Birthday letter bunting

What you'll need

• Use 160–200 gsm card, scissors, glue and string. Print only your chosen language in solid black OR outline style at 100%. Check the 50 mm line. Each flag is 160 × 190 mm below its fold.

Assembly overview

1. Choose the letters. Use 160–200 gsm card, scissors, glue and string. Print only your chosen language in solid black OR outline style at 100%. Check the 50 mm line. Each flag is 160 × 190 mm below its fold.
2. Cut and colour. Cut each flag on its outer solid line. Keep the 15 mm top flap. Colour the outlined letters before assembly. The small code on the flap gives the order; the final mother word is optional.
3. Fold the hanging flap. With the letter face down, fold the top flap to the BACK along the dashed line. Lay string next to the crease. Glue only the last 5 mm of the flap, leaving the inner 10 mm free for the string.
4. Close around the string. Fold the flap down onto the plain back and press the glued edge. Keep glue off the string so the flag can slide. Let the glue dry before lifting the banner.
5. Arrange words and hang. Follow the phrase and flap numbers. Leave about 20 mm between flags and a larger gap between words, or use one string per word. The 16 English flags with MOM span about 2.86 m before extra word gaps. Leave 30 cm of string at each end.
6. Make it your own. Omit the final mother word for a general birthday banner. Print no personal age. Hang from secure supports, indoors and away from flames. The pennants are flat decorations; do not stuff them.