I don’t know if this a “Cheat” or not, but this is the way I make my banners. Using my Gnome Army as an example, I go to Google images. As I wanted a sort of Celtic look I typed in “Celtic Knotwork Animals” and got a result like this.
Then I download the images I like and resize them in Illustrator and print them out. I have a small sheet of plywood which I then tape them to.
Then I carefully paint between the lines. Once dry I cut them out and fold them around the banner pole. Et voila!
I have something to “Top off” my life
My Wife and partner of twenty two years, who I love dearly, announced two weeks ago that she no longer loves me and wants to separate.
She does not want to talk about it as it it is all over as far as she is concerned.
I am devastated.
I gave up EVERYTHING to move here to Austria with her and the Boys. I am feeling pretty lost.
I have started writing down how I feel. But I am not sure if this blog is the right place to put my feelings out there.
genuine grumpy old tin 
I am so sorry for the situation you find yourself in.
For mine sharing feelings with like minded people is a good thing.
I would suggest concentrating on looking after yourself as a priority. Eat well, do things you enjoy, and exercise.
Writing down how you feel may be a good thing or a bad thing.
Maybe writing thoughts down and if positive use it as an opportunity to celebrate – something small like shouting yourself a coffee. If not, writing down what you are going to do about it – I am feeling XXX so I am going to do YYY.
Keep in touch . We are happy to just listen,