Hands-On Template Creativity
Design a
Door Hanger to Designate Your Creative Space
By Chris Dunmire
 "Writer at Work!", "Poet at Play!", "Keep Out — I'm Busy Creating!"
Door hangers have long been used in hotels and elsewhere to send messages
to those on the outside of the closed door. Common messages denote
privacy ("Do
Not Disturb") or request service ("Please Clean this Room").
But you needn't check into a hotel to make good use of door hanger messages
that promote your creative freedom — if you have doors
at home, you can hang them there too!
If you'd rather not
be disturbed (and who wants to be?) while dedicating your efforts to your
art, crafts, or writing projects, or
if you need some quiet time for reading, reflection, or relaxing in service
of your creative life — door
hangers are a great way to remind family and friends that your
creative time and space is important to you. You can always buy a ready-made "Do
Not Disturb"
door hanger for this purpose, but wouldn't it be great to design a message
that reflects your individual creative personality? Of course it would!
Read on to learn how.
How to Design a Customized Door Hanger
Here are some ways you can design your
own door hanger message:
- Buy and decorate a pre-cut door hanger template. Many
craft stores carry blank wooden, plastic, and foam door hanger templates
you can buy and decorate however you wish with paints and other embellishments.
- Design a door hanger on your computer. If
you're graphics-savvy, you can design a paper door hanger in your favorite
layout/design software program (such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator,
Photoshop, QuarkXPress, or Microsoft Publisher). This option is flexible
in that you can emulate standard-sized door hanger formats or customize
your own size and shape.
- Download and print one of Creativity Portal's free paper
door hanger templates. If
you like the idea of working "hands on" with standard-sized paper door
hanger templates, you can download and print one of ours from the selection
below and get started with your door
hanger project right now. Suggested instructions on how follow.
Suggested Instructions for Using the Printable Door Hanger Templates
-
 Download
and print one of the below template pages onto thick paper or card stock
(Template color choices are blank/white, blue, green, orange, red, and
yellow.)
- Carefully cut out the door hanger template
with scissors or craft knife.
- Design your door hanger
message in any way you choose, using the template as a blank canvas.
You can use your computer to create words and pictures — or
draw, color, collage, paint, or stamp
on your own designs. Tear up magazines, paint with passion, or draw with
determination — just use your imagination! The creative
possibilities are endless.
Note: A reversible door hanger can be made by sticking
two templates together back-to-back.
- When your door hanger design is finished (and if the entire design
is flat) you may wish to seal it with Mod Podge or clear, self-adhesive
laminating sheets for protection and durability.
- When you need some creative time and space to yourself, hang your new
door hanger on the outside knob of your door and close it!
Printable Blank Door Hanger Template Selection
Download
White / Transparent Template
PDF 203KB
Door Hanger Size: 3" x 9.5"
1 Per Page
Note: This template can be printed on white, colored, patterned,
or textured printer-safe paper or card stock. It is transparent
(outlined, not filled with color), so the paper design will show
through. |
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Download
Blue Template
PDF 203KB
Door Hanger Size: 3" x 9.5"
1 Per Page
Note: This template and the following colored templates print best
on white paper or card stock. If you want to use colored paper for
your door hanger, use the white/transparent template above. |
 |
The templates in this project can be used by anyone
who enjoys hands-on creative fun including artists, crafters, writers,
kids, students, parents, teachers, and home schoolers. What will your
door hanger design look like? Give it a try and see. •
© 2006 Chris Dunmire. All rights reserved.
05/30/06
 We hope you enjoyed this feature, which is copyright © Chris Dunmire and not available for reprint on your Web site, blog, or publication. Please respect the creator's copyright by not duplicating this material elsewhere.
About the Author
Chris Dunmire is engaged creatively in life as an author, artist, humorist, creativity coach, and workshop facilitator. She's authored dozens of creative projects and playbooks including the famous Dollar Bill Origami Money Plant project book to encourage creative exploration and expression in people of all ages. Learn more about Chris's fun printable e-playbooks at CreativeSlush.com.
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