In This Issue:

• Biblical References to Banners
• Helpful Hints
• Banner Care and Storage

In Old Testament times banners served as a point of identification as well as a symbol of faith to carry into battle. As followers of Christ we use them to lift up our Lord and proclaim his name in our spiritual battles. The following are several biblical references.

• "The Lord is my Banner" (Exodus17:15)
• "We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God" (Psalm 20:5)
• "His banner over me is love" (Solomon 2:4)

For more information see our banner history page.

Keeping letters straight on banners has always been difficult for me. Often letters that look straight while the banner is on the worktable look slanted when the banner is hung.

I recently did a project that had six lines of text. I found myself thinking if only I could make some lines as a guide to go by. I went to the hardware store and bought some painters tape that is for taping off delicate items (this tape is blue). After measuring and lining the tape up with a T-square I hung the banner up to make sure the lines were looking straight. I lightly ironed down my letters, removed the tape and then ironed them down more firmly.

If you want to try this, please test the tape on a small piece of fabric for several days. Some tape will leave a residue on your fabric.

After you have invested the time or money in banners it is especially important to take care of your investment. We recommend that banners never be folded. The best way to store them is to hang them on a rod and enclose them in a cover (preferably made of cotton or a poly/cotton blend fabric).

If your space does not allow for hanging, roll your banner on a tube with the front of the banner facing the inside. To further protect embellishments, you may want to invest in an acid-free tissue paper. Be especially careful with velvet; anything that presses against this fabric will leave a permanent indentation.

Try to avoid excessive dampness. For instance do not store banners near a baptistery. Remember that sunlight will fade fabric over a period of time. Keep this in mind when you display or store banners.If you notice any loose or torn embellishment, try to glue or sew it back on before any further damage occurs.

My last suggestion is to appoint a person or committee to be in charge of banner care. This would be a particularly good job for a person who wants to serve but does not feel they are gifted in the sewing or creativity department.

Since this article was written PraiseBanners^® has come up with a terrific solution for storing banners. Go look at it, but come back! PraiseBanners^® storage system.