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Ready to transform a simple $1 banner into a Halloween decoration you’ll actually want to display around your home? I’m about to share the exact method I used to create this Halloween banner – and don’t worry, this hand lettering tutorial is beginner-friendly, so no matter your skill level, you can follow along!
Grab your favorite lettering pens and let’s dive in!
Why This Hand-Lettered Halloween Banner is Perfect for Beginners
This Halloween banner project eliminates all the guesswork that usually makes creating an intricate design more frustrating. You’ll use a template (no drawing skills needed), work on canvas material, and learn hand lettering techniques that work every single time.
Hand-Lettered Halloween Banner Supply List
Here’s exactly what you need to bring this design to life. I’ve tested countless supplies over the years, so these recommendations will save you time and money.
➜ You can get most of the supplies below in my Amazon storefront!
The Essentials:
- Canvas banner from Hobby Lobby (I got mine in the Christmas craft section) or your preferred craft store
- Watercolor pencils (Faber-Castell Gold Faber Aqua or any brand)
- Fine-tip black marker (Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen is my go-to)
- Small paintbrushes
- Acrylic paint: blush pink, white, and your choice of accent colors
Optional (But Fun!) Additions:
- Paint pens for easy application
- Opal glitter medium for subtle sparkle
- Assorted yarn and ribbon scraps
- Small detail brush
Where to Find the Hand Lettering Template
While this traceable isn’t available in the shop, you can get access to it by joining the Template Library!
Inside, you’ll have over 400+ original hand-lettered designs, including past templates dating back to 2023. Each month, new worksheets and traceable lettering designs are added to the library, offering fresh content for practice or for use on projects (with small business licensing!).
Learn more about the Template Library here.
Hand-Lettered Halloween Banner Tutorial
Step #1: Tracing the Design
Place your template directly on the canvas banner. The great thing about working with canvas is that you can see right through it! No complicated transfer methods or equipment needed. All you need to do is print your template and trace.
I recommend using watercolor pencils instead of regular pencils for tracing. When you paint over watercolor pencil marks, they disappear completely. No worrying about erasing guidelines or pencil marks showing through your paint!
Choose a pink watercolor pencil for the bow area and gray for the lettering to make it even easier when it comes time to paint. Use a gray marker to outline the ghost shape. Gray is more forgiving than black and won’t overpower your design.
PRO TIP: Canvas absorbs more paint than wood, so don’t be stingy – apply it generously. Let it dry completely before moving on.
Step #2: Time to Hand Letter
Using your fine-tip black marker:
- Go over your traced lettering slowly
- Make multiple passes to darken letters (this is normal!)
- Thicken the downstrokes slightly for better readability
And since you already traced the design, you can focus purely on making neat lines instead of worrying about spacing or spelling.
Step #3: Add the Details
Paint those small diamond shapes around your design. Mix colors if you want – try orange with a touch of pink for that trendy boho look. This is where your banner really comes to life!
You can also create dimension in the bow with tiny accents:
- Use a small brush with black paint for shadow lines
- Add white highlights with the same technique
- Add a tiny bit of opal glitter for just the right amount of sparkle
You can also add ribbon to the edges to give it some extra flair, like the one you see in the tutorial.
More Halloween Hand Lettering This Way!
Did you enjoy this tutorial? I have lots more Halloween-themed hand lettering templates and more available in the shop. Follow me to the link below to grab your favorites!
