime, fluffy slime, or even unicorn slime they are all real chemistry experiments. This non-Newtonian goop is just glue (a polymer)  + an activator like borax, liquid starch, laundry detergent, or even contact solution + water all mixed together.  

Slime Science

Recipes for slime vary however the same chemical process still occurs. Polymers are materials made of long repeating chains of molecules. An activator like borax, when dissolved in water creates borate ions and these ions then help link the polymer molecules from the glue resulting in the polymer molecules not being able to move as easily making it a thicker substance which we call slime. Whew, did you make it through that condensed chemistry lesson? If not that is ok - you can still make a great batch of slime. If you have a curious kid who loves chemistry check out ThoughtCo.com for the real "brainy" science behind the slime.

Slime Do's & Dont's 

As a parent, the most important lesson to remember is NEVER put slime down the sink or any drain. It will end in a disaster (I may or may not be speaking from experience here). The slime will clog your pipes! I recommend using a disposable bowl to mix your slime ingredients into so you can just toss the bowl out in the trash when you are done. 

Today I am going to show you how to make slime with liquid starch as the activator. The recipe is simple and easy to follow using products you probably already have on hand at home. 

Don't forget to Pin this post for later - and follow me on Pinterest for more great craft and activities you can do with your kids. 

Easy Homemade Slime Recipe

• 1/3 cup school glue (Elmer's glue works great)
• 1/2 cup shaving cream
• 1/4 cup water
• 2-3 drops liquid food coloring (optional)
• 1-3 teaspoons liquid starch

Mix together the first 4 ingredients in a bowl. Add one teaspoon of liquid starch and stir for several minutes. If the slime is very runny add an additional 1 to 2 more teaspoons of liquid starch and continue to stir vigorously. Once the mixture becomes thicker your slime is ready to be handled and played with. It will be very sticky however it should become less sticky as you play with it. 

How To Make Slime Video

My daughter published a video on her YouTube channel, RianJane you can watch to see how she made a batch of slime from this recipe. 

Storing Slime

Be sure to store your slime in an air-tight container and be sure to never put your slime directly on furniture, clothing, or other fabric items. If left on a wood surface for too long you might see a watermark stain from the slime too. 

Making slime is the perfect rainy day activity for kids! Add some beads, glitter, styrofoam balls, or other textured items to your slime to amp up the sensory fun. 

What activator do you like using when making slime? Have you tried other slime recipes? I'd love to hear all about your slime adventures in the comments. 

More Fun Activities

Looking for more fun activities to do with your kids? Here are some I think they will enjoy:

Awesome Magic Paper Towel Trick 

Dala Horse Papercraft For Kids

Little Hoot Owl Craft For Kids

How To Make Flower Seed Bombs

How To Make An Easy & Simple Bird Feeder

Easy To Make Homemade Granola

Granola is the perfect breakfast food whether it is served over thick creamy Greek yogurt, sprinkled over fresh fruit, or eaten by itself. Crunchy, sweet, but not too sweet, and completely customizable to fit your preference, granola is my go-to for breakfast or even for a mid-afternoon snack. 

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please see my Disclaimer page. Thanks!

The problems I always find with store-bought granola is how expensive a small bag costs or there aren't enough of the added mix-ins like raisins, nuts, and other seeds I thought I was paying the big bucks for. This can be so disappointing and it is what led me to start making my own homemade granola. 

At first, I was a little intimidated by making my own granola but after that first batch, I was hooked! It is so easy to make and completely customizable too. Want more walnuts or dried cranberries? Done! No more barely-there mix-ins because my homemade granola is overflowing with the added extras - just the way I like it. 

Making Your Own Homemade Granola is Easy

Making your own granola is also very budget-friendly even if you add extra mix-ins to suit our tastebuds. Our family loves to eat granola for breakfast and it seemed that the store-bought bags would be gobbled up and empty in less than a day. Now that I made my own granola I can make an extra big batch that doesn't even come close to the cost of what I would have to spend for the same amount at the store and not get upset when it gets eaten up. 

Since this simple recipe has just a few ingredients I don't have to worry about what hidden or unhealthy ingredients my family is consuming. Bonus - this recipe is also gluten-free and dairy-free for anyone with those dietary sensitivities.  

Granola Basics

Dry Ingredient Options

The dry ingredients are first. The base for granola is rolled oats. It is up to you if you want to use quick cook or old fashioned. I've tried both and they both turn out great. If you are gluten-free make sure to check that the oats you are using are certified gluten-free.

Nuts are a common mix-in in most granolas. If you have a nut allergy it is ok to leave them out but if you are a nut lover like my family then the more the better. You can use walnuts, pecans, peanuts, and almonds. It is best to roughly chop them before mixing them into the oats so that chewing them is easier and the texture doesn't contain huge whole nuts. 

Here are some other ideas for mixing into your granola too:

• sesame seeds
• flax seeds
• sunflower seeds
• rice cereal (Rice Krispies)
• raisins
• dried cranberries
• dried blueberries
• dried apricots (diced)
• dried bananas 
• chocolate chips

I would recommend adding the dried fruits after the baking process otherwise they have a tendency to turn rock hard. Also, don't add the chocolate until the granola is completely cool otherwise it will become a melted mess (I may or may not have learned this lesson the hard way)!

I like to flavor the dry ingredients with good quality cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt before combining with the wet ingredients. These spices are completely optional too. If you like a little "kick" to your granola you could even add a pinch of cayenne to give your granola some heat.

Wet Ingredients Options

After you have settled on the dry ingredients it is time to work on the wet ingredients. Did you know that the wet ingredients are customizable too? Yeah! Feel free to experiment with flavors you like.

The base of the wet ingredients is honey or real maple syrup and coconut oil (or vegetable oil if you prefer). Here are some additional wet flavors you could add to this to customize your granola:

• Peanut butter
• Molasses
• Vanilla extract - or another flavor of your liking
• Carmel
• Chocolate (dark or semi-sweet)

This morning I added in molasses and boy does my kitchen smell amazing! 

By now I'm sure you are ready for the recipe so go pre-heat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and let's get started.

Here is the PRINTABLE version of this recipe!

Easy Homemade Breakfast Granola

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 1 cup rice cereal (optional)

• 1 cup chopped nuts (peanuts, walnuts, almonds or pecans)

• 1/4 cup coconut oil (or vegetable oil)

• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

• 2 Tablespoons molasses (optional)

• 1/2 cup peanut butter

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. 

1. In a large bowl mix the dry ingredients* together including the salt and cinnamon.

2. In a separate microwavable safe bowl add the oil, peanut butter, molasses, and honey. Microwave for 1 minute on high then stir. If the ingredients aren't completely melted microwave for additional 30-second intervals until completely melted. 

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir to thoroughly combine. Spread the mixture onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. 

4. Bake 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely before serving. Store in an air-tight container.

*Add in your favorite mix-ins with the wet ingredients except for any dried fruit which should be added after baking the granola. Also, customize the flavor to your liking by using the suggestions above. 

Now wasn't that easy? Feel free to double this recipe too. What mix-ins do you like in your granola? Do you prefer granola for breakfast or as a snack? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. 

For more easy-to-make and delicious recipes don't forget to follow MommySuburbia. 

5 Easter Dinner Ideas That Are Sure To Please Your Guests

For most of us, Easter dinner is an important tradition usually celebrated with family and friends. Finding the perfect main dish to serve can be challenging but not this year because I am going to provide several delicious ideas that you serve for your Easter dinner.  

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please see my Disclaimer page. Thanks!

For years we have hosted a big Easter dinner at our house after church with our friends and family. Since we have a blended group of people I always try to make sure the meal is something appealing to everyone including the kids. Of course, everyone helps by bringing a dish to pass but my job is preparing the main dish.  

Ham is the most popular main dish served on Easter and since my family loves spiral ham I always make sure that this is one of the main dishes served at our Easter feast. But not everyone loves ham so over the years I've done a lot of prep work looking for good alternatives to serve for Easter dinner alongside the ham. 

Since I've done the homework already I thought today I would share with you some great recipes I've made for Easter dinner. Of course, I'm including my family's favorite spiral ham recipe in this roundup as well as some other amazing ham recipes plus some great alternative main dish recipes you could serve for dinner too. 

5 Easter Dinner Ideas That Will Please A Crowd

Traditional Roasted Turkey

via: Neighbor Food Blog

Now don't get scared by this one if you have never roasted a turkey before. This recipe by Neighbor Food Blog is super simple and the turkey turns out so moist and flavorful. I actually just made this recipe over the weekend to test it out and I have to say the recipe was easy to follow, simple to make and the turkey turned out perfectly. I would give it a 5-star rating it was that good! 

I baked this in my roasting pan and followed the directions exactly as the recipe was written. My whole family loved it just as much as I! 

One tip Courtney from Neighbor Food Blog recommends and I agree with is using a real meat thermometer and not relying on the little plastic one the bird comes with. Meat thermometers are an excellent kitchen tool that aren't too expensive and I highly recommend everyone should have one in their kitchen. 

Ginger-Honey Roasted Pork Tenderloin

via: The Chunky Chef

This recipe can either be made in the crockpot or roasted in the oven. I've tried both ways and they both result in a deliciously flavorful meal. Roasting in the oven always gives pork tenderloin a crispy blackened outside layer which I love! The Chunky Chef's recipe has a wonderful flavor and easy-to-follow recipe directions. 

For those new to roasting pork tenderloin please keep in mind that the pork is done when the internal temperature reaches 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit. Since this is pork (and not chicken) when you slice into it the meat will have a pinkish hue which is how it should look. Just rely on the internal temperature from the meat thermometer to know when your pork tenderloin is ready. 

Maple Orange Bourbon Glazed Ham

via: Food Network

Are you ready? Because this ham recipe from Food Network is going to knock your socks off! The sweet maple and orange mingle nicely with bourbon flavor to send this ham's flavor through the roof. If you don't have orange marmalade you can substitute apricot preserves without much change to the flavor. Also, if you aren't a fan of maple flavor go ahead and use honey instead. Cooking time for the recipe is spot on which makes it handy when trying to plan a big Easter feast. 

If you haven't guessed already this is my family's favorite ham recipe. It is requested every year and of course, because I love my family so much I comply and make this delicious ham recipe every Easter.

Citrus & Herb Roasted Chicken

via: Punchbowl

Chicken is an inexpensive budget-friendly alternative to a traditional turkey dinner. Since whole chickens are usually smaller than a full turkey they cook up a lot faster too. This recipe from Punchbowl compliments the chicken's flavor with herbs and citrus. It is truly a wonderful main dish to serve for Easter and it looks great with sliced lemons and oranges arranged on a serving platter too.  

Tender Pot Roast 

via: The Novice Chef

This may not sound like a traditional Easter main dish but after you give this recipe from The Novice Chef a try you won't think twice about serving this to your guests for Easter. Since this is a crockpot recipe you won't tie up your stove all day making it so go ahead and add another oven-baked side dish to your menu too. 

The meat is so tender after cooking for hours in the crockpot you won't have much work to do prepping it for the platter plus you can make the gravy right in the crockpot once the roast is removed. Don't you love recipes that don't require extra pots and pans resulting in more dirty dishes? 

More Inspiring Easter Ideas

10 Delicious Deserts to Serve on Easter

10 Easter Tablescape Ideas

5 Delicous Holiday Ham Recipes 

10 Easter Egg Decorating Ideas To Do With Kids

I hope these Easter dinner ideas have given you some inspiration as you begin planning for your holiday feast. Does your family have any Easter traditions? I'd love to hear what your traditions are for the Easter holiday. Please share your ideas and thoughts by leaving a comment below. 

Happy Easter!