It’s rare, but there’s a baby related project in the DIY Show Off house! NO! Not for me! I‘ve been invited to a baby shower and I just love giving handmade baby gifts. (Tara, if by chance you’re reading, please stop right here!) Unfortunately, I can’t make it to the baby shower (my baby girl’s graduation party is the same day) but I have a whole handmade collection planned and here’s the first thing in the gift box:
A sweet baby girl counting sheep banner, inspired by cute bird, butterfly and bunny banners but designed and DIY’d by me with a counting sheep theme.
Not guaranteed to help baby sleep, but it sure is cute.
Materials:
Scrapbook paper (It doesn’t take much. Two 12×12 sheets will work but more if you want more designs.)
2 ribbons (I used almost 1 spool of organza, 1 thin satin)
Baker’s twine (a thin ribbon or twine would work just as well)
Number ink & stamps or stickers #1-10 (or free hand)
Tape
Tools:
Pencil
Scissors
Hole punch
Optional: Xacto knife
Counting Sheep Banner Tutorial
10 steps to 10 sheep
#1 Print a lamb stencil or template from online onto card stock and cut out. (Optional: you could also use your Cricut or Silhouette to make die cuts.)
#2 Trace onto scrapbook paper and cut out sheep shapes. I used an Xacto knife and alternated the direction (flip the sheep stencil) so my sheep were facing each other in sets of two {><} rather than all facing left {<<} or right {>>} or back side to backside {< >}. Trace and cut out 10 sheep. I used pretty paper in pinks for baby girl (to coordinate with other handmade items planned).
#3 Punch 2 holes beside each other near the top of each sheep. Near the top keeps sheep from twirling on the string. I tested punching holes in different areas. Near the top works best. (Optional: reinforce with eyelets. I also punched holes for eyes…animals without eyes make me sad. You could draw on closed/sleepy eyes too.)
#4 Number the sheep 1-10 using rubber stamps, stickers or draw on with markers.
#5 Cut 11 five inch pieces (eyeball it…no need to measure) of pink ribbon and 22 five inch pieces of organza (or do your own ribbon combo/thing). This is tied between each sheep.
#6 Pull a length of baker’s twine. Tape off the end (it keeps the twine from fraying and makes threading easier).
#7 Add sheep. Thread from back to front in one hole. Then front to back in punched hole right beside it. Repeat for all 10 sheep.
#8 Space out evenly. I left about 10 inches of twine on each end for hanging. Cut and tie a loop on the ends of the twine (loose knots to allow resizing the loop for bigger hanging on drawer knobs, smaller loop for thumb tacks or safety pins).
#9 In between each sheep, I took 2 pieces of organza with 1 piece of satin ribbon and tied a knot. (Shabby Chic option: use frayed pretty coordinating fabric pieces or strips of tulle.)
#10 Space evenly again (leave them semi-moveable to accommodate different areas in the gift recipient’s home or tape twine on back to keep in place). Ready to hang!
Isn’t it so cute? I want one for me and I don’t even have a nursery. I love pretty decorative banners and ‘counting sheep’ is perfect for a nursery!
- Hang it across drapery
- Tie on dresser pulls
- Use as wall art
- Cute learning to count tool
- Baby shower decor.
Lots of options. Now lots of pictures:
I hope she likes it. 🙂
What have you been doing this weekend?
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5. NOW you can “like” the links! Most liked link moves to the top of the list! What a fun idea! Most liked links may be included in a post of DIY Project Parade highlights later in the week! 🙂
Such a sweet and easy idea!
Scrapbook paper is the best! I love this idea. It can be so easily adapted to different themes!
I love the counting sheep banner. It would be lovely for a shower as well and you could also use the same template for Easter decorations as well!
PS That is a really nice number stamp kit you have. It works perfectly.
Really fairy and cute this counting!
I love to give handmade baby gifts, too… and your sheep are precious! Thanks for hostessing.
Roeshel–that is so pretty! 🙂 I love how it turned out, home made is so special!
thanks for hosting this great party!
gail
What a cute idea! I'm sure your friend will love it!
-Kendall
{songbirdsandbuttons.blogspot.com}
These are so adorable Roeshel! What a cute idea! Thanks for hosting!
that is cute!
Such a cute idea! I could have used these last night when I couldn't sleep 🙁
Thanks for hosting!
http://www.whatyoumakeit-coley.blogspot.com
thanks for hosting! i'm your newest follower! 🙂
so simple… and cute 🙂
Hi Roeshel –
Cute with the 'counting sheep' bunting. I've got an upcoming baby shower that I am also hosting…feeling loads of pressure because I know I want to give handmade, but don't have ideas together yet. Can't wait to see what else you have in mind. You featured my latest project (the mosaic planter – THANKS), so I'm just here checking out the inspiration this week.
Michael
what a sweet idea!!!
Oh so cute!
so many great ideas!
Thank for hosting, love your Blog, following you 🙂
Those are adorable.
I'm sure she'll love it! It's adorable!
scrapbook paper is one of my favorites! I used it in today's project! thanks for hosting.
This is so sweet! I am going to a baby shower this weekend! Great idea!
kathy
Just linked up for the first time! Thank you for hosting! Please stop by for a visit at: http://www.sweetavakate.blogspot.com
So cute and simple! Where did you get your shape from? I've googled it and cannot find anything similar to your lamb. Thanks for the help and idea!