How to make your own Ravens banner and signs

A custom Baltimore Ravens banner can make an Australian game-day viewing feel instantly recognisable, whether it hangs outside a home, decorates a community room or gives a pub breakfast crowd something to cheer behind. As NFL games are often shown overnight here, a durable outdoor display can still be visible before sunrise.

Choose a banner for broad, elevated messages and signs for entrances, fences or handheld messages. Lightweight PVC, foam sheet or roll-up vinyl each suit a different setting. The best material depends on whether you want a one-afternoon project or a reusable piece for regular match days.

Start with a simple design, gather supplies from your local hardware store and allow time for drying and reinforcement. A little planning will keep the lettering readable, the edges smooth and the colours vivid under Australian sunlight.

Plan the display and choose materials

Decide where the finished piece will go before choosing its size. Measure the fence, pole, wall or doorway in centimetres, then select a design with generous margins. Bunnings and similar Australian home-improvement stores commonly stock PVC sheet, craft foam, adhesive vinyl, eyelets and reusable cable ties, while metric tools make sizing straightforward.

Use lightweight foam for indoor signs and short outdoor spells. PVC banners are more durable but heavier, while mesh vinyl handles wind better on large fences. For a community space, choose washable, reusable materials rather than thin paper. The BMore Chix community offers plenty of territory for discussing game-day décor and shared Ravens traditions.

Create a recognisable Ravens design

Begin with the team colours: purple, black and white. A bold “RAVENS” wordmark, “B’MORE” lettering or a crow silhouette will read clearly from across a yard. Use an officially supplied graphic if you need an exact team logo, and avoid tracing protected artwork for merchandise.

Sketch the design at quarter size before enlarging it. Lightly ruled grid lines help you centre letters and estimate spacing. Keep important details away from the outer edge so folding or trimming does not cut them off, and test the layout against a contrasting surface before committing it to the final sheet.

Coordinate the colours with clothing and accessories so the display feels connected to the rest of the match-day outfit. This Ravens sideline gear guide can help with purple-and-black combinations that complement a handmade banner.

Cut, assemble, and weatherproof the sign

Protect your work surface with newspaper or a craft mat, then use a sharp craft knife or rotary cutter for straight edges. Apply adhesive vinyl to clean, dry PVC rather than bending the material around curves. For foam-board signs, permanent markers and acrylic paint work well, although several thin coats will produce a cleaner finish than one heavy coat.

Allow every layer to dry fully before adding eyelets or hooks. Reinforce corners with extra vinyl, and use stainless-steel eyelets if the sign will remain outdoors. Position grommets away from the design’s edge so they do not weaken it. This matters in Sydney and Melbourne, where bright UV exposure, summer heat and coastal winds can warp unprotected craft foam.

For lettering, removable vinyl can be useful for temporary window signs. Outdoor adhesive vinyl needs more care: clean the surface with a suitable cleaner, press firmly along every letter and give it time to bond. Store rolled banners loosely rather than folding them at sharp angles.

Compare lightweight and reusable display options

The right choice balances visibility, weight and storage. A large banner can establish the theme from the street, while smaller signs guide people towards a particular viewing area or photo spot.

Before settling on a theme, a game-day forum can be a useful place to compare ideas with other supporters. Think about the viewing time, expected weather and whether the display needs to travel between venues.

Display choice Best location Main strengths Common snag
Craft foam Windows, bedrooms, indoor events Cheap, quick and easy to cut Not suitable for wind or rain
PVC sheet Garages, community rooms, fences Water-resistant and reusable Heavier and harder to curve
Mesh vinyl Balconies, large outdoor fences Lets wind pass through Fine details may need larger dimensions
Roll-up banner Pubs, clubs and organised events Compact storage and professional finish Higher cost than handmade PVC

Display ideas for footy finals and community gatherings

Australian football finals, neighbourhood barbecues and school fundraisers offer plenty of chances to use handmade team decorations. A Raven-themed photo point can work especially well when guests arrive carrying signs inspired by their regular game-day traditions.

A quick outdoor setup can include:

A smaller sign can finish the display without overwhelming the main banner. Position these pieces where guests can carry or reposition them easily.

Portable finishing options include:

Choose removable tape for temporary decorations and avoid placing hot equipment near thin vinyl. Keep spare cable ties, hooks and clean cloths nearby, then store every component in a labelled bag ready for the next game.

Publish your finished project through the BMore Chix contributors, share your measurements and colour choices, and invite female Ravens supporters to add their own banner or sign to the community gallery.