You only need two items for this fun banner; cupcake papers and string. I used cross stitching thread, but twine, kite string, fishing line, yarn… any string will work just fine.
Use your hand to flatten out as many cupcake papers as you need to span the distance where you plan to display them. You could iron them, but I wanted to keep the pleated look so they resembled those patriotic banners you see hanging on buildings around town.
Fold the flattened papers in half, making a sharp crease.
Measure out some string so you have a cute swag and slide the folded papers onto it. You could letter on a message if you want.
Hang it up. Instant happy!