America Bunting Swag Plaque

Large scale wall decoration features 

a header with "AMERICA" letters and folk stars, 

layered base shapes that connect 9 three-part 

bunting wedges (base layer add-on layer recommended 
for rigidity),  folk star accents in two sizes, 
and 22 decorative brad accents. 

Layer multiple shapes for reinforcement and rigidity. 

Measures approx. 19" wide x 12.25" tall. 

Pop-out hanging brackets with reinforcements 

integrated for easy ribbon hanging. 

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:
A main header FRONT base (3)
B side FRONT header extensions (2 sets of 3)
C & D header side BACK sections (3 left, 3 right)
E & F plaque fronts with letter guide marks
G hang tab reinforcements (for pop-up tabs in C & D)
H plaque trim strips (4)
I plaque accent stars   J letter accents
K & L bunting wedge upper layers
(include extra hang holes to connect to header)
M regular bunting wedge sets (7)
N wedge star accents (9)

2. For strength and heft, layer the header shapes

and glue together, aligning cut edges and brad

punch holes as precisely as possible.

If using liquid adhesive, be sure to apply flat

weights or something heavy over the whole shape 

to keep the assembly from warping or curling

during the drying process.

Here is the main FRONT header shapes . . . 

. . . the left and right BACK header shapes

(be sure to pop up the hang tabs on the top layer

and keep it from being glued flat) . . . 

. . . and the left & right  FRONT side extender "squares".

Shown here is one weight solution:

cast-off fabric covered weight bar from a broken

pulley-weights machine.

(It is being used on a built-up shape from

a different project.)

3. Prepare the tab reinforcement shapes by

bending forward on the middle perforation line

of each. Position over the corresponding

pop-up shape on the back of each of the side header

build up shapes, matching the rounded

upper edges, punch hole and perforation,

and glue in place.

NOTE that the more attractive card stock face

of these BACK side panels is selected

to be the backside of the plaque.

4. Prepare each half of the plaque (face plate)

by positioning a trim strip at top and bottom

edge of each.

5. Identify the LEFT panel by locating the 'L'

cut at the left end of the lead panel that

eventually will be hidden under the left star accent.

Position the left and right panels side by side

and face down on work surface, butt the center

edges together tightly with top & bottom edge

aligned, and secure temporarily with a piece

of cello or other thin tape.

For reference, here are the plaque face shapes

with the 'L' guide mark and the star- and letter-bottom

guide marks shown.

NOTE that the front edge of the 'R' will

line up with the center joint.

6. Position and attach the star and letter accents

onto the plaque panel assembly.

7. Assemble the header by positioning and attaching

the BACK left and right panels behind the main 

FRONT panel, lining up top edges and

corresponding brad punch holes of each.

8. Position and attach the FRONT extension units

to the sides of the main FRONT panel, lining up

top and outer side edges.

9. Position and attach the AMERICA plaque
over the header assembly, lining up top and
side edges.

10. Prepare the 7 regular swag wedges by layering

and attaching together the sections as shown,

taking care to line up corresponding outer cut

edges and punch holes.

Also prepare the left top and right top wedges

(identify these by their extra top edge

attachment holes).

11. Position and attach an accent star into

the corresponding recess cutout on each wedge.

12. Lay out the left & right upper, 7 regular wedges

over the downward arch

of the header assembly, lining up the corresponding

brad punch holes.

Remove, apply adhesive, then re-position and

attach each wedge in place.

NOTE that there is a slight margin of space

between each wedge,

and that punch holes of left & right upper wedges

line up with corresponding holes on MAIN header.

13. Insert 22 contrast regular size brads

at all punch holes (reinforcement connectors

and accents).

14. Attach ribbon or twine hanger through

the punch hole pop-out tabs on backside.

Here is the completed swag plaque.