27 Thanksgiving Banner & Sign DIY Ideas
Thanksgiving is that warm, cozy time of the year when homes glow with laughter, delicious aromas, and heartfelt gratitude. And what better way to celebrate than by decking your home with Thanksgiving banners and signs? These crafty creations are not just decorations—they are conversation starters, memory makers, and expressions of your personal style. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner looking for simple projects, this guide will walk you through 27 creative, budget-friendly, and visually stunning ideas to make your Thanksgiving truly unforgettable.
1. Classic “Happy Thanksgiving” Paper Banner
Nothing says “holiday ready” like a classic paper banner. Grab colored cardstock, scissors, and string. Cut triangles or rectangles, write each letter on a separate piece, and string them together. You can mix patterns like polka dots and stripes for a playful touch. This banner is perfect above your mantel or on the wall behind the dining table. Kids can join in by decorating letters with glitter or stickers. The best part? It’s inexpensive, easy, and instantly festive.
2. Burlap Banner with Stenciled Letters
For a rustic, farmhouse feel, burlap is your best friend. Cut burlap triangles, use stencils to paint letters, and tie them together with twine. This DIY creates a natural, warm look. You can even add small pinecones or leaves between letters for extra charm. Burlap’s texture brings a tactile quality that paper can’t match, making your home feel cozy and inviting.
3. Chalkboard Thanksgiving Sign
If you love flexible decor, chalkboards are a game-changer. Write a festive message like “Give Thanks” or “Grateful Hearts Gather Here” in elegant chalk lettering. Bonus points if you add a few small doodles of pumpkins or autumn leaves. The beauty of chalkboards is that you can reuse them year after year and change the message depending on your mood.
4. Felt Leaf Garland
Who said banners must have letters? A string of felt leaves can serve as a beautiful Thanksgiving sign. Cut leaves from orange, red, yellow, and brown felt. Sew or glue them onto a string or ribbon. Hang it across the mantel or staircase railing. The texture adds depth and movement to your decorations, making the space feel alive.
5. Wooden Plank Sign with Hand Lettering
Take a simple wooden plank and create a hand-lettered message like “Gather Together.” Use acrylic paint and brushes or permanent markers. Sand the edges slightly for a distressed, rustic look. This kind of sign is perfect for placing on a console table or propped against a wall. Wooden signs feel permanent, giving your home a Thanksgiving vibe that lasts beyond the season.
6. Mini Clipboard Banner
Clipboards are versatile and surprisingly stylish. Attach mini clipboards along a string and clip small cards with Thanksgiving messages. This makes it easy to swap out messages daily, letting each day’s gratitude shine. Kids can write what they are thankful for, making it interactive and heartwarming.
7. Mason Jar Lid Signboard
Mason jars aren’t just for drinks or candles—they make charming DIY signs too. Paint jar lids with festive colors, write letters on them, and glue them to a wooden board or ribbon. Hang it in the kitchen or entryway for a cute, rustic greeting that doubles as wall art.
8. Watercolor Banner
For a sophisticated, artsy touch, watercolor banners are stunning. Use thick watercolor paper, paint soft autumn gradients, and overlay letters in white or gold. Hang them from a ribbon or string. The gentle hues and flowing textures make the banner look professional but personal, like a piece of fine art in your home.
9. Fabric Scrap Banner
Repurpose leftover fabric scraps into a patchwork banner. Cut different shapes, sew or glue them to a ribbon, and add letters or symbols on each piece. This is perfect for upcycling old clothes and creating a banner with sentimental value. Every piece can tell a story, adding layers of meaning to your decor.
10. Rustic Twig Sign
Collect small twigs from your backyard and arrange them to form letters or shapes. Glue them onto a board or string them together. This natural approach adds texture, depth, and a forest-inspired feel to your Thanksgiving setup. It’s also an eco-friendly way to bring the outdoors inside.
11. Printable Thanksgiving Banners
Sometimes, simplicity is key. Print a pre-designed banner template, cut it out, and string it together. This is perfect for last-minute decorators or those who want a polished look without hours of crafting. Customize fonts and colors to match your home aesthetic.
12. Leaf Imprint Clay Signs
Air-dry clay makes unique, long-lasting decorations. Press real leaves into rolled-out clay, remove, and let it dry. Paint over the imprints for a vibrant effect. Drill a small hole at the top, thread a string, and hang them as personalized signs. Each piece becomes a mini piece of art with nature’s own imprint.
13. Button Banner
Buttons may seem ordinary, but they can make a whimsical banner. Glue them in the shape of letters onto cardstock or felt triangles. Choose warm, autumnal colors. The textured, playful look is perfect for a casual, cozy Thanksgiving vibe. Kids especially love helping with this project.
14. Pom-Pom Garland
Pom-poms aren’t just for kids’ crafts—they make soft, colorful banners too. String together small pom-poms in autumn shades, interspersed with letters or symbols. Hang above windows, doorways, or along the fireplace for a playful, tactile decoration. It adds fun movement and a cheerful touch to your space.
15. Painted Canvas Sign
Grab a small canvas and paint a Thanksgiving message. Add abstract autumn leaves or pumpkins around the edges for flair. Canvas signs feel like true artwork, elevating your seasonal decor. You can even rotate messages throughout the week to reflect different aspects of gratitude.
16. Recycled Book Page Banner
Old book pages have character. Cut letters from pages or glue them onto triangles for a literary-themed banner. Add twine or ribbon, and hang it proudly. This is a creative, eco-conscious option, perfect for book lovers or vintage-inspired decor.
17. Hanging Wooden Circle Signs
Wooden discs or slices make rustic, stylish signs. Paint or wood-burn letters or Thanksgiving symbols. Drill holes and string them together for a circular banner. Their round shape brings harmony and balance to your decoration layout.
18. Pumpkin Chalkboard Sign
A mini pumpkin doubles as a sign! Paint it with chalkboard paint, then write a message like “Give Thanks” on it. Arrange several around the dining table or mantle. This is a creative, compact option that’s fun for kids to decorate as well.
19. Embroidery Hoop Banner
Embroidery hoops aren’t just for stitching—they make charming banner bases. Stretch fabric inside, paint or sew letters, and string them together. The hoops add a 3D element and a homemade, crafty feel to your Thanksgiving decorations.
20. Washi Tape Letters
Washi tape makes DIY banners easy and colorful. Tape out letters on cardstock or directly on a wall. Mix patterns for a playful look. The tape is removable, making this a renter-friendly option. It’s simple, creative, and mess-free.
21. Natural Leaf Banner
Press real autumn leaves, laminate them or coat with Mod Podge, and punch holes to string them into a banner. Their natural colors are vibrant and change each year, making this a living, seasonal decoration. This idea brings the essence of fall indoors beautifully.
22. Felt Turkey Banner
Create cute turkey shapes from felt, attach letters on each, and string them together. Perfect for kids’ crafts, this adds a playful and festive touch. The textures, colors, and shapes instantly scream Thanksgiving joy.
23. Gold Foil Letter Banner
Metallic accents never fail. Cut letters from gold foil paper and hang them with ribbon or string. They catch the light beautifully, adding elegance to your decor. Perfect for a modern, sophisticated Thanksgiving vibe.
24. Ribbon and Lace Sign
Layer ribbons and lace strips on twine and attach letters or small signs. This soft, feminine touch is ideal for a more delicate, elegant display. Mixing textures adds depth and visual interest without overwhelming the space.
25. Polaroid Thankful Banner
Take small Polaroid photos of family or things you are thankful for, attach letters or mini cards, and string them together. This personal touch makes your banner a memory board as well. Guests love seeing photos and reading heartfelt notes.
26. Mini Chalkboard Clothespin Banner
Attach mini chalkboards to a string using clothespins. Write daily gratitude messages or quotes on each board. This interactive banner is perfect for families, letting everyone contribute and feel included in the celebration.
27. LED Lighted Banner
For a cozy, twinkling effect, wrap a banner with small LED string lights. Use letters on burlap, cardstock, or wood. The lights make it magical at night, casting a soft glow over your Thanksgiving setup. Perfect for evenings spent with family and friends.
