For the moms raising creative daughters

This is for the moms who are raising creative daughters.

As I write this in June 2026, I can't help but think about the girl I used to be.

I was the daughter who always seemed to itch for something more.

I played golf in high school, but it wasn't my passion. I was involved in service clubs and active in my church youth group, but I still felt like I was searching for something that was truly mine. I wanted a creative outlet, a passion, and something that made me excited to dream about the future.

Deep down, I knew I was wired a little differently than many of my peers. I loved creating things and imagining possibilities. I just didn't know what those possibilities looked like.

Throughout high school & college, I painted canvases and dreamed of selling them someday, but I convinced myself no one would ever want them. The voice in my head said, "People will only take these home because they feel sorry for me."

After college, I experimented with photography and even started a small business creating stationery and stickers. I tried different things, but nothing quite clicked.

My parents always supported me, but they only saw the traditional path for me:

Step 1: Go to college.

Step 2: Become a teacher.

So that's exactly what I did.

And while teaching was meaningful, I always had a feeling that I wouldn't spend my entire life inside a traditional classroom. I just knew there had to be something different out there. I simply didn't know what.

Then one day, I came across photos of hand-painted paper banners that were popular in the southern states.

Something inside me immediately lit up.

I knew I had to try it.

And for the first time, everything clicked.

I fell in love with painting on a large scale and creating pieces that make someone feel deeply celebrated. There is nothing quite like delivering a banner and knowing it will be part of someone's happiest memories.

Through banner painting, I discovered purpose in my creativity.

And now, one of my greatest joys is imagining all of the girls who might discover that creativity can become something more, just like I did.

Maybe your daughter is always decorating her room, planning parties, doodling in notebooks, or dreaming up ideas.

Maybe she hasn't found her thing yet.

Or maybe you're the one reading this, hoping to discover a creative hobby or even a small business of your own.

I want moms and daughters to have all of the tips, encouragement, and beginner-friendly advice I wish I had when I was starting. Whether banner painting becomes a fun hobby, a summer project, or something even bigger, I hope this guide helps you create memories, build confidence, and discover the joy of making something with your own hands.

I'm so glad you're here, and I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

Now let's get into the nitty-gritty of the hobby that become the ONE for me to unlock the world.

What Is Banner Painting?

Banner painting is the art of creating large hand-painted paper banners for all of life's celebrations. Using just paint and paper, artists design personalized banners for birthdays, graduations, senior nights, baby showers, sports teams, and so much more.

Unlike vinyl signs or machine-made decorations, hand-painted banners are full of personality because every brushstroke is unique, making each banner feel extra special.

You don't need a Cricut, expensive equipment, or years of experience to get started.

Just paper, paint, and a willingness to create.

Why Do People Love Banner Painting?

Banner painting combines creativity, celebration, and thoughtfulness. For some people, it's simply a fun hobby to make decor for the parties they host. For others, it becomes a way to earn spending money.

As for young girls, I especially love how banner painting gives them the outlet to discover something that feels like "theirs."

What Supplies Are Needed?

One of the best things about banner painting is that the supply list is simple.

Here are the basics:

-Brown Paper: I recommend builder's paper as it doesn't wrinkle. X-Paper is my favorite paper. You can get it at Lowes, Home Depot, and on Amazon.

-Paint: Regular craft acrylic works best. I often use Apple Barrel, FolkArt, and DecoArt, and Crafters from Hobby Lobby.

-Brushes: Use make up brushes - trust me on this. My favorites are this eye shadow brush, this foundation brush, and this bundle for smaller lettering, and this brush for larger areas.

-Painter's Tape: This brand is perfect if using sturdy paper.

I created a Youtube video describing my go-to supplies for banner painting.

But I've seen people design these on the computer and use a projector. What's that like?

If your daughter wants to take your banner painting to the next step, she can design them on Canva, and then trace the design onto the paper using a projector. Canva is a free design website that has tons of fonts and graphics to choose from. I recommend using an iPad or laptop for this step. Designing on a phone is possible, but not as user friendly.

I created a Youtube video walking through the very beginner steps of how to use Canva to create a painted banner design. 

If the designing part is too advanced for your daughter's current stage, she can use banner templates! I have a growing library of banner templates that can be used for personal parties or for her potential customers! 

This template is perfect for just getting hang of painting on a vertical surface. It has various fonts, shapes, and line styles. I made it for beginners! 

What If My Daughter Is Just Getting Started?

I want you to know: Your daughter doesn’t need to be “good” at it right away. She just needs space to try. Some girls will pick this up and immediately fall in love with it. Others will need time to experiment, make messy things, and figure out their style.

Either way is okay. In my mind, the real goal is more than a cute banner. The goal confidence and a place to express their creativity.

Help your daughter realize there are real things she can create with her potential!

Why This Matters So Much to Me

When I look back, I know I didn't a perfect plan. I gave myself permission to explore and to fail. I tried banner painting, and I had NO IDEA where it would lead me.

Banner painting became the key to unlock everything for me. Because of it, I quit my job teaching and now create full time.

And now, I get to imagine all the daughters who might find their own version of that same spark. Maybe it’s banner painting or maybe it’s something else entirely.

But I believe every creative girl deserves the chance to find it.

If You’re Ready to Begin

If this speaks to you, whether you're a mom wanting to encourage your daughter, or someone looking for your own creative outlet, I put everything I learned in my first year of banner painting in one place.

My Guide to Banner Painting for Beginners walks you through supplies, setup, techniques, and beginner tips so you don’t have to figure it out alone. 

I also have a Youtube Channel where I share my journey of building this creative businesss.

I’m so grateful your daughter has you in her corner to cheer her on as she finds "her thing" in this creative world. Encourage her to take up space and try new things! I am cheering her on, too!

Happy creating,
Kelli